On March 13th, 2020, The June Bug Center for Arts & Education had to close its doors and turn off its stage lights due to the global pandemic.  For a while, the center was in limbo, waiting to see when restrictions would allow the doors to open again.  In the meantime, June Bug had to get creative.  After all, the show must go on!
In November of 2020, June Bug cautiously put on their first production since the shutdown.  To make the performance safe for the community, Chantilly Farm offered their outdoor venue which opened many opportunities for the musical theater group, allowing larger audiences and a bigger stage.
After the success of that outdoor performance, the Center began thinking that Chantilly Farm could become a regular venue to be used throughout all their production seasons.
The June Bug Center is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Floyd, providing performing arts, music, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) opportunities through ongoing afterschool programs, classes, and community theater productions with the Floyd Community Theater Guild.
November’s performance was a young actor’s production of “Frozen Jr.”, which is based on the 2018 Broadway musical that brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage.  The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, which makes it a family favorite.
“After not being able to produce live events for months, it was an overwhelming amount of emotions seeing the community come together for this show,” stated director of the June Bug Center, Emily Gruver. “There was so much support, and it was great to see the audiences getting into the story of Frozen! Many of the kids came dressed up and it was fun hearing them get excited when their favorite character came on stage.”
The show featured twelve young actors in grades ranging from fourth to ninth. Rehearsing for the production while also observing COVID safety was a challenge.  All rehearsals were outside at the June Bug.  While learning choreography and blocking, masks were worn.  Closer to show debut, they moved to face shields.
“Even through all the guidelines,” says Gruver, “the kids were just happy to be back on stage. They have adapted so well and this production has meant so much to them and to me.”
In addition to theater performances, June Bug was able to continue its Blue Ridge Strings Program with an outdoor summer concert and a virtual winter concert.  The program’s summer performance showed five returning violin students that performed outside at the Floyd Center for the Arts.  The winter concert was filmed virtually for family and friends and showcased seven young violin students and a cello student.
In 2017, Blue Ridge Strings introduced the study of classical music on stringed instruments to students in grades three through eight.  Through hands-on instruction and creative enrichment, the program supports growth and development by instilling a deep appreciation for music and specific skill in performance.
To follow COVID guidelines, the group is split up to create smaller class sizes.  Students are given their own instruments, included in the tuition, and are required to wear masks.  During the program, students receive one hour of Suzuki instruction and one hour of music enrichment, which includes xylophone performance through the Orff method, rhythm lessons, and learning how to read music.  The program partners with Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival.  As the program continues to grow, Blue Ridge Strings will be transforming into a small youth chamber group that will be ready to bring classical music performance to Floyd!
Just like Blue Ridge Strings, the June Bug continued operation with their other after school programs.  These include classes in music, Robotics, LEGO, Improv, and Theater.  Programs are held Monday through Friday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.  The June Bug also has options to provide virtual lessons and one-on-one lessons for families that are not ready to return to a classroom setting.  What is unique about the June Bug is they provide sliding scale tuition to all students and offer discounted show tickets to the community, making these activities available and affordable for any family in the New River Valley.
As the Center prepares to finish the last after-school session of the school year, they are also gearing up for summer!  Summer camps will be jam-packed at the Bug this year, with camps in Improv, Playwriting, Musical Theater for Young Actors, Theater 101, LEGO, Computer Camp, Robotics, and Musical Theater for Teens!  Starting May 1, Summer Camp registration will be available on the website at junebugcenter.com.
More outdoor performances are on the calendar for the fall and summer, including Shrek Jr. and The Addams Family Musical.  Information and tickets for these events can also be found on the website.
To learn more about the June Bug Center, call 540-745-6550, or email emily@thejunebugcenter.com.  For those interested in donating to help keep the Center in operation, donations can be made online at the website or mailed to P.O. Box 940, Floyd, VA 24091.  Visitors may also join June Bug in person on GiveLocalNRV day, June 23, which is a community day of giving!

The June Bug Center • 540-745-6550
251 Parkway Ln S, Floyd, VA 24091
emily@thejunebugcenter.com • junebugcenter.com

