A new name is just one part of a new vision for University of Lynchburg

It happens every August; the swarm of cars loaded down with mini fridges and laundry bags, the excitement of meeting roommates and all those ice breaker questions at freshmen orientation, and, for the moms and dads, the sting of driving back toward Lakeside Drive as their waving children get smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror. That’s the start of the Lynchburg College experience—but this fall it’s getting a new name. The brand-new Hornets, the Class of 2022, will be the first to officially enter the University of Lynchburg.

Somewhat lost in the headline-making
buzz surrounding the name change
is a bigger story, and the much bigger
picture of what the University of
Lynchburg will become.

“We’re doing much more than changing our name,” said Bryan Gentry, Director of Communications at Lynchburg College. “New academic programs, teaching methods, classroom resources, and buildings will revolutionize the student experience over the next several years.”

The Board of Trustees’ adopted strategic plan, known as “Vision 2020,” has three goals: to position the university as a leader in student engagement, to modernize campus facilities and infrastructure, and to increase stewardship.

ENGAGEMENT

Student engagement starts before incoming freshmen ever set foot on the Dell. The college anticipates reaching more students in areas where recruitment is already strong and says a marketing campaign around the University of Lynchburg name intends to increase name recognition and reputation in more markets.

Within hours of trustees voting to adopt the University of Lynchburg name, the college emailed all students in the recruiting pool and their parents to share the news.

“We received positive feedback then and many of those students are enrolled today,” said Gentry. “The incoming students and their parents have shown a lot of excitement and pride in the name. They recognize it as part of our commitment to progress and forward thinking.”

Beyond freshman year, engagement continues with what’s being called “The Second-Year Experience”—an acknowledgement that college sophomores may experience a whole new set of stressors when they return for their second year.

“They may experience what is commonly referred to as the ʻsophomore slump’,” said Sally Selden, Lynchburg College Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs. “The newness and excitement of college has worn away and what lies ahead are at least three more years of hard work.”

The college now involves returning students in select events being held at the same time as first-year orientation. A new career exploration course was added with the introduction of “Second-Year SuRGE” (Succeed, Reflect, Grow, Engage)—a workshop series designed to keep returning students working toward their goals.

Though not currently a graduation requirement, another engagement initiative calls for all students to complete three “High Impact Practices”—defined as enriching educational experiences including service learning, research, internships and study abroad.

“These types of experiences demand considerable time and effort on behalf of both the students and faculty, facilitate learning outside the classroom, require meaningful interactions with faculty and other students, and encourage collaboration,” said Selden.

“As the curriculum evolves and programs develop, we should reach the point where any student will have had three high impact experiences and many will have had more,” said Gentry.

The college convened a task force to examine trends in the labor market, specifically occupational gaps, to consider new programs of study. That research is leading to a revision of the education program curriculum and new undergraduate and graduate level programs in health care and computer sciences and mathematics.

“Given that change had accelerated exponentially in part due to new technologies, we will continue to evaluate the programs we offer to ensure that they meet the needs of an ever-changing workforce and that we adopt new programs in areas that support our region and state,” said Selden. “Evaluating our academic program offerings will be a continuous process for the college.”

FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

As advancing technologies require change to academic offerings, campus facilities must also keep up with the times in support of evolving curriculum. According to a space study, improvements to the college’s science facilities are a top capital improvement priority.

Students can enroll in an Information Technology major with emphasis in cybersecurity starting this fall. The college recently started a data science and statistics major. Faculty are also working on bioinformatics and neuroscience programs.

“Enhancing our science facilities will allow us to expand on what are already high-impact, student-centered science programs,” said Selden. “Furthermore, additional space will provide more opportunities for collaborations with local industry partners.”

The college also hopes to partner with the City of Lynchburg on an enterprise zone near campus.

“We’re interested in working with our neighbors along Lakeside Drive to encourage development that is attractive to students and the community as a whole,” said Steve Bright, Lynchburg College Vice President for Business and Finance. “Our hope is that developers can be encouraged to invest in an area that serves our campus community and the Lynchburg community as a whole.”

Making the location more attractive to students starts on campus. The space study revealed a deficit in semi-suite residential spaces, which are sought by older students who desire more privacy and amenities than in the traditional double rooms of freshman year.

To increase semi-suite space, McWane Hall will close this summer and will be replaced over 14 months with a new, larger building that can house 270 students.

Lynchburg College is a residential campus. All full-time freshmen, sophomore and junior students, other than commuter students living at home with parents or students age 25 and over, are required to live in college-owned housing. Only students classified as seniors prior to a fall semester are eligible to live off campus.

