I met Laura Schnieder, our Fire and Rescue Community Outreach Coordinator, over at the Fire Academy recently to have a go at the physical agility course. This circuit is part of the application process that recruits go through for the Fire and Rescue Department.
The course is pretty intense. Here’s the rundown of everything you have to do in under seven minutes while wearing a 50-pound vest:
carry a 100-foot hose up to the fourth floor of the burn building
drag a fully charged hose 75 feet
drag a 175-pound dummy 100 feet
carry a fan 150 feet without lifting it on your shoulders or dropping it
use a sledgehammer to move a 150-pound beam down a sled
Going into the test, I felt like I could manage all the tasks, but time was what concerned me. However, I quickly realized the vest, which simulated the firefighter’s gear, was going to be a major problem. As someone with a smaller build, 50 pounds is a significant amount of weight to add, plus it made me quite top-heavy.
I knew pacing myself was going to be important, so I didn’t rush myself through the first two tasks. (Side note: I’d never been in the burn building before and it does in fact smell like they burn things in there all the time.)
When I got to the dummy drag, that’s when things started to turn. There is a lot of friction between the dummy and the concrete which makes it even harder to drag. As I was struggling, Capt. Nick Schmitt commented, “this is where most people regret coming out.” And, if I’m going to be honest, I was having second thoughts about this video idea. Even with some tips to carry the dummy, I still had to stop a lot which slowed my momentum.
I finished the dummy drag, but my legs and arms were turning to Jell-O.
The fan obstacle became much more of an obstacle because my body was so worn out from dragging the dummy. Again, I was stopping a lot to try to regain my strength which really ate into my time.
I got on the Kaiser Sled with 30 seconds left of my time and attempted to finish anyways, but my body was DONE. I swung the hammer a few times but knew that I didn’t have any strength left. I tapped out and then very quickly asked for help to get the 50-pound vest off.
Laura, however, was a different story. She had done the course once before and had been preparing for her rematch. It was awesome to watch her crush the course, but I won’t spoil her final time. Don’t hold your breath for a rematch of my own on the agility course!
Want more information about the recruiting process for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue? Check out their webpage here, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Looking to shop local for the holiday season? We have you covered! We recently checked out five business around the county, so if you’re looking for something local, something sporty or even tools for the holiday, check these businesses out.
Jamison’s Farm Market (5635 Grandin Rd. Ext.)
This is the perfect place to help with cooking this year! They have frozen casseroles and cheesecakes that can make hosting a breeze, as well as candies that make great stocking stuffers.
Jamison’s also puts together gift baskets with local goods that make quick, easy gifts. The baskets come in a variety of sizes, or you can pick out your own goodies from around the store and they’ll make a custom gift basket. Jamison’s can also ship the gift baskets!
Country Corner (4273 Challenger Ave. NE)
You may know County Corner as a nursery, and they don’t disappoint for the holiday season! The greenhouse is packed with a variety of poinsettias and Christmas cactuses.
The shelves are packed with ornaments as well. Their displays are divided into themes, from the forest to the beach, girls’ night and hunting. If you know someone with a special tree – this is the place to be!
Just the Right Gear (2265 Catawba Valley Dr.)
You’re never too old to get a bike for Christmas! Just the Right Gear has everything you need from mountain bikes to accessories and apparel. They are now stocking electric bikes, too.
There are also plenty of stocking stuffers for the cycling enthusiast in your life. Just the Right Gear has lights, tool kits, gloves and more that make great little gifts. Plus, their upcycled branded flannels are a great way to sport your favorite cycling store while out on the trail!
Northwest Ace – Hollins (7650 Williamson Rd)
From tool kits to stocking stuffers, don’t sleep on Ace! There is a Hallmark section inside, so you can get Keepsake ornaments, cards, wrapping paper and stocking stuffers.
Ace also has deals going on this holiday season on sets and electric tools in the brands you love. While we were there, we also spotted a toy chainsaw, leaf blower and more if there’s a kid in your life that loves helping with DIYs.
Kind Brew Coffee (3555 Electric Rd. Suite B1)
Kind Brew opened just a few months ago in the West Village shopping center and has coffee and handicrafts in their shop. If you have a tea and coffee lover in your life, there are a lot of loose tea mixes and lattes in a jar to choose from.
There are several local vendors in stock including honey, herbal mixes, pottery, and amigurumi. So stop by and get yourself a coffee as you shop – they have a signature white roast blend that they roast in house!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Standing in front of the Roanoke County Administration Building with a can of spray paint definitely felt like I was doing something illegal, but as part of our storm drain stenciling program, it’s actually community service.
Storm drains flow directly into our streams and rivers without being treated. This means that dog poop that’s not picked up, oil that leaks from a car and excess salt applied to icy steps will find its way to our waterways after rain.
I joined Rachel, our GIS storm drain expert, to paint some storm drains to remind everyone – only rain down the drain!
The safety cones and yellow vest made it feel official as we painted two drains near the front and back entrance of the administration parking lot.
Painting the drains itself was quick and easy. The stormwater team provides you with everything you need including a map (made by Rachel!) of all the drains in the area you can paint.
Rachel had never been on the participant side of the program so she and I each painted a drain for the experience! Now anytime someone parks near the entrance to participate in a board meeting or pay their taxes, they’ll be reminded that the drains empty directly into our waterways.
If you’re interested in getting involved it’s a great volunteer opportunity for scouts, neighborhood associations or even just a group of friends! You can find more information about the program and more ways to get involved here.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
The big event happening this summer in the Roanoke Valley is the USA Cycling Mountain Biking National Championships and I decided to hop on the mountain biking bandwagon! Roanoke County’s Explore Park is hosting the cross country events, so I met Ryan Shazor, out there to get some tips.
We started at the bike center to learn some basic skills. This area includes a skills loop to practice features you’ll see along the trail.
As we were riding to the loop from the parking lot, Ryan pointed out that you want to keep level pedals as you’re biking, so you don’t accidentally hit the features as you go over them.
We started with the rock roller and log rumble strip to practice some of the basics you’ll see on the trail. Ryan then demonstrated a skinny and pointed out that if you’re approaching a new skill (or new section of trail) it’s good practice to walk through it with your bike before riding through to get comfortable.
While I was out at the park, I caught up with Greg Martin. He’s part of the team that has been working out at Explore Park to add new features and get it ready for the national championship events.
Greg walked us through a new area of the course that comes down the mountain quickly, into a rock feature and then back up switchbacks to the road.
“It will separate riders,” Greg said about this section. “It’s the reason why the national championships are here.”
As someone who usually just bikes on the road, it was fun to see all the different challenges that mountain bikers are faced with. The most important thing I learned is that I have a long way to go before I’m doing anything competitive!
If you’re interested in mountain biking, Parks and Rec has a beginner mountain biking skills clinic out at Explore Park. Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is also a great way to get the whole family out, so come out to Explore Park the first Saturday in October to celebrate!
Want to learn more about the events happening in the Roanoke Valley? Watch the Out of the Office podcast episode with Roanoke-based cyclist Gordon Wadsworth and John Oney from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
2025 USA Cycling National Championship Endurance Mountain Biking Events
July 14: Marathon Championships at Carvins Cove
July 16-17: Short Track Championships at Elmwood Park
July 18-20: Cross Country Championships at Explore Park
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
As a dog-lover, I’ve been excited about the idea of taking out a Roanoke Adventure Dog from The Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP). The RAD program gives adoptable dogs a field trip away from the shelter. It’s an opportunity to relax away from the kennels and potentially meet someone looking to adopt.