by Vickie Holt

In the first half of the twentieth century, Charles and Kate Spangler owned and operated a cattle farm in Floyd County.  They also grew Rutgers and Marglobe tomatoes, which they sold to Huff Cannery.  At the time, the cannery was a cornerstone of the Floyd County community.  It closed its doors, however, in the 1950’s, and the shell of the once-bustling business can still be seen about four miles south of downtown Floyd on Highway 221, at the corner of, appropriately, Canning Factory Road.
By 1982, the Spanglers’ granddaughter, Sara Dulaney, was continuing her family’s farming tradition.  She had built a greenhouse on her grandparents’ land to grow tropical plants and flowers for the florist shop she’d opened.  Sara’s husband, Glenn, had helped her while also working in technology manufacturing with working Hollinsworth & Vose.
One misunderstanding, however, was all Fate needed to turn an out-building into what has become one of the most successful businesses in Floyd County.  A local business had asked Sara to grow some vegetable plants for an upcoming need.  When the tomatoes and peppers were ready, however, it was discovered that there had been a miscommunication.  The buyer had actually opted to get their plants from another source.  Sara and Glenn found themselves with a surplus of peppers and tomatoes, so they did a little advertising, set a jar out front at the florist shop, and sold the plants on the honor system.
In 1982, Sara and Glenn made the growing of plants, vegetables, and flowers the focus of their efforts, and Dulaney’s Greenhouses was born.  They grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets, and over fifty varieties of tomato plants, including the Rutgers an Marglobe Sara’s grandparents grew decades earlier.
With its thirteen bustling greenhouses, Dulaney’s occupies the last five acres of the Spangler’s cattle farm.  Located at 148 White Pine Lane, NE, Dulaney’s can be found just two miles north of downtown Floyd, off Highway 221.
“We use a commonsense approach to growing what we sell,” says owner, Sara Dulaney, explaining that she uses no sprays or chemicals on her plants.  Dulaney’s uses only non-GMO seeds, grown organically.
Customers and visitors are welcome to browse the greenhouses at their leisure, shopping among the vegetables, the flowers, and over four thousand hanging baskets!  Sara and her crew are always available and happy to answer questions.
In addition to in-person shoppers, Dulaney’s also grows for commercial and contract customers.  The City of Blacksburg comes to Dulaney’s for their hanging baskets.  Christiansburg, Radford, and Salem also come for the hanging baskets, but contact Dulaney’s for their public bed plants, as well.
The hanging baskets are also popular with individual shoppers, but another favorite are the striped tomatoes!  The size makes them perfect for sandwiches and Sara tells us the striped varieties are sweet, with low acid.  The biggest seller from this variety is called Mr. Stripey.  Ask for it by name!
Historically, Dulaney’s has operated each year from March through June, with herbs and vegetables being most popular in the spring.  Last year, however, Sara tried an experiment that has turned into a partnership that will result in growth for Dulaney’s starting this year.
Leah Rodriguez has been Head Grower at Dulaney’s for three years, but she also wanted to start her own nursery.  Seven years ago, Leah won $2500 to start her own business, Petals and Leaves, when she achieved Second Place in the EDA C4 Entrepreneurship.  She bought part of Dulaney’s land will be setting up two additional greenhouses for Petals and Leaves, allowing shoppers to buy from two growers in the same location.
In 2020, Dulaney’s was able to extend its operations well into the fall by offering Leah’s chrysanthemums and Christmas wreaths after the spring and summer items were gone.  The experiment was a success, so the new partnership will be going full bore in 2021.  Leah sold 3500 mums last year and will be growing twice as many this year!  Dulaney’s will be open for the spring and summer herbs, veggies, and flowers, then the business will switch over to Petals and Leaves for fall.
Dulaney’s hopes to enhance their online presence this year by upgrading their website at dulaneygreenhouse.swva.net.  In the meantime, however, new folks can see Dulaney’s and get a virtual tour on YouTube!  Citizens Telephone Cooperative filmed a tour and interview with Sara Dulaney which can be found on YouTube by searching “Community Show A Visit to Dulaney’s Greenhouse in Floyd, Virginia”.
Regarding the current climate, Sara says that Covid-19 hasn’t really affected Dulaney’s.  Since they are outside and the greenhouses are spread out, it’s easy for customers to observe social distance.  “We appreciate everyone’s support of our small, local business,” says Sara.  “It’s going to be what keeps us going.”
Sara would also like everyone to know that she partners with the Floyd County Humane Society by fostering kittens in the spring that are available for petting, socializing and adoption.

Dulaney’s Greenhouses • (540) 745-2994
www.Facebook.com/Dulaneys.Greenhouses
Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 2:00pm.

