Tag: Southwest Virginia

Dino wedding offers Philippines culture of love and laughter

October 14, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

When one of your best friends gets married and you miss the wedding, it is an unfortunate situation — especially when you know the occasion will be filled with fun, enthusiasm and, above all, love. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to the torrential downpours that blanketed Southwest Virginia that weekend. My buddy, Vall Dino, and his girlfriend of five years, Adreanna Meek, officially tied the knot Saturday, October 10, at beautiful Mount Zion Community Church in Marion. The ceremony, presided over by the Rev. David Bise, incorporated elements of Vall’s native Filipino culture and traditions into a celebration overflowing with love, laughter and positivity. I often describe Vall and Adreanna as a rare sort of couple who seem to exude nothing but light. Most of us are a mixture of light and darkness, but these two simply radiate happiness and positivity. They have already established a beautiful home in Marion, and their joy is about to grow even greater with the arrival of their daughter, Aliza Wren Dino, expected February 25. That precious little girl is going to have two of the most devoted parents imaginable. One of the things I most regret missing was the opportunity to experience the Filipino cultural traditions that Vall brought from his homeland. His uncle traveled all the way from the Philippines to join the celebration and prepare many of his specialty dishes for his nephew’s special day, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the festivities. The spirit of the occasion was captured in stunning photographs by Vall’s best friend, Jonathan Hannula, an Abingdon photographer who works alongside Vall at Utility in Atkins. Hannula described the event as one of the most joyous ceremonies he had ever attended. Among the most touching moments was watching Vall’s grandmother shed tears as her grandson stood at the altar in his traditional Filipino tuxedo — a white jacket embroidered with gold designs reflecting his heritage. As Vall flashed his trademark million-watt smile, he looked toward his equally beautiful bride, whose gorgeous white gown was complemented by a bouquet featuring an array of colorful flowers. It was a picture of happiness, tradition and the promise of a life together. One of the ceremony’s highlights was the Filipino money dance, a tradition in which guests pin or tape money onto the bride and groom as they dance. The custom symbolizes good fortune, financial abundance and the community’s support for the couple as they begin their married life. The dance was performed to Ben E. King’s timeless classic, “Stand by Me” — an especially fitting choice for a celebration built around devotion and the promise of standing together through life’s challenges. Music played a central role throughout the festivities. Karaoke, a beloved part of Filipino celebrations, was naturally well represented. Vall’s Aunt Geraldine from the Phillipines could be heard enthusiastically singing Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” at the top of her lungs, while Vall and his sister delighted those gathered with a duet of Extreme’s “More Than Words.” A singer and ukulele player in his own right, Vall is among the most prominent local artists in Southwest Virginia. His paintings exemplify his otherworldly talent. While seen creating caricatures in Marion this past summer, he says his art will be put on hold as he concentrates his devotion to his new family. The father-daughter dance featured Etta James’s “At Last,” while the bride and groom shared their first dance to Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One,” while Adreanna’s walk down the aisle was accompanied by Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.” The couple also danced to “My Home” and “Buwan,” a Filipino song performed by Juan Karlos whose title translates to “Moon.” Each selection contributed another layer of personal meaning to a day that beautifully blended cultures, generations and musical traditions. For Adreanna, the occasion was also a celebration of the compassionate spirit she brings to her everyday life. A devoted nurse, she once served as caretaker for my late friend, J.C. Cook, who, like me, had cerebral palsy. I know firsthand how much kindness and dedication can mean to a family navigating the challenges of disability. Adreanna possesses those qualities in abundance. Together, she and Vall represent the kind of loving, generous partnership that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. They are the sort of people who make others feel welcome, valued and happier simply by being present. When a love as genuine as Vall and Adreanna’s is brought together in marriage, one cannot help but celebrate an emotion that seems almost too pure for words. Their wedding was more than a ceremony; it was a reflection of the light they share with everyone fortunate enough to know them. I wish them the same happiness they so freely give to others, and I pray that their life together will be long, prosperous and filled with countless reasons to smile. May their daughter grow up surrounded by the same warmth, laughter and devotion that her parents have already brought into the world. It is an honor simply to know Vall and Adreanna. To call them my dear friends is an even greater blessing.

