Anahata Education Center has begun hosting solo wellness retreats lasting from three to thirty days in a variety of locations at its spacious nature sanctuary.  The Center offers accommodations in private rooms at the main retreat center, rustic cabins, cozy studio apartments, a yurt turned into a sound chamber, an octagonal home, a camping pavilion next to the river, and soon to come, a tiny retreat chapel in the woods.
In addition to individual guided retreats, Anahata sponsors small group retreats, spa retreats, and weekend retreats for men, women, and couples; providing tools to enhance self-awareness, communication, connection, and celebration.
How do you envision your ideal vacation?  Many dream of relaxation, adventure, and recreation.  Some seek learning, exposure to new cultures, and enjoyment of the arts.  Still others want to plunge into the restorative beauty of nature, enjoy a reconnection with self, and share quality time with loved ones.  No matter the type of vacation, we all look forward to the delicious – even exotic – food and libations!
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Because everyone has been isolated inside with families for over a year, Jack Callan and Judith Stevens – founders of the Little River Poetry Festival – are extending a special invitation to the residents of Floyd County.  During the Sixth Annual Little River Poetry Festival, Sunday, June 6, will be designated as “Floyd Day”.  On this day, all Floyd residents will be special guests of the Stevenses, invited to attend at no cost.
“Floyd has given us so much,” says Judith.  “It’s our favorite place to be.  Our hikes up the Buffalo, paddling trips year-round, camping in Daniel’s meadow – it’s hard to beat.  The town has opened its heart to us, and we lost our hearts to it.” Continue reading →

Five hundred years ago, the native peoples of the New River Valley survived by hunting the herds of wild American buffalo, or bison, that freely roamed the hills and valleys of this beautiful, mountainous region.  They not only filled their stomachs, but warmed their bodies using all parts of these majestic creatures.  When the first settlers arrived in the 1600’s, the buffalo were still plentiful, and as they looked toward the horizon, they saw the peak that would one day bear the name of these iconic animals.  Though Buffalo Mountain no longer hears the wild hoofbeats of its namesake, it certainly hears the heartbeats of those who love the mountain and the valley community of Floyd County, Virginia.
In the year 2021, society and circumstances have significantly changed.  However, the people of the New River Valley can still find full bellies and warm company provided by the bison who live and roam there.  Instead of being hunted while running wild, the buffalo are now lovingly farmed and skillfully prepared by Connie Hale and Carla George, co-owners of Buffalo & More Restaurant, located at 4041 Riner Road, in the village of Riner; just across the Floyd County line into Montgomery on Route Eight.
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Dogtown Roadhouse is well known for its delicious food and drink menu, but specifically for its hand crafted, wood-fired pizza.  It is also known for its friendly atmosphere, welcoming newcomers and loyal regulars alike.  Even the dogs of Dogtown know this is the place to be!
On any given night, Dogtown’s unofficial mascot Ty, may wander over from his nearby home to greet customers while waiting patiently for a treat from the dog treat bin.  Visitors may also run into Molly, a friendly, white labradoodle belonging to owners Anga Miller and Ed Erwin, as well at the booking manager’s happy little Una pup.
Friendly dogs are always welcome on Dogtown’s outside deck, but everyone who knows Dogtown knows that all this puppy love is just icing on the cake of what has become a world-class music venue!
Before Dogtown there was The Sun Music Hall.  Once Anga Miller bought the old sewing factory in downtown Floyd in 1999, she immediately began renovating it.  Primarily, she wanted to house her clothing business, WinterSun.  However, she reserved more than half of the main floor to fulfill her longtime dream of owning a music venue. The venue, known as The Sun Music Hall, opened in 2002.  Over the following years, the location presented top names such as Leon Russell and Richie Havens, as well as many up-and-coming artists like Grace Potter and Harry Manx.
In the two decades that followed, the Hall went through many changes, including adding a full kitchen and bar.  It also became a permanent home for the itinerant Dogtown Pizza, which had spent its first years operating out of an oven mounted on the back of an old, flatbed truck!  Eventually, what is now known as Dogtown Roadhouse established itself as not only a terrific place for food and drink, but also a worthy venue for a wide variety of local and regional talent, as well as prominent acts from outside the area.
Of course, the friendly and accommodating restaurant managers, booking manager, and sound techs, along with the bar, food, and service staff, also help to make any night at Dogtown a memorable one for audiences and musicians alike.
With the arrival of Covid-19 in 2020, the music hall played an especially important role in Floyd.  The pandemic devastated the town’s well-known music scene, even causing the cancellation of the area’s biggest musical attraction, FloydFest.  With a strong focus on keeping the music alive, the leadership team at Dogtown worked hard to find creative ways to protect its staff, customers, and musicians throughout the pandemic challenges.
