Photo by Jonathan Freitas of Sheffield Elementary School Photography Club

During the 2016-2017 school year, Sheffield Elementary School introduced its first
Photography Club for students. Fifth graders must be selected for the club; it serves as an incentive for positive behavior as well as a program for kids who are interested in photography.

Do you think you have a good perspective on the Lynchburg area?
If so, send us a photo of what you feel is special to this area and it just may end up in the next issue of Lynchburg Living! Send all images (shot in high resolution, of course) to shelley@lynchburgmag.com.

After a devastating fire, a couple rebuilds with a focus on simplicity and comfort

Photography by Josh DeVries

Nothing can prepare you for those paramount junctures in life when everything crumbles and all seems lost. However, it is in the moments when life hits the hardest that we draw closer to each other and learn what is truly important.
For a Bedford couple, their trial came in the form of a house fire that destroyed everything they owned. But Stu and Carrie Young’s resiliency through it all taught them to withdraw from tradition, embrace hardship and find contentment through simplicity.

“I came home from work one day and said, ‘I’ve got steaks, let’s grill,’” Stu said.

Not long after those words, the Youngs heard the grill explode and saw it go up in flames. The entire side of their garage then caught fire with flames shooting up to the ceiling. The regulator on the gas grill was apparently not working properly and was feeding the flames.

“It was unbelievable the amount of flames shooting out of the grill. We were very lucky nobody was hurt,” Carrie said.
The Bedford Police Department arrived on the scene very quickly, but by that point the fire had spread and burned the entire back of the house. The Youngs realized too late that the grill had been too close to their home.

Firefighters tried to cover some pieces of furniture with fire proof blankets, but only a few of their things were protected. They lost almost everything to fire, smoke or water damage.

“What the fire doesn’t really get, the smoke and water damage get,” Carrie said.

After the smoke cleared, the Youngs were tasked with sorting through the ashes.

“It was the hardest thing we had to go through,” Carrie said. “You now have to look and try to determine what this stuff is that is burnt to a crisp, then sift through it, [to determine] what it was and value what you paid for it. It’s not like you get your life back quickly. It takes a long time to get your life back.”

The Christmas before the fire, Carrie had asked her children to get her a fireproof safe box—a place she could place old family photos, important documents and mementos. She didn’t get around to putting things in it until the following March. But it was just in time—the fire occurred in May 2012.

“[The box was located] where the fire was the worst—upstairs where I had a crafting room,” Carrie said. “I dug it out of the fire—the box did its job. I’m really thankful I asked for it and used it.”

Nearing retirement, the Youngs found themselves in a unique position of starting over. They considered moving somewhere else and downsizing, but it took one of their grandchildren to change their perspective. (They have five children, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.) One of their grandsons, who lived just one road behind them, said, “If you move Grandma, I can’t walk to your house.” So, they decided to rebuild on the same property.

“Our house is always full of kids,” Carrie said.

While they rebuilt, the Youngs lived in a 36-foot fifth wheel camper in their backyard. It took nine months to get the insurance settlement, which gave them a lot of time to think and design their new home.

“We had no experience building a home,” Stu said. “We had done a lot of home projects. We’ve lived in homes where we’ve remodeled a lot, but not professionally.”

Stu and Carrie sat with their builder and mulled over a half dozen designs before they found one they liked—a unique barn-style exterior with a tall center section and two shed roofs.

With the vision of a new house before them, the Youngs began to let go of the classic, traditional style of their former brick Cape Cod.

They chose materials that would hold up to children and dogs and decided they didn’t want anything too fragile that could break or stain. Simplicity was the objective, but with the comfortable elements indicative of a family home.

“We did not want to be afraid to put our feet on a coffee table,” Carrie said.

Known to hold up to spills and heavy traffic, the Youngs chose rustic natural heart pine plank floors. They also opted for concrete countertops in the kitchen and a concrete shower in the master bathroom for ease of maintenance. Instead of maintaining grout, all they have to do is wipe the concrete down when it’s dirty. As with most of her designs, Carrie tried to think of things that would reduce the burden of cleaning. Asking herself, “What can I do to make things easier?”

The Youngs knew this was their only chance of having their dream home, so to save money, they did a lot of work themselves.

“When you lose your house, you have insurance, but not an unlimited amount of funds,” Carrie said.

You’ll find an industrial farmhouse style throughout the home. One example of their budget-conscious, do-it-yourself spirit is seen through the old oak sliding barn door that leads into the master bedroom, which Stu made and hung himself. His handmade wood pieces are also found in the laundry room, master bathroom and other places throughout the house.

They used reclaimed wood as a focal point on the dining room wall, the center island in the kitchen and in the master bathroom. The unique ceiling fans in their living room alongside the exposed ductwork also add to that industrial aesthetic.

The stairs were constructed using wood from an old apple storage barn off Perrowville Road in Forest, which was repurposed into the treads and risers. They used rebar as spindles, and they didn’t even clean the railings since it just adds to the home’s aesthetic.

Even the pantry was thought through with great detail. Being shorter in stature, Carrie chose not to put upper cabinets in the kitchen. The pantry provides ample storage for her kitchen items and allows her to see everything easily.

“The pantry might be my favorite spot,” Carrie said. “It’s the size of a small bedroom. It’s a blessing.”

