natural awakenings of virginia's blue ridge april 2014

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April 2014 | Virginia’s Blue Ridge Edition | NABlueRidge.com

Special Edition

Green Living

SaveMoney andthe PlanetBackyard

Wildlife Habitats

Homemade Eco-Cleaners

Solar Power Lights Up Blacksburg

2014Annual Directory

• Ingrid Jolly - Aura Photography

• Azurae Windwalker - Shamanic

art, jewelry and Soul Retrieval Portraits

• Aphrodette North - Tarot &

Astrology

• Dr. Lynise Anderson - Naturopath

• Blue Ridge School of Massage

• Alexandria Pederson - Angel Readings & Energy

5 newsbriefs

8 ecotip

10 healthbriefs

12 globalbriefs

13 ecotip

14 blueridge greentravel

16 community spotlight

20 earthday events

21 resource directory

29 inspiration

30 greenliving

32 healthykids

34 calendar

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers fi nd cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fi tness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

contents

14 BLUE RIDGE GREEN TRAVEL Green Wineries by Anne Piedmont

16 SOLARIZE BLACKSBURG A Town Embraces Solar Energy by Karen Adams

17 LIVE GREEN, SAVE BIG

Five Eco-Friendly Life Decisions that Can Actually Save Money by Crissy Trask

20 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY 2014 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to Renew the Health of Our Planet

29 WILDERNESS IN SIDEWALK CRACKS Small Nature Reaches Out to City Kids by Greg Hanscom

30 HOMEMADE ECO-CLEANERS DIY Recipes Keep Your Home Naturally Clean by Lane Vail

32 BACKYARD BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES Native Habitats Draw Critters and Delight Kids by Avery Mack

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3natural awakenings April 2014

PublisherTracy Garland

[email protected]

EditorKaren Adams

Contributing WriterShannon Allen

Marketing & AdvertisingBonnie Cranmer

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letterfromthepublisher

Tracy Garland, Publisher

Welcome to the April Green Living + Healthy Home edition of Natural Awakenings magazine! This month, we

explore the many ways that you can live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, regardless of your income level or where you live. One of my favorite bene-fi ts of going green is that, in doing so, you can live

better without breaking the bank. Learn more in our feature article, “Live Green, Save Big.” Homeowners throughout the town of Blacksburg may fi nd that solar en-ergy is easier and more affordable through a new program called Solarize Blacksburg. This month’s Community Spotlight features the program, which runs through May and had more than 170 homes sign up in the fi rst two weeks alone. This pilot program could pave the way for similar communi-ty-wide solar programs throughout southwest Virginia. Are you gearing up for your spring cleaning fl ing? Our Green Living article, “Homemade Eco-Cleaners,” provides eco-friendly, DIY cleaning recipes that take minutes to make. After you’re fi nished cleaning indoors, consider transforming your own little patch of Earth from just another lawn to mow into a mini-park. Our Healthy Kids feature, “Backyard Birds and Butterfl ies,” can help you beautify your yard and while making kids and critters feel at home. Even if your backyard is a parking lot, our Inspiration article, “Wilderness in Sidewalk Cracks,” will show you how you can still enjoy small bits of nature in the heart of the city. Once you’re fi nished greening up your homestead, you’ll want to check out the April and May events outlined in our news briefs and calendar of events. Earth Day is April 22, and our “Celebrate Earth Day 2014” article provides a global perspective on the event, along with a roundup of local celebrations. Here at Natural Awakenings we invite you to celebrate Earth Day with us through our “7 Days of Earthy Giveaways” promotion. Go to our website at NABlueRidge.com or see the ad on page 39 to learn how you can enter to win! Last, but certainly not least, please read and save our 6th annual Blue Ridge Green Living Directory. Inside the directory, you’ll fi nd all kinds of resources to support your green and healthy lifestyle, including products and services, businesses as well as nonprofi t organizations. You can access the directory online in a searchable format with interactive maps at Guide.NABlueRidge.com. We hope you’ll enjoy this eco-friendly issue of Natural Awakenings!

Sincerely,

newsbriefs

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Body Mind Spirit Fest at Unity of Roanoke Valley

The Body Mind Spirit Fest, a fun

festival of readers, healers, holistic practitioners and vendors, will be held next month. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10 at Unity of Roanoke Valley. It is sponsored by Unity and Natural Awakenings magazine. The festival will offer 21 lectures, included with the small entrance fee. Products and services offered by vendors may have additional charges. The event will also include a drawing with prizes from participating vendors and practi-tioners, as well as belly dancers at 12:30 p.m. “I feel we are a like-minded community with a lot to of-fer,” says spokesperson and wellness practitioner Alexandria Pederson. “And this is the one day of the year that we really open up to show people lots of holistic products and ser-vices that are available in the area that they may not already know about. It is a wonderful way to see and experience without a lot of commitment.” Cost: $5. Location: Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd., Roanoke. For more information, call 540-562-2200, ext. 10, email Offi [email protected] or visit UnityOfRoanokeValley.org. See ad, page 2.

Dr. Karen Perkins New Owner of Mercury-Free Dental Practice

Dr. Karen Perkins, who recently joined the mercury-free dentistry practice of

Dr. Fred Smith, in Lynchburg, is the new owner of the practice. Smith retired in Janu-ary, after 35 years of practicing dentistry. Over the last 18 years, Perkins has practiced dentistry in Michigan, Florida and Virginia, most recently in the Tidewater area. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan

School of Dentistry and is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), the American Dental Association (ADA), Virginia Dental Associa-tion (VDA) and the Lynchburg Dental Society. Perkins and her husband, Nathaniel, have been married 23 years and have two daughters, the older of whom is a freshman at Liberty University, and a young son. She says she shares Smith’s mission and vision to provide mercury-free and mercury-safe dentistry with attention to excellence and patient education. Smith says, “I have worked hard to fi nd a like-minded den-tist for my patients and I feel that Dr. Perkins is a perfect fi t.” Location: 46 Shelor Dr., Lynchburg. For more information, call 434-237-6328, email [email protected] or visit MercuryFreeDDS.com. See ad, page 19, and Community Resource Directory, page 25.

Dr. Karen Perkins


newsbriefs

‘Love Your Parkway’ Cleanup Days Along Blue Ridge Parkway

The Roanoke Valley Chap-

ter of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway an-nounces “Love Your Parkway,” a volunteer program orga-nized to clean up areas along the parkway this month. Cleanup days will be held on April 5, 12 and 19. The orga-nization will lead volunteers in litter pickup and general trail maintenance on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at two locations: Gum Spring Overlook (milepost 120.5) and Chestnut Ridge Overlook (milepost 120.4), both on Mill Mountain Spur Road. Volunteers can participate for a two-hour stretch of time (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) or more or less as they are available. To sign up, volunteers can email [email protected] to indicate their available times, and meet-up details will be provided. “We invite the community to join others who care about preserving one of America’s most-visited national parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, for these cleanup days,” says Heidi Ketler, Roanoke Valley Chapter chairwoman. “These Friends volunteer events are fun for the whole family and make a great group activity. Everyone is wel-come, and they can bring families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, teammates and church mem-bers to help.” She adds that Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with more than 10,000 members, is the only volunteer-driven, nonprofi t organization solely dedicated to helping the National Park Service protect, preserve, enhance and celebrate “America’s favorite scenic drive.” “With deep federal budget cuts and decreased staffi ng, the Blue Ridge Parkway needs friends and partners more than ever,” Ketler says. For more information and to volunteer, join or do-nate, call 540-589 6181 or 800-228-7275, email [email protected] or visit FriendsBRP.org.

Notre Dame students spend spring break at a parkway

clean up last April

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Explore Park Celebrates Reopening in May

Roanoke County’s Explore Park will hold a grand reopening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on

May 10. The event is free and open to the public. The day-long event will include an open house, family activities, food vendors, guided nature walks, storytelling, live music, crafts, games, environmental education, sand sculpting and hay rides. The annual Roanoke County geocaching and treasure hunt will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, the 5K Into the Wild Run and 1 Mile Fun Run will be held as a fund-raiser to benefi t Mill Mountain Zoo, from 10 a.m. to noon. (There is a fee for this event.) Camp Roanoke staff will offer fun and interactive sessions on animal tracks, planting herbs, orienteering with compass and map, a watershed game, building a bird feeder with unique recy-cled materials, guided nature hikes, an introduction to primitive skills such as building fi res and making shelters tools. There will also be a campfi re and S’mores, Ultimate Frisbee, and a demon-stration of plein-air (outdoor) painting with artist Ed Gowen. As Explore Park now hosts weddings, a wedding expo will be held on the lawn of the Brugh Tavern and the historic Mountain Union Church and newly refurbished Arthur Taubman Welcome Center, both available for wedding events, will be open to visitors. Cost: Free. Location: Explore Park, Milepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke. For more information, call 540-777-6326 or visit RoanokeCountyVA.gov.

Jubilee Cohousing Invites Families to Join Community

Jubilee Cohousing, in Floyd, is inviting families to bring their ideas and input and join the commu-

nity design process. Jubilee Cohousing will be the fi rst energy-effi cient Passivhaus cohousing community in Virginia. Because Jubilee plans to become a multigenerational cohousing community in which families with children make up a signifi cant part of the resident population, families’ sugges-tions are valued and welcome. The group states that cohousing neighborhoods are ideal places for children to grow up, where playmates are right outside the door and a “village” of adults is around to help keep watch and lend a helping hand. The group reports that members are already creating a sense of community and support, even before the houses have been built. As part of its family invitation, and acknowledging that the recent housing crisis has made if diffi cult for families with young children to buy homes, Jubilee is offering a reduced initial membership fee for families with children. The organization will have an information table at the Roa-noke Earth Day event in Grandin Village on April 26. Families are invited to visit the Earth Day table or any of Jubilee’s infor-mation meetings, which are listed on its website, JubileeCoho.com. Child care is provided at meetings. For more information, call 540-250-7032, email [email protected] or visit JubileeCoho.com. See ad, page 33, and Community Resource Directory, page 22.


newsbriefsSpikenard Farm Offers Principles of Beekeeping Course

Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary, in Floyd, is offering a Principles and Methods of Biodynamic

Beekeeping Training course this month. The course will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on April 25 at the Floyd Country Store and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26 fi rst at the Floyd Country Store and then at the sanctuary. Participants will learn about the history and evolution of beekeeping prac-tices as well as the present challenges that bees and beekeepers face. The pre-sentation will discuss such topics as the pros and cons of different hive forms, the importance of swarming, expanding the apiary naturally, working without foundations, the vital importance of having naturally raised queens, mite treat-ments, selecting best bee forage and teas. The course explores many aspects of honeybees, their relationship to human beings and the changes occurring among honeybee populations at this time. Honeybees and other pollinators are essential to sustaining human food supply. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), illnesses, mites and beetles are undermining bees’ health and endangering their survival. Instead of focusing on how much short-term fi nancial gain can be made from bees and other pollinators, this course explores what can be done to protect, strengthen and sustain them. The mission of Spikenard Farm is to promote sustainable and biodynamic beekeeping through education and research. Spikenard gives backyard bee-keepers and habitat supporters the power to strengthen honeybee colonies and native pollinators in the region.

Cost: $95; $65 students. Location: The Floyd Country Store, 206 S. Locust St., Floyd, and Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary, 3701 Hideaway Ln., Floyd. For more information or to register, call 540-745-2153 or visit SpikenardFarm.org.