Colby Gearhart, an eighteen-year-old from Floyd County, is well on his way to a successful career in the cattle industry.  He credits three F’s for his early eminence in agriculture: Family, Floyd County, and Farm Credit.
Colby is a third-generation farmer and knew from the time he was old enough to understand his family’s beef cattle business that he wanted to be involved.  Colby’s parents, Randall and Anne Gearhart, told us, “Colby has been farming since he was three years old with little tractors.  It seemed like he skipped being a kid and went straight to being an adult.  He has always wanted this, and we are proud to see him doing what he loves, day in and day out.”
Throughout the season, the Gearharts hold a weekly buying station at their Floyd-based farm, RG Cattle.  Cow and calf farmers from fifty miles around bring their steer and heifer calves, weighing between 300 and 700 pounds, to sell at the station.  Colby and crew sort, sex, weigh, and buy the locally sourced calves, providing convenience and increased support of other area farmers.  Once the calves are purchased, they are then backgrounded.
RG Cattle is responsible for backgrounding approximately 10,000 cattle each year.  Backgrounding is the period of time in which a producer works to grow and maintain the health of the weaned calf prior to the next sale.  The Gearhart’s pre-conditioning program lasts four-to-five months.  They feed and care for the calves until they weigh between 800 and 900 pounds and are ready for their next home, typically a feedlot out west.
At RG Cattle, there are a lot of moving parts that keep Colby on his toes, and his day-to-day responsibilities can change by the minute.  As he finishes up his final year of high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, Colby spends less time in the classroom and more time on the farm.  He often starts his mornings by feeding a handful of calves that he is backgrounding for himself, monitoring their health and growth.  Following the morning routine, he is frequently called out to haul cattle, which can be for a neighbor in need, as well as for RG Cattle.  Most of his day is spent riding around RG Cattle lots, keeping watch for distressed or sick calves in need of attention.
Looking past graduation and into the future, Colby plans to continue farming.  He has dreams of expansion for both his personal herd and for RG Cattle.  He will continue to work alongside his family, not only helping to increase their customer base, but to also become more efficient in raising healthy and happy cattle.
Colby is cognizant of how the success of his operation and continued growth is attributed to the Floyd County community.  Generations of his family created business partnerships which turned into friendships that have lasted to this day.  “It feels like we’re doing business with our friends instead of strangers off the street,” says Colby.  “It’s easier to do business with our neighbors and friends because we can trust people.  In our experience, everyone is honest.  Floyd County farmers are a reliable and trust-worthy bunch, making it a great place to not only live, but also conduct business.”
Customer relationships and family support aren’t the only steppingstones to Colby’s success, or to his involvement in agriculture.  Colby learned early on that the importance of working closely with a trusted lender and financial partner cannot be overstated.  Colby has been a participant in Farm Credit of the Virginia’s Youth Agricultural Loan Program since he was sixteen.  The program requires teen participants to apply for a loan, talk to a lender, fill out and provide eligibility documentation, and sign loan papers.  This provided Colby a wealth of valuable, hands-on experience by the age of eighteen!  His involvement in the program also helped Colby to expand his personal operation and pay more attention to the financial side of the industry; making sure his cattle make enough money to pay back accrued interest.
“I think it is valuable when you have to prove to your loan officer that you will pay the money back and that your livestock will turn a profit,” says Colby.  “The industry entails more than just buying cattle and keeping your fingers crossed, and the Youth Ag (Youth Agricultural Loan Program) loan helped me see that.”
Another benefit of the Youth Agricultural Loan Program that Colby experienced was the aspect of relationship-building.  Colby is only eighteen years old and already has an established relationship with a lender he trusts, which will come in handy as he seeks to grow his operation.
There is no doubt that the agriculture industry is a tough field, and recent COVID-19 disruptions to the supply chain and market volatility have not eased the plight of the American farmer.  Colby summed it up best when he shared his motivation for continuing in such a challenging industry.  “Every day presents a new challenge – the weather, market prices, you name it – there is always something thrown in the mix to slow you down.  But for me, knowing that I’m a part of feeding the world and that I can show my passion for that every day – I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

RG Cattle • Colby Gearhart • (540) 651-8626
1296 Stonewall Rd NE, Check, VA, US 24072
www.facebook.com/RGCattleCo1/ 

Farm Credit of the Virginia • 1-800-919-3276
www.farmcreditofvirginias.com

By Lindsey Terrell

When Dylan Locke and Heather Krantz bought The Floyd Country Store from Woody and Jackie Crenshaw in the fall of 2014, they knew they wanted to preserve the beautiful traditions that had been going on since the early 1900s.
The building had taken many forms over the years – grocery store, farm store, music venue – but one thing held steady: it was always a community space.
Dylan and Heather set out to nurture the longstanding traditions of the Country Store and to accentuate them with food, retail, and other themes focusing on the local.
They prioritized a strong relationship with the music community, including, but not limited to, old time, traditional, and bluegrass music, as well as dance.
Dylan explains that they were drawn to the old Country Store’s energy and the connectedness it fostered.  They sought to keep “one foot firmly planted in the past with the other foot moving the Store into the future.”  The commonality between the past and the future for them was the ideal of simple living, especially through social connection with all generations.
Dylan and Heather were no strangers to this kind of business.  Dylan had years of experience promoting a variety of musical acts, and Heather had been involved in the local music scene which is where she met Dylan.  In addition, Heather had worked at the Country Store for Woody and Jackie Crenshaw, doing booking and marketing.  When they took over the Store, their respective skillsets enabled them both to manage events and business at a high level.