The couple had fun shopping for little touches and upcycling things along the way. For example, in the hall bathroom, they mounted a Habitat for Humanity Restore sink onto an old sewing machine base for a conversation piece that came together for around 50 dollars.

When they designed the house, one of their main objectives was to make it big enough for family get-togethers. With an open floor plan, they find they use every inch of space—including an entertaining area downstairs large enough for a large screen projector, a place to shoot basketball hoops and a dart board. The space designated for the dining room is also among one of the family favorites with a 10-foot custom built table, made from a standing dead oak tree in Amherst. It is so large it was assembled on site by local furniture maker, William K. Perdue Furniture.

One of their favorite pieces of home décor is found in an inconspicuous spot in the kitchen. Distracted by the 22-foot tall ceiling, warm reclaimed wood throughout the home and unique décor choices, you might not even notice it’s there at first.

But the Youngs pointed it out—a wooden sign hanging near their table that reflects the new philosophy they adopted during their tough journey: “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.”

Title: Visual Artist | Age: 45

In the past, you have described yourself as a folk artist. How would you define that genre?
I see folk art as an everyday art done by an untrained artist that is more decorative than aesthetic. I used to define myself as a folk artist for my lack of formal training but now, as my art has evolved, I’m leaning more to surrealistic or pop artist.

What do you hope people experience when they observe your artwork?
I want to bring the child out of the observer. I want to take them to an imaginary world inspired by nursery rhymes, fairy tales, lullabies and childhood memories. I want to generate a feeling of nostalgia.

What are your preferred mediums?
My favorite medium is acrylic paint. I also like making dioramas using wood and clay. I love combining elements like fabric and paint to make art dolls.

Are there any special pieces you have created over the years that stand out as being your “best”?
It’s hard to pick one because even the ones that aren’t the best have a reason to be and reflect a moment in my life I wanted to express.
From the public I get great reactions from “The Cat with a Pearl Earring”—they think of the movie and the painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer. But since it’s a cat, not a girl, many think that is very amusing.
The other painting that brings a lot of compliments is “Sir Ram.” The texture of the horns and the folds in his clothes make people want to touch it and that gives me joy.

Where do you sell or show your art?
I sell my artwork at art shows, outdoor art festivals, art galleries, art stores and from home when I get commissioned work.
Once I had a fun experience when I needed to set up my booth in my front yard to check my new panels before an art festival. People driving by my house stopped and started shopping and I made a few sales. It was a very encouraging experience.

Take us back to your upbringing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It didn’t take long for you to discover your talents.
I remember the exact day I thought I wanted to be an artist. I was in 5th grade and my teacher left the classroom for a while. She said we could draw on the chalkboard and I did. My classmates told me they liked my drawings and asked me to make drawings for them. They offered candy as payment and I gladly accepted.

After childhood, where did your art career take you next?
I kept drawing as a hobby; I wasn’t a painter—just drawing using charcoal and pencil. One day back in 2006, for my birthday, my husband gave me an acrylic paint set and brushes. I tried to use them right away, but it was like pushing mashed potatoes with a tiny mop. I went to the library and got some books on acrylic paint; I kept practicing until I got it.
At that time I was a stay-at-home mom of three young kids. One day I was browsing eBay and I noticed people were selling paintings. I posted my first painting and I sold it. My husband’s birthday was coming up, and I felt pretty good about being able to buy him a present with the money I had earned as an artist.
Selling my artwork online gave me confidence to apply to art festivals and shows. At my first art market I sold almost all my artwork and the owner of a nearby consignment store asked me if I would like to sell my artwork at her store.
Then at different venues, art store owners like Space Montrose in Houston asked me to show my artwork at their stores so I realized I didn’t have to be a part of so many art festivals (I was booking one a week)—I can just send my artwork to stores.

Now, you are taking care of a family of your own. How has having children changed you as an artist?
In the beginning of my career my artwork was more serious and realistic. From them I learned to have fun with my work and paint what I want to paint—not to pretend to be something that I’m not. I’m a silly mom who loves fairy tales and movies and that’s what I paint.

Do you think one of your children may follow in your footsteps?
I have four kids. All of them like art, and they are all very talented. One of them, my 17 year old, wants to follow a career in art. He is in high school and is already doing art commissions. He sold his first painting online when he was only 9 years old.
My 11- and 13-year-old girls’ drawing skills are amazing, but they want to be doctors like their dad. My 7-year-old boy is the only one who has not shown signs of liking art.

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists—including children and teenagers?
Work on your technique, practice and create. Don’t get too attached to your paintings so when you make a mistake or you are not happy with it you can let it go and move on to the next piece. Listen to criticism; consider it, but don’t dwell on it too much. People love to tell artists what to make or how to run their art business, but they are usually not in the art business. Don’t be afraid to be different.
I would also like the concepts of “starving artist” or “profitable hobby” to be removed of the way people approach this business. My experience of talking to young or aspiring artists is that they believe they are not going to make enough money as artists and that is not true. You can have a very profitable career as an artist. It’s hard work, but it’s possible.

What’s next for you in your journey?
Do you have any big goals?
I would like to have an art gallery and art center in the future.

