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ACCE April Column

ACCE April Column

Memories Made at the Muddy ACCE Race

 

Muddy Acce Race day
Jennifer Hockl Mar b- Sitting in a mud pit was better than falling in at the Muddy ACCE Race. The 2017 event will be just as muddy!

Giles County, VA- The weather is warming up and participants of the Muddy ACCE Race are reflecting back on the fun times at the inaugural event. Well over 300 participants made lasting memories at the 5k, obstacle course mud run, held on the banks of the New River Water Trail in Glen Lyn. Each month we bring you a story about either the ACCE, Access to Community College Education program or the Muddy ACCE Race event. As warm weather approaches we are thinking to the 2017 event and Jennifer Hockl of Pearisburg, shares some fond memories of her first time participating.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A: I have been a resident of Giles County all my life, 39 years and love the outdoors! I went to school in Narrows & reside now in Pearisburg where both my kids go to Giles High School.  However my oldest son is now a student at Virginia Tech after he completed 2 years at New River Community College.

Q: How did you participate in the ACCE Program? A: I was a parent, but I also ran the event with friends.

Muddy ACCE Race 2016
Jennifer Hockl MAR 2016- Jennifer and friend trudge through one of many mud pits at the 2016 event.

Q: Why did you get involved with the Muddy ACCE Race? A: A few friends of mine thought this was a good way to show our support for our kids and community.  Also a great way to see how much endurance we could put ourselves through!

Q: What is the one thing you’ll take away from the ACCE program or MAR event? A: It is definitely something to reminiscence about!! Especially our facial expressions before, during and after the race!!

Q: If you could share a sentiment to those considering the program, perhaps as a student or parent, or considering running in the 2017 event- what would you tell them? A: It is a great way to spend a day with family and friends and a very great way for our kids to get an education with the money raised! I have recruited many others to come join the fun this September!

If you are interested in learning more about the NRCC ACCE program in Giles, please visit www.gilescounty.org. For more information on the 2017 Muddy ACCE Race, www.muddyaccerace.com.

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Muddy ACCE Race Event is Fun Along the New River Water Trail

ACCE March Column

Muddy ACCE Race Event is Fun Along the New River Water Trail

 

Giles County- The unseasonably warm weather has students looking forward to summer and the school years beyond. Access to Community College Education program students look forward to their next year in the program, and seniors in high school are making big decisions about their future. The Access to Community College program in Giles County helps both students and families on the path to academic success. Every month we bring you a story of someone involved in either the ACCE Program or the very popular Muddy ACCE Race event, which is scheduled for September 16, 2017. This month we talk to a runner in the race, Kyle Higginbotham.

 

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself

A: I’m in high school and I play soccer. I am more academic than athletic and I plan on going to college at Radford.

 

Q: How did you participate in the ACCE Program?

A: I was a runner in the Muddy ACCE Race

 

Q: Why did you get involved with the Muddy ACCE Race?

A: It looked like it was really fun and I enjoy running, so it sounded like a great event for me.

 

Q: What is the one thing you’ll take away from the ACCE program or MAR event?

A: It was a great time and I would love to do it again next year.

 

Q: If you could share a sentiment to those considering the program, perhaps as a student or parent, or considering running in the 2017 event—what would you tell them?

A: It made my month. It was so much fun to run in the Muddy ACCE Race and all of the money goes to a great cause.

 

Kyle completes one of the many mud pits at the MAR event forcing participants to get muddy, all for a good cause & a good time.

 

 

Kyle Higginbotham completing the first annual Muddy ACCE Race event. As a high schooler he ran for fun & the experience.

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about the NRCC ACCE program in Giles, please visit www.gilescounty.org. For more information on the 2017 Muddy ACCE Race, www.muddyaccerace.com.

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Apr 22- VIRGINIA’S OUTDOOR LOVERS EXPO featuring the NRWT

VIRGINIA’S OUTDOOR LOVERS EXPO

The 2017 Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo to be held April 22nd at Bisset Park in Radford, Virginia.

From our friends at the New River Valley Regional Commission.

Radford, VA – The Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo is coming to the New River Valley, April 22nd. This free, family-friendly event will be held at Bisset Park in Radford from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The event will host a 300-foot zip line, paddleboard demonstration pool, outdoor gear raffle and gear swap, local food, brews and live music all staged alongside the New River. Appalachian inspired entertainment such as County Connections and RYZ are scheduled to perform on the main stage.