I met Melinda, the Director of Operations at RCACP, early one morning and she introduced me to Brenda, a one-year-old American Pitt Bull Terrier who had already been at the shelter for a few months.
Melinda warned me that Brenda was a big people-puppy but probably wouldn’t love long walks. Bad news for Brenda, I had a walk planned for us.
After Brenda decided on her three favorite toys to bring along, we headed over to South County Library to check out the Wetland Trail. As we finished up, with the car in sight, Brenda plopped down on the sidewalk and did not want to get up, so Melinda was right about the long walks!
We eventually got back in the car and headed to Starky Park to sit in the shade and practice tricks. Brenda knew how to sit and would lay down on her own accord.
As the day got warmer, we sought relief in the County Administration Building. We didn’t make it past the front desk before Brenda was showered in attention. We tried to visit as many people as we could. No matter how many people we saw, Brenda was always excited to see more.
Before we headed back to RCACP, we stopped at Mill Mountain Coffee for a pup cup. Brenda did have a loud conversation with another dog at the café, but once she saw her treat, she devoured it!
Brenda has been adopted, but there are plenty more dogs and cats at the shelter eager for their forever home. Adoption hours are Monday through Saturday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and keep an eye on RCACP’s Facebook page for after-hours and weekend adoption events! You can learn more about the RAD program here.
I must admit, I’m a cat-lover, too. RCACP’s Free Roam Cat Room reopened a few months ago, so don’t be surprised if we Roam RoCo in the cat room soon!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Spring is back in the Roanoke Valley, and the April showers are definitely spilling (or dumping) into May. But earlier this month, Alex North and I trekked up to McAfee’s Knob to see the blooms, the new bridge and, of course, the views.
The McAfee Knob Pedestrian Bridge was completed earlier this year by VDOT. I made the joke that it’s nice to not have to play frogger to get across 311, and I heard several other hikers make that joke while we were there.
On the way up, we did see a lot of blooms including lady’s slipper, mountain laurel and azaleas.
I always love hiking on the Appalachian Trail. The 2,190-mile trail spans from Georgia to Maine with over 500 miles in Virginia. It’s even more exciting this year because the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is celebrating its 100th anniversary! The ATC works with the National Park Service and local clubs to maintain the Appalachian Trail and leads conservation and education efforts.
The views of the Catawba Valley are always amazing at the knob and the weather can change fast up there. When we got up there it was sunny with just a few clouds and by the time we left, a little rain and mist was coming in.
If you head further down the ridge, you can see the Roanoke Valley, too. Alex pointed out a bunch of landmarks including the airport, the star and Read Mountain.
If you hike McAfee Knob, keep in mind that the parking lot can fill up fast on the weekends, so you may want to take the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle. The trailhead shuttle goes to Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead, too, and has several options for stops in Salem and on Route 311.
McAfee Knob is rated as a moderate trail on AllTrails. The route along the Appalachian Trail is 7.8 miles with 1,811 feet of elevation gain, but you can also take the fire road to get up there. Either way, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
April 9th is National Library Outreach Day, so we’re celebrating by visiting Little Free Libraries around the county with outreach librarian Kelsey Frey and the WoW! Bookmobile.
Little Free Libraries took over the nation in the 2010s, popping up in neighborhoods and community gathering places. Roanoke County Parks and Recreation along with the Public Library installed nine in parks around the county in 2009. The libraries were built as part of an Eagle Scout project and painted by local schools.
One of the things I was most excited about for our outing was getting into the parks! I had actually never been to ANY of the parks we visited. These were my favorite things about each park, in case you haven’t been either:
Starkey Park: There’s a short trail that connects the park to South County Library and loops around the wetlands.
Garst Mill: The stream that runs through it is a perfect babbling brook!
Vinyard Park: Underway is a greenway extension connecting to the Glade Creek Greenway. (Shameless plug, we talked about it on the last Out of the Office podcast episode.)
All of the Little Free Libraries were easy to find in the parks, too. It was fun to peak in and see what people have donated. There was a good mix of classics, contemporary and children’s books in the ones we visited. And as Kelsey points out, they’re a great way to engage with materials 24/7.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take a class at the Brambleton Center? They offer a little bit of everything from group fitness to art classes. After running the police agility course last month, I was ready to take it easy with some time in the studio.
I recently went over to join Intro to Watercolor, a multi-week class taught by Raine Matos, a graduate of Hollins University.
This week, Raine was going over mixed media techniques. The class was focusing on how to layer gauche, colored pencil, and other art supplies on top of a watercolor painting.
We worked on a timed exercise where we had three minutes with watercolor, three minutes with gauche, and three minutes with colored pencil. The idea was to be able to loosen up and practice the techniques without worrying about perfection. After the exercises, students had a chance to work on their own pieces with guidance from Raine.
Classes at the Brambleton Center are designed to be beginner friendly. Emily Hannah, one of the programmers, said, “if you haven’t taken an art class that you felt good about – even if it was like you got a frowny face in elementary school on something that you made – we are ready to welcome you in.”
Everyone I met at the Brambleton Center from Raine to the participants in the class were indeed very welcoming. Now is the perfect time to sign up for a class at the Brambleton Center because registration for spring classes is live. You can find some of the classes in the Spring RecLife Brochure or see the full list on classes here.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
I joined Officer Brian Lee to run the physical agility course. Officer Lee is the recruiter for the Roanoke County Police Department and travels around the East Coast to tell people about what the department has to offer.
The physical agility test is part of the application process for recruits. The course is meant to simulate a foot pursuit and includes sprinting around the gym, jumping over a five-foot wall and crawling under obstacles.
Officer Lee and I both ran the circuit. He has run it dozens – if not hundreds – of times at this point, including when he applied at the academy. What you see in the video was my first ever go at the course!
I was a little nervous before I started because I was determined to get a passing time. I thought jumping over the wall was going to be my biggest hurdle because I don’t often jump over walls these days, but dragging the 150-pound dummy was definitely the thing that slowed me down the most.
To pass, recruits have to finish the course in under two minutes. Want to see how we did? Check out the full video on YouTube and get an inside look at what it takes to join the Roanoke County Police Department.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, don’t worry! There’s still plenty of time to find great gifts locally. I recently explored some Roanoke County businesses to get gifts for coworkers, friends and family.
Sycamore Station (1900 Dutch Oven Rd.)
This cafe and gift shop opened its brick-and-mortar location earlier this year and it is absolutely adorable! Sycamore Station sells products from local makers including mugs, soap, art and jewelry.
There’s a tree set up inside covered in beautiful ornaments. Plus, Sycamore Station is having a Holiday Market on Dec. 14 with even more vendors to check out.
Don’t forget to grab a coffee while you’re there!
Star City Games (5728 Williamson Rd)
This shop is a great place to find gifts for all the comic and gaming enthusiasts in your life, whether they’re a DC or a Marvel person. Star City Games had a lot of great board games that you may not find in big box retailers.
One of the employees recommended Root, which is a resource management board game for 2-4 players.
Star City Games is the go-to store for Magic the Gathering cards and it carries a lot of other items for popular table-top games as well, like Pokémon and Dungeons and Dragons.