How can readers get in touch with you?
They can visit my website at www.adrisart.com, follow me on Instagram at adris.art or on Facebook at facebook.com/adrisfolkart.

Rhonda Sydnor doesn’t really like football that much. But what she does like… is cooking delicious food for family and friends. So instead of sitting on the sidelines all season long, this James River Day School teacher finds a way to be a part of the fun in her own way.

Her husband, a long-time UVA football season ticket holder, takes the Hoos and his tailgating menu very seriously. “Each August, we get out my notebook that contains all of the tailgate menus I have put together for each game over the past 10 years that we have been together. He selects items for each game in the upcoming season,” she says. “It’s a tradition we look forward to each year.”

Her dishes fit a self-described “New Southern” style—she uses traditional Southern cooking techniques, such as real butter and whole milk. “But I also put a twist on foods such as adding good bourbon and brown sugar on grilled peaches,” she says.

Some of her best recipes are savory with no utensils required, perfect for parking lot parties—from homemade caramelized onion dip to stuffed ham biscuits. Eggplant parmigiana and “Oysters Rhonda” are also big favorites.

Enjoy trying out a couple of her delightful bite-sized dishes that will be sure to win over the crowd at your next tailgate!

Stuffed Mushrooms

You will need:
4 8-ounce containers of whole
Baby Bella and/or white mushrooms
2 cups fine plain breadcrumbs
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 of a red, orange and
yellow pepper finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 shallots finely chopped
2 cups fresh basil chopped
1 8-ounce package of shredded
Colby Jack cheese
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups of olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove the stems and insides of caps from mushrooms. Pour small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of a glass baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients. Place mixture inside of each mushroom cap. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Makes 30-45 mushrooms.

Stuffed
Mini Potatoes
You will need:
About 25 small yellow, red and
purple potatoes
1 cup sour cream
1 3-ounce bottle real bacon bits
(I use half of the bottle.)
1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped

Boil potatoes until cooked. Cut a small piece off each end so it will sit flat. Cut in half and use a melon ball scoop to remove the insides of the potato leaving an outer shell with a small amount of potato inside. Mix together remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture into potato shells and refrigerate one hour. (Tip: Use the inside part of potatoes for a side of mashed potatoes.)

Do you have some “local flavor” you want to share?
A dish friends and family beg you to make time and time again? We want to hear from you! Send an email with your recipe and explanation to shelley@lynchburgmag.com.

Just the other day I was thinking about a good childhood friend of mine named Jacob. We started out in kindergarten together. I remember, since Jacob was Jewish, his mother coming to school to tell us how they celebrated Hanukah. We played dreidel games and ate potato latkes.

In sixth grade, Jacob was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He missed a lot of school getting treatments that my parents told me made him feel really sick. At one point, he lost all of his dark brown hair.

Our group of friends got together, raised some money, then went to the mall to buy Jacob these cool toys we knew he’d like—gadgets that would make him smile when he felt bad. I remember the look on his face when we gave him everything. He was shocked and speechless, almost embarrassed by all of the attention.

I hadn’t thought of Jacob and his cancer in years, but he came to mind after I talked to Buck Walker on the phone this summer. Buck’s youngest son, Knox, is battling leukemia. He’s seven years old. Since August 2016, the Walkers have been traveling back and forth to UVA for his chemo treatments.

With a child of my own sleeping in the other room right now, I can only imagine how tough it is to hear that diagnosis then watch the painful side effects that follow. Then, all of the “what ifs” as you wait for test results to come back.

But the Walkers—wow—they impressed me with their outlook.

Their calm. Their faith in God to guide them. In fact, I spoke with three other people affected by cancer for this issue, as we chose to focus on oncology for our 1st Annual Lynchburg Living Top Docs issue. (Read all of their stories starting on page 66.) While cancer is scary and intimidating, I left each conversation so encouraged and inspired. I heard about the incredible doctors and nurses who helped them along the way, the support they found from family, and the strength they unearthed in themselves. Each person fought cancer… and came out on the other side an improved person, more grateful and more giving.

Maybe we should all live like we’ve beaten cancer. The world might be a better place.

By the way, Jacob beat cancer. And more than 20 years later, he has a pretty cool resume that includes Broadway, directing, producing, acting—you name it.

I can’t wait to find out where life takes Knox.

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com
P.S.: To my father in law, Larry, who has been fighting Acute Myleoid Leukemia this year, you’ve got this! I hope we hear the word “remission” very soon.

From beginner to pro, some of THE East Coast’s best hiking destinations are just a short drive away

There is a wide world out there to explore, beyond the concrete jungles and fields of houses in suburbia. And while it would be a far cry into the wilderness to say that Appalachia is all there is to see, some of the best nature hikes are at the disposal of Hill City residents, if they but wander a bit from their own backyards.

The rewards are as bountiful as the trees and rocks through which one can journey—air so crisp and clean you could practically drink it, a melodious tranquility humming all about, chance encounters with intriguing critters, stunning views like master strokes across the horizon and a pulsing rush of energy through your body, reminding you of your connection to what’s around.

Pick any direction from Lynchburg and a worthy hike is not far off.

“There are hikes all over this place. They are so cool,” said Herb Vreeland, Outing Committee Chair for the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC). “We live in an incredible place. It would be great to see more people take advantage of that.”

