Being a teacher is more than just a job; it’s more than just a career. It’s a calling. It takes a truly special (and very, very patient) individual to educate, nurture and inspire our young people.
In our 3rd annual Top Teacher awards, Lynchburg Living is recognizing a few of the area’s most deserving educators. After reviewing nomination forms submitted by members of the community, a panel of judges selected our 2016-2017 winners.
From their favorite memories to their biggest challenges, learn more about the Top 10 on the following pages. They represent multiple school systems and grade levels. But they all had so much in common—including how they love it when a student finally understands something for the first time or how they wish they had more time in the day.
To all Central Virginia educators, not just those on this list, we thank you for your perseverance and dedication. You are pillars of our community.
Crystal DeLong
School: Liberty High School
Years as an Educator: 19
Currently Teaches: 9th grade World History II, Practical Law, 12th grade AP Government
Special Recognition:
• 2017 Region 5 Teacher of the Year
• 2017 Bedford County Teacher of the Year
• 2017 Liberty High School Teacher of the Year
• 2002 Staunton River Middle School Teacher of the Year
Educational Background:
• University of Bath-United Kingdom, Master of Arts in Education-International Education
• Roanoke College, Bachelor of Arts-History
• Virginia Tech, Master of Arts-Political Science (present)
Why did you become a teacher?
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher; I believe that everyone has a calling and I know without a doubt that I have been called to teach. Nothing feels more natural than stepping into a classroom and interacting with students. My passion for history runs
deep, and I am privileged to be able to share that every day with my students.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
As a teacher, the greatest thing I can do is to inspire my students to become life-long learners. The “Aha!” moments when a student finally grasps a concept are the moments and accomplishments that make teaching fulfilling. That is why I continue to come back every day and year after year. Even when challenges seem insurmountable, nothing is more rewarding than making a difference in a student’s life.
What are your biggest challenges?
Some days the biggest challenges I face in the classroom are helping a student to grasp a concept or to take ownership of their learning. Through differentiation and personalized learning I hope to be victorious in those situations. Paperwork and grading can feel overwhelming at times, but overall, the rewards of teaching greatly outweigh the challenges we face as teachers.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
One of the most rewarding things I have been a part of in the past 10 years is Model United Nations (MUN). It was incredible to watch students’ worldviews expand as they became more exposed to other cultures and countries. Several of my MUNers have shared how MUN gave them confidence in speaking and debate, as well as expanding their worldview.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
A good teacher invests in her students and school both inside and outside the classroom. The service aspect of National Honor Society was one of the main reasons I agreed to be the advisor. Serving alongside my students at the Big Island Fall Festival, Roanoke Rescue Mission or with Habitat for Humanity has provided lots of great memories.
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
I am grateful to have the opportunity to teach your children. Thank you to all those who support public education. We need your support as parents and stakeholders to be successful in the classroom. Thank you for entrusting your children to us.
From Her Nomination:
“[Crystal Delong] is a selfless individual that comes to work every day to make a difference in every student’s life. She has natural leadership ability and articulates the needs of the school to ensure that Liberty High School is the best that [it] can be. As the leader of Liberty High School, it is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated teacher and she deserves to be recognized for her outstanding commitment to Liberty High School, Bedford County Public Schools, and the field of Education!”
—Kathy Dills, Principal of Liberty High School
Justin Neal
School: Yellow Branch Elementary
Years as an Educator: 5
Currently Teaches: 2nd grade
Special Recognition:
Received two grants from DonorsChoose.org
Educational Background:
• Liberty University, Bachelor of Science-Education
• Liberty University, Master of Arts-Elementary Education
Why did you become a teacher?
In elementary school, I always struggled with reading, decoding and comprehension. I remember what it felt like to sit in class and not know the words or understand the words. I remember sitting in my Title 1 Reading teacher’s classroom when I first learned to discuss and apply what I learned from reading. I remember how elated I was in that very moment. From the moment I joined the world as a true reader, I knew I wanted to teach others.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is that very moment when a student understands a concept I have taught them. It is truly amazing to watch my students apply the concepts they have learned to everyday life on their road to becoming a successful life-long learner. It is also very rewarding to see students improve throughout the year who have struggled.
What are your biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge I face as a teacher is getting all the tasks completed that need to be done. From lesson planning to grading papers to data collection, it is hard to fit everything in… in a timely fashion. However, I always remind myself that it will all get done, even when I feel otherwise!
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My greatest personal accomplishment in my career is the relationships I have built with my students and their families. As teachers, we have a lot to do daily. I firmly believe in building relationships with my students and their families first, and everything else will fall into place.
I still keep in close contact with my former students and their families.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
I would have to say my favorite memories are my end of the year award ceremonies. Our year together is displayed in pictures along with music. The reactions I get from my students and their parents are truly heartwarming.
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
If I could pass along one thing to anyone thinking about or pursuing a career in education, it would be to simply love your students. Let your students know you care, hold them accountable, and show them how fun learning can be. Create a positive, safe learning environment and your students will amaze you.
Teaching is hard every moment of every day, but it is certainly very rewarding.
From His Nomination:
“Justin is so fun and caring and really goes the extra mile every day to make learning exciting. He has a passion and energy for his students that is
rare and I could not be happier that my daughter has the opportunity to be influenced by such an involved teacher that truly loves his class and teaching.”
—Kelly Dalton, parent
Emily Morris
School: Perrymont Elementary
Years as an Educator: 10
Currently Teaches:
Instructional coach, grades K-5
Special Recognition:
• 2011-2012 Perrymont ElementaryTeacher of the Year
• 2014-2015 Perrymont ElementaryTeacher of the Year
Educational Background:
• Liberty University, Bachelor of Arts-Elementary Education
Why did you become a teacher?
My elementary school teachers had a very positive impact on my life, and I wanted to do the same for young students.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing teachers and students excited about learning and about sharing what they have learned with others.
What are your biggest challenges?
Helping teachers meet the needs of all students in their classrooms, on such a wide range of learning levels, with limited time.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Bringing teams of teachers together to share their learning and to work as a team in order to help all their students be successful.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
One of my favorite memories was having the students’ family members come in for breakfast in the classroom and our morning meeting.