Explore Park Artisan Market (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd)
Every year during Illuminights, Explore Park sets up an Artisan Market. Over 35 local makers have their work for sale inside the visitor’s center. There’s everything you can imagine including handmade candle melts, ornaments, baskets and nature illustrations.
You can make a whole evening of your Christmas shopping by getting a ticket for the Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights and enjoying the family-friendly activities while you’re at the park! Get your Illuminights tickets here.
I’ll be going back to the Artisan Market for Illuminights and plan to drop some not-so-subtle hints to my family about gifts I would like!
Basil’s Farm Market & Gifts (7963 Franklin Rd)
Basil’s Farm Market & Gifts recently celebrated one year in business. The store opened on Black Friday last year and sells meat, produce and artisan goods.
I spotted one of my personal favorite makers here, The Slap Shop pottery. I am genuinely obsessed with the mini vases she makes and have to stop myself from buying one whenever I see her pottery for sale!
Basil’s sells meat and produce so if you want to get your family meal from a local farm this year, stop by to see what’s available.
Banner’s Hallmark (3955 Brambleton Ave)
The last stop of the day was Banner’s Hallmark. I, of course, needed something to wrap my gifts with, but Hallmark has so much more than just stationary and wrapping paper!
The ornament collection is first-rate and there’s Grinch galore (including a talking wreath that startled me a few times while filming.) From Lily Pulitzer to Star Wars, they have something for everyone, so you’ll definitely find a great gift for anyone on your list.
Hopefully, this inspired some ideas for your holiday shopping! Happy Holidays!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Illuminights returns to Roanoke County this holiday season! Staff for Parks, Recreation and Tourism are working hard to finish setting up the Walk of Lights and converting Explore Park into a winter wonderland!
Kelly Brammer, Assistant Director of Tourism, gave me a sneak peek at this year’s trail. As we strolled through the half-mile loop, she pointed out the themed sections that tell stories through light – and there are whimsical animals, holiday traditions, and photo opportunities around every turn.
At home, I put up a string of icicle lights around the porch and call it good. Something about the 650,000+ lights at Illuminights puts my decoration to shame! Of course, when I saw the little mushroom forest, I immediately wanted it for my yard, too.
Kelly shared some of her favorite displays to see every year, like the giant polar bear and larger-than-life flowers. Even in the daylight, some of the decorations were impressive and Kelly assured me, at nighttime it really shows off.
I’m not sure if seeing Illuminights inspired me to go out and buy Lowes out of holiday lights (I hate untangling cords and checking bulbs), but I definitely can’t wait to come back at night and see the trail fully lit up.
If you’re interested in going to Illuminights, tickets are on sale now. Illuminights is open for 32 nights from November 23 through December 30. While you’re there, be sure to check out the artisan market for some holiday shopping!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
A few months ago, on the Out of the Office podcast, Alex North mentioned he’d never hiked Dragon’s Tooth. I quickly signed him up to do a Roam RoCo with me to explore the trail. Leading up to the hike, Alex was a little warry about what he’s gotten himself into. Even along the way, when we reached the rock scrambles he said, “you didn’t tell me about this.”
Behind the camera, it was Allen’s first time hiking Dragon’s Tooth, as well. I had hiked Dragon’s Tooth about half a dozen times before, so I donned my adventure guide hat for the hike (I even made sure to brush up on my Appalachian Trail history before the trip!)
One of the great things about hiking with friends is getting the chance to catch up without screens or a lot of distractions. We talked about music, football, work and all sorts of things while stopping along the way to point out cool views, streams and lichen (my favorite organism!)
Getting out in nature is a great way to connect with each other and the world around you. We even ran into a few cool groups of people along the way including medical professionals on a backpacking trip learning how to care for outdoor-related injuries in nature.
If you’re going to try the trail yourself, the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle now offers stops to Dragon’s Tooth, making it even easier to get there. And in late October, with the leaves changing color, now is one of the best times to go out hiking!
Dragon’s Tooth is rated as a hard trail on AllTrails. It’s 4.6 miles with 1,256 feet of elevation gain. Most of the strenuous hiking comes in the last 0.7 mile where you’re gaining a lot of elevation and encountering the rock scrambles, so take your time and pack plenty of water and snacks!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Recycling in Roanoke County may look a little different that other places, but staff and citizens are dedicated to the cause. I recently had the chance to ride along with David Pittman on his recycling route to see how it’s done.
David covers up to 150 miles in a day, shuttling trailers from six drop-off points around the county to Recycling & Disposal Solutions (RDS.) During my visit, we picked up a trailer from Cox Communications and headed out.
One thing that really stood out was David’s efficiency. He can pull in, check the trailer, and secure it for transport in just about five minutes — though the camera and I did slow him down a bit! The parking lots can be tight, so if you see him with a trailer in tow, be sure to give him some extra space.
The highlight of the day was our visit to RDS. When we arrived, we were greeted by a towering mountain of unsorted recyclables. The video does not do it justice on how large the mound of recycling is, and we dumped even more in! If you want to see what happens to the recycling once the county drops it off, check out this video from RVTV.
Solid Waste Manager Brad Jordan described some of the challenges faced by recycling operations. From plastic bags to flamingo lawn ornaments, people put a lot of things in the trailers that can’t be recycled. A quick tip: breaking down cardboard boxes before placing them in the bin helps keep things running smoothly and prevents overflow.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. You can email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Blazing fires and heroic rescues might be the first things that come to mind when you think of fire and rescue, but there's a critical skill that recruits need to master before graduating: emergency medical services. Brian Clingenpeel, the Community Outreach Coordinator for Fire and Rescue, estimates that 85% of the calls that the department responds to are for EMS.
I recently visited the regional training center as recruiting class 38 practiced the EMS skills they've been learning as part of their training. The group consists of recruits and instructors from Roanoke County, Roanoke City, and Salem.
One scenario that recruits faced on the day we visited was a gunshot wound. I joined in as the recruits assessed the patient and demonstrated how they stabilized injuries under the watchful eye of instructors. Vehicle crashes, falls, and infant airway obstructions were all covered at the lab stations the groups cycled through.
I had the distinct honor of being a prop for one group. Playing the role of a fall victim, the recruits learned different ways to lift me depending on the scenario (and I was only a little shocked when an instructor lifted me by my pants' cuff!)
During downtime between rotations, Whitney Kirker, one of the instructors from Roanoke County, shared some sage advice for the recruits about their training: “Be good at your job, work hard to be good at your job, and this job will be very rewarding.”
If you want to stay up to date on what's happening with Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. You can email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes at Roanoke County libraries then just sorting books. I recently joined community outreach librarians Allyson Frick and Kelsey Frey as they took the Words on Wheels! bookmobile out to the Catawba Valley Farmers Market.
We started our day at the South County Library. Knowing we were headed to the farmers market, Allyson chose picture books for kids on nature and gardens from the library’s collection. She also packed up a prize wheel, toys and puzzles to entice younger readers to come over and explore the bookmobile.
The bookmobile is small but mighty. From a tent and chairs to her laptop and a scanner, Allyson packs in everything she needs to get people library cards, check out books and promote events at the physical library branches.
“Sometimes this is just a marketing tool to promote library services,” Allyson said. “But other times people actually see a book they didn’t see at their local library that they can get, too.”