“National statistics show that residential students attend and participate in more co-curricular activities,” said Hayward Guenard, Lynchburg College Vice President and Dean for Student Development. “Living on campus provides additional support to students through their Resident Assistants who sponsor and facilitate programs to help students establish connections.”

Improved athletic facilities are also a need identified by the study. The college does not anticipate acquiring more land to accomplish any of the facility improvements called for in the strategic plan.

STEWARDSHIP

The college has set a goal of increasing alumni engagement by 20 percent—to be measured in volunteerism, attendance and donations.

“We know that through solid engagement activities, we are more successful in sharing the message of the institution and bringing in fundraising dollars,” said Mike Bonnette, Lynchburg College Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Alumni support is critically important to the success of this place.”

Part of the effort will be to re-engage those alumni who have been vocal in their opposition to the name change and say they now feel disenfranchised.

“We are concerned by the small number of alumni who have indicated that they will no longer support the university financially,” said Mike Jones, Lynchburg College Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing. “Our advancement team is reaching out to these individuals to understand their opposition and explain our future as the University of Lynchburg. Not surprisingly, a conversation often leads to better understanding and softening of opposition.”

Lynchburg College will begin its 116th academic year with a new name, but with an unchanging resolve.

“One of the constants throughout [our] history is the resolve to change to meet the needs of students and the society around us,” said Gentry.

Editor’s Note: The writer is an alumna of Lynchburg College and was neither in favor or opposed to the name change. It’s still a great day to be a Hornet!

With an Entryway Makeover

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so don’t forget about your front door when making a spring “to-do” list for your home!

With a bright blue Chippendale door, pops of green and fun accessories, Cindy Greer (owner of Curtains, Blinds & Bath) has it all figured out. Learn how to spruce up your entryway in “Fabulous Front Doors” on page 50, part of our special Expanded Home and Garden section.

Where to Find This Look:

Door Color: Benjamin Moore, Kingston Aqua
Doormats: Target
Wreath: Pier One
Lights: Timberlake Lighting
Pillow: Curtains, Blinds & Bath

New Cataract Treatment Surgery is Precise and Powerful

Characterized by cloudy vision, cataracts impact over 20 million Americans over the age of 40 each year. In fact, experts estimate that 90 percent of people in the United States will develop cataracts by the age of 65. As the average lifespan increases, the demand for treating age-related diseases, such as cataracts, has grown. Piedmont Eye Center in Lynchburg has responded to this influx with five local surgeons who provide the latest advancement in laser surgery.

To separate misconception from fact, the doctors detail causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention related to cataracts.

Causes

Most often, cataracts develop as a result of aging. At birth, the young, healthy lens provides clear vision. Over time, the lens can become clouded. Much like a camera, the clouding on the lens creates a blurry image. One of the surgeons at Piedmont Eye Center, Elizenda Ceballos, M.D., explains, “Early on, these changes don’t cause any symptoms, but as they progress the quality of vision becomes affected.”

In addition to aging, several other health and lifestyle factors can increase a patient’s risk:

● Natural aging process
● Uncontrolled diabetes
● Trauma to the eye
● Ocular diseases, such as inflammation
● Prolonged use of steroid medications
● Previous intraocular surgery
● Radiation treatments to the head, such as cancer treatment
● Family history

For most people, cataracts are a normal part of the aging process. As eyes mature, many people experience cataract symptoms.

Symptoms

Cataracts impact vision quality during normal activities, such as seeing at night, driving, watching television or reading. “As cataracts worsen, patients progressively lose contrast and the sharpness in their vision,” says Saxton Moss, M.D. “Eye exams are important because many ocular conditions are clinically silent until late in the disease process.”

Like most diseases, early diagnosis translates to an easier treatment. If a patient experiences a decline in their vision, a discussion with their doctor will help them identify the right course for treatment.

Treatment

Some patients may choose to delay or avoid cataract surgery by changing their eyeglass prescription. Depending on their condition, those patients may be satisfied with the results. If the symptoms still negatively impact their quality of life, patients can pursue surgical treatment.

Doctors treat cataracts using several techniques, including laser surgery. The surgeons at Piedmont Eye Center prefer this method for their patients. Another surgeon at Piedmont Eye Center, Gene Moss, Jr., M.D., explains that laser cataract surgery, “…has taken an already elegant procedure and added laser precision to improve accuracy. While not everyone is a candidate for this technology, your doctor can help you decide if laser cataract surgery is right for you.”

To begin, patients set up an appointment for a cataract evaluation. If they are a good candidate for surgery, they can schedule one within one to four weeks. Cataracts in both eyes require separate surgeries. Most of the time, the surgeries are scheduled a few weeks apart to allow patients time to heal.

On the day of the surgery, the process takes one to two hours total. This includes paperwork and preparation.