The Kid Zone with a rock wall and bounce house, and demonstrations such as; chainsaw carving, outdoor survival tips, and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics awareness will round out the event. This year’s expo will have upwards of 100 outdoor related businesses, organizations and attractions including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard, Cabela’s, Virginia State Parks, and many more. Come celebrate Earth Day with all of Southwest Virginia as you browse interactive booths and demonstration areas.

The Virginia Outdoor Lovers Expo began in Abingdon in 2014 and for the first time ever, will be held in the New River Valley. The event’s focus is to raise awareness of the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities that are abundant across Southwest Virginia while providing a platform for businesses, clubs, organizations, and communities to form and strengthen ties throughout the region. This event promises to be the perfect opportunity to connect, explore and plan your next outdoor adventure. Brought to you by generous sponsors including the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Carilion Clinic, and Mountain Lake Lodge.

Outdoor related vendor applications will be accepted until April 1st. Registration can be accessed on the website. The Expo planning committee will also continue to accept sponsors. For information on sponsorship and applying for a vendor booth contact James Jones at jjones@nrvrc.org or call 540-639-9313. More details on the event and how to participate, along with updated information can be found at www.swvaoutdoorexpo.com.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact James Jones, 540-639-9313 or jjones@nrvrc.org

 

 Vendors Participating in the Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo

  1. Grillizza
  2. Till and Grill
  3. Bootleg BBQ
  4. Foothill Guide Service
  5. New River Valley Bicycle Association
  6. Blue Ridge Discovery Center
  7. Giles Mountain Vineyard and Winery
  8. Back Country Ski and Sport, Inc
  9. Floyd Yoga Jam
  10. Arbor Real Products, LLC
  11. RU Outdoors
  12. Recreation, Parks and Tourism Department Radford University
  13. Virginia Tech – College of Natural Resources and Environment
  14. Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
  15. Paul Tomorrow/St. Paul Main Street
  16. Dickenson County Chamber/Visitor Center
  17. Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
  18. Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
  19. City of Norton
  20. Tazewell County
  21. Blue Ridge Heritage, Inc.
  22. Montgomery Regional Tourism
  23. Clinch River Valley Initiative
  24. Scott County Tourism
  25. Town of Narrows
  26. New River Retreat and the Junction
  27. Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company
  28. Appalachian Horseback Adventures
  29. Crimper’s Climbing Gym
  30. Mountain Lake Lodge
  31. New River Conservancy
  32. Town of Pennington Gap
  33. Virginia State Parks
  34. Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum/ County of Bland
  35. Springhouse Community School
  36. Appalachian Trail Conservancy
  37. Good Samaritan Hospice
  38. Camp Alta Mons
  39. Massanutten Resort
  40. Virginia Department of Forestry
  41. Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers
  42. Breaks Interstate Park
  43. Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau
  44. Floyd County Tourism Office
  45. Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure
  46. JBR Vineyards, LLC
  47. New River’s Edge Inc
  48. City of Galax Tourism
  49. Chantilly Farm
  50. Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA)
  51. Across-the-Way Productions
  52. FloydFest
  53. Ferrum Outdoors
  54. Ferrum College
  55. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  56. Damascus Old Mill Inn and Restaurant
  57. New River Outdoor Co
  58. Town of Pearisburg
  59. Smyth County Tourism
  60. On The Water
  61. Apple Ridge Farm
  62. Franklin County, Virginia
  63. Project Healing Waters, Roanoke/New River Valleys Program
  64. Appalachian Voices
  65. Southwest Virginia Mountain Rescue Group
  66. Pulaski Bikes
  67. American Chestnut Foundation, Virginia Chapter
  68. Tangent Outfitters
  69. Woodchuck Woodcarving
  70. Venture Out
  71. Dick’s Sporting Goods
  72. Walkabout Outfitters
  73. Giles County Tourism
  74. Real Time Pain Relief
  75. Town of Pulaski
  76. Pulaski County
  77. HK High Kicks, LLC
  78. Friends of Claytor Lake
  79. Mountain Shepard Survival School
  80. Primland
  81. Cabela’s
  82. Visit Bedford Virginia
  83. com
  84. Trailhead ATV Resort
  85. New River Outdoor Adventures
  86. Mount Inspiration Apparel
  87. GoJourni
  88. Fat Bean Taco
  89. Narrows Trail Club
  90. ReNew the New