Below are some of the area’s must-see hiking attractions, from those that are relatively family-friendly to intermediate and more advanced challenges. (Some of Vreeland’s recommendations are starred for emphasis.) It should be noted, however, that the difficulty levels may be relative in some instances. Most of these hikes are found along the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

As a friendly reminder, Vreeland said these trails are in the mountains.

“People have to understand, it’s not like walking in your neighborhood.”

For The Family

LIBERTY MOUNTAIN
The Liberty Mountain Trail System spans approximately 5,000 acres, featuring more than 50 miles of trails. Located off Candlers Mountain Road overlooking the university campus, this spot is an easy place to start for a novice hiker (though experienced ones have much to enjoy as well). Hikes range from beginner to intermediate.

For families looking to get started, the 0.6 mile 1971 trail is a fun hike starting at the Snowflex Centre and working its way up to the top of the monogram, where a gazebo provides rest and views of the city, the Blue Ridge and Liberty’s campus.

PANTHER FALLS
A short, muddy hike near Buena Vista (less than half a mile) has a refreshing payoff—a popular swimming hole. People jump from 10-foot rock shelves into a still pool below and enjoy the small streams that that meander through. Caution is advised when swimming; currents can be strong.

CRABTREE FALLS
In Nelson County near Charlottesville is one of Virginia’s bucket list hikes and one that is manageable for families to boot. The trip up is littered with sparkling cascades culminating at the top of the tallest vertical dropping waterfall east of the Mississippi. There’s a beautiful view at the top and enough space for a rest and family picnic before completing the approximately 3.5-mile journey. While this is true of all hikes, it is important to emphasize the importance of staying within the boundaries of the trail and to not wander past the warning signs.

*FALLING WATER CASCADES
Off the Blue Ridge Parkway toward the Peaks of Otter is a beautiful family-friendly hike with a lush backdrop of greenery and clear water splashing off rocks.

“It is incredible,” Vreeland said. “It follows the cascades all the way up on the trail. It is a loop hike, a really great hike for families.”

*MATT’S CREEK SHELTER
Just up the road from where 501 crosses the James River is the James River Footbridge. From there, Matt’s Creek Shelter is not far. It is a great place to stop for a lunch break halfway before completing an out-and-back hike—following a stream along the way—on the AT.

Step It Up

FLAT TOP/SHARP TOP
From Lynchburg, two of the most iconic peaks on the horizon are Sharp Top and its flat neighbor. Both of these Peaks of Otter overlooking Bedford County make excellent hikes for beginners and have amazing views from their apexes. While Sharp Top is often the more popular, Flat Top (which is across from Falling Water Cascades) is an equally worth-it hike and both are must dos for local residents.

*COLE/COLD MOUNTAIN
Both Cole and Cold are acceptable names for this Amherst County hike that is a must see.
“Did you ever see The Sound of Music?” Vreeland said. “It looks just like that. It is wide open. If you ever saw Cole Mountain, it would blow your mind.”

The trick, Vreeland explained, is getting to the trail head. One must be prepared to drive about four miles on a forest service road, Wiggins Spring Road. The drive will get bumpy.

But the payoff at the end of the hike (about six miles there and back) is a panoramic view unlike any other in the area.

“It really is like The Sound of Music,” Vreeland emphasized.

MCAFEE KNOB
Near Roanoke, this seven-mile hike is often started at a full parking lot. But McAfee Knob is popular for a reason. One of the best views to reward any hike, period.

*FLOYD FIELDS APPLE ORCHARD FALLS OVERLOOK

Another hike up on the Blue Ridge near the Peaks of the Otter, this eight-mile trek (or four-mile runaround, with cars parked at both ends) features passage under the Guillotine, an unbelievable rock formation.

“It’s right on the AT,” Vreeland said. “You go right under this big round rock that got stuck between two other big rocks. You literally go right between that thing as you go along; it is a beautiful rocky area. And you end up at the old Air Force Radar Station. It is quite an interesting hike and not a hard hike to get to.”

DEVIL’S MARBLEYARD
While the view from the top of this three-mile journey is impressive, this hike is
really about the journey itself. After about a mile and a half comes the marble yard, an array of giant boulders splayed across the mountainside. Rock-hopping is the most exciting part of this adventure.

Devil’s Marbleyard is best enjoyed in the spring or fall as it gets very hot in the
summer sun and snakes are more likely to be seen.

*PUNCHBOWL SHELTER TO PEDLAR RIVER DAM TO BROWN MOUNTAIN CREEK SHELTER
This is an eight-and-a-half-mile hike in Amherst County if you plan to park cars at both ends so you don’t have to retrace your steps. It is rich in history. Old stone hog walls are seen along the way, and remnants of homes long gone litter the wayside.

“They had an actual civilization up there. There are some walls left from the houses, there are a lot of foundations, chimneys,” Vreeland said.

Take It To The Limit

BIG ROCKY ROW
On the opposite side of the James River from Matt’s Creek is the strenuous, weaving hike to Fuller’s Rock that features 20 switchbacks. From Fuller’s Rock is a beautiful view over Big Island and the James River.