It was difficult to keep the kitchen operating with online ordering and curbside pickup for Dogtown’s scrumptious wood-fired pizza and other menu items.  The real challenge, however, was convincing musicians to perform in an empty room.
With Virginia’s statewide Covid restrictions, Dogtown’s regular capacity of 328 was reduced by over 80% to allow for the required social distancing.  Even so, the venue continued the live music program, broadcasting to audiences in their homes via a free livestream.
To help develop the live stream strategy, Jake Retting, a treasured local singer-songwriter, took to the stage weekly; playing only for virtual tips and offering much needed entertainment for fans stuck at home.
As time passed, the Livestream helped to provide exposure and fair pay for more local and regional acts.  Dogtown music fans had the opportunity to enjoy such diverse artists as the funky and soulful Solacoustix, award-winning singer-songwriter, Dori Freeman, and the world groove sound of Floyd’s own Music Road Co.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Dogtown’s new livestream program has been a big success, receiving thousands of views, but the management team didn’t stop there.  To delight their audiences and gratify their talented performers, Dogtown recently worked with Stage Sound of Roanoke to completely upgrade the venue’s sound and light systems!
The restaurant and bar have also made big changes to remain viable in the age of Covid.  They continue to offer online ordering with a choice of takeout or curbside pickup.  For those who wish to dine in, Dogtown has a “mask when on feet” policy, and limits server interactions to delivering orders to tables.  To protect both staff and customers, Dogtown has opted to have customers place their orders at a shielded and sanitary counter.
For slightly larger parties, Dogtown now offers their beautiful upstairs dining room, with its own private deck overlooking Floyd’s outdoor stage and park.  This room is available to rent with or without catering services.
As always, and since the very beginning, Dogtown still offers full catering service.  Dogtown will bring their mobile, wood-fired oven to your location where your party can enjoy hand-tossed, gourmet pizzas, baked and served hot right out of the oven!
While the leadership and staff at Dogtown have gone above and beyond in continuing to offer the best food, drinks, and entertainment around, they know that none of this would be possible without the cooperation, love, and support of the customers and the musicians.
In an effort to give back to the community that has supported them, Dogtown has created a “Pay it Forward” program, which accepts contributions through the online ordering page.  This program provides free, discrete meals to those in need.  They also continue to host a community Thanksgiving Pot-Luck event, as well as a clothing and food drive to benefit PLENTY!  They have also recently added the CHIP (Children’s Health Improvement Partnership) fundraiser during the month leading up to Christmas.  And finally, local police, firefighters, and EMTs, as well as all veterans and military, receive a 10% discount in gratitude for their service.
The challenges of the pandemic have been hard on everyone, but Dogtown Roadhouse is awed by the dedication and willingness of their customers to come out and have fun under such trying conditions.  The entire team at Dogtown is eternally grateful to their artists and customers and is looking forward to all the good times to come!

Dogtown Roadhouse • Anga Miller and Ed Erwin
540-745-6836 • www.dogtownroadhouse.com
302 S Locust St, Floyd, VA • dogtownroadhouse@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/DogtownRoadhouse/

Floyd County is a community where residents share a strong bond with their furred and four-legged family members.  It’s also a place where folks are committed to caring about the homeless population of domestic animals.
More than twenty years ago, several Floyd County residents came together to form The Floyd County Humane Society (FCHS).  Throughout the years, the organization has grown, transforming the municipal shelter from a place of sorrow to a place of hope.
Two decades ago, the pound took in over a thousand dogs, the majority of which were euthanized because of space constraints.  Today, thanks to the Floyd County Humane Society’s three-pronged approach, the intake of stray or surrendered dogs at the pound has been reduced by over 80%, with a euthanasia rate in the single digits.  The Humane Society has partnered with the pound to advertise stray and abandoned dogs.  They’ve also encouraged and subsidized a successful community spay/neuter program.  Finally, they have created a foster program for those dogs whose time at the pound has come to an end.  These measures have all helped significantly to save the lives of Floyd County dogs.
For our feline friends, FCHS responds to calls and emails about abandoned, neglected, or stray cats and kittens.  They also respond to calls about cats and kittens that need to be re-homed.
The Floyd County Humane Society’s accomplishments are testimony to the local volunteers’ dedication.  It’s no surprise that they won the Nonprofit of the Year Award in 2019 from the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce!
The Paws Cause Dinner and Auction, an annual gala held at the Floyd Event Center, has always been the Society’s largest fundraiser.  They have also occupied booths at craft shows, festivals, and other events to raise money for their cause.
Like many other nonprofit organizations, however, the Humane Society’s coffers have been greatly diminished due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Having been forced to cancel in-person fundraising and adoption events, the group has had to invent creative solutions to sustain its many programs.