Sponsors for the Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo

Virginia Community Capital

Montgomery County Regional Tourism

Walkabout Outfitter

New River Outdoor Adventures

WMEV FM94

WVTF / RADIO IQ

Virginia Tech – College of Natural Resources and Environment

Y-100.5 FM

Carilion Clinic

Backcountry.com

Giles County Tourism

City of Radford

Floyd County Tourism

Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce

Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company

Trailhead ATV Resort

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Bristol Herald Courier

Virginia Tourism Corporation

Blue Ridge Outdoors

Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure

GearHead Moto Tours

Virginia Tech’s Venture Out Program

Visit Bedford Virginia

Cabela’s

Union Bank & Trust

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Rally Southwest Virginia Arrives in Narrows

Rally Southwest Virginia Arrives in Narrows

 

Giles County, VA- Rally Southwest Virginia is building community leadership capacity and reinforcing collaborative communities across the region of Southwest Virginia. The region consisting of 19 counties from Giles to the far southwest counties in Virginia, has embraced this program and others to find creative outlets for suppressed economies and the revitalization for downtown areas.

 

The Town of Narrows is the first community in the New River Valley to participate in this new min-grant program, facilitated by Opportunity SWVA. The mini-grant program provides a $3,000 award to communities to implement a community development project through a team structure. The team in Narrows is comprised of citizens, small business owners, town staff, and county representatives. The group gathered for the initial meeting to discuss the potential of the Rally program and begin brainstorming how this mini-grant could be utilized to support ongoing development efforts in Narrows.

 

At the initial meeting, participants heard from Robyn Lee, Entrepreneurship Coordinator for Opportunity SWVA. Through partnerships with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) this program has already seen success in other communities in the region. Chilhowie, Cleveland, Coeburn, Damascus, Dungannon, Haysi, Pocahontas, and Tazewell have utilized the award monies to build and install kiosks, develop wayfinding signage for their downtown, create art in public places, and more.

 

A goal of the project, aside from a short-term completed project, is to build a cohesive and engaged group at the local level to help facilitate future development in the community. This small group locally, will then serve as energetic leaders to support other community and small business efforts. The goal of attracting and supporting entrepreneurs and their ventures to Narrows  has been the topic of conversation as the community has participated in master planning sessions for over a year.

 

All five towns in Giles County, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Narrows, Rich Creek, and Glen Lyn are all actively engaged in revitalization planning under the guidance of the New River Valley Regional Commission with funds from DHCD in the form of their Community Development Block Grants. Pembroke and Narrows are nearing the time to submit for implementation funds from their master planning process, while the other communities are beginning their visioning and coordination phase of the process.

 

For the next six months Narrows will be considering, designing, and implementing a project to support the town as a place for business as it relates to the master plan that focuses on outdoor recreation as a driver for economic development. The group that recently met, while no final decisions were made, enjoyed the ideas revolving around signage, façade improvements, or a beatification project to welcome residents and visitors to this wonderfully natural, mountain town in Southwest Virginia.

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For additional information on RALLY Southwest Virginia please feel free to contact Robyn Lee at 276-376-3453 or rlee@uvawise.edu.

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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Volunteers & Fun Competition for Giles ACCE along NRWT

ACCE January Column

Volunteers & Fun Competition for Giles ACCE

 

Giles County, VA- With the New Year, many students are considering their options after high school and those already in college or the ACCE program are preparing for the second semester at New River Community College. Students that are already utilizing the Access to Community College program in Giles County know that the program is helping both students and families along the way. Every month we bring you a story of someone involved in the ACCE Program or the very popular Muddy ACCE Race event. The 2017 MAR is slated for September 16, 2017 along the banks of the New River Water Trail in Giles County. This month we talk with a volunteer of the event, Ed Bradley.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A: My name is Ed Bradley and I am a Sr. Operations Specialist at Celanese. My wife, Susan and I, have three young girls. We both have been very active with volunteering; it is a culture that our company is encouraging. Over the past five years, we have been able to help over 50 volunteer projects in our local community. I feel very blessed in this life and love it when an opportunity comes my way that allows me to use my skills or influence to help improve someone else’s way of life. I believe you can never give more than you receive. Every project I get involved in gives me so much satisfaction, from seeing smiling faces, sometimes tears of happiness and just a general appreciation from the ones we get to help.