After completing that challenge, continue with about a mile of straight upward climbing. Altogether, this is about 11 miles of tough hiking. It can be done as a loop or an out and back.

OLD RAG MOUNTAIN
Amazing panoramic views are featured on this nine-mile loop in Shenandoah National Park that challenges with a one-mile rock scramble. But as one of the most popular destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, crowds flock to Old Rag.

THE PRIEST
Dubbed one of the most difficult hikes on the entire AT, the Priest, near Crabtree Falls, is a nine-mile trip that includes some of the steepest terrain in Central Virginia, upwards of 3,000 feet in elevation.

Connect with the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club on Facebook @NBATC.Hiker
or on their website NBATC.org.

Technology, Engineering and Art Converge in Vector Space/Hill City Keys Collaboration

Are you on team STEM or team STEAM? As STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and initiatives become more and more prevalent, many people have begun advocating for the inclusion of Art. As a librarian who conducts STEAM programs for children ages nine to 12, I fully support this inclusion and think that art often pairs seamlessly and effectively with STEM activities. Adam Spontarelli, who is an engineer at AREVA and the Director of Education at Vector Space, introduced a particularly exciting example of art meets STEM over the summer: a robotic arm that creates paintings according to notes played on the Hill City Keys piano at the Community Market.

The project, which went live in May and will continue through October, occurred to Spontarelli after a series of successful projects at Vector Space that linked technology, engineering and art.

“It has been an evolution of ideas, starting with an interactive Mario Kart game that we made at Vector Space that required the player to ride a bike and hit a target with a laser pointer,” he says. “Then we built a chalk drawing robot to compete in Amazement Square’s chalk contest. After this and a number of inspiring visits to Maker Faires throughout the country, it seemed like the next logical step was to combine these ideas of interactive technology and public art.”

Before debuting the project, Spontarelli worked for about a month writing the code and building the arm, which resides in the gallery at the Academy Center of the Arts. “Figuring out how to accurately detect a note being played was easier than expected, but getting access to a persistent and reliable network connection near the piano was significantly harder,” he says. “There were some network connectivity issues in the beginning that were fixed by deploying a mesh network of routers, an idea proposed by another Vector Space member, Kurt Feigel.” For step-by-step information about how the arm actually works, check out our diagram on the next page.

1. A computer installed inside the Community Market piano has a microphone that detects and records any sound it considers loud enough to be produced by the piano.

2.The audio recording is decoded into a series of frequencies so that the note being played can be determined. “For all the math fans, this is done by applying a Fourier transform on the data,” Spontarelli adds.

3. The note is passed through a mesh network of routers with an oversized antenna until it makes its way onto what Spontarelli refers to as “the White Hart’s generously shared network,” where it is then posted on the internet.

4. From its home in the Academy Center of the Arts, the robotic arm watches for notes to be played. “If it receives a B, the shoulder will move clockwise a few degrees, and a B# will send it counter-clockwise,” Spontarelli says. “A C will move the elbow, a D will pump a drop of the pink paint, an F for the green paint, and so on. So the result is predictable and repeatable, but randomized by the community’s interaction.”

5. When someone plays a note, a pump attached to the arm draws the corresponding paint color through the tubing and onto the canvas. Spontarelli checks on the canvases periodically and changes them out arbitrarily. “I’m open to suggestions about what to do with the paintings,” he says.

After brainstorming with the Academy for over a year about how to combine art and STEM topics, Vector Space was awarded a $1,200 grant from Lynchburg’s Arts and Culture grant fund to complete the project. Hill City Keys founder Libby Fitzgerald was excited about the project from the get-go and is happy to see even more participation since it launched. “Not only does the Academy welcome community collaborations of all kinds, but anything that increases opportunities for public participation in this public piano project is so welcome and something we’ve encouraged for the four years of its existence,” she says. “We often think of art and science as being two totally different fields that rarely intersect, but to see one possibility of how they can is quite thrilling!”

Spontarelli is also pleased with the participation rate and feedback thus far. “It has been great!” he exclaims. “I’ve received a lot of positive feedback and amused looks. As of right now (mid-July), the robot has received 66,059 notes from the piano.”

Before this particular project made its debut, Spontarelli had already seen the benefit of including art in STEM initiatives firsthand. “There’s something about art that captivates minds,” he says. “I can teach a student how to write their first computer program that displays a message on the screen. I’ve done it many times and the students are always unimpressed. I then teach them how to write code that turns on an LED. For some reason, even though the concepts are exactly the same—instructions are given to the computer to send a digital signal to a display—students are absolutely fascinated by the LED. And once they start making it change colors, they can’t contain their excitement.”

As is the case with most STEAM activities, the data collected from the robotic arm has produced not only answers, but also more questions. “As someone who loves data analysis, I can tell you that all of the data is interesting,” Spontarelli says. “But for those who enjoy a good mystery, it seems that every now and then, at any time throughout the day, a lone G will be played. Is there a bug in the code? Is there someone out there in Lynchburg who plays G every time they pass a piano? Or does construction equipment tend to make sounds that resonate at 3136 Hz?”

These and other questions lend themselves to further inquiries, interest and involvement in this and similar projects, much to Spontarelli’s delight. “Even as the creator, whenever I’m at the Academy checking on the robot and it suddenly starts painting, I still get excited,” he says. “I want to engage the community in a way that makes them think about what’s possible and to hopefully inspire someone else to create something different.”