Virginia Tech Offers New Degree in Sustainable Packaging

Starting with the fall semester this year, Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment will

offer a packaging systems and design program for stu-dents. The four-year degree program was approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in January. The program, housed in the Department of Sustain-able Biomaterials, aims to teach students how to design packaging in terms of resources and economic and environmental impact. “The new degree in packaging systems and design is crucially important because the growth of major packaging companies across the country

depends upon a continuous supply of highly trained young packaging profes-sionals,” says Laszlo Horvath, assistant professor of practice and director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. By some estimates, the packaging industry is the third largest in the world, and seeks graduates with experience in design, marketing, warehousing and distribution, as well as an understanding of recycling and re-use of packaging materials, all of which is addressed in the new degree program. Only a few schools in the nation offer this fi eld of study; Virginia Tech is the only school in Virginia to offer such a program. For more information, visit VTNews.vt.edu/articles/2014/02/021314-cnre-PackagingDegree.html.

ecotipHomeowners Beware of High-Pressure Sales on Energy Services

Save-a-Ton, the non-profi t regional energy

conservation education and awareness program, encourages home-owners to be way of several high-pressure home audit sales efforts in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Recently, postcards have been mailed to the region from two out-of-state companies, EnergE Squad and American Home Energy Audit. In each case the cards have adver-tised free dinners in exchange for sitting through presentations on audit services and energy conservation technologies. While on their own the technologies the companies are offering can be helpful in limited appli-cations, their usefulness to homeowners in the climate of Southwest Virginia is minor. Anyone interested in home energy savings is urged to visit the Save-a-Ton website, Save-a-Ton.org, which includes many money-saving tips for homeowners and lists reputable regional partner businesses that can assist with home improvements and energy savings. Businesses based in this area know the climate of South-west Virginia and can recommend more effec-tive approaches than those from elsewhere. Before undertaking major home renova-tions as part of an energy conservation effort, Save-a-Ton reminds homeowners that there are many simple actions they can take to reduce their utility bills. For example, lighting accounts for up to 11 percent of a household’s energy consumption, so switching incandes-cent bulbs to lower-consuming and longer-lasting CFL or LED bulbs can cut that amount by two-thirds. Simple weatherization projects such as caulking doors and windows and insu-lating hot water heaters can add to the savings. “Measure, fi x, verify,” says Monica Rokicki-Guajardo, co-founder and principal of Better Building Works, in Roanoke. “With-out a certifi ed energy audit and post-retrofi t verifi cation, energy-effi ciency measures may be counter-productive, or even worse, dangerous. Your home is a complex set of interactions between all of its systems and exterior walls, ceilings and fl oors. Without quantifi able and verifi able metrics, predicted savings is only wishful thinking.” For more information, visit Save-a-Ton.org or Save a Ton on Facebook.

VT student Jason Hoepker and assistant

professor Laszlo Horvath measure a package


The Well Presents Seminar at SML Women’s Wellness Conference

As part of the annual Women’s Wellness Weekend confer-

ence “Be Fit, Be Well,” at Smith Mountain Lake, The Well will present a seminar on “Clean Eat-ing and Supplements.” The conference will be held May 2 to 4 at Bernard’s Landing Resort, in Moneta. The Well is an independently owned health food store in Bedford. Owner Linda Burger and staff information specialist Daphne Saul will hold their seminar from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. on May 3. They will address sources of accurate information on health; fi nding genuinely clean foods; what “organic” really means; practical ways to improve family nutrition; and how supplements can help meet nutritional needs. The rest of the weekend will include sessions on fi tness, exercise and self-defense classes and meals catered by A Cut Above, of Boones Mill, as well as two nights’ lodging at Ber-nard’s Landing Resort. Optional appointments for massage and sunless tanning also are available. “We are pleased to be asked to participate in this special event, as it’s a good opportunity for women to learn a great deal of valuable information in a short time in one location,” says Burger. “This conference is a perfect match with The Well’s top priority: helping consumers learn how to make the best choices for the optimum in good health. And healthy food comes fi rst, for how we eat is the foundation of it all.” Cost: $175 for weekend. Location: Bernard’s Landing Resort, 775 Ashmeade Rd., Moneta (at Smith Mountain Lake). For more information, call 540-793-4397 or 540-537-8127. To register, call 540-721-8870.

Local Roots Offers Spring Lamb and Foraged Dinner

Local Roots, Roanoke’s fi rst farm-to-table restaurant, will offer a special “Meet the

Farmers” four-course dinner with spring lamb and foraged spring edibles. The April 10 event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner seating at 6:30 p.m. A portion of the night’s proceed will be donated to Chef’s Col-laborative, a national chef network that is changing the sustainable food landscape using the power of connections, education and responsible buying decisions. Guests can meet lamb farmers Tom and Debbie Gentry, of SamNana Farm, in Sinks Grove, West Virginia. They will talk about their special heritage breed of sheep, the St. Croix. “This dinner is a way to discover all that the Roanoke Valley has to offer in terms of local food,” says Local Roots’ owner, Diane Elliot. “After meeting the Tom and Debbie, you will truly know where your food is farmed.” Wine and beer pa i r ings a re ava i lab le as wel l . Cost: $49 per person (excludes tax and 20 percent gratuity). Reservations required. Location: Local Roots Restaurant, 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke. To order tickets, call 540-206-2610. For more information, visit LocalRootsRestaurant.com. See ad, page 31, and Community Resource Directory, page 25.

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healthbriefs Orange Oil Calms Kids in Dental ChairsFor centuries,

aromathera-py using orange oil has been heralded in tra-ditional herbalism for its ability to alleviate anxiety. Research published in the journal Advanced Biomedical Research now fi nds that aromatherapy using the same ingredient can signifi cantly reduce a child’s anxiety at the dentist’s offi ce. The study, conducted at Iran’s Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Biomedical Research, tested 10 boys and 20 girls between 6 and 9 years old. In this crossover design study, participants were assigned randomly into two groups. Half the children were treated with water instead of any essential oil (control) initially and received orange aroma in the second session (intervention). Another 15 children received treatment under orange aroma in the fi rst encounter (intervention) and were treated without any aroma the second time (control). When the children were given orange oil aromatherapy, they experienced signifi cantly reduced heart rates and lower salivary cortisol levels compared with those not receiving it. The results corroborate fi ndings from a 2000 study from the University of Vienna, in Austria, published in Physiology and Behavior.

Ventilation and Cleaning Hinder Indoor PollutantsProperly ventilating and

frequently cleaning our homes and offi ces are both important to our health, concludes a new European study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Researchers analyzed bacterial and fungal counts and suspended particulate matter in indoor air samples of 40 homes and offi ces. They determined that 45 percent had indoor pollution levels greater than that recommended by the current European Concerted Action Report on air quality standards. An analysis of a Canadian government Health Measures Survey discovered 47 different indoor volatile organic compounds (VOC) among more than half of the 3,857 households surveyed throughout Canada. Most of the VOCs identifi ed there have also been present in separate European and U.S. studies. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs are carbon chemical compounds that can evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions. The concern with indoor VOCs is their potential to react with indoor ozone to produce harmful byproducts that may be associated with adverse health effects in sensitive populations. Benzene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and xylene top the list of common VOCs inside U.S. households, according to an EPA report. Typical sources comprise common household chemicals, furnishings and décor, as well as indoor activities such as unventilated cooking, heating and smoking.

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Supplements Could Save $70 Billion in Medical CostsIn a Frost & Sullivan study report au-

thored by Christopher Shanahan and Robert de Lorimier, Ph.D., the use of dietary supplements, including B vitamins, phytosterols and dietary fi ber, could reduce the cost of treating coronary artery disease in the U.S. by nearly $50 billion over the next seven years. In addition, healthcare costs related to diabetes, vision problems and osteoporosis could be reduced by nearly $20 billion collec-tively with the use of certain supplements. The projections were based on cost-benefi t analysis comparing a series of scenarios to assess the effect on overall disease management costs if an identifi ed high-risk popula-tion were to avoid costly medical events by increasing their intake of dietary supplements purchased out-of-pocket versus no supplement usage. “The healthcare system spends a tremendous amount of money treating chronic disease, but has failed to focus on ways to reduce those costs through prevention,” says Steve Mister, president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition Foundation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 3 percent of U.S. healthcare costs are spent on the prevention of chronic diseases.

Air Conditioning Cleans Up Indoor Air Air conditioning does more

than keep us cool. A study of 300 adults and homes concludes that central air conditioning re-moves signifi cant levels of volatile organic compounds and pollution particulates from indoor air. The research, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, fi nds that using air conditioning with windows closed reduced indoor air pollution the most. One caveat, however, is that the research was conducted in Taipei, China—notable for its extreme outdoor pollution. Another recent study published in Environmental Sci-ence confi rms the general premise. A research team in Zhejiang, China, found that air conditioning reduced the presence of potent atmospheric pollutants known as poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAC) by 23 percent. PACs contain compounds that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic (damaging to fetuses).


globalbriefs

Pick-Me-Up BooksMailbox Libraries Gain WorldwideAlice Mills smiles as she looks at the box that sits on her lawn in Hutchin-son, Kansas, an act of kindness for neighbors and the community. Inside the box is a miniature library. Books sit on two shelves; the bottom with short stories for children and the top with novels for adults. After her children grew up and moved away from home, they took the books they wanted with them. The rest sat on a bookshelf col-lecting dust. “If they’re here, they’re not being read,” Mills says. The concept for the Little Free Library began in 2009 to promote literacy and the love of reading, as well as to build a sense of communi-ty, according to LittleFreeLibrary.org. They are now popping up around the world in the United States, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Tur-key and the Congo. A recent Pew Internet & American Life Project survey shows that Ameri-cans strongly value the role of public libraries in their communities, both for providing access to materials and re-sources and for promoting literacy and improving the overall quality of life. More than half used a public library in a one-year period, and 72 percent say they live in a “library household”. Most Americans say they have only had positive experiences at public libraries and value a range of library resources and services. National Library Week begins April 13. Contributing source: HutchNews.com

CO2-Correct FoodMenus Minimize Greenhouse Gases Experts at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, at Aberdeen University, in Scotland, have created a new menu plan that is healthy and nutritious, as well as good for the environment. The researchers compiled a shopping list of 52 foods arranged in categories according to how much climate-changing greenhouse gases are produced to make and transport them (Tinyurl.com/ScottishDiet). They then devised a weekly weight allowance for each food, which when fol-lowed, would reduce the use of greenhouse gases by about a third. Surprisingly, the list features foods such as chocolate, ice cream and red meat, but anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint must only eat them in relatively tiny quantities. Some food groups, such as dairy products and meat, produce much bigger emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide than others because of the way they are manufactured and brought to market. The production of fruit, veg-etables and legumes is much less likely to produce such high emissions.

Source: Scotsman.com

GMO Go-AheadFeds Give Dangerous Green LightThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a draft statement essentially giving the green light to the mar-keting, sale and planting of Dow Chemical’s geneti-cally modifi ed (GM, GMO, GE) corn and soybeans

resistant to 2,4-D, which will trigger a huge increase in the use of the toxic herbicide. The determination under the Plant Pest Act comes despite intense opposition over the past two years from farmers, more than 400,000 other individuals and some 150 farm, fi shery, public health, consumer and environmental groups and private businesses. Meanwhile, the Grocery Manufacturers Association has issued talking points against GMO labeling laws for food industry lobbyists that claim the laws are un-constitutional, violating the First Amendment, although other legal experts say the assertion is baseless. Take action at Tinyurl.com/PushToLabelGMO. Learn more at OrganicConsumers.org.

Hot ‘n Sunny Cheaper Solar Panels Spur Job GrowthSolar industry jobs are up nearly 20 percent in the 14 months through November 2013 as cheaper panels and rising electricity rates spurred people to turn to solar, according to a report by the non-profi t Solar Foundation research group.

At latest count, solar companies employ nearly 143,000 solar workers, up more than 23,000 from September 2012—a job growth rate that’s 10 times faster than the national average and is helping local economies, according to the foundation. The industry is expected to create 22,000 new jobs in 2014, although at a slower pace than 2013. Cuts of 8,500 positions are projected in the sector that generates electricity from fossil fuels. Solar fi rms surveyed in the report said that more than 50 percent of their busi-ness and homeowner customers turned to solar to save money, while nearly 23 percent said they invested in panels because costs are now comparable with utility rates. The report noted that the cost of solar equipment has fallen about 50 percent since the beginning of 2010, motivating more people to go green.


Heirloom HomeA Fresh Look at Furnishings that LastWhy not expand on the spring tradition of home cleaning by appraising exist-ing home furnishings and décor to see how rearrange-ments can freshen the whole presentation? Employing a few basic creative strategies will yield long-lasting beauty, cost savings, health benefi ts and utility, all adding up to enhanced sustainability. Secondhand items readily spruce up interiors when they are thoughtfully selected. Look for gently used, new-to-you items—ranging from furniture and lamps to accent pieces like pottery and wall art—at antique and thrift shops, yard and estate sales or via online forums such as CraigsList.com and Freecycle.org. Seeking out fair trade items helps support a fair wage for arti-sans around the world. Plants enliven and beautify any space while cleaning indoor air, according to a recent study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Plants cited as especially effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from the air include bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, English ivy, gerbera (African) daisy, chrysanthemum and peace lily. Pot them in used jars or other repurposed containers to conserve materials and add character and more personality to home décor. Overall balance is key. “An imbalanced room has large furniture grouped together at one end and lightweight furniture and bare walls at the other,” says professional designer Norma Lehmeier Hartie, author of Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet. “The effect is like being on a tilting boat in a storm.” Furniture arrangements are best when they allow light to fl ow through spaces with ample allowance for moving about the room. The ideal setup facilitates worktable projects and small-group conversations. Round tables help make everyone feel like they belong, according to green living expert Annie Bond. Sustainable kitchen wares are often the classiest. Sturdy pots, pans and kettles, like Le Creuset and Picquot Ware, may offer replacement parts and lifetime guarantees; Bialetti and Bodum coffee makers and Littala glassware are durable and long-lasting. While some may cost more upfront, their longevity saves money over time. Then there’s always grandma’s iron skillet.