Q: How did you participate in the ACCE Program? A: The first thing I did was nominate the Muddy ACCE Race as a

Volunteers as part of the Global Impact Month with Celanese, helped to build most of the obstacles along the Muddy ACCE Race course. The warp wall seen above was one of the first that participants had to conquer. Ed Bradley & others formed teams to spur competition & enjoy the event in 2016.

project for our company sponsored Global Impact Month and I volunteered to lead the project. It was easy to convince others to want to help construct the Mud Course after I explained that all the proceeds of the event would go to support a free college education for Giles County students. We had anywhere from ten to fifteen volunteers show up each day (for a week) at the park to help the county crew build some of the obstacles for the race.

After seeing how fun it looked after construction, of course I had to run it. By no means am I a runner, but I was up for the challenge. My wife runs a good bit and loved the idea of it too. So, we each decided to form a team and have a little family competition. Then I started challenging people I worked with to get teams signed up. Meanwhile, our kids got interested and started asking their friends. So, I just started signing up everyone that I could find, by the time of the race we had signed up over 30 people.

Q: Why did you get involved with the Muddy ACCE Race? A: Celanese sponsors what we call Global Impact Month each year in September. We started talking to local officials and schools around July to try and determine the projects we want to help with. I learned about the ACCE program and the mud run this year while speaking with Chris McKlarney and Jon Mills, I was immediately sold on the idea and wanted to help in every way I could. I can’t think of a better thing to get involved in. Giving a college education to our kids changes their life forever. The student’s life, their family’s life and the essence of the program is for the students to give back too. This forever molds their minds and opens their hearts to giving and not just taking from this world. It gives families that can’t afford the opportunity to send their children to college a new outlook on life too. I can only think of positive things that this program creates and I feel very fortunate to get to be a part of it. I’m very proud of Giles County for stepping up to the plate to financially get this program started and will do all I can to get the support of local businesses and corporations to do their part as well. It will only make our community better, smarter, and stronger and help to create a giving spirit.

Q: What is the one thing you’ll take away from the ACCE program or MAR event? A: This program is all about changing lives for the better. It will improve the quality of life of the students that take advantage of it by removing student debt, letting them focus on their studies and not their finances, opening their eyes to giving back themselves by helping others in the community. It gives hope, encourages and inspires people to want to do good for others.

Sign up today for the September 16, 2017 Muddy ACCE Race at muddyaccerace.com

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If you are interested in learning more about the NRCC ACCE program in Giles, please visit www.gilescounty.org. For more information on the 2017 Muddy ACCE Race, www.muddyaccerace.com.

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ReNew The New Local Committee Receives State Recognition

ReNew The New Local Committee Receives State Recognition

Giles County, VA- Earlier in November members of the local ReNew The New Committee from Giles County traveled to York County, Virginia for the annual Soil and Water Conservation Society awards ceremony. Nominated by the New River Valley Regional Commission the local committee was awarded the 2016 Merit Award “for their successful partnership to improve the health of the New River through organized cleanup activities” at the gathering.

The ReNew the New committee develops multiple events a year to clean sections of the New River. Photo by Alisa Moody.

The nomination letter included compliments to the local committee and Giles County for the regional success of the river cleanup held on August 27, 2016. The nominating application shared that “it successfully brought together groups representing industry, advocacy, government, students, youth, and the public” allowing for a positive impact on towards a “common cause,” the continued cleanup and awareness efforts of the New River.

For the past ten years ReNew The New has hosted two annual clean ups. A spring event focuses on roadways or river access points and is referred to as Ramps-N-Roads. The 2016 event held in Giles again brought record crowds and continues to be a popular community event along the New River Water Trail. In the early fall the popular Fall into the New event gets volunteers onto the water to clean up various sections of waterway. This year the entire New River Valley region was involved and for that effort, received this award.

On August 27 volunteers from Floyd, Pulaski, Montgomery, and Giles County, as well as the City of Radford joined together at Bisset Park to clean up a 10-mile section up and down river of Dudley’s Landing. The event brought together the communities and over 450 volunteers and successfully removed over two tons of debris from the river. This effort has “improved the environment through the clean-up of the region’s main water source; it united a group of volunteers representing a variety of backgrounds and interests and it educated the public about the importance of the New River to the region” as stated in the nomination application.