Strictly Observing

Memorializing my father at ancestorial reunion

August 2, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

On August 1, generations of William Rufus Cooley’s descendants gathered at Coal Creek Memorial Park for their annual reunion. I am actually a descendant of William’s brother, Wiley Preston Cooley, who was my great-great-grandfather. My father was one of three people memorialized at the event, which prompted me to attend. My dad had been to these reunions several times, and I was both saddened and honored to speak about him to his many distant relatives. I was so thankful to be aware of this year’s reunion, thanks to the Cooley Family Facebook page maintained by Becky Helton. There was no one there who truly knew my father, and I couldn’t bear the thought of him not being remembered at an event that meant so much to him. I wasn’t sure what memorial items to bring, so I brought a copy of my book, Herb Cooley: The Law Enforcement Legacy of My Father, for display. As I was enjoying the meal following the service, a cousin named Luke approached me, asking if my dad had served on the board of directors at the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem. When I said he had, Luke told me he was currently going through that very academy. I knew then that Luke was the person for whom my book was meant. I signed it for him, and the money he gave me went to the cemetery fund in Dad’s memory. Dad would have been so happy that a fine young man like Luke was continuing the Cooley law enforcement tradition while honoring his legacy. Afterward, I went to spend some time at Dad’s resting place. My parents have the nicest monument in the cemetery. Even though I know Dad wasn’t truly beneath the ground at my feet, I found myself unable to break away from the spot. I felt so empty. Still, my dad deserved to be remembered that day; it’s what he would have wanted. I feel blessed that, despite my limitations, I was able to pay him a tribute I hope did him justice. My father loved the Cooley reunions. He especially loved the memorial services held in honor of our loved ones who had passed away, which is why I wanted to ensure I didn’t miss the opportunity to pay homage to his memory. My father was one of the most decorated police officers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His lifetime of service began with a four-year stint in the United States Coast Guard, where he served as a radio operator from 1962 to 1966. He was immensely proud to have served his country, but I would go so far as to say he was even prouder of his heritage as a Cooley—not just as a Cooley, but as a Coal Creek Cooley. He loved the area where he grew up and never stopped reminiscing about the blissful days spent on his Grayson County farm, the place that represented his childhood. During the last dozen or so years of his life, he became an incessant genealogical researcher. If he could have traced our ancestry all the way back to Adam, I’m fairly certain he would have done so given enough time on Earth. He knew the stories of our ancestors as well as anyone ever could, and he delighted in sharing them. He was especially proud that Abraham Cooley, our first ancestor to settle in Grayson County before the dawn of this nation, was a signer of the New York Declaration—one of the documents that helped pave the way for our eventual Declaration of Independence. It seems almost serendipitous that his son, Benjamin Cooley, would later become the first elected Sheriff of Carroll County, Virginia. That passion for public service clearly still runs through our veins today. In addition to my father’s remarkable 45-year career in law enforcement, he now has a great-grandson who has graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Dad’s alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. I know that would have made him profoundly proud, as did his ancestors’ military service, which encompassed every generation right down to his own. The last time I was in the Coal Creek Community Church on November 8, 2025, I was eulogizing my father before a capacity crowd of more than 150 police officers, family members, and friends who mourned him then and continue to miss him today, just as I do. “I can still vividly recall our many trips to the cemetery here, where he would regale me with stories of our great-grandfathers from generations past,” I said. “Today, I will visit that cemetery for the first time since his funeral to pay my respects to him in the place where he always wanted to rest. One day, my wife and I will rest beside him.” “If he were here today, he would be greeting each of you with his trademark million-kilowatt smile, trading stories about the famous Benjamin Cooley clock, which he and I, along with my wife and daughter, were fortunate enough to be photographed with at the Carroll County Museum,” I concluded. “Those memories fill me with joy today, just as they always do whenever I remember what a great man my father was and the great stock from which he came.” The Cooley blood that flows through our veins is the blood of honest, hardworking people who believed in family, as well as the privilege and responsibility of being Americans. As we gathered in fellowship on that day, I did so with the comfort of knowing that my father had been proudly honored, just like all of our loved ones who have gone on to Heaven before us. Until we are reunited with them again, we should never forget what Coal Creek, Grayson County, and Carroll County mean to our heritage. My father certainly never did. And thanks to him, neither will I.