Additional sources: GreenPages.org and GreenAmerica.org

ecotip


Red wine? White wine? “Green wine?”

That’s your choice in Virginia now, thanks to the Virginia Green Wineries program. The program is part of the Virginia Green program, a partnership of the Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association. The Virginia Green Wineries pro-gram encourages green practices in Virginia’s tourism industry, of which wineries are an important part. All attractions bearing the Virginia Green logo have self-certifi ed their green commitments, says Tom Griffi n, the Virginia Green program coordina-

tor. At the very least, a winery must verify that they:

• Recycle and reduce wastes

• Minimize the use of disposable food service products by using products that are made from bio-based or renewable resources

• Minimize of the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertiliz-ers, and have a plan to minimize the use of chemical treatments

• Use water effi ciently

• Practice energy effi ciency

The green travel effort is a fairly new one, and Griffi n’s program has so far attracted 18 wineries out of Vir-ginia’s 248. “Our goal is to get more

wineries into the program,” he says, but notes that a barrier for some winer-ies is the need to use chemicals in this climate. That’s where Griffi n will work with them to fi nd a “practical point.” The use of pesticides and fungi-cides is rarely an issue for Paul Hric of West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery, in Max Meadows. A former nursery owner and long-time beekeeper, Hric keeps his chemical use to a minimum. “My bees are right where the vineyards are; it makes me avoid pesticides,” he says. “And if I do, I use the most insect-friendly.” He also restricts the amount of fungicides he uses, spray-ing only when he has to. The result? “I have very few fungus problems and virtually no pests,” he says. Hric and his wife, Brenda, bought the farm from her uncle’s estate and planted the fi rst vines in 2003. Hric says he had always wanted to run a winery. The two built their winery building in 2006 and served the fi rst wines from the 2005 grapes. Some of their green efforts include passive heating and the use of many windows. The winery also com-posts waste products during the harvest and puts it back into the vineyard. Like the Hrics, Brad and Drema Sylvester had always wanted to open a winery. They planted the fi rst vines at Bedford County’s White Rock Vineyards and Winery in 2000 and opened the tasting room fi ve years later. Sylvester says his family is from Italy and “this was something we decided to do.” “We’re farmers, stewards of the land,” he says. “We’re dependent on the environment, so we want to make sure we get from it what we give.” That includes making sure the silt fences stay up, that every possible thing is recycled

blueridgegreentravel

Grandin Village & Downtown Roanokewww.roanokenaturalfoods.coop

The West Wind Winery building features a lot of windows and passive heating.

GREEN WINERIESby Anne Piedmont


and that electricity use is closely monitored. They also make sure guests understand that the winery is green. White Rock is one of two green wineries in Bedford County. The other is Peaks of Otter Winery. It was the 50th in Virginia to be licensed in 1995 and was the state’s fi rst all-fruit winery. Danny Johnson says his family decided to start making wines as a way to get more people onto the farm to buy fruit. Like the Sylvesters, Johnson says they try to be good stewards of the land. “When I’m gone, I hope this land will be better than I found it,” Johnson says. He was born on the farm and he and his wife, Nancy, have lived on it for 54 years. Johnson says they believe in recycling everything. They fi nd reuses for the shipping pallets and feed the waste from wine making to the farm animals. “They go after it like a kid after candy!” Johnson says. The many corks and the bottles the winery generates go to crafts people for a variety of projects and products. “We try to do everything we can,” Johnson explains. Rik and Melissa Obiso, of Attimo Winery, in Christiansburg, fell in love

with the area when they attended Virginia Tech. Both have farming backgrounds from growing up in Sussex County, New Jersey. They have always enjoyed entertaining, says Melissa. She adds that Rik, who holds a doctorate in anaerobic microbiology and chemistry, “has been fermenting things for years and years” and making wine for friends and family. So the couple made plans to own a winery and moved back to Montgomery County. Obiso says they use green chemicals unless absolutely necessary.

She acknowledges that there is a practicality to chemical use, if the other choice is losing everything they’ve worked for. They also have bees on the property to help with pollination. They use a natural soap product that can be sprayed on vines if they fi nd pests. Their entire winery building was built green, using recycled insulation and natural lighting. Obiso says it is a passive solar building, but is set up so they can add active solar equipment at some point. They compost the grapes and vines and add them back to the land. They belong to a program that takes used corks and processes them into other products, such as shoes and boards. Like other green wineries in the area, Melissa says, “We tread very lightly on the land.” For more information on the locations above, visit WestWindWine.com, WhiteRockWines.com, PeaksOfOtterWinery.com, AttimoWinery.com,

Anne Piedmont is a writer and research associate based in Roanoke. For more information, visit Piedmon-tResearchAssociates.com.

The owners of White Rock Vineyard and Winery view themselves as

“stewards of the land.”

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communityspotlight

It was a bright idea that

four eco-minded col-leagues in Blacksburg discussed eagerly: What if the whole town got behind the idea of

going solar in a big way? It turns out that a lot of other people liked that idea, too. Those four people were Mason Cavell, Director of Energy Effi ciency Programs for Community Housing Partners; Carol Davis, Sustainability Manager for the Town of Blacksburg; Beth Lohman, Environmental Program Planner at the Virginia Depart-ment of Environmental Quality; and John Randolph, Professor Emeritus in Urban Af-fairs and Planning at Virginia Tech. Several years ago, they learned about a similar program in Oregon. They fi nally saw their dream come true on March 5, when a program called Solarize Blacksburg was announced and launched in Blacksburg’s Market Square by Mayor Ron Rordam. Since the initiative’s public kickoff, nearly 200 homes have signed up as of this writing. What’s the key? Strength in numbers, the organizers say, and a program that makes it easy for people by anticipating and answering questions, having reputable solar installers available for consultation and service, and offering reasonable prices as a result of group sales. Solarize Blacksburg will run through the end of May, but because installers will be busy, anyone who has signed up by that time and is waiting for a consultation will still be eligible for the program’s benefi ts. “The response has been unbeliev-able,” says Cavell. “About 170 people signed up in the fi rst two weeks alone. We would’ve been thrilled with 50.” At this point, the two contractors, Baseline Solar Solutions and Solar Connexion (“Both have great reputations”), have been

making site visits and drawing up propos-als and, Cavell says, clients have been happy with their quotes so far. “Virginia does not have strong policies that encourage or incentivize people to use renewable energy,” Cavell explains. “Those of us who believe that this is important, to shift away from coal and natural gas, won-dered what we could do given the limita-tions. The goal is to educate people and get a lot of systems up in town, and then others will realize it’s a viable technology. And if somebody knows a neighbor or someone from their church who has done it, it takes off from there.” Davis notes that the sudden interest in solar may be partly fueled by the recent polar vortex and the high energy bills that are the result. Now when people hear about the solar option offered community-wide, they are listening. It’s a natural burst of interest, she says, which will likely result in nearly everyone in Blacksburg knowing someone who has solar energy. “They can see the panels working and ask their friends about it, and ask about the contractors and how it’s all working,” she says. “It’s starting to create a real shift in mindset beyond this project itself. The Town of Blacksburg is pleased and proud to be behind this effort.” The important thing is for people who are interested in solar energy to act now, while the group price is low and the federal tax credit is still available. “Right now there’s a 30-percent federal tax credit,” adds Lohman. “It’s already expired once but was renewed. There is some belief that it will expire in 2016.” She is an enthusiastic promoter of solar energy, as she and her husband, Jerry Ford, also with the DEQ, have benefi ted from having solar panels on their home since 2009. “There are so many questions when you fi rst start out, such as where to begin, or if you need a permit, or how you will fi nance it, and this program answers all of them.” The pilot program will give other communities throughout southwest Virginia a successful model to replicate in their own neighborhoods.

Mayor Ron Rordam announces Solarize Blacksburg

Solarize Blacksburg:A Town Embraces Solar Energy

By Karen Adams

Roanoke-Area Solar ProvidersThe interest in solar energy is growing

in southwest Virginia, thanks to the new program Solarize Blacksburg.

For Roanoke-area homeowners who would like information on solar energy, three local solar installers are available

for consultations and service.

PowerMark Electrical, LLCFincastle • 877-594-7944VaSolarPro.com

Offers installation of Virginia Solar Pro solar voltaic systems as well as electrical contracting. Grid-direct and battery-backed solar survivor package deals. Owner Mark Howard is a UL-certified photovoltaic installer and has been a

master electrician since 1985. See ad, page 6.

Renewable Engineered Systems (RES)Martinsville276-403-5111 • 855-241-7999 RenewableEngineeredSystems.com

Experienced installer of solar, wind and LED systems. RES owner and certifi ed, licensed pro-fessional Brian Brown offers creative energy solut ions and has worked for many years with both commercial and residential systems.

See Community Resource Directory, page 23.

Solshine Energy AlternativesCheck • 540-808-9502SolshineEnergyAlternatives.com

Specializes in small so-lar electric systems and design and fabrication of portable solar electric generators in southwest Virginia. Owner Rick Brown is a NABCEP-certified photovoltaic installation professional and licensed contractor

with 30 years’ electronics experience.

Mark Howardof PowerMark

Brian Brown of RES

Rick Brownof Solshine

“We can’t change legislation, but we can do this right now,” Cavell says. “We see this as a way to actually help get solar panels on houses. We have the pieces in place to make solar en-ergy a real option for a lot of people.” For more information, visit SolarizeBlacksburg.org.


Every pivotal life decision, from choosing where we live to eat-ing healthier, can support our best

interests environmentally, as well. The good news is that it is possible to afford a sustainable way of life. Eco-friendly choices for housing, vehicles and food—generally perceived as expensive for the average individual or family—often are not only attainable when pursued in a thoughtful way, but can actually save us money compared to maintaining the status quo.

1. Buying a HomeWhen considering a move to a new place, we often fi nd out how much house we can manage and then pro-ceed to invest to the hilt. But if hitting our spending limit will leave a defi cit in the amount of green and healthy home features and furnishings we can achieve, we could end up with a resi-dence that makes neither fi nancial nor

ecological sense, and isn’t good for our health. A solution is to scale back on costly square footage. Spending 25 to 40 percent less than we think we can on a smaller home provides more possibilities when planning the renovation budget, enabling us to create a home that is more deeply satisfying. Nicole Alvarez, an architectural designer with Ellen Cassilly Architect, in Durham, North Carolina, who blogs at IntentionallySmall.com, says that if we value quality over quantity, place over space and living more intentionally in every aspect of our lives, we are ready for a small home. Occupying less space has profoundly infl uenced her daily life and happiness. Alvarez has found, “When space is limited, everything has a function and a purpose. Everything has to be inten-tional. Over time, as you grow in the home, you make small modifi cations to personalize it more to adjust to your

routine. You grow a strong bond with your home.” Securing a much smaller dwelling than what we originally had designs on can lead to a lifetime of savings. With less space to furnish, heat, cool, light, clean and maintain, we can enjoy greater fi nancial freedom, less stress and more time for fun.