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
Share your learning with others—no educator is an island. Working together you can achieve so much more for your students.
From Her Nomination:
My son thrived in her classroom. She brought science to life, and went above and beyond to schedule guest speakers on various subject material. Her joy over her students is obvious.”
—Parent
Debbie Lester
School: Brookville High School
Years as an Educator: 14
Currently Teaches: Economics and Personal Finance, VA/US Government
Special Recognition:
• 2014 Outstanding Economic Educator of the Year
Educational Background:
• Liberty University, Bachelor of Science-Social Science and History
Why did you become a teacher?
I love to inspire, encourage, and motivate—it was a natural fit for what I believe is my calling in life. Even as a young child, I loved playing school and having order. It’s funny because I enjoyed teaching in Sunday School and leading women’s fellowships but didn’t figure out that I should really be in the classroom until I was 30!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Building real relationships with my students and seeing them succeed not only in the classroom but in their lives. I believe that in order for me to have the most impact on my students lives, I have to be the “real” me. They know me for all my strengths, weaknesses, and craziness…but most of all they know I genuinely love teaching and I love them.
What are your biggest challenges?
I think there is a general belief by some that teaching is no longer honorable. There is a lot of negativity about public education that sometimes makes it discouraging. Being able to come into my classroom and focus on the reason I teach is what makes it all worth it.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
I love teaching Economics and Personal Finance. These are skills they will use their entire life. My favorite unit to teach is the stock market. We play the Stock Market Game each spring and have had great success with our teams every year. I have had the opportunity to take some of my students to Richmond and Washington, DC for recognition for building the most profitable portfolios in 10 weeks. Many of these students have never even left the Lynchburg area and for them to be able to be honored was a great experience for them.
Describe a favorite memorywith your students.
I think my favorite memory comes from this year and taking on the crazy student spirit club, renamed The Swarm. For several away football games, we took students on a spirit bus to cheer on our boys. The first game we had 52 students; the second game we had 102. Yes, it was crazy and loud, but we made really awesome memories for them!
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It takes all of you—your heart, your soul, your mind—to teach and grow these students. Be prepared for great joy and great heartache. It is sort of like being a parent. Sometimes, you don’t see the payoff until after they are grown. Teachers invest all of themselves into their students because they see the great potential that lies within…it isn’t an easy job but like my dad has always told me: if everything was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it!
From Her Nomination:
“Our school has many kids that do not have a great home life, and Debbie fills a void many students have. She supports them, loves them, and treats them all like her very own.”
—Lindsey Sharman, co-worker
Ronda Chandler
School: Amherst County High School
Years as an Educator: 12
Currently Teaches: Health and Physical Education, 9th grade Girls
Special Recognition:
• Received Golden “A” from student for being an Inspirational Teacher
Educational Background:
• Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science-PreK-12 Health and Physical Education
• Emporia State University of Kansas, Master of Science-Health, PE and Recreation
Why did you become a teacher?
I grew up around children and liked the idea of inspiring young minds. I also was a year-round athlete throughout school and wanted the opportunity to be involved in school sports.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
When you have that one student who recognizes everything you do for your job is to help them be the best they possibly can. Knowing that the information that has been given to a student has been taken and applied to their future is not only a memorable but rewarding experience.
What are your biggest challenges?
A big challenge for me, as with any public educator, is funding. Physical Education equipment is expensive and the classes tend to be on the larger side. I have to be creative with the equipment I have while making class engaging and informative.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My greatest personal accomplishment would be completing my master’s degree while teaching full time and coaching the varsity girls’ soccer team.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
Some of my fondest memories with my students are years after I have had them in class, and they come back to tell me how much they enjoyed my class. Also telling me that I have helped to show them that Physical Education could be fun and enjoyable is something I hold special.
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
To be an effective teacher you need to remember to not sweat the small stuff and to pick your battles with students. Remember, no one is perfect and everyone has their bad days, teachers and students alike. It takes just one smile or one compliment to brighten a student’s day and to leave a lasting impression.
From Her Nomination:
“She can always tell when something is wrong with one of her students. She often notices that I am anxious before I even tell anyone… She does her best to make health and PE fun… She makes gym interactive and comes up with ways to include all students… [Ms. Chandler] is not only an amazing teacher but a wonderful person who models compassion.”
—Grace Hall-Matson, student
Karen Rodriguez
School: New London Academy
Years as an Educator: 28
Currently Teaches: 5th Grade
Special Recognition:
• Bedford County Teacher of the Year (2004)
Educational Background:
• Concord College, Bachelor of Science
• University of Virginia, Master of Arts in Education-Curriculum and Instruction
Why did you become a teacher?
As long as I can remember, I have always valued education. Through life experience, I came to recognize that regardless of a person’s background, the opportunity to learn can be a game changer. I therefore chose to become an educator. This career would allow me to the give the gift of learning and impart knowledge, allowing my students to grow to their fullest potential.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
There are many rewards in the teaching field. However, for me, the most rewarding is the interactions I have with my students. Within my classroom, we build a community filled with learning, laughing and sharing. Our lessons extend beyond the curriculum. When my students exit the classroom, I feel confident they are better equipped for life’s challenges.
What are your biggest challenges?
In the high stakes world of testing, my biggest challenge is creating a meaningful and engaging curriculum. Today’s educational environment is highly focused on student assessment. I want my students to recognize that learning is much more than testing. Therefore, I strive to create lessons that are student-centric with choice and meaning.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
As I look back on my career, I feel my greatest accomplishment is the opportunity I have been given to mentor young educators. It is an honor to be able to work with the next generation of teachers and share my experiences. I am hopeful to provide continued leadership to my peers.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
One of my favorite memories is receiving a call from a high school teacher telling me about a letter a former student of mine had written.
The letter explained how the student’s perspective towards acceptance and respect of others was forever changed after her fifth grade year. I felt proud that beyond the academics, she had learned a lesson of love and compassion.
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
To look past the demands of the profession and recognize the purpose of your work. Some days, you will be frustrated and overwhelmed. When that happens, look toward your students: within them lies hope and the motivation to continue. Simply, they are worthy of your best.