The actual surgery lasts about 10 minutes and can be performed with only topical anesthesia and medicines that help you relax. 3D mapping provides doctors with a plan for the size, shape and location of the incisions. Then, surgeons use the laser to make the necessary incisions. Ultrasound technology breaks up and removes the actual cataract. The natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Using a laser increases precision and accuracy during the procedure compared to traditional methods.

After surgery, the patient should have someone available to drive them home. Then, within one to two days, patients can begin driving and resume light activity. In most cases, full activity is allowed after one week. Recalling his patients at Piedmont Eye Center, James Paauw, M.D., notes, “Some patients see great the day after surgery. Most will notice improvement at 1-2 weeks, but some may take up to a month.”

One of the biggest benefits of the laser treatment is a shorter average recovery time. Within a few weeks of a patient’s initial surgical consultation, their quality of life and their clarity of vision can improve significantly.

Prevention

Since cataracts are a side effect of aging, it is impossible to prevent them completely. However, three key precautions can help. First, eating healthy helps the entire body age well, including the eyes. Second, wearing sunglasses protects eyes from the damage of ultraviolet rays. Third, avoiding or quitting smoking decreases risk. Although people cannot protect themselves from accidents, aging or family history, healthy lifestyle choices can mitigate some of the risks.

Know Your Options

As more Americans celebrate an increased lifespan, medical treatments for age-related diseases have advanced. Laser cataract surgery is no exception. “Laser cataract surgery offers an advantage over traditional methods in allowing us to more accurately achieve the desired vision our patients at Piedmont Eye Center want,” says Darin Bowers, M.D.

For patients considering cataract treatment, understanding the treatment options and surgical process can help them make an informed decision.

Sources:
• Piedmont Eye Center, www.piedmonteye.com
• American Academy of Ophthalmology, www.aao.org
• My Cataracts, www.mycataracts.com

IN 8 STEPS

1. Assess Your Space: Consider the size of your property, lay of the land, architectural style of your home, proximity to neighbors, and your design passions and preferences. For my half-acre backyard, I designed a free-flowing, casual country cottage garden featuring numerous organically-shaped borders and free-standing beds hugging the rolling terrain. This design complemented our colonial house on a farm cresting a hill in Bedford County. Yet, a more formal, symmetrical style may better suit other settings.

2. Face Unique Challenges and Opportunities First: My first challenge was to hide a honking metal utility barn from my landscape view. I planted a “green screen” as a buffer between the barn and the garden of my dreams, and in a couple of years that barn disappeared. My greatest design opportunity was views of Sharp Top and Flat Top mountains (and sunsets) to the west and Amherst County mountains beyond woods to the north. So, I made sure to take advantage of my borrowed landscape.

3. Budget $$, Time and Energy: Without an unlimited budget to spend on hiring professionals to design, plant, and maintain my garden, I developed it in incremental steps over 22 years, each year adding a new garden area and features. One year it was a rose garden. Another year it was building stone walls and paths. Yet another year it was a Crepe Myrtle allée up our driveway. With a full-time job many of those years, I had to budget my time and energy as well as money, so “slow and easy” was my motto.

4. Plan for Climate and Deer: Follow zone hardiness guidelines for planting. We’re in zone 7a, but we’ve experienced zone 6 conditions in recent winters. Plant material also needs to be suited to climate variances, or micro-climates, due to the lay of the land, sun or shade, windy or wind protected, and wet or dry. It’s frustrating and fruitless to plant a garden deer will eat, and I’ve not yet found a commercial product that keeps deer away permanently. Either stick to deer-resistant plants or build an adequate fence around your garden, as we did.

5. Select Plant Material: Decide on your garden “bones,” the hardscaping and foundation plants that set the shape and style of your garden. These include trees, shrubs, and other base landscape plants. Then select plants of different heights for vertical layering, with the tallest plants in the back of a border or center of a free-standing bed. Choose your plant preferences: exotics, natives, color, shape, size, and bloom time. Over time, add new plants as your taste and trends lead you.

6. Define Garden Areas and Prepare Your Soil: Mark the boundaries of your garden beds—whether they are a straight geometric pattern or a curving organic one. Then prepare the soil by removing undesirable plant material. As an environmentally sound option to using herbicides such as Roundup, cover the garden area with cardboard, black plastic, or other sun-blockers until the weeds are dead. Contact the Hill City Master Gardener Association
(www.hcmga.org) for a soil sampling kit and advice on what amendments are needed.

7. Plant, Water, Fertilize, and Watch Them Grow: Consider your water source and irrigation methods when deciding on what to plant where. And don’t underestimate the growing potential of plants. Most commercial labels on plants do not accurately tell us how large the plant will grow. So, leave space between new plants and allow room for them to grow, knowing your garden will continue to change with every new season. Over time, my full-sun garden grew into a sun-and-shade garden as new trees and shrubs matured.