2. Deciding Where to LiveUrban, suburban or rural, where we live incurs long-term repercussions on the natural environment. Choosing an established community within or close to an urban center tends to be more protective of air, water and land quality than living in a distant, car-dependent suburb, yet many families feel either drawn to or resigned to the suburbs for the lower housing prices. But as Ilana Preuss, vice president at Washington, D.C.-based Smart Growth America, explains, “There is more to housing affordability than how much rent or mortgage we pay. Transporta-tion costs are the second-biggest budget item for most families. In locations with access to few transportation choices, the combined cost of housing and transportation can be more than 60 percent of the total household budget. For families with access to a range of transportation choices, the combined cost can be less than 40 percent.” In most suburbs, where the only practical transportation choice is a personal vehicle, dependency on a car takes a toll on us fi nancially and physi-cally. Driving a personal vehicle 15,000 miles a year can cost about $9,122 annually in ownership and operating expenses, according to AAA’s 2013 Your Driving Costs report, and hours spent daily sitting behind the wheel being sedentary is eroding our health. Lack of transportation options is a lead-ing detriment to the nation’s collectivewellness, according to the federal agency Healthy People. Sustainable cities provide many transportation options, including public buses and trains, car-sharing services and all forms of ride sharing; and perhaps most importantly, they are bike- and pedestrian-friendly. Choos-ing communities that make it possible to reduce driving and even go car-free

LIVE GREEN, SAVE BIG

Five Eco-Friendly Life Decisions that Can Actually Save Us Money

by Crissy Trask


and other chemicals due to exposure to toxic consumer products and industrial chemicals. After researching proper local disposal of such hazards, replace them on future shopping forays with safer choices. It’s an investment in our health that can save untold pain and money and pay off big time in avoiding health problems ranging from cancer, asthma and chronic diseases to im-paired fertility, birth defects and learn-ing disabilities according to the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition. To reduce exposure to the toxins that are commonly sprayed on conventional crops, select sustainable and organic ver-sions of foods to prepare at home when-ever possible. Such choices help keep both our bodies and the environment healthy and can be surprisingly affordable compared with eating out and consuming prepackaged convenience foods. By substituting whole foods for prepared foods, cooking more meals at home and practicing good eat-ing habits—like eating less meat and downsizing portions—the average person can enjoy high-quality food for $7 to $11 per day. This matches or falls below what the average American daily spends on food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consider-ing that diet-related diseases can cost affl icted families thousands of dollars a year, better food choices can make us not only healthier, but wealthier, too. Crissy Trask is the author of Go Green, Spend Less, Live Better. Connect at CrissyTrask.com.

The newest hybrids have been around for more than a decade, and the batteries have held up extremely well, lasting 150,000 to 200,000 miles in some cases.

~ CNN.com

price of $28,431, the category has been around long enough to create a market in previously owned vehicles. A used hybrid that is just two years old can cost up to 25 percent less than a new one.

4. Buying American According to Consumer Reports, many shoppers prefer to buy products made in the USA, but with more than 60 percent of all consumer goods now produced overseas, fi nding American goods is not always easy. The good news is that buying Ameri-can doesn’t mean only buying American made. We back the U.S. economy and jobs when we purchase used items that have been renewed or repurposed by enterprising citizens. Creative reuse sup-ports new and existing businesses that collect, clean, sort, recondition, refurbish, remanufacture, update, refi nish, reuphol-ster, repair, tailor, distribute and sell used parts, materials and fi nished goods. Sarah Baird, director of outreach and communications of the Center for a New American Dream, an organiza-tion working to shift consumption away from wasteful trends, loves the history of used items. She says, “An item that has already lived one life has a story to tell, and is infi nitely more interesting than anything newly manufactured.” Another reward is the big savings afforded by previously owned durable goods; not even America’s big-box discount retail-ers can beat these genuine bargains. Of course, not everything is avail-able in the used marketplace, but when it makes sense, we can proudly know that our purchases support American ingenuity and workers.

5. Getting Healthy Going green is healthy in innumerable ways. In addition to driving less, ban-ning toxic products from our house-hold cupboards and dinner plates is another solid place to start on the road to improved well-being for ourselves and the planet. Toxic consumer products pollute the planet, from manufacture through use and disposal. They aren’t doing us any favors. The U.S. Environmental Pro-tection Agency reports that the average human body now contains an estimated 700 industrial compounds, pollutants

much of the time can save us money, reduce stress and improve our health.

3. Choosing a CarWe know two primary facts about cars: They are expensive and those with inter-nal combustion engines pollute during operation. Still, many of us need one. Reducing the total impact and burden of owning a car can be as simple as prioritizing fuel effi ciency. It helps that fuel-sippers now come in more sizes than just small, yet small subcompacts remain a good place to start our research because of their budget-friendly prices and high fuel economy. A subcompact that averages 32 miles per gallon (mpg) and has a sticker price below $15,000 can save us so much money compared with a top-selling com-pact SUV—upwards of $16,000 over fi ve years, according to Edmunds.com—that if we need a larger vehicle on occasion, we can more easily afford to rent one. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), both small and midsized, can be an even better choice, averaging 41 mpg. Cost comparisons show that an HEV can save a heavily travelling city driver nearly $1,000 in fuel costs annually versus a comparably sized conventional gasoline-powered car. Although a 2014 midsized HEV has an average suggested retail

Eco-friendly choices for housing, vehicles and food—generally perceived as expensive for the average individual or family—often are not only attainable when pursued in a thoughtful way, but can actually save us money compared to maintaining the status quo.


Green Housing Yields Social and Security Benefi ts

Large-home inhabitants may go all day without seeing one another and communication and together-ness can suffer. Family members living in small homes can more eas-ily cultivate strong communications and cohesion.

Dense neighborhoods encourage interaction and cooperation among neighbors, nurturing a cohesive com-munity that can reward us with social connections, collective responsibility and assistance when needed.

Urban homes give vandals and thieves fewer opportunities because neighbors are close by and passersby may be more readily noticed.

Small homes can encourage disconnecting from technology and getting outside. When the TV can be heard throughout the house, parents are more likely to urge outdoor play-time for kids.

The footprint of a small dwelling uses a fraction of the buildable lot, leaving more outdoor space for planting gardens that can nourish bodies and souls.

Source: GreenMatters.com

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

GRANDIN COLAB540-397-4377GrandinCoLab.com

The Grandin CoLab is a hub for ideation, or gen-eration of new ideas. It is designed to connect inno-

vators and entrepreneurs to resources, education and networking opportunities throughout the Roanoke and Blacksburg regions. The space is available for memberships, business meetings and events.

H2O AT HOMEJean Cox, Founding Director360-271-9525MyH2OatHome.com/Jean

Ground-fl oor business opportuni-ty. Earn “green” while helping others go green with your own home-based business. Be among the fi rst advisors in Virginia and help launch the East

Coast. Incentive packages available to experienced leaders. Call for more information. See ad, page 31.

CHILDBIRTH - MIDWIFERY

NEW LIFE BIRTH CENTER540-482-0505NewLifeBirthCenter.org

The New Life Birth Center is an innovative midwife-physician collaborative practice providing holistic maternity care services

including prenatal, birth and postnatal care; breastfeed-ing assistance; and lifelong health care and education.

CHURCHES

ECKANKAR, RELIGION OF THE LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD1420 3rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 [email protected]

Are you looking for the personal ex-perience of God, every day? Each of us is connected to God through Di-vine Spirit (the ECK), which can be

heard as Sound and seen as Light. Connect with a spiritual community of people who share your desire for truth See ad, page 34.

UNITY OF ROANOKE VALLEY Rev. Linda Taylor3300 Green Ridge Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019540-562-2200UnityOfRoanokeValley.org

We are a vibrant, loving, spiritual community, dem-

onstrating Christ consciousness, embracing diversity and inspiring personal transformation. Join us in co-creating a world that works for all! See ad, page 34.

HOLISTIC VETERINARY CONSULTANTSMarjorie M. Lewter, DVM2401 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060540-616-9247HolisticVeterinaryConsultants.com

Professional guidance for clients with many issues including vaccines, nutri-tion and special health problems. Geri-atric care, cancer support and hospice care. Routine medical care for small animals, farm animals and horses. In-

tegrative medicine including acupuncture, botanical medicines, chiropractic and homeopathy. Discover the power of holistic medicine. See ad, page 6.

ARTISTS AND ART GALLERIES

JACKSONVILLE CENTER FOR THE ARTSJacksonville logo.jpg540-745-2784JacksonvilleCenter.org

The Jacksonville Center for the Arts is a community arts center in Floyd, just a few miles from the Blue Ridge

Parkway. The center celebrates and facilitates re-gional arts through classes, exhibits, community receptions and other events.

BODYWORK – ENERGY WORK

BAREFOOT STUDIOS16 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24011540-589-8231BarefootStudiosAndGallery.com

Healing touch assists with balanc-ing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and sup-ports your natural ability to heal. Safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care. See ad, page 35.

BUILDING – GREEN DESIGN/BUILD

JUBILEE COHOUSINGWalter Charnley 523 Needmore Lane, Floyd, VA 24091(540) [email protected]

New members welcome: Rural southwestern VA cohousing group. Thirty-three (33) clustered Pas-sivHaus residences and common house on 38 delightful undevel-oped acres. See ad, page 31.

To be included in the Community Resource Directory, please email [email protected] or visit NABlueRidge.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

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ANIMALS AND PETS

ANGELS OF ASSISI540-344-8707AngelsOfAssisi.org

Angels of Assisi pro-vides reduced-cost med-ical care to companion animals, with special

emphasis on spaying and neutering to prevent pet overpopulation, and provides shelter, care and sustenance to companion and domesticated farm animals in need.

ROANOKE VALLEY SPCA540-339-9247RVSPCA.org

The Roanoke Valley SPCA provides food, shelter, medical care and com-panionship to the homeless and un-wanted companion pets of our area. The organization emphasizes the im-portance of the human/animal bond

and helps to create loving relationships between pets and guardians.

ANIMALS AND PETS – SUPPLIES

NATURE’S EMPORIUM3912 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018540-989-8020MyNaturesEmporium.com

The largest selection of pet gifts, toys, beds and healthy foods and treats for all the

special members of the family. Natural and ho-listic pet food, wild bird and garden supplies. See ad, page 5.

ANIMALS AND PETS - VETERINARIANS

CONCORD VETERINARY SERVICESLori Leonard, BS, DVM, LFHOM8908 Village Hwy., Concord, VA 24538434-993-2403ConcordVetServices.com

Discover methods of support and comfort for your beloved animals. For 20 years we have offered homeopathy and other holistic modalities as well as conventional veterinary care.

New patients welcome!


VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, DIVINE SCIENCE5000 Carriage Dr., Roanoke, VA 24018540-774-5512VCCDS.com

Teaching practical, spiritual laws based on and found in the example and teachings of Jesus, as well as the Bible and

other great wisdom literature. Through Divine Science teachings you can lead a life of joyful inner and outer satisfaction and serenity.

EDUCATION AND CAREERS - MASSAGE SCHOOLS

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL OF MASSAGE AND YOGAColony Park, Ste. 106, 2001 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060540-552-2177BlueRidgeMassage.org

Prepare for a meaningful, well-paid, fl exible career in the growing pro-fession of massage therapy. Gain excellent, varied bodywork skills and knowledge from experienced,

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ENERGY – ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

RENEWABLE ENGINEERED [email protected]

Solar power for your home is more affordable than you think. We pro-vide outstanding quality and value in alternative energy applications for consumers seeking turn-key solu-tions. Enjoy relief from the escalating

cost of fossil fuels.

ENERGY – CONSERVATION AND HVAC

J & J WEATHERIZATION434-847-5487JoLangford@juno.comJJWeatherization.com

With 30 years of experience in home en-ergy performance, J&J Weatherization is a full-service company specializing in insulation, home energy conservation and effi ciency. See ad, page 11.

ROANOKE VALLEY COOL CITIES COALITION540-387-0930RVCCC.org

Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition is tack-ling energy policy and the diffi cult problem of global warming through

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SAVE A TONSaveATon.org

The purpose of Save a Ton is to en-courage broad participation in energy conservation and effi ciency activities in the Roanoke and New River Valleys

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP

BLUE RIDGE LAND CONSERVANCY540-985-0000

The Blue Ridge Land Conser-vancy is dedicated to saving the farms, forests, waterways and

rural landscapes that make western Virginia a great place to live and visit.

CABELL BRAND CENTERCabellBrandCenter.org

The Cabell Brand Center provides educational opportunities and scholarships focused on the envi-ronment, community development

and poverty issues, and peace and confl ict resolution.

FRIENDS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY540-772-2992FriendsBRP.org

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway helps to preserve, enhance and pro-mote the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and cultural dis-tinctiveness of the Blue Ridge Park-

way and its surrounding scenic landscape.

GRAYSON LANDCARE276-238-7073 GraysonLandCare.org

Grayson LandCare is a locally organized group of farmers, landowners and resi-dents working on conservation projects that contribute to environmental, social and economic outcomes in Grayson

County and southwest Virginia.

SPIKENARD FARM HONEYBEE SANCTUARY540-745-2153SpikenardFarm.org

Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctu-

ary promotes sustainable and biodynamic beekeeping through education, experience-based research and a honeybee sanctuary to help restore the health and vi-tality of the honeybee worldwide.