Strictly Observing

RSO restores American pride with Wytheville Concert

June 15, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra performed a stellar concert in Wytheville on Saturday, June 13, when it brought its Stars, Stripes, and Symphony presentation to a nearly sold-out crowd at the Millwald Theatre. Fourteen songs were offered during the 80-minute, two-act program, which opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Dr. E. Daryll Duff, bass vocalist and veteran U.S. Navy Sea Chanter of more than 30 years. Duff’s smooth and stirring vocals sailed through several of the evening’s numbers as flawlessly as the orchestra itself. Meredith Willson’s “76 Trombones” from The Music Man kept the crowd lively, while John Williams’ “A Prayer for Peace” from the 2005 film Munich shifted the mood to one of poignancy. This piece from Williams’ Academy Award-nominated score featured violin solos from concertmaster Akemi Takayama and Zach Windsor. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady” proved that Duff’s vocals could be as soulful as they were reverent. The jazz and swing elements of the orchestra provided a welcome contrast to the more traditional classical pieces. All were performed with equal precision and skill. George M. Cohan’s patriotic medley of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” featured Duff’s vocals as well as those of a very enthusiastic audience. He also sang the songs of each military branch during the “Armed Forces Salute” medley. In memory of my father, who died last October, I proudly elevated my power chair during the “Semper Paratus (Always Ready)” portion of the salute in honor of his service in the Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966. There were not many Coast Guard veterans in an audience full of former service members, so I was proud to realize just how special his service was. I miss him. The first half of the program ended with a medley from the film score of Apollo 13, composed by the late James Horner. The selections were preceded by actual audio from the 1970 mission, which added a haunting sense of reverence to the number. It was certainly a hallowed way to end the first 34 minutes of the show. The second act opened in full patriotic swing with “An American Salute (When Johnny Comes Marching Home),” composed in 1943 by Morton Gould and based on the original Civil War folk song. “The Great Peconic” was perhaps the most moving piece of the evening. Composed by legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel, the number pays homage to Peconic Bay off the coast of Long Island, New York. It was the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s own David Stewart Wiley who helped Joel arrange the composition for orchestra. “Billy’s entire living room was the size of an Olympic pool,” Wiley recalled. “He is such a kind and generous man.” Following the piece, Wiley thanked the orchestra for performing it, noting that he will step down as music director just in time for its 75th anniversary celebration. By 2028, Wiley will have served as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s conductor for 31 years. “This may be the last time we play this together,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work with you all over the last 30 years.” Next came Kenneth J. Alford’s “Colonel Bogey March,” the traditional state song “Our Great Virginia,” sung by Duff to the tune of “Oh Shenandoah,” and “Satchmo,” a medley tribute to Louis Armstrong. A program highlight, “Satchmo” was arranged by Ted Ricketts and featured some of Armstrong’s best-known tunes, including “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and “St. Louis Blues.” After Duff led the audience in Richard Rodgers’ “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from The Sound of Music and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which garnered a standing ovation, Wiley closed the show by inviting an enthusiastic teenager to conduct the orchestra in “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” putting the proverbial cherry on top of a wonderful evening. In this day and time, given the current state of the country, it can be difficult to muster national pride. The music provided by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra restored in me a sense of honor in being an American. If only for an hour, I was proud to live in the United States again. Their music is second to none. It is an incredible blessing to call the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra our own. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will have two more Wytheville performances this year. Symphony Under the Stars takes place on September 13, while Handel’s Messiah will be presented on December 19. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.themillwald.org or call 276-284-2958.