From Her Nomination:
“[Mrs. Rodriguez] creates a safe and caring learning environment for all her students each day… She takes time to listen to my son…really listen to him. She engages all her students in learning. She is a difference maker.”
—Michelle Fluker, parent
Julie Speck
School: Heritage Elementary School
Years as an Educator: 13
Currently Teaches: Kindergarten
Special Recognition:
• 2012-2013 Heritage Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Received a 2017 grant for $1,310 for Augmented Reality Software (Learning Alive Plus) from Lynchburg Education Foundation
• Received $5,309 in grants through DonorsChoose.org over the past 5 years
Educational Background:
• Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science-Elementary Education
Why did you become a teacher?
As a child (with a younger sibling), I spent countless hours playing school in my free time. As I continued my schooling, I saw just what an impact a teacher can have on a student. Teachers essentially are shaping the next generation! I think it’s an honor (and a calling) to be able to do that daily!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Every year I get a classroom full of students, some of which have never even held a pencil and can’t tell you their full name. After a year of hard work, these same students are leaving my classroom able to write short stories, read books independently, and do simple math problems. Seeing how much of a transformation each student makes at the end of the year has to be the most rewarding part of my job!
What are your biggest challenges?
Not having enough time in the day. Teaching is definitely not an 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. job! You teach until 3:30, make sure everyone gets home correctly, and return to your room to get ready for another day. In Kindergarten, that requires getting everything set for the next day, writing lesson plans, mentoring new teachers, attending meetings, searching for new grant options, researching new strategies, calling parents, and so much more.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
I believe my greatest accomplishment so far is staying current in the field of education. I am constantly researching new technology, instructional items, curriculums, etc. Being that many of the students I am currently teaching will probably have jobs that do not yet exist, I feel like it’s important to stay on top of new trends and ideas.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
On the 100th day of school, I LOVE to celebrate the number 100 with my students! I dress up as a 100-year-old granny named Miss Alice. The students are so sweet and empathetic, always willing to help me get around the school and complete a day packed full of activities involving the number 100! Some students join in the fun and dress up also.
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
FLEXIBILITY! Teachers make hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions during the day and are required to always be flexible. You may have an amazing lesson planned only to find out your smart board won’t turn on, the copier is broken, or there is no more paper, so you need to do something else. As professionals, the expectations people have for you are also ever changing. No two days will ever be the same or go entirely as you have planned, but it will definitely be rewarding!
From Her Nomination:
“Julie spends countless hours at home and at school finding ways to reach students. She is usually the last teacher to leave in the evenings and comes in to work on many weekends. She looks for new ways to help students stay engaged and enjoy school.” —Christine Harp, co-worker
Jessica Hott
School: Bedford Middle School
Years as an Educator: 15
Currently Teaches: 7th grade Civics & Economics
Special Recognition:
• 2015-2016 Bedford Middle School Teacher of the Year
• 2015-2016 Bedford Area Educational Foundation Grant Recipient-Digital Makerspace
• 2014-2015 Stonewall Jackson Middle School Teacher of the Year
• 2011 Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball Teacher of the Year Nominee
• 2002-2003 Stonewall Jackson Middle School Beginning Teacher of the Year
Educational Background:
• Lynchburg College, Master of Education-Educational Leadership (present)
• Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Education-Special Education
• Lynchburg College, Bachelor of Arts-Early Childhood Development
Why did you become a teacher?
Ever since I was old enough to remember, I had remarkable teachers who invested their time and energy into my future. Their nurturing support in my formative years was instrumental in my decision to become a teacher. Particularly Mrs. Palmer, who instilled the importance of character and self-determination.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s all about the students! Walking into the classroom each and every day seeing a room full of smiling students ready and eager to learn. I love reaching the needs of all my students through creative, innovative and differentiated instruction. The joy of teaching is seeing sparks go off when students grasp content material and make connections with the past and present.
What are your biggest challenges?
Competing for my students’ attention and desire for technology while providing and promoting innovative learning experiences with that same technology is an ongoing challenge. In addition, differentiated instruction utilizing technology can be difficult with limited resources.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
In 2013, a student asked if I would sponsor her participation in the National History Bee, and I was able to recruit three more. The next year, I held a school-wide competition with over 80 students battling for one of four spots. After three years, the National History Bee became a county-wide competition with schools working together to prepare history buffs for the national competition. It is a rewarding feeling to see students soar and exceed their own expectations.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
My all-time favorite memory was of a 1920s unit. In collaboration with the school librarians, we turned the library into a 1920s speakeasy. Along with 1920s décor, stations were set up around the library. They included activities with 1920s slang words, a costume photo booth for students, KaHoot trivia and dancing the Charleston. Students were excited, engaged and quite impressed their teacher would dance the Charleston with them!
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
One daily contribution to education is something I think may be the smallest and easiest act: be kind. Students model behaviors from their teachers, and as much as we desire academic success, being kind never goes out of style. Teach kindness!
From Her Nomination:
“Ms. Hott is the type of teacher that will go above and beyond whether she was recognized as a Top Teacher or not. She truly cares for her students and puts in long hours to prepare lessons that promote critical thinking and application. She cares about the students that have less than others and she always advocates for their needs.” —Rhetta Watkins,
principal at Bedford Middle School
Robin Powell Wood
School: Robert S. Payne Elementary
Years as an Educator: 40
Currently Teaches: 3rd grade
Special Recognition:
• 1st “Teacher of the Year” for Robert S. Payne
• Recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by Wal-Mart
Educational Background:
• Longwood College, Bachelor of Science-Education
Why did you become a teacher?
My paternal grandmother was a teacher as I was growing up. I was fortunate enough to live behind her, so visits occurred frequently. My siblings, cousins and I would sit in rocking chairs on her big front porch and play “Kiddie College.” My grandmother would ask questions for us to answer. She made learning fun.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping a child learn when they doubted themselves is amazing, but the most rewarding part is when I can make a difference in their lives. I want my students to feel safe, loved and admired. I want to help them see the value in making good choices and becoming the best person they can.
What are your biggest challenges?