SUSTAINABLE BLACKSBURG540-808-5042SustainableBlacksburgVA.org

Sustainable Blacks-burg is a nonprofi t (501(c)3) commu-

nity organization whose mission is to facilitate environmental stewardship in the Blacksburg area and to enhance the region’s livability by reducing its impact on the local and global en-vironment.

SUSTAIN FLOYD540-745-7333SustainFloyd.org

SustainFloyd works to le-verage and preserve Floyd County’s existing assets and traditional strengths in agri-culture and craftsmanship to

help build a resilient rural local economy. Farm-ers’ market, community and educational events and volunteer opportunities.

UPPER ROANOKE RIVER ROUNDTABLEUpperRoanokeRiver.net

The Upper Roanoke River Roundtable serves as an advisory

group in the upper basin that identiies and ad-dresses issues of water quality and quantity and makes recommendations about appropriate management solutions to those whose decisions affect the upper basin of the Roanoke River.

FITNESS – YOGA

BEDFORD YOGA CENTERHelen A. Maxwell, RYT 500715 Liberty St., Bedford, VA 24523434-944-1150YogaBedford.com

All levels, from beginner and beyond. Choose from a variety of public classes or private, individualized instruction. Offering a

FREE monthly community class. Find balance, strength, bliss and harmony.

FOOD – HUMANITARIAN SERVICES

BEANS AND RICE, INC.Beans_and_Rice.png540-633-6270

Beans and Rice, Inc., improves the econom-ic well-being of low- to moderate-income

families through hunger relief, after-school pro-grams, job creation and savings programs.

MEALS ON WHEELS, LOCAL OFFICE ON AGING (LOA)Roanoke Valley: 540-345-0451Alleghany Highlands: 540-962-0465Botetourt County: 540-966-1094Craig County: 540-864-6031Loaa.org/Meals-On-Wheels

Volunteers deliver hot, nutri-tious lunches Monday through Friday to homebound senior citizens who qualify. If you would like to volunteer to de-liver meals or to donate, please

call the LOA offi ce in your area. Donations are tax-deductible.

FOOD – NATURAL, ORGANIC AND VEGAN

ROANOKE COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION540-904-3122RoanokeCommunityGarden.org

Roanoke Community Garden Association helps establish and operate backyard community gardens,

urban orchards and edible food forests in the Roanoke Valley. Volunteers are always needed to help with errands in the garden, with grant writing and other ideas.

ROANOKE NATURAL FOODS CO-OP1319 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 240151 Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011540-343-5652RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop

Virginia’s largest, coopera-tively owned natural-foods grocery store. Nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. We support sustain-

able environmental practices, local organic farm-ers, local businesses and our community. See ad, page 14.

THE WELL1764 Patriot Ln., Bedford, VA [email protected]

The destination for nat-ural health when look-ing for science-based

information, superior products, herbal tinctures, supplements, natural foods, bulk foods, spices and teas. The Well has all of this and more. Your benefi t is our business. See ad, page 7.


FOOD - RESTAURANTS

LOCAL ROOTS FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015540-206-2610LocalRootsRestaurant.com

Roanoke’s fi rst true farm-to-table restaurant. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for din-

ner, Sunday for brunch and family-style supper. Full bar and wood-fi re oven. Available for private par-ties, corporate events, celebrations and catering. See ad, page 33.

FUNERAL AND BURIAL SERVICES - GREEN

FOREST REST AT MOUNTAIN VIEW5970 Grassy Hill Rd., Boones Mill, VA 24065540-334-5398Sensor@EvergreenMemorialTrust.comEvergreenMemorialTrust.com

Forest Rest is a natural cemetery where interments are made with-out burial vaults or common em-balming chemicals. Wood tablets or native stones mark the graves. See ad, page 29.

GARDEN, YARD AND PATIO – EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

BLUE RIDGE HYDROPONICS AND HOME BREWING COMPANYWilliamson Road Plaza, 5327-D Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 24012540-265-2483BlueRidgeHydroponics.com

Everything you need to create an in-door growing environment. Hydro-ponic gardening, indoor lighting and nutrients. Cheese-making and home-brewing kits also available. See ad, page 38.

GUIDED IMAGERY

REV. KANTA BOSNIAK, CHTKanta smile shannon pic.jpgLife Coach and Wedding Offi [email protected]

Coaching and guided imagery for weight loss, life purpose, creativity, new directions, business and ca-reer growth, confi dent interviews, dating. Take positive thinking to a deeper level. Personalized and meaningful wedding ceremonies.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - COACHING

ALEXANDRIA PEDERSON, CERTIFIED LIFE MASTERY COACHMail: P.O. Box 4211, Roanoke, VA 24015540-588-0788CelebrationOfLight@gmail.comAlexandriaPederson.com

Are you ready to live the life of your dreams? I use proven sys-tems to guide you in taking the steps to be successful and mani-fest the life of your dreams. Why wait? Decide today to live it

now! Individual or group sessions. See ad, page 19.

REV. KANTA BOSNIAK, CHTLife Coach and Wedding Offi [email protected]

Coaching and guided imagery for weight loss, life purpose, creativ-ity, new directions, business and career growth, confi dent interviews, dating. Take positive thinking to a deeper level. Personalized and

meaningful wedding ceremonies.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - COUNSELING

INI’S HEALTH COACHING AND MASSAGE 413 Dunton Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060540-552-2873IniBeckman@InisMassage.comInisMassage.comIniBeckman.HealthCoach.IntegrativeNutrition.com

Offering workshops on nutrition as well as individual and group health coaching. This program will radi-cally improve your health and hap-piness. It includes two one-hour ses-sions per month, handouts and other

materials, food samples, self-care products and a monthly newsletter. Most programs last six months. Also offers massage therapy. See ad, page 17.

INNER WISDOM YOGA AND PSYCHOTHERAPYAnnemarie Carroll, Ph.D., LCP, RYT1420 3rd St., Roanoke, VA 24016540-798-8478 [email protected]

Annemarie integrates psychotherapy and yoga/medi-tation to assist clients dealing with depres-

sion, anxiety, substance abuse, chronic pain, PTSD, insomnia and infertility. Services

include yoga-informed psychotherapy and therapeutic yoga classes.

LUANN KEENER-MIKENAS, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker311 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA [email protected]

LuAnn is a licensed clinical social work-er with 18 years of experience, working to promote personal growth and strength in families. Counseling and complemen-tary therapies: Neuro-Integration, Man-

dala Assessment and Research Instrument (MARI), Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapy (QHHT).

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER OF NRV540-639-9592WRCNRV.org

Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley is a non-

profi t human service agency with the purpose of providing programs and services to adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - DENTIST

DR. KAREN PERKINS, DDS46 Shelor Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502434-237-6328MercuryFreeDDS.com

Providing the highest quality of dental care in a mercury-free environment, us-ing safe and biocompatible dental ma-terials. We practice safe removal of old mercury/silver (amalgam) fi llings with

the safe mercury/silver fi lling removal protocol outlined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine, IAOMT. See ad, page 19.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

MULE HELL TRADING CO. 134 Frances Mill Rd., Cripple Creek, VA 24322276-621-4741MuleHellTradingCo.com

Fine herbal handmade soaps and natural body-care products made at our soap studio in downtown Crip-ple Creek. We make more than 50

products that will feed your skin naturally!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS

KATHERINE REINHOLTZ, N.D.200 Professional Park Dr. #3, Blacksburg, VA [email protected]

Conventional allopathic medical care is blended with the wisdom of holistic medicine to give you the best possible health care. Specializing in holistic approaches to chronic health

concerns. See ad, page 34.


HEALTH AND WELLNESS – PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

NATURE’S SPECIALISTDorothy Harrell, Pharmacist4620 Lee Hwy., Dublin, VA [email protected]

Specializing in naturopathic consultation, natural therapies and hair analysis. Nature’s Spe-cialist also keeps a stock of high-quality vitamins, herbs and nu-

tritionals. Call for an appointment, or stop by to shop for supplements. See ad, page 36.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - SPAS AND SALONS

ALL ABOUT YOU SALON1630 Braeburn Dr., Salem, VA 24153540-312-6141

Full-service hair salon. Organic hair coloring and perms that are made with certifi ed organic ex-tracts and natural ingredients that are 100-percent ammonia-free.

Spa services include manicures, pedicure, fa-cials and massage. Flexible appointments for busy schedules. See ad, page 19.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – WELLNESS CENTERS

LIFE IN BALANCE COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTER125 Akers Farm Rd., Ste. D, Christiansburg, VA 24073540-381-6215 LifeInBalanceCenter.com

The Life in Balance team of therapists offers psycho-therapy, equine-assisted psy-chotherapy, massage therapy, Reiki, yoga classes, creative movement and relaxation

classes, meditation, workshops, classes and group therapy. See ad, page 33.

HOME – CLEANING SUPPLIES

H2O AT HOMEJean Cox, Founding Director360-271-9525MyH2OatHome.com/Jean

Now you can care for your home with our innovative smart tools and just water or certifi ed natural and organic products. Your home will be sparkling with no harsh chemical residues or fumes! See

ad, page 31.

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ECOTOURISM

BLACKSBURG SEEDS NATURE CENTER540-552-3914SeedsKids.org

Since 1995, the mission of Seek Education, Explore DiScover (SEEDS)

has been to inspire a natural curiosity and love for the environment in children and the young at heart through discovery learning, nature education, teach-er support and civic awareness.

CAMP EASTER SEALS540-312-6141CampEasterSealsUCP.com

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Craig County, Camp Easter Seals / United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)

offers numerous options for a stay in a beautiful set-ting. Groups can participate in fun activities such as canoeing, hiking, bonfi res, a climbing wall, camp-ing, fi shing, swimming and indoor recreation.

IT’S ALL NEARBY540-999-8133ItsAllNearby.com

It’s All Nearby is a resource guide to entertainment, sales and spe-cials at Smith Mountain Lake

and surrounding areas. The comprehensive calendar, both in print and online, provides information on events at SML.

MILL MOUNTAIN ZOO540-343-3241 Exemplum.com/MMZoo

Mill Mountain Zoo is home to more than 175 animals - mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates - includ-ing seven endangered spe-cies. The zoo is accredited

by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is full of fun adventures for the entire family.

ROANOKE OUTSIDE540-343-1550 (x104)RoanokeOutside.com

The mission of Roanoke Outside is to make outdoor activity and envi-ronmental stewardship a core com-ponent of our community’s life-style by promoting a “conservation through recreation” philosophy.

SEDALIA CENTER434-299-5080SedaliaCenter.org

The Sedalia Center, “for the art of living and the living arts,” holds heri-tage music festivals, food festivals and art exhibitions on a rural campus with indoor and outdoor performance

spaces. Programs focus on health through creative movement and nutrition, fi ne and performing arts and sustainable practices. Rentals available.

VIRGINIA GREEN804-986-9119VirginiaGreenTravel.org

Virginia Green is Virginia’s program to encourage green practices through-out the state’s tourism industry. Mem-ber destinations and events include recycling, waste reduction, energy

and water conservation and consumer education. The program is a partnership between Virginia’s Depart-ment of Environmental Quality and Virginia Tourism.

PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

KEYQUEST, LLC.Ellen Jones-Walker540-651-2727KeyQuest.us.com

Highly experiential small-group work-shops using powerful Hemi-Sync® audio guidance technology for self-discovery and personal transformation: Monroe Institute consciousness explo-

ration workshops, calming mind and body, awaken-ing to inner states, slowing the aging process, heal-ing yourself, improving sleep, and more.

RECYCLING

BOOKBAG [email protected]

Roanoke-based 501c3 charity keeps two TONS of used school supplies out of the landfi ll every year. Since 1990 the group has traveled each summer to Belize to

deliver supplies to three schools. Email, call or visit the website for more information about making donations.

CLEAN VALLEY COUNCILJefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Ste. 319, Roanoke, VA 24016 540-345-5523CleanValley.org

A nonprofi t organization serving the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. Providing educational programming and citizen partici-

pation events to spread the word about litter prevention, recycling, waste-stream reduction, storm-water pollu-tion prevention and protecting our natural resources. The go-to resource for local recycling information.


Y-TOSSYtoss Logo 2013.pngVTYMCA.org/YToss.html

Y-Toss is a Virginia Tech YMCA program that collects gently used items to prevent them from ending up in landfi lls. The group will col-lect items on campus from May 9

to 14 and off-campus from May to August. Off-campus locations TBA. Volunteers needed.