Social media has been a huge asset in reaching more people during this time of isolation.  FCHS has turned to Facebook fundraising to raise money for medical expenses, foster support, and the spay/neuter assistance program.  The Society also has an easily accessible online donation page (www.floydhumanesociety.org) for people who wish to donate in memory or in honor of a loved one or pet.  There, people can also sponsor a foster animal, donate towards a specific cause, or gift a membership to a friend.
Looking forward, the Floyd County Humane Society is preparing an online auction for their spring fundraiser, featuring ‘Floyd’s Favorite Things,’ and including two tickets to Floyd Fest 2021!
Since the organization’s inception over twenty years ago, it has been a long-term goal to purchase a permanent facility to house all the Humane Society’s operations at one location.  Currently, the organization utilizes a foster system of volunteers for the housing of both cats and especially larger dogs or animals that need daily medical attention.
Other spaces being utilized across Floyd County are multiple storage units, rented kennels, and loaned space at various businesses.  However, rented kennel space is restrictive in caring for puppies and larger dogs that need space, sunlight, and regular exercise for improvement of behaviors and temperament.  The rented kennels do not have outdoor runs for each dog, and the outdoor yard space is only 8×20 feet.  When no volunteers are available for mid-day walks outside the facility, dogs can begin to experience extreme anxiety in a matter of days.
Many of these animals are rescued from dire or abusive situations.  They need care, rehabilitation, training, and loving attention to prepare for successful adoptions.  It is difficult the meet the needed care requirements for these dogs without a facility that allows proper space and resources for them and for FCHS volunteers.
Cats also need socialization to become well-behaved indoor pets.  Floyd County Animal Control does not take in any cats, nor is there any rentable kennel space available for cats.  Having no local facility available to house the kitties, the Humane Society relies entirely on private foster homes.  The Floyd County Humane Society brought 187 cats into foster care in 2020, which was a 120% increase compared to 85 cats in 2019!
In 2020, FCHS helped a record number of dogs and cats.  Twice as many as in 2019, with over 150 dogs and 170 cats finding new forever homes!  As a result, the cost of care and fostering in 2020 was the highest the organization has seen in years.  To continue their mission in 2021, they need to raise more funds and get more volunteers involved.
The Floyd County Humane Society is an organization that has thrived due to a strong sense of commitment to the community it serves.  From helping senior citizens, the disabled, and underserved populations with pet care and veterinary expenses, to rescuing neglected or abandoned animals in distress, they continue to make a difference every day.
Thankfully, due to a generous donor, The Floyd County Humane Society is on the cusp of realizing an all-encompassing facility for operations, animal care, and support for the community!  The organization is hoping to announce an update on this project in 2021.
Floyd County Humane Society volunteers hope the community and other sponsors will stay tuned for updates and take part in their endeavors to make Floyd County a healthier, happier place for all pets and their people.
For information on becoming a FCHS volunteer or any other of FCHS’s many activities in service to the companion animals of Floyd County, please visit the website at www.floydhumanesociety.org.

Floyd County Humane Society
www.floydhumanesociety.org • http://facebook.com/FCHSVA
(540) 745-7207 • info@floydhumanesociety.org

Lichen is a plantlike organism composed of fungus and algae, often found on wood, rocks, and trees.  Using this natural element, along with knots found on wood, Heather and John Barbieri (pronounced barbie-airy) arrived at a clever name for their new business – Lichen or Knot!
In 1993, Heather Barbieri discovered a love for plants while healing from a tragic accident that left her unable to finish college.  After the accident, she moved to Cashiers, North Carolina, where she found a job revitalizing incredibly old English herb and flower gardens.  It was fulfilling work, sustaining her during the long months of healing.
A year later, Heather’s love for plants led her to start a business in Cashiers, offering container gardening services for high-end clients.  A year after that, Heather landed a job as a buyer for a local garden center, where she worked until 2003.
What had begun as a hobby had not only provided work for the convalescing young Heather, but it was also turning into a career!   In 2003, she landed her dream job when she became an outside sales rep for a wholesale plant distributor.  A position she held for the next ten years.
In 2015, Heather took an interest in vintage items.  After hunting for antique furniture and other bits and bobs at yard sales and auctions, she’d gather her findings and take them to market-day shows all over North Carolina, Tennessee, and even Pennsylvania.  It was very time consuming.  There was all the hunting, shopping, and purchasing.  Then, there was the show preparation time, the drive time, the set-up, and three days of showing.  Each three-day show actually consumed an entire week of activity.
As Heather got more and more into the routine of the vintage show circuit, she began taking plants along.  They sold quickly, and she gradually began taking more plants than the vintage items the shows were meant to feature!  Heather was doing well, but the disadvantages of the market-show business model were significant.  Between the show fees, travel, hotels, and restaurants, the cost was substantial.  She also had to consider the time she was spending away from her family.  The more she saw how well the plants were selling, the more she began to think about a different business model with far less overhead.  Food trucks are often a low-overhead alternative to prospective restauranteurs.  Why couldn’t the same approach work for a plant seller?