There are many challenges day to day in every classroom. Can I solve all problems? No, but I have to try. I have to let my students know that they are all important to me and that I am one of their biggest fans. They speak, I listen.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
One year I had a student that was a “selective mute” who did not talk to many people at all. My daughter, who also works at my school, and I gave up our lunch and recess time to work with her. Once we got her laughing, words were not far behind, then sentences.
It wasn’t long before her mother was telling me what the child was doing at home.
She started going to sleepovers and even church. Her mother wrote to me several times over the years to let me know that her child was still progressing wonderfully.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
My favorite memories are when my former students come back to see me years later. Hearing their successes makes what I do worth it. Some of my former students are in the military (one flew rescue missions on a Black Hawk), a few are in education, some are in the medical field, and others have families they are proud of. Many times I go out in Lynchburg and hear, “Excuse me. Are you Mrs. Wood? You were my teacher. Remember when…” Luckily, I do still, “Remember when.”
Most of the time I even remember their names. They ask, “Are you still teaching?”
I can proudly say, “Yes, I am.”
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
Teaching is not easy. In the beginning, you will go home crying about your experiences. How could I have been a better teacher today? How can I make a difference? Your heart breaks over the hardships that some of your students are dealing with. You have to dry your tears and find joy and purpose in what you are doing. Find ways to help your students cope with any hardships. Create a classroom of trust and mutual caring. First, you have to build community in that classroom. Then the learning will come.
From Her Nomination:
“Her motherly love and high expectations create a motivating environment for all students. It is evident that she cares personally for each child and takes a genuine interest in each one’s life. She takes the time to find out what is important to them and she remembers the details-the things that
matter to her students.”
—Becky Scott, co-worker
Betsy Layne
School: James River Day School
Years in Education: 20
Currently Teaches: 1st grade
Special Recognitions:
• Nominated for the Disney Teacher Award
• William M. Walker Family Meritorious Teaching Award
Educational Background:
• Elon College, Bachelor of Arts-Education
• University of Virginia, Master of Arts-Reading
Why did you become a teacher?
My mother and kindergarten teacher were instrumental in my decision to become a teacher. They instilled the love of creative play in me. I still remember climbing through refrigerator boxes and creating a drive up window to my house for shopping. Every summer I was a camp counselor for the recreation department in my hometown of East Aurora, NY. It was in that close knit community where I learned to connect with children early on.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The joy I get when a child has that, “I think I can, I know I can” moment and their eyes begin to sparkle because they finally made a connection is unbelievable. That is the gift of teaching and making connections is key. When I look back on my career, I have built friendships of a lifetime. I have been blessed to work with individuals who are positive and upbeat, which is contagious.
What are your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge is time. I often wish I had more time in the day to engage in learning experiences with my students. I feel success when my students say, “The day is already over? You know what that means, time flies when we are having fun!” I often think that when you love what you are doing, the time really does pass too quickly.
Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Getting my master’s degree before I became a mother. This gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion of becoming a reading specialist. My most recent accomplishment is that I have begun to embrace technology after years of trying to hold on to my “flip phone.” This year, my first graders became global engineering partners with a class in Bangalore, India. This has been a really cool experience.
Describe a favorite memory with your students.
Looking back, I think of the time when we took our kindergarten students to Virginia Beach. When we finally arrived at the beach, it was unreal to see my students’ expressions when I announced, “Roll up your pants and run through the ocean!” Many of my students had never left their small town before, and here they were, in the ocean, frolicking with their friends. That was an awesome day that I will never forget!
If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
To have a sense of humor and to connect with your students and their families. I feel blessed to have worked with so many amazing families over the last 20 years. One thing that I strive hard to do is build character in my students.
My goal is to help my students become the best “tiny” citizens they can be.
From Her Nomination:
“My daughter was very nervous joining a new school and a new class at the end of the school year. After she spent a morning in the class before our move, Mrs. Layne had each student sign a welcome card for my daughter and then sent it to our home….The students in her class are engaged, happy, and come home every single day excited to go back the next.” —Michelle Davis, parent
Tosha Weddle
Stewartsville Elementary School
Diane Brown
Dunbar Middle School
Amanda Barclay
Forest Elementary School
Michael Long
E.C. Glass High School
Sarah Davis
Brookville High School
Jennifer Anderson
Virginia Episcopal School
Dana Beall
Linkhorne Middle School
Nathan Kurko
Amherst Middle School
Kerry Doremus
Paul Munro Elementary School
Barry Calloway
Bedford Science and Technology Center
Victoria Meredith
Rustburg High School
Traci Miller
Amherst County High/Middle School
Jonathan Collins
Amherst County High SChool
Ashley Nowell
Bedford Hills Elementary School
Michael Myers
Campbell County Technical Center
Have you ever noticed there are things you were forced to do in childhood that you choose to do with pleasure as an adult? You know, like staying in, going to bed early, and even eating your vegetables? I have always been a fan of veggies, but even I can remember sitting in the dark at my parents’ dining room table until I finished a plate of (Canned! Plain! Cold!) peas I had staunchly refused. The peas and my parents won.
If you have watched any number of food shows or skimmed through one of many food magazines, you know that vegetables can be the main attraction on your plate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The best part is we aren’t talking about canned peas. Veggies these days are roasted, stuffed, grilled, sautéed and, no matter what, should be absolutely delicious. So good, in fact, that some days you won’t even miss the meat.
You can find some of the best tasting, freshest veggies at some local providers. Here are a few places you will want to check out.
Fresh Start Micros
Do you know Joe Dowdy? You will want to after this article—I promise! A few years ago he started a small greenhouse for vegetables simply to feed to his family. He began with tomatoes, peppers, green beans and lettuce. His plants took off, and they couldn’t eat nearly as fast as the produce was growing, so Joe began to give away all the extras. As he continued to hone his craft, Joe really “fell in love” with microgreens and began to reach out to local restaurants to see if anyone would be interested in purchasing from him. Thus, Fresh Start Micros was born.