RETAIL - NONPROFIT

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE VALLEYS2502 Melrose Ave., Ste. A, Roanoke, VA 24017540-581-0620GoodwillValleys.com

We put your donations to work by dedicating 90 percent of our resources to providing services to

the community. Donations entrusted to us are used to help people with disabilities and disadvantages overcome barriers to employment and achieve a level of independence in life. See ad, page 10.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NRV RESTORE540-381-1155HabitatNRV.org

The ReStore is the primary funding mechanism for the non-profi t Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley. Proceeds from the sale of donated home -mprovement material, furniture and appli-ances fund our future homes for low-income fami-lies in the NRV.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

RIDE [email protected] RideSolutions.org

Ride Solutions connects you to your transportation options with free regional carpool matching, bike commute support, transit

assistance and employer services, all for free.

WATER CONSERVATTION AND FILTRATION - ALKALINE WATER

HEALTHY WATER FOR ME540-230-7459 or [email protected] HealthyWaterForMe.com

Kangen Water® is a great way to increase hydration, balance body pH, obtain optimal health, neutralize free radicals, reduce pain and more. Change Your Water…Change Your Life ™. Call to begin a free three-

week alkaline, antioxidant water challenge today. See ad, page 14.

Rev. Kanta Bosniak: Creative Coach and Unique Wedding Offi ciant

Rev. Kanta Bosniak is a New River Valley artist, minis-ter and writer who offers coaching and guided imag-

ery. A nationally recognized and award-winning facilita-tor of creative visualization, Bosniak began facilitating guided imagery as a 20 year-old college student and meditation teacher. “I love to help people learn how to relax themselves, because it’s a great life skill that’s immediately benefi cial and applicable,” she says. “When people relax, they can take positive thinking to a deeper level and apply the attraction principle more effec-tively. They can open to inspiration, access creative solutions, and strategize effective action plans, whether they want to lose weight, publish a book, start a new business or change directions. In coaching, I take the time to really get to know people and what they want to achieve in their lives and careers. Every individual is unique.” She also writes books on the mind/body/spirit connection, creates art and offi ci-ates wedding ceremonies. “My interests in writing, art and appreciating the unique-ness of the people I work with all come together in weddings,” she says. She strives to make each ceremony personalized and meaningful, and to uniquely honor each relationship. “I do a thorough interview and write a ceremony that refl ects each couple and celebrates their love story.” In addition, she has created six folk art mar-riage certifi cates exclusively for couples whose weddings she offi ciates, so that they can choose a reminder of their special day that best fi ts their décor. Bosniak is a frequent speaker at churches, universities and conferences through-out the U.S., including Yale University, Columbia University, State University of New York, Virginia Tech, University of North Carolina and Unity Churches. She is listed in Who’s Who in American Women. For more information, call 540-577-8854 or visit KantaBosniak.com. See Commu-nity Resource Directory, page 25.

businessprofi les

‘Earth Mama’ Joyce Rouse: Spirit-Lifting, Eco-Friendly Music

Joyce Rouse, or “Earth Mama” as she is affectionately known, is an Independence-based musician, com-

poser and performer who has spent more than 25 years spreading her Earth-loving message worldwide. Her motto is “Helping heal the planet, one song at a time.” “I was touched by the music of the earth at an early age,” says Rouse, who grew up on a farm in Iowa. She earned a master of arts degree in Earth Literacy and has extensive music and theatre training, and has traveled the country for more than a decade, spreading the concept sof Earth connection and sustainability. Since her fi rst album of family music, Earth Mama, she now has more than 90 writing credits. Her songs have been recorded by pop and country music artists, fea-tured in movies and ads, and used as theme songs for celebrations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, UNESCO and Earth Charter. For the 75th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in 1995, she wrote and performed “Standing on the Shoulders,” which premiered in Washington, D.C. She also has been a featured performer at the Nashville Songwriters Association International annual Tin Pan South concerts and other events. She is also included in the book The Soul of a Writer: Intimate Interviews with Successful Songwriters by Susan Tucker. Her newest CD (her eleventh), A Sense of Place, takes listeners across Virginia and beyond. One song, “Ribbon of Stone,” is an ode to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The CD Virginia Beauty: A Love Song for the Commonwealth includes educational mate-rials for teachers to use with students. A collection of Earth Mama CDs will be part of the Natural Awakenings Earth Week Giveaways. See ad, page 39. For more information, call 276-773-8529 or visit EarthMama.org.


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City kids are often taught that na-ture is out there beyond the city limits, but one science educator

and photographer shows how everyday nature has the power to transform. You can take Molly Steinwald out of the city, but you’ll never get the city out of her. Growing up as a free-school-lunch kid on the outskirts of Manchester, New Hampshire, she notes, “I didn’t do the skiing and mountain climbing thing.” Instead, she found solace watch-ing ants parade across the sidewalk or tracing the intricate lines on a leaf. Yet when she graduated from high school, Steinwald traveled as far as she could from those city streets, earning a degree in biology, and then a master’s degree in ecology researching kangaroo rats in Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains. Still, the city always tugged at her. “I was really excited about big nature,” Steinwald says. “But I kept coming back to small-scale, mundane nature that I knew as a kid. I felt I needed to get back to help people who never see this stuff.” Today, Steinwald is doing just that. She is now pursuing a Ph.D. research-ing human interactions with nature in built environments. As director of science education and research at the Phipps Conservatory, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she has been charged with reimagining urban environmental education and reaching out to at-risk youth. Her basic assumption is: One doesn’t have to go to a national park, or even a city park, to connect with the natural world. It’s crawling past us on

the sidewalk or drifting through the air right under our nose. That, she says, is where city kids can forge a lasting connection with na-ture—if they’re paying attention. As one of the many ways to get kids to tune in, Steinwald directs programs that arm them with digital cameras and chal-lenges them to take pictures of the frag-ments of nature they fi nd on the streets. The approach is a departure from the belief held by some that “nature” is de-fi ned as parks or green spaces—places apart from our everyday lives. Lisa Graumlich, dean of the Univer-sity of Washington School of the Environ-ment, in Seattle, Washington, says Stein-wald is making waves in environmental education circles: “She was an urban kid. She brings the voice of someone from a different economic class to the table.” Graumlich says it makes intuitive sense that connecting with street-level nature will help build a lasting bond with the natural world. The next chal-lenge is fi guring out how to provide kids with more of these experiences: “It may be as simple as a mom walk-ing home from the bus stop with bags of groceries and two children in tow, feeling like she has time to look at a sidewalk crack with them.” “A lot of nature in the city is really small,” Steinwald observes. “I want to show these kids that even if their nature is small, it’s still darned good nature.”

Greg Hanscom is a senior editor for Grist.org, in Seattle, WA.

inspiration

Wilderness in Sidewalk CracksSmall Nature Reaches Out to City Kids

by Greg Hanscom

A new natural burial section for those wishing to leave a smaller and

greener footprint when we pass.

• No burial vaults—each year millions of tons of concrete and steel are used to make common burial vaults.

• No ordinary embalming chemicals— typical formaldehyde is caustic and

harmful to the planet .

• Non-descript memorials — using natural stone or wood.

• Optional caskets—of readily biodegradable and renewable materials such as wicker and wood may be used.

• Choice of sites in natural wooded area.

• Gathering areas for burial services.

• Special family estate areas.

Forest Rest at Mountain View540.334.5398

5970 Grassy Hill Road • Boones Mill, Virginia 24065mountainviewmemorialpark.com

ForestRestNATURAL CEMETERY

5970 Grassy Hill RoadBoones Mill, VA 24065(540) 334-5398

ForestRestNaturalCemetery.com

• No burial vaults—each year millions of tons of concrete and steel are used to make common burial vaults.

• No ordinary embalming chemicals—

no embalming necessary—only natural and biodegradable embalming fluids may be used.

• Non-descript memorials—using native stone or wood.

• Optional caskets—of readily biodegradable and renewable materials such as wicker and wood may be used.

• Choice of sites in a natural wooded environment.

• Gathering areas for burial services.• Special family estate areas.

A new natural cemetery for those wishing to leave a smaller and

greener footprint when they pass.


greenliving

Americans use 35 million pounds of toxic household cleaning products annually. According to

the Children’s Health Environmental Co-alition, in Los Angeles, traces of cleaning chemicals can be found throughout the human body within seconds of expo-sure, posing risks like asthma, allergies, cancer, reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity and death. Equally sobering is the decades of research suggesting a relationship be-tween the overuse of powerful disinfec-tants and the rise of antibiotic-resistant super bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as concerns over these toxins entering water supplies and wildlife food chains. Cleaning product labels lack transparency, says Johanna Congleton, Ph.D., a senior scientist for the Envi-ronmental Working Group, because “manufacturers aren’t required to specify ingredients.” One approach to assure safe ingre-dients is do-it-yourself (DIY) products. For Matt and Betsy Jabs, the authors of DIY Natural Household Cleaners who blog at DIYNatural.com, creat-ing homemade cleaners is a rewarding exercise in sustainability and simplicity. “We’re cutting through all the market-ing and getting back to basics,” says Matt. Affordability is another benefi t:

The Jabs’ homemade laundry detergent costs fi ve cents per load, compared with 21 cents for a store brand. Annie B. Bond, a bestselling author and pioneering editor of the award-win-ning Green Guide, dispels a DIY myth: “What’s time-consuming isn’t making the cleaners; it’s making the decision to switch and fi guring it all out,” she says.

Nine Basics Find these multitasking ingredients in local groceries and health stores or online.

White vinegar effectively cleans, deodorizes, cuts grease and disinfects against bacteria, viruses and mold.

Castile soap in liquid or bar form serves as a biodegradable, vegetable-based surfactant and all-around cleaner (avoid mixing with vinegar, which neutralizes its cleansing properties).

Baking soda cleans, whitens, neutral-izes odors and softens water. It’s an ex-cellent scrubbing agent for bathrooms, refrigerators and ovens.

Borax, a natural mineral, improves the effectiveness of laundry soap. Although classifi ed (as is salt) as a low-level health hazard that should be kept away from children and animals, borax is non-carci-nogenic and isn’t absorbed through skin.

Washing soda, a caustic chemical cousin of baking soda, softens water and removes stains. Bond advises, “It’s a heavy duty cleaner as powerful as any toxic solvent,” so wear gloves.

Hydrogen peroxide is considered an ef-fective disinfectant and bleach alternative by the Environmental Protection Agency. Use it to whiten grout and remove stains.

Essential oils derived from plants infuse cleaners with fragrance and boost germ-fi ghting power. Tea tree, eucalyp-tus and lavender oils all boast antibac-terial, antiviral and antifungal proper-ties. The Jabs advise that although they can be pricy, “The investment will pay for itself many times over.”

Lemon juice or citric acid cuts through grease, removes mold and bacteria and leaves dishes streak-free.

Coarse kosher salt helps soften dishwash-er water and acts as a scouring agent.

Home FormulasAll-purpose cleaner: Homemade Cleaners: Quick-and-Easy Toxin-Free Recipes, by Mandy O’Brien and Dionna Ford, suggests combining one cup of vinegar, one cup of water and 15 drops of lemon oil in a spray bottle. Use it anywhere, including glass and mirrors. For serious disinfecting, follow with a hydrogen peroxide spray.

Foaming hand/dish soap: Shake one cup of water, a quarter-cup of castile soap and 15 drops of essential oil in a foaming dispenser. Use in bathrooms and kitchens.

Dishwashing detergent: DIYNatural recommends mixing one cup of borax, one cup of washing soda, a half-cup of citric acid and a half-cup of coarse ko-sher salt. Leave it uncovered for several days, stirring often to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate. Use one table-spoon per load with a half-cup of citric acid in the rinse to combat streaks.

Laundry detergent: Combine one cup of borax, one cup of washing soda and one 14-ounce bar of grated castile soap. Use one tablespoon per load, adding a half-cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle. Prior to washing, use hydrogen peroxide as a stain remover (test fi rst; it may lift color).

ECO-CLEANERSDIY Recipes Keep Your Home Naturally Clean

by Lane Vail

HOMEMADE


Bathroom soft scrub: Bond recommends creating a thick paste with liquid castile soap and a half-cup of baking soda. Scour tubs, showers and stainless steel surfaces with a sponge, and then rinse.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle one cup of borax into the toilet at bedtime and then clean the loosened grime with a brush the next morning, advises Bond. Wipe outer surfaces with the all-purpose spray.

Wood polish: Bond recommends mix-ing a quarter-cup of vinegar or lemon juice with a few drops of olive and lemon oil.