After this particular project completes its run, Vector Space will continue to spearhead unconventional and exciting STEAM activities and events and to encourage community participation. “We’ve continued to make outlandish, interactive technological contraptions, and we have an ever growing list of ideas from mile long marble runs to light shows controlled by the public,” Spontarelli says. “All we need are more interested minds to come and help bring ideas to life.”

For more information about Vector Space, visit their website: vector-space.org.

Mark Your Calendars Sept/Oct 2017

The Rocky Horror Show: September 7-30
Head to the woods for this hilarious and wild performance by the Appomattox-based Wolfbane Productions. Described as “a loving homage to the classic B sci-fi film and horror genres,” this show will get you in the Halloween spirit in no time! Find ticket information at wolfbane.org.

Old City Cemetery Candlelight Tours: October 13-28
See the cemetery come to life—in a not-so-spooky way. Professional actors in period costume will pretend to be cemetery residents, telling true stories from local history. Tickets must be purchased in advance; visit gravegarden.org for more information.
Learn more about local cemetery history on page
50 in our feature
“Tombstone Tales.”

Sedalia Chili Cookoff: October 21
As the weather starts to cool down, stay warm at this fall festival that’s been going strong for 21 years. Teams will compete to see who has the best chili recipe. Find out how to enter your chili or buy tickets at sedaliacenter.org.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to James River Adventures in Madison Heights.

Hello! to Country Kids Consignment Boutique on Leesville Road.

Goodbye to the Zaxby’s location in Forest.

Hello! to Iron and Ale restaurant in Cornerstone.

Goodbye to Open Porch Café in Wyndhurst.

Hello! to Corner Burger in New London.

Hello! to Hippos, a family-owned restaurant in Wyndhurst.

Goodbye to the Baby Giraffe’s storefront in the Forest Square Shopping Center.

Hello! to Brother Jake’s Brick Oven Creations, a new food truck.

Hello! to Rolling Dough Cookie Company in Cornerstone.

Hello! to the new, bigger location of Bräuburgers in Forest.

Step Up Your Game on Game Day with Upscale Accoutrements and Recipes That Extend Far Beyond Burgers and Brats

It’s that time of year again—the smell of charred meat wafting through the air, the raucous crowds cheering on their favorite team, the temperatures slightly beginning to cool off. Then, as the clock strikes noon, you take a sip of your first socially acceptable day drink to kick off the unofficial start to fall: The parking lot tailgate.

Read on for recipes, tips and more to step up your game this year and take your tailgate over the top.

Spicy House-Smoked BBQ Wings
Recipe by Anne Leonard
There are regular wings, and then there are these wow-inducing wings that are sprinkled with a dry rub, fried, doused in a combination of three sauces, slow-smoked and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Time: About 25 minutes total
Yield: A dozen wings
Ingredients
Dry rub
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Other materials
Wood chips
Foil
Sealable container
Wings
1/3 cup Peter’s Beach Barbecue Sauce
and Marinade
1/3 cup Tommy Bahama’s Blackberry
Brandy Sauce
1/4 cup A. Smith Bowman Barrel-Aged Bourbon Hot Sauce
1 dozen chicken wings, pat very dry
with paper towels
1/2 cup canola oil for frying
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp scallions, chopped

Directions
Mix all ingredients for the dry rub into a small bowl and season both sides of the wings.
In a separate bowl, combine and mix the three sauces. Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a toaster oven for about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them since they can burn quickly. Once lightly toasted, remove and set aside. Create a packet of wood chips. Lay out a piece of foil and place a large handful of chips in the center. Fold foil over on each side to seal in chips. Place wood chip packet in the center of the grill and turn on low heat.
Heat the canola oil in a pan on medium high heat until sizzling. Lay seasoned wings in a single layer in the pan (you may have to cook it in two batches). Fry for 3 minutes on each side or until browned and crispy.
Remove fried wings from oil and place in a sealable container. Pour in the sauce, seal the container, and shake to evenly distribute the sauce. Place wings in grill in indirect heat. Allow to grill for 8–10 minutes. Remove from grill, and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions to your liking.
You can also add more sauce on top after grilling if you prefer your wings extra saucy.

Sweet Potato Hummus
Recipe by Anne Leonard
Instead of playing up sweet potatoes’ earthiness with sugar, here, they’re accentuated with the tell-tale ingredients of hummus—tahini, chickpeas and garlic. But to raise the stakes, there’s a smidgen of smoked paprika, a dash of toasted walnuts and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for that extra bit of heat.

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Yield: about 3 cups
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato, cooked and peeled
1/3 cup tahini paste
1/3 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
A generous dash of salt
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
A small handful of toasted walnuts
Pita bread, toasted and cut into triangles

Directions
Place all ingredients into a food processor, except for the walnuts and toasted pita bread.
Blend ingredients in processor until smooth and fluffy. You may have to stop and stir hummus with a spatula a few times to even it out. Place sweet potato hummus in a deep-dish bowl of your choosing, and drizzle olive oil as well as a light sprinkle of paprika and pepper flakes over top if you prefer.
Top with toasted walnuts. Serve hummus warm or cold with the toasted pita bread.