The Floyd Country Store grew and flourished.  Soon, music events were held six days a week, with the Friday Night Jamboree honored as a 35-year tradition.  The venue was celebrated and supported by Virginia Tourism, and travelers on The Crooked Road (Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail) were always sure to put the Store on their itineraries.
Visitors didn’t want to leave.  Travel and tourism writers raved about it.  It got a front-page feature in the Washington Post, along with features in Southern Living, Garden & Gun, and on NPR and the BBC.  The good food, the fun, and the retail, as well as the common connection shared by all, kept cars on the road to Floyd. People got used to seeing the “fixtures”, meaning the regulars at the store, but they also got to experience new folks walking in and sitting down next to them.
Many feel strongly that the experience is “uplifting and transformative.”
In addition to strengthening the music and community around the Floyd Country Store, the couple also added new projects and revived others.  They founded the Handmade Music School in 2016, and in 2019 reopened the historical County Sales music store, which was first established as a record label by David Freeman in 1965.  In the fall of that same year, the Soda Fountain at the Floyd Country Store opened its doors.
Being primarily an event venue and community gathering place, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard at The Floyd Country Store.  In normal times, the energy generated by the music and dance at the Store creates an atmosphere where age doesn’t matter.  Folks that have been a part of the Store since the first Friday Night Jamborees share the floor with families, students, and travelers.
Everyone joining in leaves their differences at the door and “steps into something inherently good and needed,” says Heather.  “We are in the business of bringing people together, and the restrictions of operating during a pandemic and staying in touch with our community has been a challenge.”
The mission of The Floyd Country Store has long been to make their events accessible and affordable.  Dylan and Heather are more dedicated to celebrating traditional music and dance than making profit from it, so they have kept prices low to allow many people to come and enjoy performances.  The model works when lots of folks can be in the building, but not with limited occupancy and social distancing.  Very fortunately, friends and fans of the Floyd Country Store were able to ease the strain of the pandemic’s impact with a fundraiser in late 2020.  The local and global community rallied together to help sustain and ensure the institution’s future.
Dylan, Heather, and their team adapted to Covid restrictions with creativity. Friday Night Jamborees were moved safely outdoors and live streamed around the world.  During the winter months, social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube became the venues for live and pre-recorded performances.  The Handmade Music School introduced online lessons, as well as a virtual workshop and lecture series called “Handmade at Home.”  Finally, County Sales worked to fine tune their online offerings.  All wings of the organization worked together to bring content, entertainment, and inspiration to the community.
It became clear that, despite the many strains and restrictions Covid had brought on Dylan, Heather, and their team, they were able to – albeit with some difficulty and road bumps – adapt to and creatively reinvent the meaning of community connectedness in a predominantly virtual world.
When asked what lessons they learned from this time and about their vision for the future, Dylan and Heather spoke of synergy between the Floyd Country Store, Handmade Music School, and County Sales.  The creative arts generate a high-level of human connection that can withstand the trials of a pandemic.
“Change can happen at any point in time,” says Dylan, “but if we operate with creativity and are able to adapt and grow with the challenges, we can be prepared for the difficult journey ahead.”
County Sales and the Handmade Music School now operate under the umbrella of “Handmade Music”, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Going forward, the school will offer robust learning opportunities both in-person and online.  Also, County Sales will expand its work as a resource to the old-time, country, and bluegrass music community through honoring historic recordings and assisting living artists.  And of course, the Floyd Country Store will always offer delicious food, quality retail items, and the music events that bring folks from around the world.  Eventually, the in-person music and dance will be back, better than ever.
Dylan and Heather have learned new ways to engage with the community; ways they plan to keep offering in the future, including live-streamed events, virtual lessons, lectures, and workshops, online ordering for the café, and artisan goods available through the website.  The two have also realized that The Floyd Country Store, Handmade Music School, and County Sales can work together to offer unique and inclusive visitor experiences, especially when it comes to traditional music.
By carefully connecting some of these moving parts, Heather and Dylan will be able to offer immersive cultural opportunities, while at the same time supporting and encouraging individuals and businesses in the community.  Through adapting to the challenges of Covid, the pair hope to aid the Floyd community in preparing for growth, overcoming differences, and the challenges that come with change.  With all the work involved, the couple know it’s about something much greater than themselves.
For more information about the Floyd Country Store, music events, Handmade Music School, County Sales, the Soda Fountain, and more, visit online at www.floydcountrystore.com.  You can also follow on Facebook at floydcountrystore.  The Floyd Country Store is located at 206 S. Locust Street in Floyd, Virginia.

Dylan Locke and Heather Krantz
Floyd Country Store, Handmade Music School,
County Sales, & the Soda Fountain
206 S. Locust Street in Floyd, Virginia
www.FloydCountryStore.com • (540) 745-4563
Facebook.com/floydcountrystore