The award was presented to committee member Paul Moody at the recent event and has been presented to the local ReNew the New Committee with much appreciation. The 2017 event details are still being developed, but the Merit Award and regional attention have garnered more awareness for the New River and the efforts to maintain and improve the important waterway. For more information on the ReNew the New activities please visit their website at http://renewthenew.org/ or http://virginiasmtnplayground.com/.

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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Program Leaders Boast about ACCE

ACCE December Column

Program Leaders Boast about ACCE

dr-webb-app-dinner-resize

 

 

Dr. Lewis Webb who serves on the NRCC Educational Foundation, the local Giles ACCE Development Committee, and supported the Muddy ACCE Race event speaks at the Appreciation Dinner where students and guests shared success stories of the program.

Giles County- The holiday season is here and many students, out of high school, are enjoying their semester breaks. Whether students complete their journey in higher education at New River Community College or use their experience there as a step in their educational adventure, the Access to Community College program in Giles County is helping students and families along the way. Every month we bring you a story of someone involved in the ACCE program or the very popular Muddy ACCE Race event. The 2017 MAR is slated for September 16, 2017 along the banks of the New River Water Trail in the western part of Giles County. This month we chat with one of the people pivotal to the committee and program, Dr. Lewis Webb. Read on for his story.

 

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A: “Practiced Dentistry in Narrows (35 yrs), Served on Giles County School Board (27 yrs), former member of NRCC College Board (8 yrs), presently serving on the New River Community College Educational Foundation Board.”

Q: How did you participate in the ACCE Program? Where you a runner, sponsor, student, parent, spectator? A: I “served on the ACCE Development Committee [and also] sponsored my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in the Muddy ACCE Race 2016.” Dr. Webb was also on-hand the day of the event as a spectator and cheerleader for the participants at the first annual event.

Q: Why did you get involved with the Muddy ACCE Race? A: “Have been involved with the Access to Community College Education Program at NRCC since its inception and worked with Giles County planning the Muddy ACCE Race.”

Q: What is the one thing you’ll take away from the Muddy ACCE Race event? A: “2 THINGS! How well organized the race was and the course was spectacular!”

Q: If you could share a sentiment to those considering the program- what would you tell them? A: “The ACCE Program opens doors to many students who otherwise may not be able to attend college. For some it is a life changing event. As I always say, this program is a triple win; certainly a win for the students, a win for NRCC, and a big win for Giles County!”

If you are interested in learning more about the NRCC ACCE program in Giles, please visit www.gilescounty.org. For more information on the 2017 Muddy ACCE Race, www.muddyaccerace.com.

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Sep 17- New River Water Trail Poker Float

September 17- New River Water Trail Poker Float

Giles County is hosting the first New River Water Trail Poker Float! Ever heard of a Poker Run? Well, this event is the same amount of fun with just a bit more water. Whether you are a pro in the water or are just starting to get your feet wet, our Poker Float is the perfect place to get outside in the sun, explore the New River Water Trail, and have an great time!

The day starts off at the Eggleston Fire Department where you can leave your car and register. The fee to preregister is $25 and a Free T-shirt is included! To register the day of is $3o. All proceeds go to the Pembroke, Eggleston, and Newport Volunteer Firefighter Stations.

The float: Your exciting trip down the beautiful New River begins at the Eggleston Boat landing (Wide Spot), and you can float and relax while letting the river work for you while you take in the New River’s unforgettable scenery or paddle yourself into an adventure to the three stops planned and grab your cards! As the New River Water Trail sweeps you to the new Ripplemead Boat Landing its time to get out, dry off, and see who has the best hand!

There will be lots of opportunities to win something! The grand prize for the best hand will be a new kayak! 2nd place prize is $250. 3rd place prize is $150. 4th and 5th place prizes will be sponsored prizes. Didn’t have anything good? That’s okay, lowest hand gets there money back! If you didn’t do good enough for a prize or bad enough for your money back there will be T-shirts for sale so everyone can take something home!

Don’t have a way to float? Don’t worry! Our partner, Tangent Outfitters, will be there with options to rent for the fun day ahead of you! Tangent will also be providing a shuttle to the loading site and take out site back your cars.

Ready to try your luck on the New River Water Trail?  Register Today! This event is hopefully the start of a date you’ll schedule on your calendars for years to come, so get outside and try your hand on the New River Water Trail with us!