“My staple microgreens is the mustard mix. It is a blend of different mustards that bring a spicy note to whatever it’s added to—salads, garnishes, wraps, etc. At peak, I was growing 30 to 40 trays at a time for local restaurants. They are grown indoors in a small indoor greenhouse. This allows the control of the environment much better than an outdoor environment, where they are very prone to diseases,” said Dowdy.
Staff at Isabella’s Italian Trattoria regularly use his microgreens. You’ll also find them occasionally at the Corner at Rivermont.
“I always welcome the opportunity to grow for anyone who asks and will continue to do so,” said Dowdy. “We have traded our outdoor greenhouse for a smaller container garden and continue to educate everyone we can of the benefits of homegrown, locally-grown, and the incredible benefits of microgreens.”
Dowdy is also working to teach his son about micros so that he may continue the business and hopefully expand it one day.
Want to get your hands on these microgreens? Just shoot Dowdy an email at or find him on Facebook. He is excited to share his passion for microgreens with our community. So excited, in fact, he will deliver them to your door!
Email Joe Dowdy at freshstartmicros@gmail.com.
Lynchburg Grows
Lynchburg Grows (LG) is sort of the coolest concept ever. The nonprofit is a seven-acre urban farm “dedicated to providing access to fresh, local, produce for Lynchburg residents, restaurants, and organizations, while also providing onsite vocational training for disabled and
low-income individuals,” according to its website.
LG says a quarter of Lynchburg residents live in a food desert, which is a higher number than any other city in Virginia. They are working hard through community gardens to make vegetables more accessible to everyone, and in a partnership with Live Healthy Lynchburg, they now support a mobile produce van that takes produce to areas around town with the greatest need.
You can support the LG mission and get your hands on their green goodness by signing up for a Veggie Box.
“Our summer Veggie Box is stocked with all the most delicious summer veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce (early summer), peppers, eggplant, onions… We grow everything we can on the farm, but supplement from other farms for things we do not grow like mushrooms, peaches, corn and melons,” said Shelley Blades, executive director. “We also try to highlight local artisans and give our Veggie Box members something unique like tea from Good Karma Tea Company or bread from Lorraine Bakery.”
The Veggie Box season runs from March 22 through December 20. The cost breaks down to $20 a week, and there are several payment options.
“Pick up is every Wednesday at the farm. We like the pickup method better than delivery. We find it gives customers more freedom to choose which items are most appealing to them and personally pick out their vegetables,” said Blades.
But what if I get my veggies and am stumped with what to do with them? I hate to waste food, especially fresh local vegetables. But Blades says they have you covered.
“We send out a weekly newsletter to our customers to let them know what their veggie options are that week. If there is a ‘funky’ vegetable (think colorful carrots or Chinese cabbage) we usually give a little description about that and provide several recipes.
But, regardless of ‘funky’ vegetables, a few recipes are always included,” she said.
Learn more at www.lynchburggrows.org.
Lynchburg Community Market
Located downtown at the corner of 12th and Main streets, the Lynchburg Community Market is a place where you can choose from a plethora of fresh produce all year long. There are rows and rows of dedicated local vendors.
You may find something you have never seen before, and most of these farmers and sellers are excited to share with you easy ways to prepare their produce. I have been fortunate enough to have some very kind vendors help me figure out quantities of items I would need for serving a group at a dinner party, what to serve, how to keep things fresh and how to best prepare the veggies.
More than produce, these days at the market you can find handmade candy, homemade breads, local jams, eggs, meats, goat cheese, coffee and so much more.
From potatoes to squash, spring onions to juicy tomatoes, the market is an excellent choice to get all your local produce (and more!) from friendly farmers at even friendlier prices.
Learn more at lynchburgcommunitymarket.com.
By RACHEL DALTON
I’ve always loved doing creative things,” states Peg Breiholz, local artist and owner of The White Brick House in Forest. From her upbringing to her current business, Peg has maintained a strong sense of self that drives all her decisions and inspires others to do the same.
Staying true to roots
The Minnesota native grew up on her family’s homestead in Springfield where they farmed livestock and crops; Peg remembers they “had acres and acres of strawberries and cucumbers in the summer.” As one of 13 children (she calls herself “the lucky middle”), she pitched in around the farm along with her nine brothers and three sisters. She attributes this lifestyle to helping establish and nourish an entrepreneurial spirit within the family.
Peg came to Virginia for the first time when she was 20 years old: “I worked as a camp counselor over in Goshen, a couple of hours away from here, and I just had this distinct feeling that this is where I belong.”
Raising a family
As soon as she and her husband married, he attended a technical school in Hutchinson, Minnesota and moved to Alabama for a brief time so he could complete his studies. “After he finished, he had a job offer there and one at Babcock and Wilcox, and I already had two brothers who were living here in the Lynchburg area, so we came here!” Peg explained.
That was 28 years ago. Since then, Peg became a mother of two, educated her children, ingrained herself in her artwork and family life, and opened several small businesses—it’s been a busy time of life.
The Breiholzes live in Forest along with their daughter, who just finished her master’s degree in counseling at Liberty University, and her cat Sasha. They also have a son who recently began a doctoral program in electrical engineering at the University of Virginia.
Tending creativity
Peg refers to herself as “a junker” because she loves finding objects that others might pass over and enjoys making them beautiful and useful again.
She acknowledges that “most items I work on aren’t visibly valuable; they often have minor cosmetic issues to begin with. I like to give them a new life.”
She found herself doing this so frequently that she and a friend began selling their personal creations at Peddler Antiques in Forest six years ago. This wasn’t Peg’s first foray into the world of arts and crafts; she has been an artist as long as she can remember, working as a graphic designer for a local newspaper before staying home to raise and homeschool her children.
As a young mother, Peg turned to her art as a fun and creative outlet. “I started doing pastels when my son was two—it was something I could pick up for a few minutes and come back to.” She especially enjoyed dabbling in pastels and watercolor, and her original work is not only on display within her house, but it has also made appearances and won awards around the area, such as Best in Show in Bedford’s Centerfest one year, a ribbon from the Bedford Council for the Arts, and several ribbons from the Lynchburg Art Show.
Around the time her youngest child was graduating from high school, Peg opened a small shop on Etsy, and eventually moved into business for herself and opened The White Brick House, a home goods store named for the building’s façade on Ashwood Park Drive in Forest.
