THE DEEP BLUE RIDGE

A Blacksburg woman has dedicated her life to uplifting the voices of disabled artists. Her name is Dr. Elizabeth McLain, and she teaches disability studies and music history classes.

It is ‘play’ on the pickleball court that has turned very competitive for 62-year-old Trish Hammer. But there’s something that gives Hammer an edge over her competition: math.

A Cave Spring High School teen scored the opportunity of his lifetime combining the tow things he loves the most which is hockey and his Chilean heritage.

It is hope that helped Keith Farmer find his calling to serve inner-city kids in difficult situations throughout the Commonwealth.

A Rockbridge County cancer survivor is hoping his mind-over-matter fitness journey inspires others to set and reach goals in life.

A Roanoke man with a tough exterior, but a larger-than-life personality and a heart of gold is sharing deep words of motivation through spoken word in the Commonwealth.

A Wytheville barber is reaching for the stars after he’s spent time cutting hair for different actors in major Hollywood productions.

Do you know someone with a unique story or passion in our region? Here’s your chance to nominate them for the Deep Blue Ridge!

A Salem woman who has defended people with special abilities her entire life is continuing her fight through a children’s book inspired by her son’s resilient journey.

‘Do what brings you great joy with the person who brings you great joy because you will have what you need in life.’

A Christiansburg man is hoping his unique talent for tiny art inspires others to take big productive risks in life. Blake Gore, 42, is an artist who draws miniature art.

Harvey Hennis has been a firefighter with the Galax Fire Department for 58 years. He’s now the assistant chaplain and is 81 years old.

A Lynchburg tattoo artist has left a positive permanent mark in her community in honor of two artists who helped her be the talented woman she is today.

Having a perfect score in bowling is very challenging, but to achieve that perfect score nearly 20 times is beyond rewarding.

One Vinton man is hoping his story of hardships and hard-time inspires others to persevere and he does so by telling his story through wood. “I see things in wood in art. My hands for some reason have to continually move. I think it is a creative instinct.”

Be nice to everyone – it’s so easy: that’s how one Rockbridge County man wants his legacy to inspire others. He’s an entertainer with a larger-than-life personality, and he demonstrates that through his gigantic art pieces.

A Floyd woman has worked decades to figure out her life, but little did she know it would be a hermit crab that would help her claw her way to her purpose.

A New River Valley man hopes his not-so-traditional journey to success inspires other people to act on their ideas in life.

A childhood memory inspired one man to pursue a passion in the industry of glass blowing and now, he’s giving back to people in the community interested in the art. Parker Stafford, 57, runs his own hot glass studio and gallery at 8685 Virginia Avenue in Newport.

The bond between a father and son over their passion for Hot Wheels collectibles is stronger than ever thanks to life and legacy of a close family friend.

A Roanoke survivor of sexual assault is using her traumatizing experience to connect with and serve other victims of sexual assault and human trafficking through her non-profit, The Lampstand.

A Roanoke man is hoping his testimony of turning his life around from homelessness will inspire others struggling in life to never stop fighting for better circumstances. Now, he is giving back to the very organization that rescued him from hitting rock bottom.

A Roanoke woman who has dedicated her life to serving people experiencing homelessness is sharing where this passion developed and how she closely relates to those dealing with these kinds of struggles. Dawn Sandoval, 55, is the founder of The Least of These Ministry or TLOT.

A Roanoke woman’s simple acts of pay-it-forward kindness has gone a long way with making a lasting impact in the community. Debra Ferrell, 54, is the founder of the LLC, ‘Love with Skin On.’

A Roanoke man hopes his personal experience of witnessing addiction in his family will emphasize a different perspective of what drug abuse looks like to raise awareness for others.

A Roanoke street performer is hoping his artistic performances inspire people to push themselves in life. Jefferson Rose, 30, does magic and side show acts for a living.

One Roanoke woman is making a difference in the community with her trash-to-treasure art. She’s doing so, not only by inspiring people to care about the environment, but by inspiring people to care about their passions as well.