Newest River Water Trail Poker Float

Find more on their Facebook Event Page

Or Virginia.org at New River Water Trail Poker Float

GilesLogo-long-NRWTb

2016 Pembroke, Eggleston, Newport Volunteer Fire Departments Canoe & Kayak Poker Float Rules and Regulations

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 a.m. launch time will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016, and – Cost is $25 pre-register (includes t-shirt and ticket pack ); $30 register day of (includes ticket pack); $15 for extra hand; $10 extra card (Mulligan Card)

Pre-registration ends Monday September 5, 2016. All entries postmarked by September 5, 2016 are considered pre-registered and the participant may pick up their preregistration packet at the registration tent at The Eggleston Vol. Fire Department between 08:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. on September 5, 2016.

All entries must abide by Virginia Boating Laws. Safety comes first!

More than 1 entry per CRAFT will be permitted.  More than one entry per person will be permitted.

The “owner” of an entry shall be the individual who signs the waiver on the entry form.  The owner will be required to provide a state issued photo ID when they pick up their original packet.  The owner may then designate another individual to draw their cards at the designated points along the river.  All prize money will be made payable.  There will be no exceptions to this rule.

There will be no limit on the number of entries accepted.

Any evidence of tampering with scorecards will result in disqualification and forfeiture of fees.

An owner of a hand (entry) must be 18 years of age.

The run will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will end at 4:00 p.m.  You may complete the run at your leisure as long as you have drawn all 5 cards by 4:00 p.m. (6 cards if Mulligan card is purchased).

The 5th and final card will be drawn at the boat ramp at the Whitt Riverbend Park.  Any participant who is not in line for check-in at the Park by 4:00 p.m. will forfeit their entry fee and cannot continue to the check-in table. NO EXCEPTIONS!

After receiving your final card at the Whitt Riverbend Park, you will inform the judges of what type of hand you are turning in to compete for the prizes. (Example: If you have A,2,3,4,5 you may inform the judges that you are playing a straight. Another Example may be that you have drawn a 3,5,7,9,J so you may want to play your hand as the lowest hand to compete for the $100 prize).

All entrants will draw their Mulligan (6th) Card if they purchased it, at registration.  The 1st and 6th cards will be drawn at the same time on Saturday at the registration tent on September 17,2016. Cards from all pick-up locations must be picked up by 4:00 p.m.—NO EXCEPTIONS!

All entrants must check-in at Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.  Any participants not checked in by 10:00 a.m. will forfeit their entry fee—NO EXCEPTIONS!

You will draw your 1st and 6th (Mulligan) cards when you receive your registration packet at Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department and may draw your second card at the first pickup spot along the river between Eggleston River Road to Whitt Riverbend Public Boat landing You will draw your cards from the Water Teams that are stationed along the river throughout your float. They will be easily identifiable.

Hands will be scored upon completion beginning at 4:00 p.m. At Whitt Riverbend Park Boat ramp.

Prizes will be awarded according to the rules of 5 Card Stud. If at any time you draw a duplicate card of the same suit, you must give that card back to the dealer and draw another card. You will need to draw from that deck of cards until you draw a card that you do not already have stamped on your punch card.

The total number of entries will determine the prizes given away.

Prizes:

A grand prize will be awarded to the highest five card stud hand entered.

Second through fifth prizes will be awarded to the next highest five card stud hands (ex. Straight Flush, 4 of a Kind, Full House, etc.)

The lowest hand of the contest will receive entry fee pay back ($30)

Mulligan Cards:

A Mulligan Card works much like a Mulligan in golf.  Upon check-in at the Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department you will draw your Mulligan Card if you purchased one. Each participant will use ONLY 5 of the 6 cards to make the best possible hand.  Each entry will be allowed to purchase only one Mulligan Card.

Mulligan cards will be sold for $10.00 and must be purchased before the run begins.

50/50 Tickets:

You may purchase 50/50 tickets at the registration table at the Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department, or check in stops or the judges’ check-in table (Whitt Riverbend) at the end of the float.  Ticket sales will be complete by 4:00 p.m.  The Winning ticket will be drawn during the awards presentation.

50/50 tickets are sold in $10.00 lots.  You may purchase as many lots as you desire.

All tickets sold will be combined into one hopper.

One ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive half of the money collected.  You must be present to win.

In case of a tie for the Grand Prize, the judges will determine the winning hand by using the high card.  The winner as determined by the judges will be the Grand Prize winner, the other player will be awarded 2nd place.