Americans, comprising less than 5 percent of the world’s population, use 30 percent of the world’s paper, accord-ing to the Worldwatch Institute. Some 13 billion pounds of this comes from paper towels, mostly landfi lled because grime-soaked paper is non-recyclable. Ecological and economical alterna-tives include cloth dishrags, towels, napkins, wipes and handkerchiefs plus washable diapers and menstrual pads. Jean Calleja, co-owner of the Eco Laun-dry Company, in New York City, sug-gests customers buy recycled, organic, unbleached cloths and local products when possible.

In the kitchen: Use washcloths or repurpose cotton T-shirts into 10-by-10-inch squares to use regularly with a homemade all-purpose cleaner on surfaces. Replace paper towels with cloth towels for drying hands.

At the table: Cloth napkins enhance mealtime. Buy or make plain napkins (byhemming cotton fabric squares) for every-day use and celebrate holidays with fancy-patterned fabric rolled into napkin rings.

In the bathroom: Substitute chlorine-laden disinfecting wipes with home-made reusable ones. DIYNatural.com recommends mixing three-quarters of a cup of white vinegar, three-quarters of a cup of water and 25 drops of essential oil in a glass mason jar. Stuff fi ve to sev-en washcloths into the jar, seal with a lid and shake, so the solution is absorbed into each wipe. Pull out a ready-made disinfecting wipe for a quick clean.

Laundering linens: Change cleaning rags often, hang-drying them thor-oughly before adding to the laundry basket. Wash kitchen and bathroom rags (added to the bathroom towel load) separately each week. According to Calleja, “Presoaking rags overnight in a non-toxic, chlorine-free, whitening solution can make a huge difference in getting them clean.” Combine a half-cup of hydrogen peroxide with two to three gallons of water, spot-testing every fabric fi rst for colorfastness. Calleja also likes using a white vinegar and eucalyptus oil rinse aid to dissolve soap residue, soften fabric and leave a fresh scent.

Hard fl oor cleaner: Environmental Working Group’s DIY Cleaning Guide suggests combining a half-gallon of hot water with one cup of white vinegar in a bucket to mop.

Carpet cleaner: Freshen rugs by sprin-kling baking soda at night and vacuum-ing in the morning, suggests Bond. For deeper cleaning, combine one cup of vinegar and two-and-a-half gallons of water in a steam cleaner.

Lane Vail is a freelance writer in South Carolina. Connect at WriterLane.com.

Cloth Tools Replace Paperby Lane Vail

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Creating a backyard wildlife habitat pro-vides valuable teach-

ing moments. With plan-ning and care, birds, bats, butterfl ies and bunnies can view yards as safe havens and sources for food, water and shelter, providing end-less fascination. Josh Stasik, a father of three and owner of Sweet-Seed.com, in Syracuse, New York, sees fi rsthand how feeding winged won-ders can be an inexpensive way to start a new family activity. “My mom taught me about fl owers and bird feeders. I hope my kids will someday pass the informa-tion along to their chil-dren,” he says. Habitat plantings and available foods determine what creatures will visit.

Backyard Birds and Butterfl iesNative Habitats Draw Critters

and Delight Kidsby Avery Mack

“Native plants attract native bugs that are eaten by native birds and bats,” observes Stasik, noting that staff at extension services and garden centers can provide helpful advice. Based on his own research, Stasik knows, “Bird species have defi -nite tastes in food. Blue-birds love mealworms. Hummingbirds like fl oral nectars. Orioles look for citrus fruit. Butterfl ies are eclectic sippers of both fl oral and citrus.” Hummingbirds pose particular appeal for kids and adults because they appear always on the move. Hummingbirds.net/map.html follows their migration sites. Videographer Tom Hoebbel, owner of TH

Photography, outside Ithaca, New York, builds birdhouses and nesting boxes with his kids. They also participate in the annual Christmas bird count for the Audubon Society (Birds.Audubon.org/Christmas-bird-count). The Great Backyard Bird Count, a joint project between nonprofi ts Audu-bon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, follows in February (gbbc.BirdCount.org). “In our yard, we have fi ve nesting boxes made from reused wood. Once or twice a week, we check to see who lives there and how many eggs there are,” says Hoebbel. “So far, we’ve seen bluebirds, chickadees and house wrens.” He laments the rapid decline of bats in the Northeast due to pesticides killing bugs, the main course for birds and bats. “In the winter, bats live in caves, so we put one-by-one-foot boxes in the yard for their summer homes.” Warm evenings on the patio are more enjoyable when bats clean up the mosquito population; a single bat can eat as many as 1,000 in an hour. The monarch butterfl y population is another favorite species in decline, with the spectacular annual migration on the verge of disappearing due to illegal deforestation, climate change, expansion of crop acreage and imposition of genetically modifi ed plants that reduce the growth of native species. “You can help them by planting perennial milkweed in your garden,” advises Brande Plotnick, founder of Tomato Envy, in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Milkweed is the food of choice because it makes the caterpillars and butterfl ies toxic to birds and other predators. Also consider planting garden phlox, conefl ower and lantana. Migrating monarchs live about nine months and fl y up to 30 miles per hour. Plotnick also suggests planting an herb garden that includes parsley. “Swallowtail butterfl ies will lay eggs on parsley, caterpillars hatch and

Hummingbird Nectar RecipeMeasure one part ordinary white sugar to four parts water (no unhealthy red dye needed). Boil the water fi rst, and then mix the nectar while the water is hot; the sugar will easily dissolve.

Source: TomatoEnvy.com

bird photos courtesy of Susan Gottlieb, of Venice, California


feed on it, and eventually create a chrysalis,” she says. “You’ll be able to see the entire butterfl y life cycle.” Rabbits add another dimension to backyard wildlife. Just as birds and butterfl ies need trees, bushes and plants to land on and hide in, bunnies need ground cover. The Virginia De-partment of Game and Fisheries coun-sels that brush piles should start with a base of large limbs, logs or stones to raise the fl oor above ground and cre-ate tunnels and escape routes, plus a home base. Top with smaller branches and maybe a recycled Christmas tree or dead plants. Encourage structural density and permanence with live vines. The resulting brush pile should be igloo-shaped and about six to eight

feet tall and wide. Visit Tinyurl.com/Bun-nyShelters. City ordinances or subdivision regulations

Habitat TipsRecognize the basic needs of all wildlife; food, water, cover and safe places to raise young.

Determine the most desirable species to attract and learn their specifi c needs.

Evaluate current yard habitat conditions for missing elements.

Develop a plant list; select for wildlife value, emphasizing native plants suitable for the region.

Realize that habitat will grow larger and mature.

Certify the family’s backyard wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.

Source: Education Department at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA

might prohibit brush piles in ordinary yards. Find out how to gain certifi cation as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation at Tinyurl.com/Certifi edWildlifeHabitat. Rabbits can have as many as seven babies per litter, depending on the species. Make sure their space is suffi cient. Before attracting bunnies to the yard, be aware of local predators—hawks, owls, coyote, dogs and stray cats. The brush pile may also attract other animals like skunks, raccoons and reptiles. A wildlife habitat is a fun, ongoing learning experience. It calls on math skills for bird counts, geography to follow migration maps and woodworking to build homesites and feeding spots. It becomes a lesson in local ecology and the roles of native plants and animals. When children comprehend they can help save wildlife, it’s also a lesson in hope.

Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via [email protected].

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To have your event included in the Calendar of Events, please [email protected] or visit NABlueRidge.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Calendar entries are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

calendarofevents

TUESDAY, APRIL 1Lynchburg Peace Education Center Monthly Meet-ing – 7-8pm. Discussion and planning of local peace and justice events. All are welcome. The Peace Prac-tice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4Second Annual Benefi t Concert and Silent Auction – 6:30-9:30pm. Featuring the band Smart Mouth. Event venue: Beliveau Estate Winery, 5415 Gallion Ridge Rd, Blacksburg. $25 donation. For reservations, contact [email protected] or 540-250-6905. Proceeds benefi t the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. CFNRV.org.

Community HU Song and Eckankar Book Discus-sion – 6:45-7:15pm. Join us at the Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg, for a community HU song (song to God) followed at 7:30pm with an introductory Eckankar book discussion. Eckankar Center. 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5Youth Peace Summit – 9am-4pm. Workshops on peace, art, justice and empowerment. Includes break-fast, lunch and music/entertainment. Sponsored by Plowshare Peace and Justice Center. Ages 12-19. Free. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2015 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. PlowshareVa.org. [email protected].

Screening of A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet – 1pm. Screening of this Sundance documentary

showing 50 years of global environmentalism from the grassroots level up. Lyric Theatre, 135 College Ave, Blacksburg. Free will donation. Sponsored by Sustain-able Blacksburg. SustainableBlacksburgVa.org.

“Love Your Parkway” Cleanup Day – 10:30am-2:30pm. Repeats April 12 and 19. Litter pickup and general trail maintenance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke. 540-589-6181. FriendsBRP.org. [email protected].

THURSDAY, APRIL 10Homeschool Nature Program: Migrating Birds – 10-11:30am. Explore the journey of birds in migration and the challenges of the nesting season through scientifi c surveys, games and observations. Ages 9-12. $6/child. Register by email, please. Event site: Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. 269-569-5791. NatureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

Spring Lamb and Foraged Dinner – 6pm reception; 6:30pm dinner. A wild-foraged dinner featuring edible plants from the nearby countryside and complementary, humanely-raised meats. Fundraiser for Chefs Collab-orative. $49 for four courses; reservations are required. Local Roots Restaurant, 1314 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-206-2610. LocalRootsRestaurant.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11Homeschool Nature Program: Migrating Birds – 10-11:30am. Explore the journey of birds in migration and the challenges of the nesting season through scientifi c

surveys, games and observations. Ages 6-8. $6/child. Register by email, please. Event site: Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. 269-569-5791. NatureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

SATURDAY, APRIL 12Health and Wellness Fair. Informational tables, booths, ongoing talks, demonstrations and opportuni-ties to exercise, all planned to raise health awareness in the Bedford community. The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Rd, Big Island. 434-299-5080. [email protected]. SedaliaCenter.org.

Listening to the Frogs – 8-9pm. Also Saturday, April 26. Join us for an evening stroll near wetlands and ponds to listen for the frogs of the season at Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. Ages 6 and over; $5/person. Please register by email. 269-569-5791. NatureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16Living Well Monthly Series: Living Well Through Gratitude – 6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by Lynn Bowman, MSSW. Learn how gratitude can improve your physical and emotional health and improve your relationships. Pre-registration is required. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Chris-tiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17** TIME?Homeschool Nature Program: Salaman-der Search and Frog Find – 10-11:30am. Learn about what makes amphibians so awesome. Ages 6-12. $6/child. Register by email, please. Event site: Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. 269-569-5791. NatureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

SATURDAY, APRIL 19Monroe Institute Excursion Workshop – 9am-6pm. Continues on Sunday, 9am-5:30pm. Engage in conscious-ness exploration, self-discovery and personal transforma-

Unity of Roanoke ValleySunday Services 9 & 11 am, Weekly Classes,

Workshops & Weddings. Celebra ng all paths toGod!3300 Green Ridge Road Roanoke, VA 24019www.UnityOfRoanokeValley.org (540) 562-2200

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Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-230-6758

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tion using powerful Hemi-Sync technology. Pre-registration is required. $190/person (includes lunch). KeyQuest, 536 Wild Cherry Rd, NE, Pilot, NC. 540-651-2727. Keyquest.US.Com.

2014 Blue Ridge Kite Festival – 10am-4pm. Bring your kite and lawn chair as you enjoy a day of outdoor fun. Live demonstrations by the Richmond Air Force Kite Club. Free kids’ kites and event shirts available while supplies last. Free. Green Hill Park, 2501 Parkside Dr, Salem. RoanokeCountyVA.gov.

Fruit Trees, Berries and Vegetable Seedlings Sale– All day. Fundraiser for permaculture in Roanoke. Event site: Mountain View Community Garden, 13thSt SW.,Roanoke. [email protected]. Urbiculture.org.

Party for the Planet – 11am-4pm. Participate in Earth-friendly art activities and learn what you can do to help the planet! Visit the animals, including 21 vulnerable or endangered species, and chat with zookeepers. Regular zoo admission; zoo members free. Mill Mountain Zoo, Ro-anoke. 540-343-3241, ext. 23. Exemplum.com/MMZoo.