8. Reassess, Rearrange, Transplant…and Leave Room for Serendipity: The joys and challenges of designing a garden include endless exciting opportunities for discovery and creativity. Unwelcome surprises with weather, pests, and diseases are inevitable, but afford opportunities. When my roses died of rose rosette disease, I replaced them with native plants. My garden design was also flexible enough to accommodate any plant a family member or friend gave me. These are gifts that touch my heart, and I could never design a garden that didn’t make room for them.

Put away the slow cooker and soup ladle… and emerge victoriously from the doldrums of winter mealtimes with this spring-inspired recipe. Remember your backyard grill? Clean it up, then follow directions to create this tasty shrimp marinade with contrasting flavors of mango, chili peppers, red onion and garlic. It’s perfect for a twist on the typical family dinner—or better yet, invite some friends over and take advantage of a warmer spring evening on the porch!

Ingredients:
1 small red onion (minced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 lemon (zest and juice)
3 tablespoons White Mango Habanero Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and cleaned; tail on)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix together the marinade ingredients in a zip-top bag or baking dish then add the shrimp. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 20-30 minutes in the fridge. Remove shrimp from marinade and skewer onto soaked wooden skewers. Preheat grill. Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2 minutes per side or until cooked through but not tough. Remove from skewer and serve with your favorite side dish. Drizzle with more balsamic vinegar if desired.

Serves 4

Cooking Tip:
For the best possible results, buy fresh shrimp on the day that you plan to grill them. Shrimp thaw quickly and can go bad even more quickly. Make sure that you buy either jumbo or colossal sized shrimp for easier grilling.

An Old-Fashioned Thank You
Sometimes our reader feedback comes in the mailbox (not the inbox). Betty Drinkard, president of the local Mended Hearts chapter, sent a handwritten note to editor Shelley Basinger, saying: “Now, our community knows some of the many things we do for them… Thank you and your staff for a job well done!”

Social Media Shout Out
Selena Campbell, interior designer featured in the Home department of our January/February issue, wrote about her experience with Lynchburg Living, calling it “flattering and exciting.” She went on to say, “We are very pleased with the story and the way the writers represented our style.” Thank you, Selena, for letting us into your home!

Mouth Watering Event
When we posted our Battle of the Burgers event on Facebook in January, it took off like a wildfire! We hope to see you at Riverfront Park on June 10th. Look for more details at LynchburgLiving.com!

Hard Earned Cash
In January, Lynchburg Living and the Retail Merchants Association presented checks to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place float winners in the Lynchburg Christmas Parade. (Don’t worry, we didn’t make them carry these giant posters to the bank; there were normal paper-sized checks waiting for them, too!) Pictured top to bottom: 1st Place, Heritage Baptist Church; 2nd Place, Steph’s Bubbles & Bows; 3rd Place, Piedmont Beekeepers Association.

We Want To hear From You!
Send us an e-mail to shelley@lynchburgmag.com. Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense.

A COLLECTOR’S HAVEN

Though it may be unassuming from the outside, Christina Gerstner’s home is filled with beautiful treasures and new curiosities that lie around every corner. Gerstner has curated dozens of collections over the years—each infusing her home with color, nostalgia and meaning.

From the oversized, historic map of Lynchburg in the front hallway to the family portraits framing the dining room curio, Gerstner’s home provides endless visual delights and conversation pieces. Stemming from her mother’s love of antiquing and vintage shopping—something they did together while Gerstner was growing up—her home today has evolved into an artistic showcase for the distinctive items she’s gathered over a lifetime spent collecting.

After marrying her husband Josh in 2006, they moved to Lynchburg for his work as a data analyst; Gerstner taught at a Montessori school until the birth of their son, Orion. About eight years ago they purchased their current home, and in the time since, they’ve completely renovated the kitchen, updated the den and changed the paint throughout.

But more than anything it’s Gerstner’s unique and eye-catching displays of vintage wares that put the home in a class of its own. Whether her floor-to-ceiling collection of historic, panoramic yard photos or her colorful, embroidered maps of the United States, Gerstner’s passion for collecting has now spilled over into a small business that keeps her quite busy selling items online. Her personal collections and Etsy shop, “The White Pepper Vintage,” have even garnered her attention and features in Country Living, Apartment Therapy and HuffPost.

The reason behind it all is pretty simple according to Gerstner: “It’s what I love,” she says. “I focus on what I’m drawn to and what I love.”

A Collector’s Haven

Her decorating style is decidedly vintage.