While we were setting up at the farmers market Allyson recognized Sarah Godoy and her family who specifically came to see Words on Wheels! The family is collecting buttons from each library branch and the bookmobile as part of the summer reading program. Sarah was excited to see that the bookmobile visited Catawba.
“I used to live out in Little Catawba Creek Road when I was a teenager and to know that, like if I had had this when I was younger, I would have had more opportunities to check out books,” Sarah said.
It was great to see Allyson and Kelsey work while the camera wasn’t rolling, too. While we were taking breaks filming, several vendors at the market came over to browse what they had brought and chat. Allyson keeps cookbooks and novels stocked in the bookmobile, so the adults have options as well.
Click here to learn more about the Catawba Valley Farmers Market. Find where the Words on Wheels! bookmobile will be next here.
Of course, I couldn’t leave the farmers market without buying something. I took home a lemon sour cream pound cake to share with my family. The perfect treat after a long day of filming!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County’s Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. You can email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Just in time to help you get ready for a fun evening, Burton Center for Arts and Technology's cosmetology class has all the tips and tricks!
Curling iron curls versus flat iron curls: If you are a one hot tool only kind of person, have no fear- you can use a flat iron to straighten or curl your hair! Bella's tips for curling with a flat iron are to clamp towards the root and then twist the iron as you go through the hair. Giving each strand a quick twist helps to keep that loose wave in place. When using the curling iron, she suggests curling outwards so the face is framed. The curling iron curls end up being more bouncy and typically last better throughout the day, so if you're doing your hair in the morning and wanting it to last all day, a curling iron is the way to go!
You can have some fun by braiding two strands into a heart. The key to making this style a success would be using a comb and gel to ensure the part is even.
On the makeup side of things, I learned that, yes, the smoky eye is still in! Ms. Coles suggests a more natural smoky eye but for a fun night, she admits you can't go wrong with glitter and pink! Likewise, the cat eye isn't just for Taylor Swift! For face makeup, highlighter and blush are a must! A way to elevate the blush look is to apply it more on the high points of the cheekbones.
Again, you can't go wrong with pink or glitter, especially for Valentine's Day! Check out the video to learn more tips and tricks, and a big thank you to Burton's cosmetology class for sharing some of their insight!
The 419 corridor of Roanoke County has undergone recent changes to make the area a more vibrant, walkable destination for residents and businesses. It was exciting to learn more about these initiatives and upcoming projects during my walk around Tanglewood alongside Principal Planner, Alex Jones.
Along the way I learned more about the implementation of the 419 Town Center plan at private and public infrastructure projects. Assistant Director of Planning, Megan Cronise, discussed recent and upcoming transportation projects to make the corridor more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. Then, Alex and I made our way back down the corridor where Economic Development Specialist, Karli Foster, discussed new businesses and economic development growth.
Learn all about the award winning 419 Town Center Plan on the website or in the episode linked above.
It's the most wonderful time of the year... to support local!
In Roanoke County we are so fortunate to have so many incredible local businesses! Last year I truly enjoyed checking out a number of businesses across the County as we made our holiday gift guide (and I did some holiday shopping of my own), and this year I wanted to check out some other places I didn't get the chance to last year. Without further ado, below are a few businesses that will be sure to make your holiday shopping a breeze- plus you'll be greeted with a smile!
Just the Right Gear: bicycles including dirt bike, gravel bikes, e-bikes, entry level bikes, kid bikes, and more, plus cycling accessories!
Sports Haven off Williamson Road: autographed memorabilia, framed merchandise, trading cards, team gear- including for local Roanoke College, RailYard Dawgs, Virginia Tech, and more. And, if you are shopping for one of the Kansas City Chief's newest fans, Sports Haven has over 50 items from decals to autographed merchandise!
AmRhein's Fine Jewelry: diamond stud earrings, fashion jewelry, and the options are endless in their custom jewelry area!
Rail Yard Hobby Shop: starter train sets, railroad structures, different scale trains, and anything else the rail yard enthusiast in your life could want!
James River Equipment: toy John Deere trucks, Lego trucks, John Deere accessories, and even dash cameras!
Orange Theory: for the fitness guru, Orange Theory offers a variety of different class packs and gift certificates!
Explore Park's Artisan Market: the perfect selection of handmade goodies including ornaments, artwork, decor, hot chocolate mixes, bath soaps, and more!
For the "foodie," gift certificates are also perfect! Roanoke County has a lot of great, new restaurants including On the Hill Chophouse, Pollard 107 South, and Pok-E-Joe's BBQ, plus all-time favorites like Lew's, Hollywood's Restaurant and Bakery, and Dogwood Restaurant.
October marks National Fire Prevention month, so who better to spend some time with than some of Roanoke County's fire and rescue experts?
Station #9 in Fort Lewis fully immersed me in a C-Shift day in the life. Much like my visit at the Vinton Fire Station, the day started with checking an apparatus. We looked specifically at the Heavy Rescue Squad which is designed for responding to auto accidents and includes rescue tools with increased power. It is crucial our Fort Lewis station has these tools as they are the primary responders to long stretches on Interstate-81 through Roanoke County. Captain Rodgers discussed the importance of these tools for multivehicle pileups or specialized accidents, i.e. tractor trailers.
Staying in shape is an important piece of the job, and this team uses the workout time as a way to strengthen comradery (and maybe some competition!). Lieutenant Schmitt writes up the day's workout circuit on the whiteboard, and the crew cycles through each step. Pictured is my reaction to being coached for 20 burpees... I didn't want to show up the team too much, so I managed my one burpee and some modified wall balls!
After wrapping up the workout, it didn't take long before we got the first call. I hopped on the back of the ambulance with Paramedic/Firefighter Schumeyer and Firefighter/EMT Ruggieri. They treated the patient and ultimately decided to transport them. Depending on the patient's needs, they will either go to Roanoke Memorial Hospital or to Lewis Gale Hospital, but it typically boils down to patient's choice.
In between calls, the team also works to stay up to date on all trainings, so I got to join in on the hose training with Lieutenant Schmitt and Paramedic/Firefighter Howell. I was surprised it wasn't heavier but can imagine that after holding the hose up to burning flames for long periods of time, it gets heavy quickly.
After every station visit, I leave with a greater sense of appreciation for all our Fire and Rescue staff do every day to keep us safe. Big thank you our Roanoke County team, and a special thanks to Station #9 for giving me the full experience!
It's game time, Roanoke County! No, I'm not talking about football; we are talking pickleball!
Recently, some staff roamed over to Garst Mill Park for a friendly pickleball tournament. We were fortunate enough to have USA Pickleball Ambassador, Karen Crawford, teach us the rules and provide tips as each team had someone ready to learn to complement the other team member who was a bit more experienced.
The tournament started with The Brine Time facing The Real Dills which resulted in a win for The Brine Time. Pickle-four-k and The Awesome A's took the other court, and in a close game, Pickle-four-k advanced. The Demolishers took on The Leftovers, with The Leftovers taking the win. In a nail-bitter championship game, we saw the faceoff between Pickle-four-k and The Leftovers.
Karen provided great encouragement to the teams, ensuring everyone knew how to keep score and answering any questions as games progressed. It's worth noting that we were only on the courts for about an hour, and in that time, even those who hadn't picked up a pickleball paddle learned quickly and had fun!
Roanoke County has 15 courts between Garst Mill Park, Stonebridge Park, Walrond Park, and Green Ridge Recreation Center that are open to the public.
