The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 7

editor's note
Five Years of 40 Under 40
written by Liz Long, Editor This year's 40 Under 40 marks 200 hardworking young
professionals making positive change for the region. Plus, our 50th anniversary is going to be
an amazing celebration!
I
can already say it with confidence: 2024 is going to be
an AMAZING year! There is so much to celebrate,
not only with our magazine, but throughout the
entire region. We are so lucky to be just a few of the
region's most passionate cheerleaders!
Our Jan/Feb issue is bursting with the vibrant energy
of our community's go-getters. Get ready to be wowed
by the stellar achievements of our 40 Under 40 Class of
2024! It's our fifth year of this feature, which means we've
highlighted 200(!!) amazing individuals representing the
dynamism and innovation within our community, each
carving unique paths that redefine success. With 128
nominees this year, it was so hard to narrow it down to
40, but we know you're going to admire and be inspired
by them! Thank you to everyone for your nominations,
and for helping us feel so hopeful about the region's
future thanks to these incredible young professionals.
Meet them starting on page 22.
Looking for businesses or activities off the beaten
path? Lindsey Hull takes us on a treasure hunt as she
shares great spots to discover a handful of hidden gems
found in our beloved region (page 38).
Fresh off our dining issue, Anthony Giorgetti delves
into the culinary world with Ted Polfelt, a chef whose
mastery in the kitchen serves as a testament to dedication
and artistry as he leads his team to the 2024 Culinary
Olympics (page 44). You can also learn more about
Polfelt's kitchen leadership at Brood Restaurant and
Bar in Salem, thanks to Layla Khoury-Hanold's review
contributors
of their delightful space and seasonal menu (page 58).
Dan Smith sits down with renowned local
meteorologist Kevin Myatt as we take a closer look at the
future of Roanoke's weather patterns, shedding light on
the factors shaping our local climate landscape (page 41).
Plus, Laura Wade introduces you to a true Vegasturned-Virginia
star (page 47); see a gorgeous porch
renovation thanks to Stacey Manganelli (page 50); pick
your pop-ups of great food options (page 62); and as
always, local history, flavorful new recipes and so much
more.
Looking ahead, 2024 marks a significant milestone
as we celebrate The Roanoker's 50th anniversary. We are
honored to celebrate 50 years of LOVING LOCAL
right here in our region, supporting small businesses,
highlighting hardworking Roanokers, dining at delicious
restaurants and much, much more. Stay tuned for
engaging editorial pieces, podcast specials and surprises
in honor of this momentous occasion.
Whether you've been with us for all 50 years or are
just recently joining the adventure, let's appreciate the
narratives, celebrate milestones and embrace the diverse
tapestry that makes our community so special.
tell us about...
your favorite hidden gems
throughout the region. From
food and shopping to arts and
everything in between, where do
you recommend we visit? Share
your thoughts on our social media
pages!
we want to
hear from you
Questions, comments or feedback
about The Roanoker? E-mail llong@
leisuremedia360.com
follow us on social
roanokermag
roanoker
roanokermagazine
Anthony Giorgetti
is a writer, marketer,
and owner of Power-Up
Online Promotions. He
got his start writing
independent comedy but
one day realized it would
be good to have money.
He lives in Roanoke with
his wife Felicia, dogs Om
and Shanti and cats Lucy
and Oliver the Hellion
Bean. See his story on
Culinary Olympian Chef
Polfelt on page 44.
Lindsey Hull
grew up in the
Roanoke area and
currently resides in
Boones Mill with her
family. She primarily
reports on events,
arts and culture and
outdoor adventures
in and around the
Roanoke region.
Read her feature on
the area's Hidden
Treasures found on
page 38.
John Park
Dan Smith
is a financial planning veteran
and co-founder of the JPG
Agency. After an illustrious
19-year career in the
financial planning industry,
Park has stepped into a new
chapter of his life. Park's
passion for food takes him
on exciting journeys across
the Southeast. Capture his
culinary adventures and join
him on his quest by following
his Instagram handle
@Hungryasianrke. See
his photography of Brood
Restaurant and Bar on
page 58.
TheRoanoker.com
is an award-winning
Roanoke-based writer/
author/photographer and
a member of the Virginia
Communications Hall of
Fame (Class of 2010). He
has authored eight books
and is founding editor
of a Roanoke-based
business magazine and
a former Virginia Small
Business Journalist of
the Year. His new novel is
NEWS! from Propertius
Press. See his feature on
the Future of Roanoke
Weather page 54.
Aaron Spicer
is a veteran editorial
photographer originally
based in Northern
Virginia, with credits in
numerous regional and
national publications. He
specializes in creating
clean and contemporary
environmental
portraiture that tells a
compelling story. He's
excited to be living
and working among
his fellow Roanokers.
He shot our Jan/Feb 40
Under 40 cover, as well
the VBR Life 2024 cover.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 7
Georgianne
Vecellio
lives in Salem, but
enjoys adventuring
all over the Roanoke
area. She enjoys
exploring and does
her own stunts.
Read her piece on
Blindhouse Brewing
Co. in our Gist
section starting on
page 15.
Laura Wade
founder of Thrive
by Heart, is
passionate about
her family, holistic
health, personal
transformation and
sharing ideas to inspire
others to live their best
lives. You can reach
her at soultogoal@
gmail.com. Read her
feature on Vegas to
Virginia star T-Fox on
page 47.

http://www.TheRoanoker.com

The Roanoker January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker January/February 2024