The store carries goods made by Peg and several local artisans, most of which would fall into the category of farmhouse style, which has been a mainstay in American decor far longer than HGTV and Pinterest might indicate—and who would know more about authentic farmhouse style than someone who grew up on a legitimate Midwestern farm?
Building a white brick house
The owner of the booming Forest business calls a white brick house home herself. An easy drive down a pastoral Forest road leads to a lot with a clear view of a Blue Ridge panorama overlooking the rolling green hills of the neighboring farmer’s land.
It was that view that ultimately sold them on the lot six years ago and the landscape dictated many of their final decisions.
“The fireplace was originally supposed to go on the back wall, but we asked Deitz Lilly, our builder, to move it so we could add windows and really capture the view that we loved so much, and we wanted to bring in as much natural light as possible,” Peg explained.
Her inspiration comes from light, which she finds quiet, clean and peaceful. “I need a lot of white and bright lights, especially in the dullness of winter,” she admits, and even the briefest moment spent here makes it clear. Visitors who enter through her quaint front porch walk into a bright, open space, made to feel even more airy with high ceilings and flowing white custom curtains from every window.
Even though Peg lives in and loves the mountains, she enjoys decorating with the colors of the ocean: blues, greens and sandy beiges. She achieves this palette by incorporating jute rugs, white furniture and a striking collection of countless aqua bottles and mason jars that reside in a front-and-center hutch she rejuvenated with new hardware and paint, anchoring down the space between the foyer, living room and dining room in the open floor plan.
Sowing a sense of style
The dining room draws the eye up, beginning with hand-scraped hickory floors to its board and battens all the way to the blue ceiling “so it seems endless” like the sky. Vintage tablecloths hang on a wooden ladder, and antique corbels add a bit of old-fashioned charm. Peg designed the mantelpiece that frames the see-through gas log fireplace. She coated the chairs, mantel and hutch in Westhighland White (Sherwin Williams) for a crisp look that balances the other pieces Peg made over in the milk paint she carries at her shop.
Peg points out that milk paint helps provide the timeworn and time-loved chipped look on furniture.
Opposite the dining room is a small hallway and one of Peg’s own framed pastel drawings of her son as a little boy. The hallway leads to the office and a hall bath featuring Meador Blue walls, subway tiling, and glow in the dark tile as an accent. “I thought that would be fun!” Peg laughs.
Straight ahead of the foyer lies the family’s living room with an entire wall of windows highlighting the bucolic scenery that persuaded them to purchase the property. In spite of having a dining room and a kitchen nook, this is where the family typically eats dinner and relaxes with the view (or a show on the huge TV that sits atop a reclaimed buffet). She isn’t worried about spills or stains on the custom white slipcovers that adorn the sofas. “Even when my kids were little, I had white slipcovers. With upholstered furniture, if you spill something, you can’t always get the stain out.
With slipcovers, you just take ’em off and bleach ’em!”—and this practical nature is the sentiment behind farmhouse style.
In spite of all the white, the room doesn’t feel cold; it seems welcoming, cozy and warm thanks to a layering of textures and the comfortable couches.
For instance, a collection of skeleton keys rests in a wooden dish on an end table, and Peg’s husband fashioned the lamps from porch posts. Exterior light fixtures are hand-forged and made with hand-blown glass. A glimpse up the staircase reveals an original watercolor of Peg’s two children.
Harvesting history
Peg points out that she loves to tie in forms of local and personal history in all her designs. This is evident from old Bedford County license plates that hang over a doorframe to a pile of yardsticks placed in a primitive milk can bearing the name Roanoke and the old general store scale that provides a perch for a topiary. Of her massive collection of blue glasses, her most special pieces preside on a shelf over the kitchen table; these came from her parents’ home in Minnesota.
Peg loves to bake pies and cakes in her custom kitchen that displays a kitchen island her husband created out of a cast-off workbench; Peg ordered the zinc for its counter and added beadboard along the trim. Although her kitchen contains some modern, high-end features like the Carrera marble countertops, her favorite aspects of her kitchen are her farmhouse sink (“the raised sides make it look like an important statement, like art, instead of just a plain sink”) and her separate drink cooler (“it’s so helpful instead of having drinks take up room in the fridge”).
Would she describe her style as farmhouse chic? “Not chic,” she laughs, “just farmhouse style. Shabby chic isn’t really a term that people use anymore, and it differs from farmhouse in that it’s a more feminine style that uses pastel colors in a neutral palette along with small florals. Farmhouse is more simple, direct, and clean.”
Simple and direct—a perfect example of this comes from Peg herself: “I buy things because I like them, not because of their supposed value or because they’re considered antiques. I like old things with a history, I love seeing chippy paint, and I’ve always decorated with aqua.”
Peg’s sense of style and self is just as spot on as her intuition about living in Virginia. “I have always felt like this is where I belong,” she emphasizes.
A conversation with Peg and a visit in her personal home reveals so much more than figuring out how you want to style your home or how to pursue your craft, but how to stay true to yourself, your roots, and your own personal history.
By Charlotte Farley
Photography by Tera Janelle Auch
Feedback
In our January/February issue, we took an inside look at the making of Shoeless Wonders, a movie about the Presbyterian Home’s legendary, barefoot football team. Terry Adams wrote on Facebook, “It will be interesting and informative to see this story on the (movie) screen. As always, I like stories with happy endings.”
Lynchburg Restaurant Week
The fabulous menu options and incredible deals will return June 10-17 for the 5th annual Lynchburg Restaurant Week! Look for more details at www.lynchburgrestaurantweek.com.
Best Of Lynchburg Awards
When our January/February issue hit stands, winners of the 2017 Best Of awards grabbed a copy and went to social media to celebrate!
We Want To hear From You!
Write to Feedback, Lynchburg Living magazine, 1035 Avalon Dr., Forest, VA 24551. Send e-mail to feedback@lynchburgmag.com. Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense letters.
Behind the Scenes
Photographer RJ Goodwin uses two cameras on many photo shoots, such as our Local Flavor profile that involved a variety of shots. One camera has a wide-angle lens. The other is better for those close-up details of ingredients and food.