Watch the video to see whether Pickle-four-k or The Leftovers took home the winning jar of pickles and crowned "The Pickle Champs." Teams are already gearing up for rematches, so stay tuned for future friendly competition!
If there's one thing I dread doing, it is going to the grocery store, so last week I avoided the shopping cart collisions and hustle and bustle within the aisles by picking up a few things at the Catawba Valley Farmer's Market. I have spent the last week enjoying my fruits, vegetables, and desserts and am already gearing up for my next trip to the Market!
The Catawba Valley Farmer's Market is truly a gem in Roanoke County! Known as the "friendliest Farmers Market in the valley," you'll find 60% of vendors selling locally grown food products and the remaining 40% selling handicrafts. All offerings are required to be grown or produced within 100 miles of the Market; however, many of the vendors are within a much smaller radius. While picking out some veggies, I spoke with a woman who has been selling her produce since 2010 when the Market first opened, so you know her peppers and cucumbers are going to be good!
I was also happy to see and talk with our friends from Roanoke County Public Libraries who have a table set up every week to offer free books, goodies, and a craft. This week she brought her button maker, so I got to make my very own button!
It was hard to stick strictly to my shopping list in preparation for that night's dinner. I left with a couple cucumbers, a pepper, a couple peaches, homemade potato chips, a big blueberry muffin, a peach scone, and a half dozen cookies (okay, maybe a baker's half dozen). I mixed those veggies in with some couscous, chickpeas, and balsamic vinaigrette, and I discovered my new favorite dinner!
Make sure to check out the Catawba Valley Famer's Market this season! They are open rain or shine thanks to the pavilion. For payment, you can bring cash or card. If you choose to pay through card, you will purchase wooden nickels that represent $5 that the vendors will accept and provide cash back as needed.
To learn more about the friendliest market in the Valley, click here.
The alarm clock rang very early on the day of my visit to our General Services Department. I am not a morning person, so I have to offer major props to them for beginning their route by 7am every day!
I, first, got to hop in the truck and practice dumping the can into the bed of the truck. Solid Waste Manager, Brad Jordan, and Supervisor, Dean Smith, were great help at teaching me the ropes and being patient when I completely missed the bed of the truck the first go.
This proved just how important it is to ensure your trash is bagged before tossing it. If the items are not bagged, then all the solid waste disperses on the ground. Our team does a great job at cleaning up any mess that may occur, but it does break up their routine by having to get in and out of the truck.
After talking with Brad and Dean, I got to do a ride along with Steve Oyler. What a passionate man he is. I won’t spoil the video by detailing our conversation, but I do encourage you to hear his story and how he got started in his career.
A few things I witnessed while roaming RoCo alongside the General Services team is how much a smile and wave from homeowners can brighten their day. The whole team is incredibly patient- willing to wait if they see someone running down the driveway with their trashcan. These men and women truly are an integral part to our community that may get overlooked as people may not think anything of it when they wheel back in their empty can at the end of the day.
Thank you to the General Services team for having me, and thank you for the work you do every day!
I'm back from my roaring adventure through Explore Park's T-Rex Trail!
Alex and I passed through the time portal with Dino Don that led us down four different time periods. We saw a Dilophosaurus from the Jurassic time period, Deinonychus from the early Cretaceous time period, Parasaurolophus from the late Cretaceous time period, and more animatronic dinosaurs and creatures.
T-Rex Trail is Explore Park's newest attraction, and the trail of dinosaurs and creatures may look familiar as it gets transformed in the winter months to the Explore Park's Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights.
This summer's trail brings a new trail layout, storyline, photo ops, and birthday party packages.
The Trail is open Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Tuesday-Friday and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday through August 6. The Trail will also be open August 12 and 13. Purchase tickets here!
Ever wanted to experience something that is recognized across the globe? We have the perfect opportunity for you that doesn’t involve a passport or plane ticket! Explore Park’s Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course is ranked #40 in the world by UDisc, up 40 spots from last year. I can attest, it is worth every bit of recognition!
I met up with Alex and Ben, the pros from Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, who showed me around the course and taught me the ropes of disc golf. We started out at the warm up baskets so I could practice good form, and then we tackled the course.
Each hole has three different starting points (geared towards beginner, intermediate, and expert difficulty levels) and at least two baskets, which are what makes the 105 possible course variations. The signs are easy to follow and also let you know what the par is at each hole.
The course was designed by Roanoke Disc Golf Club, and each hole has its own unique challenges including going up or down valleys, through trees, or a further distance. My pro tip: don’t focus on the trees!
It was a great afternoon soaking in the skyline views on the course while also getting some exercise and having some fun!
Discs are not provided but can be purchased at the Explore Park visitor center during hours of operation. Upon beginning the course, there is a box to make a suggested $3.00 donation going towards course maintenance.
Check out the website for more information and disc golf tournament schedules.
I truly was on top of the world during a recent adventure to Camp Roanoke, and I think my heart is still racing from all the fun!
Camp Roanoke is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it is beautiful!! Little did I know what was in store for me as I drove past the fields and through the camp entrance. Emma and Charlie greeted me so warmly, and before I knew it, I was getting harnessed up to take on the 44 feet tall climbing tower.
As you may have guessed from previous adventures, I'm not much of a climber. In fact my rock climbing experience started and ended in elementary school gym class, so climbing to the top was not something I pictured myself conquering. With Emma's help, not only with holding the belay, but talking me through whenever I felt stuck, I made it all the way to the top! She was so great at walking me through different placements and reminding me that I can take breaks.
Just when I got used to being back on the ground, Charlie introduced me to the Pamper Pole. This is a new addition to Camp Roanoke, and like the climbing wall, it gives campers quite the thrill in a controlled and safe environment. Charlie demonstrated climbing up a ladder along a 30 feet tall pole. Once the ladder ended, he climbed up the "staple" steps on the pole before standing on top of it and leaping to touch the buoy a few feet out. When my turn came, I felt perfectly content to just sit on the pole and more gently slide off while Emma again maintained the belay.
At Camp Roanoke, it's all about achieving what you are comfortable with. Campers, like I was, are encouraged to stretch their limits and see what they are capable of, but comfort levels vary and it's all about creating the best experience for each camper.
We then went over to the "gaga pit" to play Camp Roanoke's favorite game, gaga ball. We hopped in the sand pit, and hit the ball against the short wall in hopes it would knock into someone to get them out. It was very similar to dodge ball, but played with the ball on the ground. My strategy was simply avoiding the ball, which worked at least some of the time!
I'm excited to visit Camp Roanoke again soon to see more of the facilities and get a sense of what campers might expect when going to camp, but for now I'm going to let my heart rate slow back down from experiencing all the popular activities Emma and Charlie showed me!
Interested in learning more about Camp Roanoke? Visit their website here.
We are truly swinging into spring now that Explore Park’s TreeTop Quest 2023 season has begun, which meant I had to check it out for “take 2” of “Kaelyn conquers her fear of heights” on the aerial adventure and zipline course (check out last year’s “take 1” here). As the ultimate test, we went up a level to course 2A + 2A extension. Luckily, I was joined by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Marketing and Administrative Manager, Alex North, to show me the ropes; sneak peek- one us might slip!!