“When I try to go outside of that niche, such as a rustic or minimal style, I just can’t do it; I get bored,” Gerstner says. “I realized it’s just not me.”

Though current trends lean more towards neutral and gray colors, Gerstner says she has to have florals: “I have always, always loved anything floral or embroidered—I would wear stuff like that when I was a kid.” And, she also has to have lots of color— yellow in particular.

“It’s always been my favorite,” she says. “It makes an appearance everywhere in our house.” Indeed, one of her most prized discoveries includes a pair of tufted yellow chairs that she picked up at an estate sale.

In their front room, Gerstner has a wall of shelves filled with books and tchotchkes—“I’m wild about vintage books!” she says; some she has organized by color (all red or all yellow) and some in rainbow sets (a few of each color to span the spectrum), and some she has organized topically such as copies of Nancy Drew that she read as a girl, Hardy Boy titles that her husband read and books all about New England and Maine where she grew up.

“I try to bring in things that are meaningful to me,” she says, referring to the books. “I’m just delighted when I find another to add to the collection.”

Gerstner’s collections span all categories of vintage: baskets, silhouettes, furniture, linens, artwork, and even kitchen wares. In fact, most of her daily dishes and food storage containers are vintage finds or inherited from family relatives, such as her husband’s grandmother named Rosie.

You Can, too:

How to Incorporate Vintage Items with Other Décor

1) “Books are always a good place to start,” says Gerstner. Books have very low price points, so affordability makes them easy to pick up, plus they add instant character. You can organize them by color to increase visual interest or topically—just select a place, author or topic that appeals to you already.

2) Add in furniture here or there as you discover inter-esting pieces. Gerstner has incorporated wooden mail sorter catalogues to use as shelving and desks, a butcher block for their kitchen island, chairs for the living room and a tufted blue bench in the dining room. By working in vintage pieces with more current pieces such as couches or book shelves, she’s adding
unique and purposeful statement pieces.

3) “Wall art is a great option as well,” Gerstner says. It’s an easy collection to start because there tends to be an abundance of choices; prices are reasonable, and you can easily switch items in and out as your collection grows. Plus, the variety of framing and mat options available today provide nearly endless possibilities.

4) Follow your heart. Gerstner’s home is a testament to the items she personally loves and feels naturally drawn to; because of that, her daily surroundings are filled with what she truly enjoys. Try doing the same, no matter your home style, and you’ll find yourself pleased with the result.

To bring it all together, she prioritizes color and style all while looking for a cohesive feel within each collection as a whole.

She also tries to make a “collection personal to [their family] and meaningful” whenever possible. And she’s found many creative ways to utilize family heirlooms, whether placing a grandmother’s afghan out for display or showcasing a photo of her mom as a young girl.

Gerstner’s background with the Montessori philosophy has also influenced her approach to decorating. “One of the things that Dr. Montessori loved, and one of the hallmarks of her philosophy, was creating a beautiful environment for children,” Gerstner says. “Focus is always placed on a peaceful, calm, accessible environment.”

Sharing Her Finds With the World

Gerstner officially started her online shop at the end of 2011 thinking it would be a good option for offloading some of her extra items; plus, she had recently left her teaching job after the birth of her son, so she “figured it would give me something to do [and] let me make a little bit of money.” To her surprise, the shop more than took off, with national and international buyers alike, and she hit her 5,000th sale this past December.

“I had no idea it would ‘be something’,” she says of the Etsy shop. “Now, the more I list, the more I sell; I can slow down as needed or spend 40 or more hours a week on it.”

The process is time-intensive, including the buying, cleaning, photographing, editing, posting, packaging and shipping of each item, but Gerstner says she is addicted to the hunt, always picking up new items, so she has to keep the shop going or be at risk of overflowing her already bursting inventory, which, as of this time, is tallied at over 1,000 items in her basement; her Etsy shop typically has anywhere from 250-400 of those items for sale.

As to where she finds all of these treasures, she says it’s a mix of estate sales, antique shops and thrifting—all over the country!

“I’ll go visit family, and I can fit a coffee table in the car top carrier,” Gerstner says of traveling with their CRV. And, she adds with a laugh, “We pack light on clothes to save space for my stuff; my husband is very tolerant; he knows this is my ‘jobby’…it’s something that I really like doing.”

Deciding what to buy is relatively simple, she says, “I basically try to sell a lot of what I love and just hope that there are other people out there who love it too.”

See more of Christina’s discoveries on Facebook at The White Pepper and follow her on Instagram @TheWhitePepperVintage.

You Can, too:

Why You Should Start a Collection

1) It’s Pure Fun. A huge part of the appeal for Gerstner is the hunt itself. Once you start a collection, “It’s fun to go out looking for a companion piece,” she says. “You find one [item], and then you have to hunt for another; there’s a lot of fun in that—and it can be fun to bring them into your home.”