Strictly Observing

Easton sells out Wytheville’s Millwald in enthralling showcase

March 23, 2026March 24, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Despite turning 67 this month, Scottish pop star Sheena Easton proved she still has what it takes to wow an audience when she brought her nostalgic ’80s dance sound to the Millwald Theatre on Saturday, March 21. Opening with the Lisa Stansfield classic “Around the World,” Easton immediately had the sold-out crowd of 500 on their feet, and the energy never dipped throughout the 85-minute set. She followed with her 1988 hit “Days Like This,” setting the tone for an evening that balanced humor, nostalgia, and vocal strength. “Some of you are here because you know my name,” she joked after sipping from a mug she claimed was “fifty percent likely to have tea in it.” Then, with a grin, she added, “But let’s face it—some of you are here because your mother dragged you.” Before launching into the ballad “Almost Over You,” Easton shared that its tear-jerking lyrics reflected a true story from her own life. The performance was met with warm appreciation from the audience. She followed with a heartfelt rendition of “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette, then delivered the Burt Bacharach classic “Always Something There to Remind Me” in a style closer to Sandie Shaw’s original version than the later ’80s interpretation by Naked Eyes. “That is my trilogy about getting dumped,” she quipped at the end of the sequence. “I would never dump you!” one audience member shouted. “Hi, sugar,” Easton replied in a playful Mae West-style drawl. Later in the evening, a fan called out, “You lost your accent!” “That’s because I stole yours,” she shot back, effortlessly keeping the crowd engaged. Introducing her hit “Strut,” Easton teased, “This next song will remind you of the moment your mother regretted playing you my music—after she came home and found you in her high heels singing the naughty lyrics.” She added with a laugh, “Some of the girls were doing it too.” A highlight of the night came during her tribute to her late friend Prince, whom she credited with boosting her confidence as a songwriter. She performed “The Arms of Orion,” their duet from the Batman soundtrack, alongside “Nothing Compares 2 U”—famously recorded by Sinéad O’Connor. Easton joked that she had been “dead jealous” that O’Connor recorded the song instead of her. Both numbers featured her backup singer and duet partner, Jason Martinez, whose versatility—ranging from country to R&B—added depth throughout the evening. “The Lover in Me” stood out as a high-energy callback to her ’80s peak, while a Prince medley—including “U Got the Look” and “Sugar Walls,” with a nod to Sheila E.’s “The Glamorous Life”—kept the momentum strong. Martinez rejoined Easton for her country hit “We’ve Got Tonight,” originally recorded with Kenny Rogers and written by Bob Seger. Of course, the show would not have been complete without Easton’s talented band. As she noted in a prior interview, she truly brought “the best musicians in Vegas.” Saxophonist Tony Q drove many songs to their peak energy, while guitarist Andrew Weir delivered standout performances—perhaps inspired, as Easton joked, by his wife Ann being in the audience for her birthday. Musical director Brian Triola anchored the sound on keyboards, and drummer Michel Angelo Vattima provided a powerful rhythmic backbone. “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” proved to be a major crowd-pleaser, but it was her signature hit “Morning Train (9 to 5)” that brought the audience to its feet before the first note—and kept them standing through the final chord. Easton closed the night with her James Bond theme, “For Your Eyes Only,” ending the show with grace, warmth, and consummate professionalism. As delighted as the Wytheville crowd was to welcome her, one can only hope that this performance marks the beginning of many more artists of Easton’s caliber gracing the stage at the Millwald Theatre. As for Easton herself, the artist could not have been warmer and more gracious. Having been given the honor to meet and interview her was an even greater privilege than watching the double Grammy winner perform. She has lost nothing in talent or showmanship in a half-century of performing. One can only hope she will see fit to return to our humble, but grateful hamlet again soon.