The elements of this course were much different than course 1. In this course, there were a lot more what I would consider “obstacles.” From the get-go, there’s a bridge with swinging bags you have to navigate. I’m not entirely sure I did this correctly, but I made it across and that’s the main thing! Then, there was a bridge with vertical pads that you had to step through just the right way.
The, seemingly, obvious tunnel is the one that really got me, and while I don’t want to give too much away, I will say, don’t crawl on your hands and knees like I did! It seems like the tunnel you see on kids’ playgrounds, but the continuous belay and clip in system is there for a reason!
This course was expanded upon in 2022, so when you come to a “Y,” you have two different routes to “choose your adventure” from- 2A and 2A extension. We chose the 2A extension, and for this route, it was both Alex and I’s first time through. The 2A extension has some fun elements and ziplines that you don’t want to miss!
Alex and I agreed the swinging ropes were the toughest obstacle, but what helped me, was not to think about what I was doing too much and just go for it.
Up next we had a few various plank obstacles followed by another zipline! Then, we got to the swinging logs where we were nearing the end of the 2A extension course. Let’s just say our balance was really tested on this one…
We finished up with a quick plank bridge where we cruised to the end of the course. It felt good to conquer my fears yet again, and I definitely could not have done it without Alex there cheering. Make sure you have your own cheerleader when you go!
This weekend (Friday, April 7; Saturday, April 8; Sunday, April 9), TreeTop Quest is having a special spring savings discount where visitors get $7 off each admission ticket when booked in advance. Visit here to book your quest for this weekend, or an upcoming adventure.
Wee-oo-wee-oo! Time is of the essence when at the fire station!
On today's Roam RoCo, I got to visit Vinton Fire Station, Roanoke County Station #2, where I heard the calls roll in, in addition to getting the exclusive tour!
Upon my arrival, it didn't take long before a call came through. Firefighter/EMT Hughes, Paramedic/Firefighter Cargill, and Paramedic student Caleb hopped in the ambulance and headed for their call. In the meantime, I got to do the daily truck check with Firefighter/EMT Callahan.
There's a full routine of things to check every day to ensure the firetruck is fully operational when calls are made. We checked the water pressure as well as the air pressure in the bottles and that the air was working. We made sure the air pressure in the RIT Team bottle of air was in the correct PSI range. While we went around and checked the other items off the checklist, we were also paying attention to all the lights to make sure they were working and flashing.
Just when we finished the truck check, a second call came through. I hopped on the firetruck with Lieutenant Ratcliff, Firefighter/EMT Callahan, and Field Training Officer King to head to the scene. FTO King explained they have an app on their phones that gives a brief description of the call. This allows the team to be better prepared upon arriving and for the care provided to be more efficient and seamless.
While in route, we yielded to the ambulance from Station #2 that was just returning from the hospital. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue team members are cross-trained so that they can respond to both a fire or rescue call. While we were headed to a rescue scene with a firetruck, the staff onboard were qualified to begin care until an ambulance from a neighboring station could meet us and transport the patient if needed.
We were on scene for a few minutes while the team provided care and transported the patient. Once arriving back to the station, I got a tour of the station from Community Outreach Coordinator Brian Clingenpeel.
One of the things that makes the Vinton Fire Station standout in comparison to the Cave Spring Fire Station, Roanoke County Station #3, is that it houses the Vinton Volunteer First Aid Crew. This team of volunteers fills in when needed and often takes on calls while the career staff is out responding to additional calls.
While on the tour, I saw the kitchen and exercise room, and I got to experience just how cold they keep their bunk rooms. As a naturally cold person, I thought it was just me, but Brian confirmed the bunk rooms are kept cold intentionally to provide the best atmosphere for sleep.
In talking with Field Training Officer Patterson and Lieutenant Ratcliff, it was clear how much the value serving the community and appreciate the family-like dynamic formed among the team!
Check out more in the video above, or in the condensed version here.
I feel like a whole new person after meeting up with Deputy Young and Captain Beheler from Roanoke County Sheriff's Office! It's no secret that safety has become an increasing concern for many, so when I found out about the various self defense courses the Sheriff's Office offers, I had to head over to check it out.
We practiced two different variations of what to do if someone grabs your wrist. No matter the height or weight difference between the attacker and the victim, there are ways to get out. Instead of fighting back, you want to turn your body in certain directions which forces the attacker to let go. Watch the video to see how.
We also practiced what to do if an attacker grabs your neck. Again, it's a more productive use of time and energy for the victim to not fight back and instead use the y of your crossed hands to push out against the attacker's wrists.
I was shown a few tools popular to carry around for protection. One was a flashlight stun gun which is a little bigger than my hand, making it the perfect size to carry in a bag or even a jacket pocket. Another tool is a kubotan which is about a four to five inch long plastic looking screw that can be hooked on to your keychain and used for defense. We, of course, talked about pepper spray too.
Some of the courses offered by the Sheriff's Office include a self defense and situational awareness class called AVOID (Awareness, Verbalization, Overcome, Identify, Distance) as well as a Rape Defense class offered for women.
If interested in taking any of these classes, contact Captain Beheler at 540-283-3107 or cbeheler@roanokecountyva.gov.
I know I feel a lot safer just from knowing these few moves and am looking forward to signing up for the classes to learn even more. See you there!
Feeling inspired from my visit to Green Ridge Recreation Center, I decided to check out the Brambleton Center to continue on my journey towards a healthier, more balanced me in 2023. It is learned that I am epically failing on the eating vegetables front, but luckily Brambleton Center can help with that too!
First, I got a quick tour of the Center and was given a brief history of the building which was originally an elementary school. You can tell the building has the school-building feel, but it has been renovated in a way that makes various rooms perfect for the specific activity.
The yoga room provides the perfect aesthetic to promote mindfulness and relaxation and is where I met with a yoga instructor to teach me a little bit about chair yoga. Chair yoga is especially beneficial for people who have limited mobility- it's all about moving your body in controlled movements that feel good to you. The class has loads of fun together!
This was the perfect start to the visit as I got warmed up before heading down to try cycling. I haven't been to a cycle class but the energy in the classes always looks so exciting. I was shown the correct form and how the bike connects to the TV. It didn't take long before I was feeling the burn and out of breath.
Next, I met with an instructor of a cooking class offered at the Brambleton Center. I really needed to include this on my list of stops because cooking is not my strong suit and neither is eating vegetables. I was fortunate enough to get a few pointers that should tide me over until the class. Check out the video for the insider tips!
Finally, I met with a few women from the therapeutic recreation team who were putting together goodie bags for the upcoming annual Valentine's Day Dance. This, along with the ACE summer camp, is one of the many events and services they offer to those with disabilities.
Whether you're looking for a space to get some exercise or perfect a hobby, the Brambleton Center has you covered!
It's day three of the new year, the first day back to work for some from the long weekend, which means it's go-time on achieving those New Year's resolutions. Some of the most popular resolutions every year are to lose weight, be healthier, or exercise more. My goal is to get in 40 minutes of exercise three times a week, so I headed over to Green Ridge to see what they had in store. To my surprise and excitement, they have a little bit of everything!
The indoor facility offers so many things from free weights, a fitness studio for classes, cardio and weight machines, basketball courts, an indoor track, and an indoor pool- complete with water slides. They really do have it all, and I didn't know where to start.
Luckily, they offer one free session with a trainer upon starting a membership. This allows you to ask any questions, discuss fitness goals, and make sure you are properly executing the exercises.