2) You’ll Make Unique Discoveries.
As Gerstner’s experience has shown, you never know what you will find. “Unique items are much more interesting to me,” Gerstner says, referring to items that have a story and can’t be found in a generic big box store. Some of her best finds include embroidered maps, vintage bracelets and jewelry plus her beloved yellow chairs.

3) It Can Be a Family Affair. Gerstner’s mom got her started in vintage shopping and collecting, and it became something they enjoyed doing together over the years. Today, Gerstner enjoys staying on the lookout for items her family may appreciate— usually something music-related for her husband and owl items for her son. Gifts are even more memorable when you can find a surprise addition for a loved one’s collection.

From flavor infused to Southern grown, add some interest to your next meal with these local recommendations

You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create memorable food. With the right oils and other condiments, you can please any palate.

Humans have long devised ways to preserve food and add flavor at the same time. Salt, herbs, vinegar and oil are primary examples.

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar can also provide health benefits without saturated fats and excess sugar.

Many people mistakenly think oil and vinegar are just for making salad dressings, said Christina Long, co-owner of Favored Flavors at River Ridge Mall. Nothing could be further from the truth, she said, noting that you don’t even have to cook to enjoy them.

Olive oils and balsamic vinegars can be drizzled on everything from entrees to desserts.

“The gourmet is in the bottle,” her husband Jason Long chimed in.

With olive oils infused with different flavors such as Valencia orange, mushroom sage, kaffir lime ginger and black truffle, Favored Flavors offers combinations that marinate meat or spice up ice cream.

The Longs buy certified, pure olive oil imported from Tunisia and Spain. They have chosen to avoid Italian olive oil because of reported connections to the Mafia, Christina said.

They work with a distributor in Arizona who infuses the oil with essential oils of other plants. It takes about two weeks to receive their orders, making their oils among the freshest you can buy.

Their balsamic is 25 Star, from Modena, Italy, with no added sugar, an ideal topping for diabetics, Christina said.

“A proprietary blend makes ours thicker and sweeter than most on the market,” she said, noting that balsamic that runs to the bottom of the bowl has too much wine vinegar in it.

All their products are vegan friendly and allergen-free, Christina added.

“Our goal is to have healthy options here in the shop,” Jason said.

The shop offers tastings any time, but also has special samplings just in front of the store to get shoppers to try their wares.

They might offer macaroni and cheese with truffle oil, gelato with Persian lime olive oil or oatmeal with balsamic vinegar.

“When we do the tastings, we try to keep it simple so they can recreate it at home,” Jason said. “We’ve learned a lot about flavor combinations and healthier eating.”

The Longs decided to become entrepreneurs after Christina’s job at Nationwide disappeared when the company left Lynchburg. She had loved visiting a shop called Drizzles in Cape Charles and realized she could start her own shop.

Jason soon joined in full time and they currently have two part-time employees with plans for a third.

The store sells much more than oils and vinegars, including Himalayan salts, spices, skin and body products, gifts and locally crafted chocolates and teas. The store also offers a 10 percent discount with a same-day movie ticket or a 10 percent discount for Planet Fitness members to support nearby businesses in the mall.

The Longs first opened their business in downtown Lynchburg on Main Street and had a successful year in 2016, but when construction to repair aging water and sewer lines began, business fell off. They say the move to the mall was a good one.

“We’re more central here than downtown,” Jason said.

For folks who like to shop downtown, however, there is still an opportunity to buy olive oil at the Lynchburg Community Market.

Chef Stephanie Fees, owner of Scratch Pasta Co., made a surprising discovery as she searched for olive oil to go with her homemade pasta.

“I was trying to find, for the market, the most local products possible,” said Fees, who launched her business in July 2017.

While the vast majority of U.S. olives are grown in California, it turns out Georgia has a similar climate.

She heard that a well-known chef, Sean Brock of Husk in Charleston, S.C., was using an olive oil produced in Georgia and tracked down Georgia Olive Farms online.

According to their website, in early 2009, five farmers in southeast Georgia got together with the dream of resurrecting olive oil production in the Southeast, which had existed in the 1800s.

In 2011, Georgia Olive Farms harvested the first commercial crop of olives grown east of the Mississippi in more than a century from their orchards near Lakeland, Ga. Their oil is an extra virgin olive oil, collected from only the first pressing of their fruit.

“I think it’s a good, all-purpose oil,” Fees said, adding it has a neutral flavor and thick consistency, which is good for pasta or salad.

She doesn’t buy flavored oil, but prefers to add her own flavors, usually garlic and chives or other herbs.

