The Roanoker March/April 2025 - 8

editor's note
Ageless Style, Timeless Impact
written by Liz Long, Editor This issue celebrates bold moves in life, fashion and the things that
make us unique-just like my favorite leather blazer.
T
here's something magical about fashion - it can tell
the world who we are without a single word. My
love of clothes (and especially shoes) has developed
more in recent years, especially as the trends of my
youth keep resurfacing: wide-leg jeans, blazers, Doc
Martens and Birkenstocks, oh my! (Though I wouldn't touch
low-rise jeans with a 10-foot pole in high school, and the
possibility is even less likely now.) It's only now as an adult
that I understand how trends circle back to current day -
all the items we loved as kids but couldn't afford are now
at our fingertips!
But lately, I've been thinking more about the stories
our clothes carry, especially the ones we find secondhand.
As adults, we sometimes get to indulge in the pieces
we dreamed of as kids, but with the added bonus of
understanding their value beyond a single season. Whether
it's a classic trench coat or a quirky accessory, I love the idea
of giving items a second (or third) life. As I learn more
about my personal style (tell Allison Bornstein that my
three words are comfortable, statement and minimalist), I'm
also embracing the importance of sustainability, natural
fibers and avoiding fast fashion. No matter how you shop,
it's a great way to treasure hunt for amazing items you'll
love, as well as support local businesses who work hard to
curate those fabulous finds. That's why we chatted with
local business owners who share their thoughts on fashion
investments that will stand the test of time (page 40), as well
as their new rules for fashion and favorite finds they can
dress up or down all year long (page 48). Men can also learn
tips on buying a new suit (page 44) and the beauty of a wellmade
watch (page 46) - because timeless is always in style!
contributors
I could talk about shoes all day long (my diverse
collection is organized by shape, color and amount of
sparkle), but this issue offers so much more. It's also our
women's issue; after we introduce you to Terri Wheaton
Hairston (page 34), let's celebrate 20 women over the age
of 50 who are defying all stereotypes and inspiring others
(starting on page 26), and meet women who are true leaders
in their fields (page 36).
We also put on our hiking boots to get a little outdoorsy
by exploring the many adventures Roanoke offers (page
60); and celebrate the history and future of our treasured
greenway (page 64). While you're adventuring, grab your
dog and discover the places you both can visit in our region
to sniff, splash and play together (page 72)!
We're all about flavor bombs over on our delectable
dining pages, including a look at Gianni's, a new spot in
Grandin Village where Louisiana Creole meets Caribbean
flavors (page 88); and a look at Pinoy Kitchen, where you'll
find authentic Filipino flavors without ever leaving Vinton
(page 92).
Fun fact: New'd owner and cover girl Alyce Carlin was
one of the first people I met when I moved here in 2009; I
worked for a photographer and she was so kind, smart and
gorgeous (an ideal model!). It's been a privilege watching her
grow and thrive as a business owner, mom and community
contributor - and she's still as beautiful and kind as the
day I met her. Proud of you, Alyce!
Here's to making bold moves in life, in fashion and in
every step we take - especially when they're in my glittery
pink Chuck Taylors.
tell us about...
your favorite spots to take your
dog for a sniff, stroll or squirrel
stakeout! Share your must-visit
adventures with us on social
media!
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
Aila Boyd
is an educator
and journalist
who resides in
Roanoke. She
holds an MFA
in Writing from
Lindenwood
University. See
her contribution
to the 20 Women
Over 50 feature
starting on page
26, and her piece
on Women Who
Lead on page 36.
Ashley Wilson
Fellers
is a writer, selftaught
painter and
contemplative
photographer in
Roanoke, Virginia.
She has a Master
of Fine Arts degree
from Virginia Tech.
Read her inclusions
of 20 Women Over
50 starting on page
26, as well as her
features on Fashion
Investments on page
40 and New Rules for
Fashion on page 48.
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. Read his
feature on Roanoke
Adventures on page
60 and Pet-Friendly
Locations on page 72.
8 MARCH/APRIL 2025
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
contributions to
20 Women Over 50
starting on page 26
and her feature on
the Virginia Tech
Animal Cancer
Center on page 68.
Bruce
Ingram
teaches English
and Creative
Writing at
Lord Botetourt
H.S. He is the
author of over
2,500 magazine
stories and 10
books, including
four YA fiction
novels. See
his piece on
Terri Wheaton
Hairston,
Witness to
History, on
page 34.
Gene Marrano
is an award-winning
radio, print and
TV journalist who
has been covering
local events in the
Roanoke Valley
for more than two
decades. You may
also spot him running
on the greenway or
in local races, or on
stage as an actor
in local community
theater productions.
See his feature on our
Greenway Treasures
starting on page 64.
Dan Smith
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. See his
Gist piece on Tree Stewards
starting on page 18, his " Do
You Know...John Fishwick? "
piece on page 14 and his
inclusions of 20 Women Over
50 starting on page 26.
Clayon Trutor
holds a PhD in US
History from Boston
College and teaches
at Norwich University
in Vermont. He is the
author of " Loserville:
How Professional Sports
Remade Atlanta-and
How Atlanta Remade
Professional Sports " and
" Boston Ball: Jim Calhoun,
Rick Pitino, Gary Williams,
and Basketball's
Forgotten Cradle of
Coaches " . See his
features on Buying a Suit
on page 44 and Wearing
Watches on page 46.
Laura Wade,
founder of Thrive
by Heart, offers
workshops and
individual guidance
to empower women
to live from soul
to goal and love
their lives. She is
passionate about
her family, holistic
health, personal
transformation and
sharing ideas to
inspire others to live
their best lives. See
her contribution to
the 20 Women Over
50 feature starting on
page 26.
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The Roanoker March/April 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker March/April 2025