Bacon Bleu-Crab Dip
Recipe by Anne Leonard
This voluptuous crab dip boasts all the good stuff: bleu cheese, cream cheese, Chesapeake Bay seasoning and bacon, along with succulent blue crab, for a Virginia-centric dip that’s promised to please.

Total Time: about 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 cup crumbled bleu cheese
2/3 cup cream cheese, softened
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Splash white wine
12 oz. blue crab meat (freshly picked or canned)
2 thick-cut pieces of bacon, diced
1 tbsp Chesapeake Bay Seasoning (or Old Bay),
plus more to garnish
Crackers or toasted baguette slices to serve

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Mix bleu cheese, cream cheese and minced garlic in a bowl. Add lemon juice, white wine and crabmeat to bowl; then mix well.
In a separate bowl, toss the bacon with the Chesapeake Bay Seasoning. In a frying pan on medium heat, fry bacon until crispy for about 6 minutes, flipping throughout the time. Remove bacon from the pan and blot with paper towels to remove excess oil. Add bacon to crab mixture.
Transfer crab dip to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle Chesapeake Bay Seasoning over top. Bake for 25 minutes until slightly toasted on top. Serve immediately with crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Big Blue Mules
Yield: Approximately 16 drinks
Prep: 1 week for blueberry infused vodka; 2 minutes for mixing

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh blueberries, plus more for garnish
750 ml bottle of vodka
Ginger Beer (Q Drinks Spectacular Ginger Beer is super spicy and not too sweet, just how we like it)
Limes
Ice
Mint leaves for garnish

Directions
A week before game day, make blueberry-infused vodka. Add blueberries and vodka to a large container, and let set at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, until ready to use. Strain and discard blueberries.
In a Mule mug, add ice, and pour in 1 oz. blueberry-infused vodka. Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lime, and top with ginger beer, Garnish with fresh blueberries, a lime slice and fresh mint.

Brown Sugar & Herb Rubbed Ribs
Recipe by Avenue Foods and Catering

Ingredients
1 tsp pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp onion flakes
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp rosemary
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp coarse ground pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 cups brown sugar

Directions
Mix all ingredients in blender then coat both sides of ribs. Pat the mixture into the ribs. Bake at 250 degrees for at least 4 hours or until meat pulls from bone. You can always bump up the temperature if you need ribs to cook faster.
These can be cooked the day ahead, wrapped in foil and reheated the next day for a tailgate. Reheat at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes then put in a cooler to keep warm until you are ready to serve. Enjoy!

Magnolia Foods Chorizo Black Bean Dip

Ingredients
1 pound ground chorizo, browned
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. salsa (any kind)
1 yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, rinsed
8 oz. shredded cheese, cheddar
or Monterrey Jack
Green onions, finely diced
for garnish

Directions
Sauté diced onions and garlic in olive oil, add cream cheese and cooked chorizo (don’t walk away—keep stirring). Cream cheese should be smooth
and no lumps, add black beans, salsa and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to serving dish, top with diced green onions for garnish.
Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Five Ways to Take Your Tailgate Over the Top
by RACHEL DALTON

While everyone seems to have ideas on how to make their tailgate the best, we talked with a few local experts about ways to make your space the place everyone wants to be.

1. Plan ahead. Never was an awesome, monumental tailgate thrown together the night before. No way. An over-the-top tailgate requires precision, attention to detail, and planning. Send invitations (yes, you read that right) about a month ahead of time. Fall is a busy time for everyone so whether it’s a casual text or an Evite, people need to get this date on their calendar.

2. Gather the right equipment. Depending on the menu, there may be a need for some special pieces of equipment at your party. Make sure you’ve assigned who will bring a grill and a portable burner to your tailgate, Cissa Willman from Avenue Foods suggests.
Someone in the group should also provide tents for shade and protection from the elements. Other overlooked items include: fans, extra coolers, large/lidded plastic containers for bringing back used dishes, ice, plates, flatware, cups, aluminum foil, trash bags and bottle or wine openers.

3. Expand your menu. Skip the burgers and hotdogs this year and try Cissa’s suggestion of grilling quesadillas, sausages, pork tenderloin, kabobs, marinated flat iron steaks and custom pizzas.
You don’t have to bring a grill to be creative. Cissa says keep it simple with items that don’t necessarily have to be hot and can be easily transported in on ice. Some of her favorites are seared Ahi tuna, chicken salad, smoked salmon, assorted gourmet sandwiches and oysters.
If you don’t have the time or energy to prep your own spread, Adi McCauley of Magnolia Foods suggests many mouth-watering options from their catering menu such as their black bean & chorizo dip, sandwiches, appetizer platters, potato salad, pasta salad, quinoa, and chopped vegetable salad… you will be able to satisfy the pickiest palate in your crowd! Magnolia will package up any items for easy travel and provide a heat source with disposable chaffing racks, pans and fuel so all you have to do is chow down.
Round out every savory menu with a little sweet. Both Adi and Cissa say bars of any kind travel well; raspberry, lemon, brownies, Derby bars from Magnolia or cookies from Avenue Foods appeal to all ages at your party.