“It makes the best steak you’ll ever have,” she said.

Fees uses a lot of the olive oil at home.

“As much pasta as I cook and eat, I go through olive oil and salt by the gallon,” she said.

A graduate of Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Fees completed a nine-month certification from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City in 2010. She later returned to the Lynchburg area after her mother purchased West Manor and offered her the position of head chef. When her family sold the property in 2015, she decided to make her own pasta.

“People have loved it,” she said. “I get a lot of repeat customers who come every week.”

Alongside her pastas, many also are discovering the Georgia olive oil.

As many cooks know, starting with a good olive oil is key, and it’s very simple to make your own flavored oil.

At Isabella’s Italian Trattoria, for example, they offer customers bread with olive oil and balsamic with each meal.

“We infuse extra virgin olive oil with garlic and rosemary,” said executive chef Kevin Crews.

It’s a quick, easy process. They warm the oil in a pan with roasted garlic cloves and sprigs of rosemary, a combination that’s hard to beat for an appetizer.

Whether you want to experiment with your own combinations or buy them already in a bottle, flavored oils can enhance almost anything you eat.

AGE: 19 | TITLE: Liberty University
senior fashion design student

You are in the middle of some research that almost sounds a little impossible! How did you become interested in the concept of growing your own clothes?
I originally needed a topic for my public speaking competitions with LU’s Forensics Team and had encountered a Ted Talk by Suzanne Lee called, “How to grow your own clothes.” Then, I decided to use the topic of bacterial cellulose (vegan leather) as my research focus in the Honors program. Through this experience of learning how to grow my own vegan leather, Sacha Laurin, owner of Kombucha Couture, guided me through the various proportions and I was able to begin to grow it. I started applying for research grants. Now, I have completed my Honor’s thesis, while I continue to learn about the process.

How does the process work?
You need water, sugar, green tea, kombucha tea and a container. Boil the water so it no longer contains chlorine or fluoride or use distilled water. Add the sugar, and mix it into the water letting it dissolve. Next, steep the green tea for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, letting the combination cool to room temperature within your container. After the batch is at room temperature, you would insert the kombucha tea, allowing the mixture to grow three to four weeks. Around that time, you will see a thick layer on the surface of the liquid that would then be dried into your vegan leather.

The fabric is described as “sustainable.” What did you learn about the fashion industry that made you want to study this?
Unbeknown to most, the fashion industry is among the most polluting industries in the world, second only to oil. The industry perpetuates an enormous amount of waste environmentally, chemically, and textile-based. The process of growing bacterial cellulose removes most of the steps needed in today’s industry—from growing the resources, making the fibers, converting fibers to thread, and using threads to create the final fabric.

You even spent some time in Australia, right?
I was awarded the Provost’s Award for Research Excellence grant through Liberty University and that allowed me to go to Brisbane, Australia from May to August 2017. I partnered with the Queensland University of Technology and the State Library of Queensland to explore alternative sugars for the growing process of bacterial cellulose (tea leather).

What’s next for you in your journey?
Currently, I am working on designing a collection of sustainable garments for LU’s annual FACS fashion show in April. After I graduate with my B.S. in Fashion Design in May, I will be continuing research with bacterial cellulose, and hopefully begin pursuing my Ph.D. at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia. I am a Fulbright semifinalist for Australia to pursue research in bacterial cellulose. Semifinalists will be notified about finalist notifications in March and April.

Scenic Reminders of Days Gone By

Virginia is home to some of the most fascinating bridges in the world—from modern-day bridges spanning miles over coastal waters to historic covered bridges found in the rolling hills and highlands of the Commonwealth.

Covered bridges became popular in the United States during the 1800s when engineers began developing covered structural systems for increased strength and longevity. Weather conditions generated additional wear and tear, and covered bridges provided some protection from the elements.

Covered bridges were sometimes called “kissing bridges” during the modest era of the late 19th century, as the privacy from passing through a covered bridge would allow passengers in horse and buggy an opportunity to kiss each other unobserved.

While there are seven covered bridges in Virginia, only four are open to the public. These captivating structures are more than just wood and nails—they serve as a glimpse into our country’s history and culture. When you’re ready for a trip down memory lane (or bridge), plan a road trip to visit one or all of these charming covered bridges in Virginia.

Sinking Creek Bridge
The Sinking Creek Bridge was built in 1916 on VA Route 601 leading into the Clover Hollow section of Newport. Part of the Greater Newport Rural Historical District, the bridge was originally used for horse and buggy travel and is one of the few bridges in that area to survive more than a century.