Eckankar Book Discussion – 11:30am-12:30pm. Join us at the Floyd library for a book discussion on Stranger by the River by Paul Twitchell. Sponsored by: Eckankar Center, 1420 3rd St, Roanoke. 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24Homeschool Nature Program: What Lives Here? – 10-11:30am. Discover what lives in the fi elds and meadows of the park. Ages 9-12. $6/child. Register by email, please. Event site: Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. 269-569-5791. Na-tureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

FRIDAY, APRIL 25Homeschool Nature Program: What Lives Here? – 10-11:30am. Discover what lives in the fi elds and meadows of the park. Ages 6-8. $6/child. Register by email, please. Event site: Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. 269-569-5791. Na-tureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

SATURDAY, APRIL 26Book Sale – 8am-2pm. Many selections available from the church library on various topics. Also CDs and DVDs. If you have books, CDs or DVDs to donate to our sale, please contact the church offi ce. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

Calming Mind and Body Workshop – 9am-5:30pm. Enjoy deep physical and mental relaxation with Hemi-Sync audio technology. Learn many practical strategies and empowering tools for reducing stress and living life consciously and joyfully. Pre-registration required. $85/person (includes lunch). KeyQuest, 536 Wild Cherry Rd, NE, Pilot, NC. 540651-2727. KeyQuest.US.com.

Earth Day Abingdon – 9am-12pm. Come enjoy all the booths, food and family fun to celebrate Earth Day. Good-ies for the kids! Sponsored by Sustain Abingdon. Free. Fields-Penn House, 208 W Main St, Abingdon. 800-435-3440. Facebook.com/SustainAbingdon.

Earth Day Roanoke 2014 – 10am-4pm. Outdoor fam-ily festival celebrating our Earth, recycled box car race, environmental and community service displays, music, crafts, food and children’s games. 1300 block Grandin Rd and Memorial Ave, Roanoke. Free. 540-387-2782. EarthDayRoanoke.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27Peace Readers Book Group – 2-3pm. Monthly book discussion group focusing on a wide variety of titles that support our intention of “nurturing habits of harmony.” The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

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sundayUnity of Roanoke – 9 and 11am services. All welcome. 3300 Green Ridge Rd NW, Roanoke. 540-562-2200. Offi [email protected]. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

Unity in the Seven Hills – 10-11am. Sunday service. Free. 3522 Campbell Ave, Lynchburg. 434-845-5832. [email protected]. UnityInTheSevenHills.org.

Valley Community Church – 11am worship service. Practical solutions based on the teachings of Jesus. Services include varied musical programs; refreshments served afterward. All welcome. Nursery available. 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

Community HU Song – 10-10:30am. Second Sunday of each month. Singing HU (song to God) has helped people of many different faiths open their hearts more fully to the uplifting presence of God. Eckankar Cen-ter, 1420 Third St, Roanoke (fi rst fl oor, back far right offi ce). 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

Eckankar Worship Service – 11am-noon. Second Sunday of each month. Join us at the Forest Library, Hwy 221, Lynchburg, to explore the topic “The Light and Sound: The Wonders of God” led by special guests Linda and Jerry Hiller. All welcome. Sponsored by Eckankar Center, 1420 3rd St, Roanoke. 540-353-5365. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

Peace Readers Book Group – 2pm. Last Sunday of every month. Book group focusing on titles that help to create a culture of peace. For more information, check

the calendar on our website. All are welcome! Free. The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

mondayNurturing Nature Walks for Preschoolers – 10-11am. Learn about the wonders of nature through songs, movement, and our senses. $4/child; free for adults and younger siblings. Event site: Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. 269-569-5791. NatureInvestigations.com. [email protected].

4th Monday Alternative Medicine Study Group – 6-7:30pm. For practitioners. Learn about wellness and healing for our patients. Free. Holistic Veterinary Consultants, 2401 S Main St, Blacksburg. 540-616-WAGS. [email protected]. HolisticVeterinaryConsultants.com.

Creating Your Joy: Yoga to Manage Your Mood – 7-8:15pm. Join us for a gentle yoga class that emphasizes balancing the nervous system and mood regulation. $12 drop-in or purchase a class card. All are welcome! Inner Wisdom Yoga and Psychotherapy, 1420 3rd St, Roanoke. 540-798-8478. [email protected].

A Course in Miracles – 7-9pm. All welcome. Love offering. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd NW, Roa-noke. 540-562-2200, ext. 10. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

tuesdayTai Chi – 12-1pm. Low-impact focusing on relaxation,

ongoingeventsbalance and a sense of overall well-being. All ages, all levels. No registration required and drop-ins are welcome. Barefoot Studios, 16 Church Ave (16 W Marketplace Bldg),Roanoke. 540-632-2323. Bare-footStudiosAndGalleries.com.

Kids’ Yoga – 4:30-5:15pm. Beginner’s class aimed at being light and engaging for children. Call to pre-register. Ages 4-11. First session/free; $8/one session; $36/six sessions. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Chris-tiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Beginner’s Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Also Thursdays 4:15-5:30pm and Fridays 9:30-10:45am. Increase your strength and fl exibility. No experience neces-sary. First session is free; call to pre-register. $12/one session; $48/6 sessions. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Chris-tiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Zen Meditation Group – 6-7pm. Meditation in-struction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. [email protected].

Vinyasa Flow Class – 6:15-7:30pm. Class is open to all levels. Facilitated by Christina Adams, RYT. $10/public; $5/students. Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540-392-3723 or 540-544-6820. BlueRidgeMassage.org.

Edgar Cayce Search for God group – 7:30-9:30pm. New members welcome. 413 Dunton Dr, Blacksburg. 540-552-2873. [email protected].

My Co-op 101. Learn more about a cooperative busi-ness and how to make the most of your ownership. Last Tuesday of every month. Free to owners; walk-ins welcome. Please call to reserve a space. Roanoke Natural Foods Coop, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

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wednesdayMindfulness Self-Care for Practitioners – 9-10am. Sec-ond and fourth Wednesday of each month. Hosted by Alan Forrest, LPC, LMFT. Practice mindfulness for 30 minutes and then enjoy an open discussion for 30 minutes. Free-will offering. Pre-registration is required. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Hatha Yoga – 11am-12pm. Gentle yoga focusing on integration of body, mind, and spirit with instructor Col-leen Carrell. No registration required and drop-ins are welcome. All ages, all levels. $10. Barefoot Studios, 16 Church Ave (16 W Marketplace Bldg), Roanoke. 540-761-5635. BarefootStudiosAndGallery.com.

Prayer and Meditation – 12-12:20pm. Add your energy to the peaceful environment of our chapel and be lifted up through the use of positive affi rmations during this sacred time of prayer and focused attention. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityO-fRoanokevalley.org.

Zen Meditation Group – 6-7pm. Meditation in-struction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. [email protected].

Tai Chi – 6-7pm. Low-impact “meditation in motion” focusing on relaxation, balance and a sense of overall well-being. Instructor: Gloria Elliott. Please call Gloria before coming to your fi rst class. All ages, all levels. No regis-tration required and drop-ins are welcome. $8. Barefoot Studios, 16 Church Ave (16 W Marketplace Bldg), Roa-noke. 540-632-2323. BarefootStudiosAndGalleries.com.

Meditation, Reading and Book Discussion – 6:30pm meditation; 7-8:30pm reading and book discussion. Visit website for current book. Valley Community

Church, Divine Science, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. One block off Rt 419, behind McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

New River Valley Unity Study Group – 7:30-9pm. Meditation, introspection and discussion. Free. Lo-cation varies. Call for details: Bev 540-763-2410 or Betty 540-639-5739.

thursdayBeginner’s Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Increase your strength and fl exibility. No experience necessary. First session is free; call to pre-register. $12/one session; $48/6 sessions. Life in Balance Counseling and Well-ness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Hot Yoga – 6-7pm. Better suited to the student with some prior yoga experience, this class incorporates a faster pace, high temperatures and fun music. No registration required; drop-in any time. Bedford Yoga Center, 715 Liberty St, Bedford. 434-944-1150. YogaBedford.com.

Laughter Yoga – 6-6:30pm. Laughter Yoga is held every fi rst and third Thursday of the month. No expe-rience required. Free. Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540-392-3723 or 540-544-6820. Laugh4u.org.

Mysore Yoga – 6-7:30pm. Deepen your experience of yoga. $10/public; $5/students. Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540-392-3723 or 540-544-6820. BlueRidgeMassage.org.

Roanoke Community Drum Circle – 7pm. Express yourself through rhythm. Free. Grandin Village, courtyard of Raleigh Court Baptist Church, corner of Memorial Ave and Grandin Rd, Roanoke. Sponsored by Plowshares, 214 Summit Way, Roanoke. 989-0393. PlowshareVa.org.

fridayVinyasa Flow Class – 9:30-10:45am. Class is open to all levels. $10/public; $5/students. Blue Ridge Blue School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540-392-3723 or 540-544-6820. BlueRidgeMassage.org.

Beginner’s Yoga – 9:30-10:45am. Increase your strength and fl exibility. No experience necessary. First session is free; call to pre-register. $12/one session; $48/6 ses-sions. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Alzheimer’s Support Group – 3-4pm. Meets every third Friday of the month in the Woodland Studio at the Village Center at Warm Hearth Village. Members will discuss issues that arise from caring for a loved one with dementia. Light refreshments available. Free. Warm Hearth Village, 2603 Warm Hearth Dr, Blacksburg. 540-552-9176. Retire.org.

saturdayZen Meditation Group – 9-10pm. Meditation instruc-tion is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. [email protected].

Free Science-Based Natural Health Information – 10am-5pm. Second Saturday of each month. Drawings for free gift certifi cates, proven wellness information and great savings opportunities. The Well, 1764 Patriot Ln, Bedford. 540-587-9000; 877-843-9355. [email protected].

Monthly Silent Peace Vigil – Noon. Third Saturday of each month. All welcome. Downtown Roanoke City Market Bldg, 32 Market St, Roanoke. Sponsored by Plowshares, 214 Summit Way, Roanoke. 989-0393. PlowshareVa.org.


FRIDAY, MAY 2“Be Fit, Be Well” Women’s Weekend. Continues through Sunday, May 4. Fitness classes, self-defense class, special seminars on home fi tness and clean eating supplements, delicious meals, massage, tanning, shopping and pampering. Register at 540-721-8870. $175/person. Bernard’s Landing, Smith Mountain Lake. For questions, call 540-793-4397 or 540-537-8127.

SATURDAY, MAY 3Shred-A-Thon – 9am-12pm. Community shred sponsored by the Christiansburg/Montgomery County Triad council. Free. Christiansburg Recreation Center, 1600 N Franklin St, Christiansburg. 540-382-6975. Facebook.com/MCParksrec.

Earth Day Floyd – 10am-3:30pm. Come celebrate Earth Day with us! Fun and ecological activities for the entire family. Lots of fun activities for the kids! Free. Floyd Eco Village, 188 Eco Village Trail (718 Franklin Pike Rd), Floyd. Facebook: Floyd Virginia Earth Day. [email protected].

SATURDAY, MAY 10Body Mind Spirit Fest – 10am-6pm. Third an-nual event featuring 24 readers, healers and vendors. Vendors: register ASAP before we sell out. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke. 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org. Face-book.com/UnityRkeValley.

Explore Park Open House – 10am-5pm. Experi-ence a day of family fun including sand sculpting, live band, environmental education, storytelling, summer camp info, wedding sampler, guided nature walks, hay rides, geocaching and Into the Wild run. Free. Explore Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (Milepost 115), Roanoke. 540-777-6326. RoanokeCountyVA.gov.

SATURDAY, MAY 17Rally for Road Safety – 10am-3pm. Community event including bike rodeo, demo on new car tech, prizes, games, safety lessons, car seat checks and fun for all! Sponsored by Roanoke County Parks and Rec. Free. Firestone parking lot, Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke. RoanokeCountyVA.gov.

SATURDAY, MAY 24Bluegrass and BBQ Festival – 11am-10pm. Food, arts and crafts, antique tractor show, kite fl ying, hiking/biking trails, children’s activities, primi-tive camping, jamming area and more! Adults/$20 reserved, $25 at the gate; children/free with paying adult. Chantilly Festival Farm, 2697 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd. 276-229-1687. [email protected]. ChantillyFarm.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7Race for Open Space 2014 – 7:30am-12pm. Sixth annual 3K Run/Walk and 5K Run Classic to benefi t the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Kids’ activities available during and after the race. $25 for Adults 14+ before May 15, $30 day of registration; free for children 13 and under. Event site: Green Hill Park, Sa-lem. 540-995-0000. BlueRidgeLandConservancy.org.

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