I met with Leah to go over my form for a number of different machine weights, and she also showed me some free weight exercises. Having her alongside me gave a boost of confidence because I knew I was doing things correctly.
Scott showed me around the facility where we checked out the basketball court, that sometimes get used as a pickleball court, and the indoor pool. I got to challenge someone to a 1-on-1 basketball matchup and let's just say it's been awhile since I've played! The indoor pool was super nice with the water slides, sauna, and lazy river.
The membership packages are super inclusive towards everyone- families, single parents, individuals, 55 or better. I could really tell how much they made this a community and are even on a first name basis with members.
I'm excited to see how Green Ridge helps me with my fitness goals this year. Check out more about Green Ridge here.
If you're shopping for someone who thrives in a gym-like setting, consider gifting various membership or personal training packages at Green Ridge Recreation Center. They have a little bit of everything in their 76,000 square-feet-facility.
For that person who doesn't like running on a treadmill or being in a gym, gift a class package from Pure Barre. Personally, I love these classes because they are with a small group, the music is upbeat, the instructors are encouraging, and they offer a variety of barre classes. They also have athleisure gear you could gift too!
Check out the Explore Park Visitor Center gift shop for Blue Ridge Parkway memorabilia, Appalachian Trail merch, and must-haves for hiking or camping. They have fun things from Walk About Outfitters and more. Speaking of Explore Park, you can't go wrong with gifting tickets to Illuminights as a family fun experience gift!
Check out RND Coffee in Vinton for multiple reasons. The first reason is to pick up some holiday donuts for your foodie friend or bags of coffee for your coffee lover. They also have monthly subscriptions which is such a fun gift! A second reason, is to grab yourself a holiday hot drink as you continue your shopping! :)
If your loved one is looking for a taste of home, but not at home, a gift certificate to Dogwood Restaurant where the food is home-style is something they will love!
Know someone who has a big sweet tooth? They would love some baked goods from Hollywood Restaurant and Bakery! They have many different treats including various kinds of brownies- all bigger than the size of the palm of my hand!
A personal favorite place of mine for some pampering is Polished salon in the Forum Shopping Center! They have a table in the front of the store full of pampering goodies as well as handmade exfoliant in an array of scents upon request. You can never go wrong with a gift certificate either!
Looking to spoil the person who loves pampering with some jewelry? Her Perfect Day Boutique and Design Studio has you covered on that front with many beautiful pieces and sets costing only $5.00! You can't beat their prices or collection!
You can never go wrong with a flower bouquet and Creative Occasions is your place to go! The owner, Mark, has been invited by the White House to decorate for the holidays two years in a row, so you know you’ll walk out with a beautiful arrangement!
PacaBerry Farm Shop has some of the most unique gifts you can find in Roanoke County thanks to their supply of products made with alpaca fleece. They have socks, ear warmers, hats, yarn, and even ornaments. If you order something online, be sure to use the code ROCO2022 for free shipping!
A place you'll never come out of empty handed is Windsor Gifts. Here you will find a lot of well-known brands like Yankee Candle and Willow Tree, but you will also find many brands that focus on giving back. A few of my favorites are 4ocean (each item purchased will clean up one pound of litter from the ocean), puppie love (10% of proceeds go to rescue dogs), and Shelley Cove (focuses on saving sea turtles and you even get a tracker number with each product that allows you to track your rescue turtle).
One of the cheeriest places to go this holiday season is the Illuminights Artisan Christmas Market. There are several rooms full of intricate handmade products from over 40 local vendors.
For a gift that's a bit outside the box, consider gifting at-home brewing supplies. Southern Hills Homebrew Supply has everything your gift receiver could need to brew beer or wine including kits, bottles, corks, hops, and more! They can even mill it for you there upon request.
If you're looking for charcuterie supplies, cute glassware, unique wine bottles, festive six packs, or trinkets for your wine or beer lover, Wine Gourmet and Medmont Mercantile is the perfect place!
Has your gift receiver had the chance to check out Catawba's newest brewery? Whether the answer is yes or no, this is the perfect opportunity to gift a craft six pack from Solstice Farm Brewery or gift certificate!
Fresh from my afternoon with Moki, a shelter dog at the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP), I don’t know who had the biggest adventure- Moki or me!
After hearing that the local shelters, including the RCACP, were at full capacity, I wanted to participate in their Adventure Dog program and check out a dog for the afternoon. Now, if you know me, you know I didn’t grow up with dogs. In fact, as a kid I had more negative experiences with dogs than positive, so I don’t have that natural inclination to walk up to any dog that passes by like a lot of people might. I was excited to see what this experience would bring, and boy was I in for it!
After meeting Moki, I was immediately overwhelmed with the amount of energy she had. At just a year old, poor Moki was brought to the RCACP three months ago as a stray, so I knew I wanted to let her explore all the beauty outside in Roanoke County and meet as many new people as we could fit into one afternoon.
Getting her in the car was a trick! I thought she would love the big, open back seat, but she actually seemed to love the driver’s seat more. This was a bit concerning driving down 581, but we eventually, and more importantly, safely, made it to Happy Hollow Gardens Park where we went for a walk along the trail. For a better portion of the walk, it felt like Moki was walking me until we made it to an open field where she could run and play.
We learned that fetch and walking on a trail just was not exciting enough for Moki, so we decided to go for a run at Hidden Valley High School. Moki got to see the football team practicing and meet some students walking or biking though. She loved going for a run; I would get into shape pretty quick if I had Moki as my exercise buddy!
We drove past one of the newest coffee shops, and I couldn’t resist treating Moki to a “pup cup.” I was curious what would be in it, and I quickly learned that dogs love whipped cream as much as humans do because Moki ate it up in about 15 seconds. Who could blame her?
Before I took Moki back, I wanted her to meet some more people, so we stopped by my office to see who Moki could fall in love with! She definitely found lots of love, but I have good news for you- she is still looking for her forever love!
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your home, or if you are looking to spend the day with a new furry friend, check out the RCACP and ask for Moki, or any of their other adventure dogs!
I am writing to you fresh from McAfee Knob, and what. a. view. Despite living in Roanoke for the last few years, I have yet to cross the McAfee Knob hike off my bucket list.
It's a 3.8-mile hike to the knob, the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail and sits 3,100 feet above sea level. Parking can be pretty hectic as spots in the parking lot fill up quick, and you have to make sure you don't park in the "no parking" areas.
Luckily, there is a new shuttle that picks up hikers from the I-81 Exit 140 Park and Ride and takes them to the trailhead. Each way costs $5 and takes about 15 minutes to get to the destination. The shuttle continuously makes this loop through operating hours. Personally, this was super convenient for me as I get stressed in crowded parking lots and appreciated not having to worry about whether or not I had a parking ticket the entire hike.
Keara and I began our hike during the cooler morning. The leaves were approaching peak season so there were a lot of pretty colors surrounding us along our hike. We also ran into so many friendly people. We met a local doctor enjoying his day off, a group from Philadelphia who came down just for this hike, and a father son duo celebrating the son's birthday by making their annual trip to McAfee Knob.
As we neared the Knob, we found an overlook where I joked with Keara we had made it. This may not have been the nicest joke because we all were getting pretty tired and just hoping the final overlook would be in sight. After one final stretch on an incline, we made it!