4. Stock a wide variety of drinks. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand. (Tip: freeze bottles the night before so they will stay cold and help keep other items cold.) Also include sparkling water, sodas and juice for your designated drivers, younger tailgaters and those who aren’t imbibing.
For the folks who do like to have a celebratory drink, you can’t go wrong with a great Bloody Mary. May we recommend the Texas Beach Bloody Mary mix made in Richmond and sold at Magnolia foods. One of the only vegan mixes on the market, it pairs well with vodka, ice and a large celery stalk. Another local option is T.C. Trotter’s Moose Mix, sold at Moose’s Café and other local businesses such as Pints O’ Plenty in Forest. It has a kick but is not too spicy, and the best part is this mix never waters down. To take things over the top, offer a Bloody Mary bar with accoutrements such as fresh horseradish, hot sauces, spiced shrimp, olives, pickled veggies and bacon. Mix it up with vodkas too, by offering citrus, spicy or any flavors you think will entertain your family and friends.
Aside from the Bloody Marys, choose an assortment of wine and beer, liquor and mixers. Adi suggests ordering a keg of local beer from Magnolia to add to the fun.

5. Create a game-winning atmosphere. Set the tone for a memorable day by providing a few activities such as a football to throw, corn hole boards, horseshoes and ladder toss.
Large helium balloons at your table are festive and help your friends find you in the crowd. To stand out from the crowd, Cissa tells me they always make sure to have the table decorated in their team colors. “Flowers or candles can fancy it up… flags are great as well!” she says.
Check your team schedules, invite your pals, and reach out to your favorite local Lynchburg caterers to help with the heavy lifting. Tag us in pictures from your over-the-top tailgates this fall with the hashtag #lynchburglivingtailgate.

Go Team!

Spend a day at Smith Mountain Lake’s beloved wineries

There is nothing more relaxing than a sun-filled day at Smith Mountain Lake. Crisp breezes, cool water and boat-side ice cream all evoke a sense of calm to anyone who visits. As the weather cools down, you might be looking for ways to enjoy the lake off the water. Jump in your car (and make sure you have a designated driver), then use this guide as a reference to tour the lake area’s fantastic wineries.

White Rock Vineyard, Winery and Brew Haus
At the northernmost point of Smith Mountain Lake, near Roanoke, is White Rock Vineyard, Winery and Brew Haus. White Rock is the ideal place to visit if you have friends in your group who prefer hops over grapes. An incredibly unique location, the owners at White Rock make wine and brew beer, so visitors will find the best of both worlds—often picking up notes from the wine in the beer and vice versa.

Owners Greg and Michele Bublitz handcraft their wine and beer on-site, extracting the wine from the grapes of their own private vineyard. Those vines create an idyllic backdrop for the rest of the winery. When you visit, you’ll notice picnics propped up across the grounds or couples enjoying a tasting over a perfectly curated cheese board.

Ramulose Ridge Vineyards
Head south and you’ll find Ramulose Ridge Vineyards. Coveted for its wedding and event space, Ramulose is as aesthetically pleasing as its wines are delicious. Visitors who come to Ramulose should plan accordingly: You’ll want to relax here all day.

Owners Jim and Sandi Ramaker first started dreaming up the idea of Ramulose after a weekend getaway to Smith Mountain Lake, and they’ve been inspiring lake visitors ever since.

Just as White Rock offers both wine and beer to visitors, Ramulose offers unique pairings of its own. Each of their wines can be paired with a specific cigar, offered on-site at Ramulose. From full-bodied and strong Green PA Broadleafs paired with white wine to dark and smooth Maduros with red wine, visitors can sit outside and enjoy perfectly-paired smokes and sips.

Brooks Mill Winery
If you’re okay with a little drive, head to Brooks Mill Winery on the southwest side of the lake. Known for its inventive blends that utilize our area’s blackberry and fruit harvests, Brooks Mill Winery is a favorite among those who like to take delicious risks with their wine.

Brooks Mill Winery is the only fruit winery along the lake. For those wondering, “Aren’t grapes fruit?”, there are quite a few differences between traditional grape wine and fruit wine. Typically, fruit wine has a lower alcohol content, with the alcohol by volume (ABV) averaging around 11 percent versus wine’s 13 percent or higher. Fruit wine also tends to be sweeter than traditional grape wines—with the blends’ shape shifting and adopting the flavors of the fruits used to make them.

On-site Brooks Mill grows blackberries, blueberries, pears, apples, peaches and cherries.

Hickory Hill Vineyards
Return to the eastern side of the lake for a final stop before returning to Lynchburg. Hickory Hill Vineyards is Smith Mountain Lake’s oldest vineyard, which has become a staple in the SML and Moneta communities. All grapes are grown, harvested, crafted and bottled right on-site on Hickory Hill’s stunning grounds. However, Hickory Hill does have a working partnership with two other local vineyards, with an agreement to share certain varietals for a better product.

Hickory Hill’s past is rather storied—with tails of hurricanes and hail storms, infectious insects and trial wine blends. But despite some challenges, Hickory Hill has risen above to produce internationally ranked wine.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic on the grounds with a bottle of their favorite Hickory Hill blend, or they can even find out which is their favorite during a tasting. What’s more, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the art and science behind making Hickory Hill’s award-winning wine.