The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 64

Holidays
with

FRIENDS

Susan Mills, executive director of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge
Parkway, has been hosting a Christmas party for members
and volunteers more than 16 years as a way to say "thanks"
and to just have fun.
story by JEssica wright
photos by david hungatE

Susan Mills, executive
director of FRIENDS of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, hosts
an annual holiday party at
her home to celebrate the
organization's members
and volunteers. In lieu
of a Christmas tree, she
decorates with paper
white flowers and hangs
ornaments from twigs for a
unique look.
To join FRIENDS or to make
a donation, call 772-2992
or visit friendsBRP.org.

64 november/december 2014

EvEr sincE shE was a little girl, Susan Mills has
enjoyed hosting parties. Her parents even provided her
with a party room, to which she would invite friends
via postcard.
"Everyone's parents loved for their sons or daughters
to receive an invitation," she recalls.
In the winter, Mills would plan sleigh-riding parties that also included a bonfire, hot chocolate, cider,
popcorn and homemade cookies.
"It was so simple, but so much fun," Mills says.
"Great memories!"
These days, she continues the tradition of gathering friends for the organization FRIENDS of the Blue
Ridge Parkway, for which she is executive director.
Founded in 1988, FRIENDS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting and preserving
the Blue Ridge Parkway.
"Growing up in southwest Virginia, it is all about

family and community," she says. "The Blue Ridge
Parkway is a family affair; I wanted FRIENDS to
reflect those values."
To celebrate the members and volunteers of
FRIENDS, Mills hosts an annual Christmas party at
her home. Her goal is simple: to play, laugh and share
the holidays. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share,
the recipe for the dish and also to be ready to play.
"We need parties to remember how to play again as
adults," Mills says. "When everyone has fun together,
all contributing, we grow closer."
The group typically plays the Dirty Santa gift exchange game while enjoying a variety of finger food
or small plate food. Mills says she keeps "sit-at tables"
to a minimum to encourage everyone to mingle and
play games.
Mills' favorite recipe to prepare for her guests is cold
salmon. It's a creative dish that can be prepared ahead
The

R oanoker.com


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The Roanoker - November/December 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - November/December 2014

Letter (From Us)
From The Editor
The Look
The Flavor
The Gist
The Calendar
Congressman Goodlatte: Roanoke’s Own Clark Kent
Bob Kinsey: He Was There To Turn On The Star The First Time
2014 Dining Awards: Our Readers Pick Their Favorites
Sushi To Candy: Four More Great-Eats Spots
Holiday Celebrations With Friends (Of The Blue Ridge Parkway)
Please Pass The Cookies
Kitchen Magic
The Perfect Weekend
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Intro
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Cover1
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Cover2
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 3
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 4
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 5
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 6
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 7
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 8
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 9
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Letter (From Us)
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 11
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - From The Editor
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 13
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - The Look
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 15
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - The Flavor
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 17
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 18
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 19
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - The Gist
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 21
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 22
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 23
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - The Calendar
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 25
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 26
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 27
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 28
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 29
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Congressman Goodlatte: Roanoke’s Own Clark Kent
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 31
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 32
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 33
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 34
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 35
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Bob Kinsey: He Was There To Turn On The Star The First Time
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 37
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 38
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 39
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 2014 Dining Awards: Our Readers Pick Their Favorites
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 41
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 42
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 43
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 44
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 45
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 46
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 47
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 48
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 49
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 50
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 51
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 52
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 53
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 54
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Sushi To Candy: Four More Great-Eats Spots
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 56
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 57
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 58
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 59
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 60
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 61
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 62
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 63
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Holiday Celebrations With Friends (Of The Blue Ridge Parkway)
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 65
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Please Pass The Cookies
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 67
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 68
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 69
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 70
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 71
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 72
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Kitchen Magic
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 74
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 75
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 76
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 77
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 78
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 79
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 80
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 81
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - 82
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Cover3
The Roanoker - November/December 2014 - Cover4
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