Strictly Observing

New PBS doc highlights SWVA’s role in American Revolution

November 18, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

My first story since the passing of my father brought me back to one of my favorite local spots. The Millwald Theatre was offering a free screening of a new Blue Ridge PBS documentary, Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia, an hour-long film committed to exploring the revolutionary roots of Southwest Virginia. Delivered with the full Ken Burns treatment, it is the first documentary of its kind to finally showcase our region’s major role in the beginnings of the Revolutionary War. Beautifully photographed and filmed on location here in Wytheville at the Willowbrook Jackson/Umberger Homestead Museum, the documentary features Michael Gillman, manager of historic sites and homestead museum operations with the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums. No one knows more about Wythe County history than Michael Gillman—a longtime friend and lifelong Wytheville native. He appears both as a reenactor in authentic Revolutionary War clothing and as one of the film’s primary speakers. “I learned from the best,” Michael told me after the fact. “Jim Spraker, Davy Davis, and the late John Johnson were among some of my greatest mentors.” Of course, the section that mattered most to me was the portion about the Fincastle Resolutions, which included footage of the plaque in modern-day Austinville, Virginia. I have always believed that the Austinville area—home to my mother’s side of the family for centuries—is the most historically significant part of our region, though too often overlooked. “Some of the first [immigrants] to arrive were Welsh miners, drawn by the newly discovered lead deposits near present-day Austinville in Wythe County,” the documentary states. “Founded in 1756 by Colonel John Chiswell, the mines faced early financial struggles, but eventually became vital to the Patriot cause.” “Chiswell goes to England and brings William Herbert and his family over here in 1761,” Michael explains in the documentary. “The first letter written out of modern-day Wythe County was from Captain William Herbert, who basically states that the enslaved arrived safe and well, and that they would get moving to get the lead, which they started mining leads successfully.” The Fincastle Resolutions, long said to be a precursor to the Declaration of Independence, were signed in Austinville. At least, that is what I always thought. However, Michael proposes in the documentary that it is more likely the document was signed at the McGavock home eight miles away in Fort Chiswell. Neither location can be proven definitively, but his reasoning is compelling. As Michael explains, James McGavock—one of the signers of the Fincastle Resolutions—likely played a central role in where the men gathered. “We know they met at his tavern,” he says in the film. “And since all of these men traveled the Great Wagon Road, they would have passed McGavock’s establishment on their way to Austinville. Given that, why would they travel eight miles farther just to sign the resolutions in Austinville?” It is a question that invites debate, curiosity, and the kind of historical dialogue this documentary so skillfully inspires. The first rough cut of the documentary ran over two hours, and the project took more than two years to complete. Inevitably, much Wythe County history ended up on the cutting-room floor. Still, the 56 minutes that did make it to air—premiering on PBS Appalachia and Blue Ridge PBS on Sunday, November 16th, ahead of the new six-part Ken Burns series on the American Revolution—offer a beautifully crafted piece of cinematography accompanied by a narrative rich in historical context. One key takeaway is how unsettlingly familiar the political forces that sparked and escalated the Revolutionary War feel when compared to today. While many skirmishes centered on land disputes, allegiance often fell along much more personal lines. A man might become a Patriot simply because a Loyalist had insulted his brother—cementing him on the opposing side of whatever his rival supported. Though our history books often portray the conflict as Americans versus the British, the documentary reveals that it was very much a global conflict that affected all nationalities, including pitting Americans against Americans. One particularly relevant story that did not make the final cut was that of Reverend George Flohr, a German-born minister who fled to Southwest Virginia to escape the brutal fighting of the Revolutionary War in his homeland. He founded the St. John’s churches in both Rural Retreat and Wytheville, and is buried in the St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Wytheville. For me, however, the heart of the film lies in its attention to Wythe County—my lifelong homeland. That is what draws me most deeply into this one-of-a-kind documentary. Blue Ridge PBS Director of Content Carol Jennings wrote the bulk of the script for this compelling documentary. During the question-and-answer panel at the end of the screening, she shared that she will be posting bonus video segments—scenes that did not make it into the final cut—on the Blue Ridge PBS website over the next couple of months. The story of Reverend Flohr will be among those added features. At any rate, I extend my deepest appreciation to everyone involved in creating this documentary, which finally shines a long-overdue spotlight on our hometowns and their pivotal role in the birth of this nation. To have our story told at this level is a rare and special honor, one of which we should all be proud.

Strictly Observing

Jay Leno brings laughs to Hard Rock Bristol

October 25, 2025November 15, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