Check out this issue’s Local Flavor recipe on page 100.
Quotables
“I buy things because I like them, not because of their supposed value or because they’re considered antiques.
I like old things with a history…” – Peg Breiholz owner of
The White Brick House in Forest.
Read about her farmhouse style on page 66!
#LynchburgLiving
Lauren Ferry shared her love for Downtown Lynchburg on Instagram.
She wrote, “I truly love this street. I love this town. I love our loft…” We love that you love your downtown life, Lauren. Thanks for sharing!
Include the hashtag #lynchburgliving on your posts and your photo may be featured in an upcoming issue!
Selling your home these days is a fierce competition. HGTV shows are popular; professional photography is expected. Upon seeing your listing in their inbox or social media feed, a buyer’s first impression is critical. It’s either, “Show me that home, now!” or “Not interested”—with very little gray area in between.
So, how do you make your home stand out? How do you make sure a potential buyer who sees your home’s listing…asks to see it in person? Then, how do you turn that showing…into a sale?
The answer could be home staging—giving your home a facelift that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. According to a 2015 report from the National Association of REALTORS®, 81 percent of home buyers say it is easier to visualize a property as their future home when it is staged.
RE/MAX realtor Nadine Blakely provides the service for free when a seller lists their home with her—something she has been offering since 2007.
“I’ve been trained to have a keen eye for the little things that make a big difference,” said Blakely.
She explains how “staging is different from decorating.”
“I don’t necessarily decorate your home but work with a client to help them show off the really good side of all aspects of their property,” said Blakely.
Staging in occupied houses for sale focuses on the elimination of “things” to attract buyers to the spaciousness, organization and cleanliness of rooms. And sometimes, they aren’t major tasks. For example, Blakely tells homeowners to take the magnets off the front of the refrigerator or, her pet peeve, remove cereal boxes from the top of the fridge.
“[Doing that] screams that the kitchen is too small to even store cereal boxes in the cupboards,” said Blakely.
If you don’t currently live in the home, Dan Vollmer, associate broker with RE/MAX, says staging is “incredibly important.”
“Buyers sometimes have trouble envisioning the way a space can be used, particularly if it’s empty,” Vollmer said.
But does all the effort pay off? In the decade since Blakely started offering free professional staging, she says, “It works.”
“Many of my homes sell in a matter of days, and even for more money, once I’ve staged them,” said Blakely.
More statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® back her up. Their report says 32 percent of buyers’ agents believe staging a home increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer by one to five percent. Another 16 percent believe it increases by six to 10 percent.
But if you do choose to hire a professional to stage your home (or take advantage of a free service), Vollmer has these words of wisdom.
“You should rely on them and their guidance…” he said. “No one likes to be told their paint color choices or furniture or decor is anything less than beautiful! But if you take a step back, swallow your pride a little, and trust the person you’ve hired to give you expert advice, you’ll be much better off.”
If a professional is not an option, prepare to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. The elbow grease could pay off through a faster sale for a higher price.
It’s an unlikely story. Five years ago some music-loving friends decided to host a day of live music on Buchanan Street. With a wooden pallet stage as their only platform, four bands performed to a “crowd” of roughly 100 people, sustaining a broken generator after just the first set.
Fast forward to Spring 2017 and that unassuming day of music has grown to epic proportions—50 live bands, national headliners, five stages, dozens of food trucks and vendors, thousands of festival goers, and, best of all, a front row seat in the heart of Downtown Lynchburg.
“It was always about the music,” says Jonathan Smalt, co-founder and current director/producer. “It was about the art, and it’s about the community that starts when you are creating with other people.”
Riding the wave of this unlikely story from the very beginning, Smalt surveys the current developments with a mix of awe and excitement.
“When we first said our vision was to create a music festival that gives to the city and happens in the heart of Downtown Lynchburg—for that vision to be happening now is very humbling,” Smalt remarks.
THE BEGINNINGS
To hear him tell it, the first festival in 2013 was a long shot, but it clearly filled a void. At the time there were no regional music festivals to showcase local talent like Glass Oaks, of which Smalt was a member. So, as he says now, “If it’s not there, do it yourself.” By 2014, they hosted Lynchstock at Keep Colony, which at the time was a communal arts collective housed in the former Seven Hills School building on Rivermont Avenue. They sold over 800 tickets, but with open-air stages and an outdoor setting, Smalt says plenty of people snuck in, pushing their numbers closer to 1,200.
Going into 2015, the amount of time and energy invested in planning and logistics was rapidly growing, plus they were unable to secure a venue large enough to host the festival inside city limits.
So, in the interest of growth, they relocated to The Yard at Benjamin’s Restaurant in Forest.
“It gave us a concise festival footprint,” Smalt says. “We knew we were going to outgrow that space, but we did so in a way that we learned how to really run a festival.”
Things really caught steam by their fourth year in 2016. With closer to 3,500 people attending the festival at Benjamin’s, some food trucks were selling out completely while others picked up more burgers in the middle of the day just trying to keep up with demand.
“Several vendors said it was the best sales they’d ever had in Lynchburg,” Smalt recalls. “That is exactly what we wanted—everyone is walking away successful.”
This year, Lynchstock is poised to grow by even more leaps and bounds. Not only are they relocating to the heart of downtown—where they always wanted to be—the festival is also partnering with the Academy Center of the Arts to kick off a summer concert series.
“It’s been a slow crawl where we could get to the point of having national headliners,” Smalt says. But that time has finally arrived, and it’s a match made in heaven for both sides.
DOWNTOWN REVIVAL
In addition to being a lover of all things music, Smalt also champions the continuing resurgence of downtown life and culture in Lynchburg. Having spent his college and graduate years at Liberty University prior to moving to Nashville in 2015, Smalt now returns to town every few months.
“What’s been refreshing is seeing a lot of these new restaurants popping up,” he says. “We really think changes are happening in Lynchburg on the cultural front.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director of the Academy Center of the Arts, who thinks anchoring Lynchstock in the heart of downtown is a “huge win.”