In the fall of 1998, the Newport Village Council organized a restoration project to preserve the historic bridge. “After initial cleanup, new footings were poured to support the bridge, holes were repaired in the side walls, and a local volunteer painted the sides and roof of the bridge,” said Linda Kaiser, a Librarian and Archivist for the Giles County Historical Society. “The deteriorated asphalt walkway was removed, and a 47-foot brick walkway was constructed, including more than 225 engraved bricks to honor those who helped to restore the bridge.”

While you’re in the Newport area, some nearby attractions include the Andrew Johnston House, Cascade Falls, Palisades Cliffs and Restaurant, and Mountain Lake Resort. The Sinking Creek Bridge is also located near access for the Appalachian Trail for those wishing to hike, and canoeing and fishing opportunities are available on the New River.

Meems Bottom Bridge

Just south of the town of Mount Jackson, Meems Bottom Bridge is located on Wissler Road off U.S. Route 11. Originally built in 1894, the bridge is named for the Meem family who owned the Strathmore Estate west of the Shenandoah River where the bridge resides.

At 204 feet in length, Meems Bottom Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Virginia, and the only one that is still open to vehicular traffic. The construction of Meems Bottom Bridge is based on Burr Arch Truss—a design principle in which the arch bears the entire load of the bridge and the truss keeps the bridge rigid. The strength of this design has enabled the bridge to remain in use for more than 120 years.

However, the bridge has certainly seen its challenges over the years. Vandals set fire to it on Halloween in 1976—it was reconstructed after salvaging the original timbers. The bridge has also been damaged by oversized tractor trailers trying to squeeze through its limited clearance. VDOT has closed the bridge on several occasions to make necessary repairs. Shenandoah County is working with VDOT to find a solution and warn tractor trailers and oversized vehicles before it’s too late.

With its adjacent farmland and nearby picnic tables, Meems Bottom Bridge is a popular spot for visitors, especially those seeking a picturesque picnic spot. The bridge also offers public river access to those looking to float the Shenandoah.

“There are several other attractions located near Meems Bottom Bridge,” said Jenna French, Director of Tourism and Economic Development for Shenandoah County. “Bridgemont Farms is located on the property adjacent to the bridge itself. Shenandoah Caverns, Route 11 Potato Chips, Bryce Resort, and several local vineyards are nearby. For history fans, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War is also a short drive in the neighboring town of New Market.”

Woolwine Bridge

Patrick County is home to the 48-foot oak construction Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, also known as the Woolwine Bridge. It was built in 1914 by Charles Vaughan and designed by Walter Weaver. The Patrick County government owns and maintains the bridge which is located on Jack’s Creek Road off State Route 8 just south of the community of Woolwine.

Open to pedestrians, Woolwine Bridge is nestled in the natural beauty of Virginia’s piedmont region. Visitors can sign the guest book located inside the bridge and enjoy the peaceful setting overlooking the Smith River.

The bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and hosts the Covered Bridge Festival in June every year. The festival includes horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, live music, food vendors, and entertainment.

“Patrick County has a lot to offer,” said Tourism Director Sandra Belcher. “Fairy Stone State Park is close by with cabins and camping sites with tons of hiking, fishing, swimming and boating. Or you can stay, dine, and enjoy the sights at the 5-star Primland Resort. Plus, Villa Appalachia and Stanburn are excellent local wineries.”

Humpback Bridge

Humpback Bridge is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges of its kind in the United States and the only covered bridge remaining in Alleghany County. Constructed in 1857, the design of the bridge is arched and covered—hence the name “humpback.” This nearly 110-foot structure spans a tributary of the Jackson River known as Dunlap Creek. The humpback feature is four feet higher in the center than at either end.

The bridge was used for vehicular traffic until 1929 when a steel truss bridge was constructed immediately north on Route 60. Humpback Bridge was abandoned, and local farmers began storing hay bales inside of it. In 1953, the Covington Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and area residents rallied together to restore the bridge.

Now a cherished landmark, the bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Residents and visitors alike gather at the bridge for picnics, photos or simply to admire its beauty and craftsmanship. Humpback Bridge is also one of 16 sites across Virginia to display a giant LOVE sculpture.

“Fans of covered bridges come from all over the country to admire the historic Humpback Bridge,” said Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “It has been lovingly preserved and is now part of a five-acre wayside park, easily accessible from I-64 at Exit 10—follow Route 60 east for one mile.”

While you’re in Alleghany County, visit Clifton Forge and Covington for locally-owned shops and restaurants. Visitors also enjoy nearby sites such as Douthat State Park, Falling Spring Falls, the C&O Heritage Center, the Historic Masonic Theatre, the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, the historic Alleghany County Courthouse and the 701 Engine in Downtown Covington. The iconic Homestead Resort is about 40 minutes away in Hot Springs.