newsbriefs
Studio Aims to
Accommodate Busy
Schedules
A
t Blue Ridge Aikido and Yoga,
founders Ron and Irene Mala-
chowsky take an unhurried approach to
New Options for
teaching, sharing with others how these
Eco-Friendly
Eastern traditions restore equanimity
and return balance to the body, mind
Countertops
and spirit. Day and evening classes, private sessions and weekend workshops are
offered to accommodate today’s busy schedules. Classes range from gentle and re- M
elesco Builders has opened a
custom countertop design and
storative to energetic and challenging. A variety of techniques, supportive instruc- fabrication studio in Independence. The
tion and individual attention to the various skill levels provide the foundation for Virginia-based green builder is designing
each student to achieve optimal levels of health and well-being from their practice and manufacturing sustainable counter-
of these healing arts. tops with locally found materials.
New River Concrete Countertops
Blue Ridge Aikido and Yoga is located at 62 Laurel Lane, in Troutville. For a free are made from the sand and gravel that
introductory class, call 540-992-2212 or visit BRAilidoYoga.com. See ad, page 30. collects behind two dams on the New
River in Fries and Mouth of Wilson and
is removed during regular dam main-
To Be Successful, Be Sustainable
tenance. No mining or excavating is
required.
A
s many businesses and organizations are learning, one of the best ways
to ensure success is to incorporate sustainable practices. IntraGroups
Recycled bottle glass collected in
supports businesses by bringing a network of professional resources together
the Shenandoah Valley, in and around
to create a plan for lower energy usage in vehicles, homes, businesses and
Harrisonburg, is the main ingredient in
entire communities.
another countertop design. The combi-
nation of regional, low-impact aggre-
To learn more, visit IntraGroups.com or email Community@IntraGroups.com.
gate and recycled materials produces a
beautiful example of sustainable design.
The countertops are available
Bright Idea:
throughout the Mid-Atlantic and
Southeastern United States through
Save Money,
green building suppliers, cabinet
Cool the Earth
showrooms and at their new facility in
Independence.
O
ne year ago, Congress enacted
legislation to phase out the pro-
For more information call Priscilla or
duction of incandescent light bulbs. But
Todd Melesco at 217-773-3175 or visit
even before then, many Americans had
NewRiverConcreteCountertops.com.
made the switch to compact fluorescent
See ad, page 2.
lighting (CFL), replacing the traditional
Edison bulb with futuristic-looking spiral
tubes. According to Frank and Eric Early,
owners of Roanoke based SAV-ELEC,
making the decision to switch is easy; now, so is finding CFLs. The company has
Life is not merely
expanded its services to include residential customers by offering a wide variety of
attractive, high-quality, long-lasting CFLs, as well as eco-friendly fixtures.
to be alive,
“The wisdom in making the change from incandescent bulbs to CFLs is two-
but to be well.
fold,” says Eric, “with immediate monetary savings and environmental benefits that
will be enjoyed for decades to come.”
— Marcus Valerius Martial
Call 540-344-4246 or email Eric@SAV-ELEC.com for more information, or visit
SAV-ELEC.com. See ad, page 2.
January 2009 
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