“The artists that Lynchstock will bring to downtown and the careful curation of the event as a youthful, community-building event will take our cultural life up a notch,” Kershner says. In a word, it brings “validity” to the concert series that both organizations are putting together.
Kicking off on April 22 with the Lynchstock Music Festival, the Academy’s Riverfront Park Concert Series will continue with a free concert on June 10. The remaining three concerts—July 8, August 12, and September 30—will feature a variety of musical genres at $10 a piece. While produced by the Academy, the series is organized by Lynchstock and is partnering with Lynch’s Landing and various community sponsors.
Kershner describes the purpose as two-fold: “accessibility and experience.” More people can come due to the size of Riverfront Park, plus community members will enjoy the cultural benefit of live musical performances “in a beautiful location where our city skyline meets the natural beauty of the river.”
Expanded arts events are a win for downtown businesses as well. “Cultural events like Lynchstock are extremely important to a vibrant and successful downtown,” says Lynch’s Landing Executive Director Ashley Kershner. “They increase tourism, drive traffic to local businesses, introduce new people to what downtown has to offer, and provide the vibrant, cultural scene that helps shape the identity of our city.”
For Smalt and Lynchstock organizers, having a partnership with the Academy has opened doors and opportunities they desperately needed.
“Geoff has been speaking for us and going to bat for us and really helping establish Lynchstock as a festival for all ages,” says Smalt. It’s a goal they both hold tightly—to reach young and old with great music.
This Year’s Festival
Pops of pink and turquoise greet visitors to the official Lynchstock web site, a purposeful rebranding choice. Smalt and his co-organizers asked, “How do we make this year really fresh and celebrative and fun?” The vibrant redesign is one part of their overarching goal of cross-demographic reach. “Kids are the future artists and musicians,” Smalt says of why the festival is free for those 12 and younger; it also makes it easier for families to attend as a whole.
Inclusivity and creativity go hand-in-hand for organizers. “We want to make this as cool and unique an experience as possible for everyone,” Smalt says.
Headlining this year’s festival is classic rock band Dawes—“one of the best in the nation today” Smalt says—and Oddissee, an “up-and-coming, hip-hop sensation” who is in the midst of a national tour. This year, Smalt explains, “We are wanting to diversify and be more accurate to what the community wants.”
The festival will include a stage dedicated to metal and hard rock—a “huge scene” in Lynchburg according to Smalt—plus blues, soul, folk, singer-songwriters, EDM, electronic, and DJ sets.
And while national acts bring a level of credibility to Lynchstock as a whole, it will still include the best of local music, a foundational element of the festival from the beginning. Local musician Lee Campbell and his Indie/Emo Rock-inspired group, Quick On My Feet, were one of the bands selected to perform this year—no small feat. Smalt says choosing talent is one of the hardest aspects of the entire festival especially when you have more than 250 submissions like they saw this year.
“I love that it has become more versatile and dynamic,” Campbell says of Lynchstock. “It really allows individuals to gain a larger appreciation for different styles of music, sheds light on unique artists that are coming out of Lynchburg, and puts a spotlight on the music scene here in the Hill City.”
For all the effort and months of planning, one thing remains to be seen, and that is the weather. Regardless of what Mother Nature decides, the show will go on rain or shine.
Says Campbell, “This year has many more diverse bands and allows the city to come together under the umbrella of music and arts, which seems to spark an interest in other creative endeavors here in Lynchburg.”
View a short documentary about the festival’s complete history at
www.lynchstockmusicfestival.com/about.
By Jennifer Redmond
Old City Cemetery’s 27-acre public garden includes the largest public collection of antique roses in the state of Virginia.
This spring, see the beautiful blooms for yourself during the 22nd Annual Antique Rose Festival. Get the best selection of this year’s inventory on Saturday, April 15. The festival also includes workshops and guided rose tours in May. View the full schedule at www.gravegarden.org. Photo Courtesy of Old City Cemetery
Occupation: Adjunct Faculty, Central Virginia Community College
A little more than two years ago, you were 125 pounds heavier. What was happening in your life that pushed you to make a change and stick with it?
I looked in the mirror (and photos) and didn’t like what I saw. I was 45, had two small children, and I was so uncomfortable in my body that I didn’t want to go out in public, couldn’t get out and play with my kids, or even find clothes. (I am a diva at heart.) My blood pressure was high, and I ran the risk of developing diabetes.
And your job at the time was making you feel even more guilty—right?
Absolutely! Here I was teaching my students nutrition and wellness, but I was morbidly obese. I was the teacher that the kids always came to talk to about their problems, and yet I wasn’t practicing what I was preaching. I taught them about healthy relationships, etc.—how could I expect them to listen to me talk about being healthy if I was so overweight?
You chose the Atkins diet to help you shed the weight. Why?
I always joke that I am a fat kid at heart. I love to cook, and I love to eat! Atkins allowed me to continue these passions and lose lots of weight. It was easy for me to remove things from my diet (especially after seeing the results and how I felt). Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t eat, I began to eat healthier—vegetables, real food, healthy snacks.
Describe what life is like for you now.
I am a new person—not just physically, but mentally. I challenge myself to try new things (i.e. running a 5k). Because of my Atkins low-carb lifestyle, I take half the amount of blood pressure medicine, I haven’t had a bout of cystic acne in two years, I have energy,
I can play with my kids, I have confidence, and I can shop in any store! There are no words to describe how life is so much better without all that extra weight.
And you’ve noticed your behavior is rubbing off on your family too.
I have lowered their sugar intake and incorporated more clean foods into their diet. But the greatest thing was how this affected my daughter. She, like most people, thought there was no way she could live without carbs. She was an athlete in high school and had gained weight in college. Eventually she tried it, loved how she physically felt and starting losing weight. A little later she had some health issues and found that eliminating sugar in her diet would help prevent complications.
What’s next for you? Do you have any more personal health goals?
My trainer wants me to compete in a Spartan Race, but I would be happy with another 5k or 10k race! I would like to lose another 20 to 25 pounds, but ultimately I would like to share my story with those who have struggled like myself—let them know it is possible and it’s worth the effort because you will feel better physically and mentally!