Visiting the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to see legendary comedian Jay Leno live in concert on Saturday, October 24, with my dear friend Jeremy Miller, was a rare treat. The 2,000-seat Hard Rock Live venue was filled to capacity to witness the former Tonight Show host make his first-ever appearance in Bristol, Virginia. At 75 years old, Leno took the stage promptly at 8:15 p.m. and delivered a 90-minute set straight through—no breaks, no tangents, just pure, classic stand-up. “It’s hard being a comedian today,” he admitted early in the show. “You say the wrong thing, and you get this cancel culture admonition.” That may have been Leno’s way of explaining the absence of political jabs that once defined his Tonight Show monologues during his 22-year run on NBC. He did, however, sprinkle in a few well-aimed jokes at the expense of current and former presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. “Trump said first she was Black, then she was Indian,” Leno recalled Trump’s comments about Kamala Harris. “He’s done the same thing—first he was white, then he was orange.” Leno also noted that a prestigious university recently analyzed one of Trump’s speeches and determined that Trump spoke at a fifth-grade level. “After hearing this,” he quipped, “Trump called the researcher a doo-doo head.” “Biden claimed the press was only there to dig up dirt on him,” he said. “Anyone qualified to dig up dirt on Joe Biden should be classified as an archaeologist.” From there, Leno shifted toward more personal and nostalgic material, and the evening truly came alive. The highlight of his set centered on his immigrant parents—his mother, a Scottish refugee, and his father, an Italian prizefighter. He recalled one memorable Thanksgiving dinner when his mother prepared a feast complete with both turkey and lasagna. Exhausted, she handed her husband an electric carving knife and asked him to carve the turkey. Two clicks later, the knife wouldn’t start. “The knife is dead!” his father shouted. “Do I have to do everything around here?” “If you think a cooked turkey can’t fly, I’m here to tell you—it can,” Leno grinned as he described what happened next. “We heard it hit three of the four walls, and nobody even looked up from their meal.” He also shared how his mother’s unintentional movie reviews became comedy gold on The Tonight Show. After sending her to see Scarface, he called for her opinion. “During that scene where they’re cutting him up in the bathtub,” she told him, “why do they have to use such bad language?” “There she was, enjoying this decapitation scene,” Leno laughed. “And she was offended by the foul language!” Another favorite memory involved introducing Sting to his father backstage at The Tonight Show. “My parents were never impressed by celebrities,” he said. “They didn’t know anyone past Alan Ladd.” “Stingman?” his father said, mishearing. “Nice to meet you, Stingman.” Leno also recounted taking his mother to dinner at the famous Chasen’s restaurant in Beverly Hills—a spot she recognized from her favorite show, Dallas. When she spotted actress Connie Stevens, one of her longtime idols, Leno arranged for Stevens to stop by their table. His mother lit up. “Connie Stevens!” she exclaimed. “Whatever happened to you?” Leno later reflected on aging and marriage with his trademark self-deprecating wit. “Thirty years ago, I wrecked my motorcycle on a Friday and was back at work Monday,” he compared his current aches and pains to his younger days. “Last Thursday, I yawned and turned my head at the same time—and I’m just now able to move my neck again.” He spoke lovingly of his wife of 45 years, Mavis, without mentioning her recent health challenges. Instead, he focused on their shared quirks. “My wife makes me turn off any show where an animal might be harmed,” he said. “The other night she was watching a show where a woman stabbed her husband 68 times—and she was so into it she started mimicking the stab wounds!” “Men can flirt until about 52,” Leno joked about his newfound invisibility. “After that, if you compliment a woman, you’re creepy. But after a while, women just stop noticing you altogether. At my age now, women are changing clothes right in front of me!” “A woman pulled up beside me, rolled down her window, and asked for my number,” he told of a recent encounter while driving. “I smiled and said, ‘Thanks, but I’ve been happily married for 45 years.’ She said, ‘No, you don’t understand—I’m a private nurse. Here’s my number in case you ever need my services.’” In summary, Jay Leno remains as sharp and charismatic as ever. His 90-minute set flowed effortlessly from start to finish, without audience interaction or topical pandering. It was simply vintage Leno—timeless, quick-witted, and observationally brilliant. It was an honor to see a living legend in person, someone I grew up watching every night behind the Tonight Show desk. Here’s hoping I’ll have the same opportunity to see Jimmy Fallon in the years to come.