In July of 2018, Heather bought an old, GMC plumber’s truck.  It would be two more years, however, until the ultimate dream finally came true.  She and John were busy buying their new house in the New River Valley.  They were also caring for family members who needed them.  Finally, however, the old truck was painted and decaled.  Heather and John were ready to hit the road on a new adventure with plants.
John’s interest in horticulture began when he was young boy in New Jersey, planting maple sprouts in his parents’ front yard.  There was a nearby garden center called “Max is Back”, and John joked he would one day own a seasonal garden center called “John is Gone”!
John went on to get his horticulture degree from the University of Maryland, after which he spent ten years managing a successful retail garden center.  Like Heather, John also became an outside sales representative for wholesale plant companies.
These two had all the background and all the experience, and they were ready to join forces in plant retail.  But that was early 2020.
Rather than being a devastating obstacle to the launching of Heather’s new business, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that the Barbieri’s eldest son would be out of school and able to help on the truck.
“I had an overwhelming feeling that the timing wasn’t right yet,” Heather recalls.  “I was at a point in my life where I was learning to be okay in the quietness of a busy world.  I think that time prepared me for what was to come.”
Despite these misgivings, in April of 2020, Heather began taking the mobile truck into Christiansburg, and news spread quickly.  When they found out there was a plant truck in the area, Covid-weary patrons flocked to the parking lot of a nearby mall.  They showed up to shop for plants in the open air, away from the crowded box store garden centers.  That is how it all began.
“Being in business during the pandemic has certainly brought many challenges to our young business,” says Heather, “but it has also brought a unique opportunity to spread joy, love and beauty in a most uncertain and difficult time.”
Heather often smiles when people try to figure out the name of her budding company.  She smiles even bigger when they try to pronounce it!  Sure, the dictionary indicates the pronunciation of ‘lichen’ can also rhyme with ‘kitchen’, but if you use the other accepted pronunciation, ‘like-en’, then the name suddenly makes sense as the play on words it was meant to be…Lichen or Knot!
The words ‘Lichen or Knot Mobile Garden Shop’ adorn the vintage truck as it rolls along Routes 8 and 221, continuing Heather’s mission to bring plants to the people.  Based in Floyd, Lichen or Knot roams not only the communities of the New River Valley, but makes excursions into the Roanoke Valley, as well.
During spring and summer, Heather offers annuals, perennials, and herbs, as well as houseplants.  In the fall and winter, shoppers are more likely to find houseplants and finished indoor containers.
Lichen or Knot collaborates with regional businesses, parking the truck at retail stores, local breweries, apartment complexes, and health-based businesses such as yoga and fitness centers.  These collaborations have become an integral part of the business, providing a fun and creative way to connect with customers.
By the fall of 2020, business was thriving, but colder weather was on the horizon.  The Barbieris realized they’d need a solid home base for their new company, where the plants could survive the weather and the customers could shop in comfort.  Renaming the business ‘Lichen or Knot Plant Company’, a brick-and-mortar store front opened its doors on Black Friday.
Conveniently located in the heart of Floyd, the newest little plant shop took up residence in the Green Label Organics building located at 203 Fox Street, behind Food Lion.  Responding to an increase in demand for houseplants, the Barbieris stocked their store with monsteras, philodendron, pothos, and prayer plants.  Also meeting demand, the couple sourced pottery for their indoor plant offerings and began a signature service of offering complimentary potting with any purchase.  With a minimalist urban feel, the pottery allows the plants to steal the show.
Lichen or Knot customers share a belief that ‘plants make people happy’.  It’s a belief that brings folks back to the store, as well as out to the truck, time and time again.  They purchase pieces for their homes and businesses.  They buy for their friends and family members.  They collect them.  They propagate and share them.  They take them to baby showers and have then them delivered to homes where people may be mourning a loss or celebrating an event.
What’s next for Lichen or Knot?  The company will continue to operate from their store front in Floyd, as well as continuing to operate the region’s only plant truck.  In the store, there will be an emphasis on indoor plants and containers, with annuals and perennials in stock during the spring.
With warmer weather approaching, the plant truck is already getting booked for events, collaborations, upcoming festivals, and markets where it will carry a large variety of both indoor and outdoor plants.
What started out as a side hustle for Heather to ease back into the industry has grown into what she describes as a blessing.  A way to connect with people and bring them together.

Lichen or Knot • Heather and John Barbieri
203 Fox Street, Floyd, VA • lichenorknot.com
lichenorknot@gmail.com • 540.267.6556