In the case of a tie for 2nd or 3rd place, a high card will be drawn by each participant.

A tie for 4th place will be decided by the judges based on the high card.  The loser of the tie will move into 5th place.

A tie for 5th place will be decided by the judges based on the high card.  The winner of the tie will retain the 5th place position.

All prizes will be awarded immediately after the completion of the 4:00 p.m. Closing Deadline

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Ripplemead Boat Landing Dedication & NRWT Ribbon Cutting

Ripplemead Boat Landing Dedication & NRWT Ribbon Cutting

For over a year visitors and residents have seen work in progress at the Whitt-Riverbend Park in Ripplemead. The park, owned by the Town of Pearisburg was a partner with Giles County to secure development funds from a grant through the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to develop an official and permanent boat landing in that area. Now visitors will find bathroom facilities, easy through traffic pattern for access to the boat launch, and well establish parking areas.

The new Ripplemead Boat Landing was recently dedicated in Giles County.
The new Ripplemead Boat Landing was recently dedicated in Giles County.

On Monday, June 13th at the Ripplemead Boat Landing at Whitt-Riverbend Park Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward was on hand to acknowledge the partnerships and hard work with this water access project. The Giles County Chamber of Commerce also hosted a ribbon cutting for the New River Water Trail™. The New River Water Trail™ is a cooperative effort between Giles County Administration, Giles County Tourism, New River’s Edge, New River Outdoor Company, Tangent Outfitters, local passionate citizens, small business owners, and lodging businesses in the county.  The trail itself is already in place- it is the river. The designation of the New River Water Trail™ will help visitors and resident navigate the river and explore the various sections that are ready to be discovered!

Guides, Outfitters, VDGIF, Elected Officials, & partners were on hand for the NRWT ribbon cutting.
Guides, Outfitters, VDGIF, Elected Officials, & partners were on hand for the NRWT ribbon cutting.

In addition to the dedication of the boat landing, Secretary Ward also made the presentation to the Giles County Board of Supervisors, Giles Industrial Development Authority, Town of Pearisburg, and New River Water Trail for

The new boat landing is now a Virginia Treasure, the first in Giles County.
The new boat landing is now a Virginia Treasure, the first in Giles County.

the designation as a Virginia Treasure. The Treasure program, run through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, aims to recognize recreational areas that provides “new public access to a natural, cultural, or scenic outdoor recreation resource. These are projects that help the public by enhancing outdoor recreation.” This announcement came as a surprise to those in attendance and Giles is excited to be a part of this list of Virginia Treasures.

To follow along with the New River Water Trail, find us on Instagram and Facebook.

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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Natalie Warren Visits Giles County, Va.

Presentation2On the weekend of June 3rd-5th Natalie Warren, of Wild River Academy and Canoe & Kayak Magazine came and stayed with Paul and Alisa Moody at New River’s Edge. Friday evening she was welcomed by the Town of Pembroke, Giles County Administration, stakeholders, outfitters and others during her presentation on “Your Community from the Paddler’s Perspective“. Afterwards, she and Giles Chamber Members enjoyed a cookout at New River’s Edge where they all got to know each other better and discuss the New River’s significance to Giles County businesses and tourism.

IMG_5940On Saturday, Natalie paddled with a small group that included Cora Gnegy, Giles County Tourism Marketing Director, Paul and Alisa Moody, Ralph Robertson, and others from Eggleston to Pembroke to experience the New River herself. Other than a quick, heavy rain shower the kayak trip was fun, relaxing and showed off the natural beauty of the New River.

Sunday, Natalie explored the areas favorite tourist spots; Cascade Falls, Mountain Lake Hotel and Conservancy, and War Spur Trail, talking to visitors, hikers, staff and business owners along the way. She landed in the Town of Narrows where she wrapped up her visit with a paddler’s point of view on Giles County’s trail towns and how to reach out to paddler’s to bring them off the river and into town to spend money. Natalie also offered her professional observations about how Giles County can not only improve, but also better promote the New River Water Trail.

We look forward to reading about her experience with the Town of Pembroke and the New River Water Trail in her blog “The Next Best Paddling Town” on Canoe & Kayak Magazine’s website in the coming weeks.

You can read more about Natalie’s life as a professional speaker and canoeist here:
How to Make a River Town: An expedition paddler’s perspective on community development