It was so beautiful to see all the mountains, especially this time of year with the leaves in an array of colors. We, of course, snapped some pictures, and enjoyed a little snack before heading back down. Many people were up there while we were there, having a picnic or enjoying the sunny early afternoon.
Going back down went much quicker than the hike up (granted we did start hiking in the wrong direction on the way up so make sure you follow the clearly marked sign instead of ignoring it like we did). The sun was shining through the leaves, making it just warm enough to take off our sweatshirts and finish the hike in t-shirts.
We waited a few minutes for the shuttle, checking where it was at on the route via the Real Time Tracker. We were joined by other hikers, so it was fun to chat with new people on the way back to the Park and Ride.
I had cupcakes and pizza on my mind the whole shuttle ride back, and that is just what I ate that evening! Having gotten in 24,000 steps that day, I think it was well earned!
To kickoff the national celebration, I decided to celebrate with none other than some of Roanoke County’s fire and rescue team. In doing so, I got to spend the better part of a day with the B shift team at Station 3, who you can meet here.
One thing that immediately stood out was how welcoming they were. I could see the excitement they had when talking about their time in the field, and the comradery was especially obvious.
Captain Ferris took me on a tour of the station which was interesting to see. The kitchen was very nice, which made sense because the team does spend a good bit of time there cooking and eating together. Not all stations have a fire pole, but this one does so I got to slide down the fire pole! It really is much faster than taking the steps.
The first thing I wanted to do was put on the suit. When Firefighter Ferguson brought over the tank of air, I asked how heavy it was. To which he responded, “4,500 pounds of air.” He got me on that one! The fact the guys get the suit on in 90 seconds blew my mind. I struggled to even zip up the jacket. Thanks to Firefighter Irvin, we eventually got me all suited up and ready to go. The captain said about a week is spent just going over and practicing how to put on the suit during the academy.
Next, Firefighter “Nacho” showed me the ins and outs of a firetruck. They really have anything and everything you could possibly need. The coolest thing to me was the infrared temperature gun.
Every year, they test out the hoses on the truck to make sure there aren’t any holes and that everything is working properly, and lucky me that I got to be there for that! It’s a long process that takes coordinating. I kept thinking we would get a call while we were testing them, but that didn’t come until right when we finished (if we would have gotten a call, there was a second truck we would have hopped on to go).
The call came in, and two guys hopped in the ambulance and Lieutenant Ferguson drove the captain, Firefighter Irvin, and me in the firetruck. Just like that, the guys helped a citizen out of their car onto the gurney and took them to the hospital. Us in the firetruck headed back to the station.
I came back later that day to cook dinner with the team. I always thought it was so fun how someone from the team/the whole team cooks dinner together and then eats at the table, just like a family dinner. “Nacho” grilled up London broil, Firefighter Irvin took care of the green beans and mashed potatoes (I helped occasionally), and Firefighter Cooper took care of the chores upstairs. While we were cooking, I asked them for a nickname because all of them had nicknames and I wanted one too, LOL! They decided on Sprinkler which is new one for me, so I appreciated that!
We ate dinner and chatted, and that wrapped up the day! It was definitely fun to spend the day with the team. We are lucky to have such an awesome team working to keep our community safe!
I am writing to you, RoCo, with sore muscles and an adrenaline rush! Why? I am just getting back from TreeTop Quest at Explore Park, and my friend Keara joined me!
Heading into it, Keara and I thought this was going to be a breeze, and I definitely would not have said I’m scared of heights. I still wouldn’t say I’m scared of heights but I will whole-heartedly admit I do have a phobia of falling. Luckily, though, I did not fall!
Keara and I got harnessed up and taught the basics on the “ground school” course. When I made it across the zipline, which couldn’t be more than six feet off the ground, I realized I had my eyes closed as I zipped across… This was only the beginning!
We started off on the beginner, level one course with Keara leading the way. We were much higher off the ground for this course and everything was more wobbly than I thought it would be. I took it really slow and then we got to a part where we had two ropes that would crisscross… and we had to go across. It was terrifying!! Once I started across though there was no going back and I eventually made it across! Some other elements of the course were various stepping stones, a zipline or two, some netting, and a rock-climbing wall. Each element led us to a new challenge until we made it all the way through the course.
We took on the zip line course next, which I thought was going to be a relaxing break. We were really high in the trees, so this produced a whole different anxiety, but once we got the swing of things, each zip became a breeze. Keara had a GoPro camera on to catch some sweet footage.
We went jumping on the net trampoline as a fun reward for conquering our fears up in the air. The trampoline is large, so there’s plenty of room to safely jump around nestled in the trees!
Was my anxiety through the roof 90% of the time? Yes. Do I wish I had remembered to log an exercise on my watch before beginning? Also, yes. Would I do it again? Yes, again! One of the first things I did when getting back from this adventure was call my sister to tell her she had to visit before the month is up so we could go!
Now that my fear of falling is conquered (at least with regard to TreeTop Quest), I can’t wait to go back again to soak in the challenge! Who wants to join me?
The weather is finally starting to feel like fall! I even noticed a few leaves changing on my drive home from work the other day which confirmed those fall feelings. For many, fall means the last chance to pitch a tent, roast s’mores, or get the RV out of the driveway one last time for the year. For this girl, fall means sipping on pumpkin spice lattes, watching football, and pulling out the boots that have been wanting some love all summer.
Nevertheless, I decided to see what the rave is with camping, and I gave it a shot at Explore Park. Luckily, I had my friend Keara, who goes camping regularly with her family, with me. I showed up in sandals and jeans and she looked at me like I was crazy.
We made it there during check in so we headed to the visitor’s center where we got our packets, which contained a map, useful information, the parking decal, and information on the attractions within the park. We did a little bit of shopping in the artisan shop- Keara got a couple pairs of earrings, and I got a hat; Keara figured it might be useful for our camping adventure.
We were shuttled to our campsite, #9, and decided the first thing we should do is pitch our tent. I have heard that Explore Park also has cabins and yurts you can stay in overnight. I would’ve much rather stayed in one of those, but Keara was all excited to sleep in tents by the river. Pitching the tent ended up being much easier than I thought; however, we did put the “rain fly” (new camping vocab word I learned during this trip) on backwards. Luckily there was a very kind park expert who walked by and asked how everything was going. When he warned us about the chance for rain, that’s when we realized the rain fly was on backward.
The best part was definitely roasting s’mores. If I’m being honest, that was the only thing that convinced me to go on this little camping trip. While the expert was there, we had him help us light the fire, and holy cow I had such a hard time with the lighter! Knowing I had that much trouble with a lighter, I can’t imagine how it would’ve gone if we had given it the ol’ scouts try and tried lighting it with sticks. We got our s’mores though, which is the main thing! Well, that and we didn’t catch anything on fire.
Keara thought she might cook dinner over the fire, but heading up to Twin Creeks Brewpub was more my speed. They are only open on the weekends, so if you’re wanting to check it out, make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
We didn’t have the chance to check out the ultimate frisbee course which was a bummer. My friends and I used to play disc golf on our college’s campus, so knowing that Explore Park’s course is one of the best on the East Coast, made me want to come back ASAP. I also really want to do TreeTop Quest before the season ends later this month.
All in all, it was a fun first camping experience. Everyone at the park was super helpful and it was very much so designed that even the un-naturey people like me can still enjoy it! See more from our camping adventure here. Next time I’m definitely sleeping in a yurt!