Strictly Observing

Philippines native brings soulful art to Southwest Virginia

August 16, 2025August 20, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

Vall Dino was born in the Philippines and came to America at the age of nine, when his mother married a man from Virginia. One of three children, he and his younger sister left their island home and settled in Smyth County, Virginia, stepping into a world that was entirely new in both language and culture. When Vall entered Sugar Grove Elementary School, he couldn’t speak a word of English. Yet he carried with him a gift that transcended words — a gift that would endear him to countless classmates and, eventually, to an entire region. “I may not have been able to speak to them,” Vall told me during an August 14th telephone interview, “but I could draw them a picture.” That simple statement is more than just a childhood memory; it is a thread that has run through Vall’s life ever since. His artistic ability, once a quiet bridge between him and his peers, has now blossomed into a talent recognized across the Southwest Virginia region. I first met Vall this past winter at The Art Place in Chilhowie. Entering the gallery, I was instantly struck by his work — pieces that seemed to lift images straight from a dream, vivid with color and emotion, and tinged with the smoky shadows of 1940s film noir. That period of American history has always fascinated me, and Vall’s art seemed to capture its essence without imitating it. But more than his technical skill, I was moved by his warmth and kindness, the openness of someone who carries both depth and generosity in equal measure. I was humbled when he presented me with a copy of one of his most celebrated works: a black raven perched on a bare limb, silhouetted against a brilliant red and orange sunset. “The raven represents the darker side of life,” he explained. “It’s a part of all of us. The sunset — with those deep reds and oranges — represents the difficult periods we all go through.” It is a gift I will treasure for the rest of my life. The raven was created as part of a pair, its counterpart a white owl resting against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. “The owl represents the daytime, the lighter side of life,” Vall told me. “I wanted it to be pure white to balance the dark color of the raven.” Though he has not returned to the Philippines to live, the now 28-year-old artist admits he misses its pace of life — and, especially, the family he left behind. “I have way more family in the Philippines than I do here in Virginia,” he said. “I think that’s part of why I paint so much — I miss them, and I miss the life I had on the island.” Vall’s artistic roots stretch back to his childhood there, on his grandparents’ farm. “We would make things from clay,” he recalled. “We’d draw with charcoal and burned wood from the cooking fire. We’d weave art from coconut tree leaves we tied together.” Those early days of improvised creativity were the beginning of a lifelong practice. When Vall entered high school in Smyth County, he began participating in art competitions. “I didn’t win at first,” he reflected. “But over time my passion grew, and I got better at it.” Vall’s first languages were Bisayan and Tagalog, but after years of speaking mostly English, he now finds his native tongue slipping away. “My mother still speaks to me in our language, and I can understand her,” he said. “But I have trouble speaking it now.” Following the death of his stepfather, Vall’s mother remarried and had another daughter, now ten years old. Through the changes in his family life, Vall’s art remained a constant — though he treats it with humility. “Art is always an aside for me,” he said. “I have a full-time job in a factory. I keep art as something I work on until I can save enough to really do something with it.” When asked about his goals as an artist, Vall’s answer is simple: to inspire others. He also values the personal commissions he’s received over the years. “I want to use my art to create self-awareness for people who need it,” he told me. “We all know the mental health struggle is real, and we should use our gifts to help people through it.” His connection with The Art Place in Chilhowie began, as he put it, “out of necessity.” “I’d been looking at The Art Place for a long time, thinking I’d like to display my work there,” he said. “Eventually I worked up the courage to talk to someone, and they let me bring my paintings in. I’ve had several shows there now.” With a warehouse full of paintings and space running low, Vall also approached the gallery about storing some of his work. That decision brought more than storage — it brought community. “I’ve met so many great people there,” he noted. “I wish I’d gone to them sooner.” One of those people is our mutual friend, Liam Besneatte-Cullinane, a fellow artist whose work often uses unconventional materials like newsprint as a base. Where Liam’s palette is more muted and textured, Vall’s style bursts with color, making their work a vivid complement to one another. “Liam and I are planning another art show there in the next couple of months,” Vall said. “We’re looking forward to that — and to more in the future.” As our conversation drew to a close, Vall summed up his philosophy simply: “Art is the expression of the soul. It’s the language we cannot speak.” As we wait to see what new visions his soul will offer us next, I remain grateful for his friendship and for the blessing of knowing someone with such talent and such heart. I am in awe of his gift — and eager to see how his art will continue to illuminate the lives of so many….

Strictly Observing

Mother’s Day ‘Beatlemania’ in Marion

May 26, 2025October 7, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

On Saturday, May 10th, we celebrated an early Mother’s Day and my daughter Bella’s 11th birthday with a special outing to the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia. Yesterday, a Las Vegas-based Beatles tribute band, delivered a phenomenal 93-minute performance—an unforgettable gift for the two biggest Beatles fans I know. The show was a masterclass in tribute performance, featuring a 26-song set over two acts, with every song performed in its original key. It’s no wonder Sir Paul McCartney himself endorsed Yesterday as the ultimate Beatles tribute band. The four musicians—each portraying a member of the Fab Four—have been performing together for nearly 25 years, and their synergy, vocal range, and instrumental finesse were nothing short of astounding. The show began with a nostalgic clip of The Beatles performing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” at the Washington Coliseum in 1964—the closest the original band ever came to Southwest Virginia. With the mood perfectly set, Yesterday opened their performance with “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You,” dressed in outfits reminiscent of the Beatles’ legendary February 9, 1964 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. We were then treated to the Beatles’ first UK No. 1 hit, “Please Please Me,” followed by a heartfelt rendition of “All My Loving,” set against a Hollywood Bowl backdrop. The first act continued with hits like “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Eight Days a Week,” and more. The tremendous vocal blend of the group was very remarkable. When John Auker, performing as George Harrison, introduced “Yesterday,” my daughter Bella—who idolizes Harrison—was moved to tears. His speaking voice bore such a striking resemblance to Harrison’s that it caught her completely off guard. She became emotional again during his rendition of “Something,” which was beautifully faithful to the original. Rich Fazzi, portraying Paul McCartney, was equally remarkable. As a left-handed bassist like McCartney, his skill as a multi-instrumentalist shone, effortlessly trading between piano, and bass alongside Auker. As the group transitioned into their Shea Stadium-era costumes, we were shown archival footage of The Beatles’ arrival at the stadium, followed by their iconic introduction by Ed Sullivan. This perfectly set the stage for “Help!” and “Ticket to Ride.” Don Bellezzo, channeling John Lennon, delivered a stunning version of “Nowhere Man,” an autobiographical classic, and nailed “I Feel Fine” with impressive ease. They closed the first act with a rousing “I Saw Her Standing There,” bringing the crowd to their feet before intermission. “Sergeant Pepper just flew in,” quipped Bellezzo as the group exited the stage. “They’ll be here in 15 minutes.” Act two opened with a video montage of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district at the height of the peace and love movement. The segment featured voices like Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia defending their counterculture lifestyle, juxtaposed against figures like then-Governor Ronald Reagan. With the band donning their iconic psychedelic Sgt. Pepper’s outfits, they launched into “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” title track of the album that helped define progressive rock. From there, we were treated to hits like “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “A Day in the Life,” “Penny Lane,” and a raucous “I Am the Walrus.” Bellezzo credited “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” as the track that helped launch the peace and love movement. I couldn’t take my eyes off George Harrison’s rainbow guitar, while Lennon’s sunburst one was equally striking. Fazzi moved to the piano for a crowd-pleasing “Hey Jude,” and the energy only built from there. “Something” and “Come Together” delighted the audience tremendously with a very impressive vocal & high range of Bellezzo on the latter, followed by explosive Rock n Roll renditions of “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and “Revolution” from The White Album—the latter a powerful protest anthem of its time. Tony Felicetta possessed an incredible talent on the drums as Ringo Starr. He also embodied his effervescent personality. He properly amped me and Bella up to see the real Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band on June 18th in Greensboro, North Carolina. The night ended on an electrifying note with two encore performances: “Twist and Shout” and “Can’t Buy Me Love,” sending the crowd home with hearts full and spirits high. I want to extend special thanks to Don Bellezzo for graciously agreeing to an interview for my podcast, and for giving my family the chance to meet and take photos with this incredibly talented group. I’m also deeply grateful to Bob Watkins, the Lincoln Theatre’s new executive director, for inviting us to this remarkable show. It was an evening my family will never forget. To top it all off, the band gifted Bella a T-shirt featuring the silhouette of the Fab Four and the phrase “I Believe in Yesterday.” That’s no understatement—this group carries on the legacy of the greatest rock band in history with extraordinary talent, authenticity, and heart. Bella will proudly wear her new shirt when we see Ringo Starr live in concert next month in Greensboro. All three of us—especially Bella—are eager to see them again. Any Beatles fan would be lucky to witness what this exceptional band brings to the stage.

Strictly Observing