Lynchburg is filled to the brim with generous, mission-driven, philanthropic people, and the hundreds of nonprofit organizations in our area are a result of that. Across the Lynchburg region, organizations are holding the hands of those in our community who are vulnerable, hurting, or in need of extra support.

We are so honored to tell the story of just a few of them.

The Giving Back Awards are an opportunity for the community to give back to the nonprofits by nominating them a designation. This award signifies the impact the organization has made in the community and validates even further the incredible work that the organization has done throughout the year.

Flip through these pages, read the profiles of the award recipients, and consider supporting them in their number one needs and upcoming goals. 

How the Hill City celebrates Kwanzaa

For the uninitiated, Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration—beginning on December 26 and ending on January 1—where family and community join in fellowship to honor their ancestors, tighten bonds, celebrate African heritage, and enjoy meals, readings, storytelling, drums, and poetry.

The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and chair of Black Studies at California State University in 1966, with each day of the week representing one of seven principles. The seven principles are:

Umoja
Unity

Kujichagulia
Self Determination

Ujima
Collective Work and Responsibility

Ujamaa
Cooperative Economics

Nia
Purpose

Kuumba
Creativity

Imani
Faith

A candle is lit nightly on the Kinara (candleholder), usually by a child surrounded by family to signify that day’s principle. These principles, called Nguzo Saba in Swahili, are a set of ideals that emphasize the importance of tradition, family, community, and heritage. For those who celebrate, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to study and reflect on history, tradition, and legacy.

Sheron Simpson, a Lynchburg native and founder of Kuumba Dance Ensemble, a nonprofit West African Dance group, has been integral in bringing Kwanzaa celebrations to the Hill City.

“It’s been an opportunity to learn more about my African roots,” reflected Simpson, recalling the discoveries she’s made while personally celebrating Kwanzaa. “It has been said that if you do not know where you come from, you will not know where you are going.”

Kuumba Dance Ensemble alongside The Legacy Museum of African American History and the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, have been providing an annual Kwanzaa Celebration for years.

“The museum committee invited various members of the community to represent the principles and Kuumba Dance Ensemble, Inc. participated, with the children lighting the candles, singing, dancing, poetry reading, along with the performance of the drummers,”
explained Ramona Battle, Chair of the Exhibit Committee and the Governance Committee at the Legacy Museum. “The program was held in the Miller Center theater. After the celebration program, various food offerings were available to all who attended and participated.”

“Kuumba Dance Ensemble has become one of the instructors of Kwanzaa thanks to the Legacy Museum and Lynchburg Parks and Recreation,” Simpson furthered. “These two groups provided the opportunities for us to teach about Kwanzaa one bite at a time. So, we started in 2019 sharing one piece of Kwanzaa that could be ingested in a two-hour format. Last year, the Legacy Museum gave the charge to the Kuumba children to create the celebration and activities that they would like. They created videos that canvassed over a period of 7 days, presenting Kwanzaa in its entirety. For me, I simply enjoy sharing how Kwanzaa is for everyone, because it is a celebration of family values.”

During the pandemic, the event was held virtually via YouTube and Channel 15, and it will continue to be held virtually this year as well. Everyone—regardless of age, race, or background—is encouraged to join in the Kwanzaa celebrations.

“Kwanzaa has been one of the premier programs of the Museum,” explained Battle. “I share the responsibility of coordinating the program with long-time board member, Mrs. Phyllistine Mosley. We depend on the members of the community to enhance the festival through their participation, which allows us to showcase this important celebration.”

Folks hoping to participate in this year’s Kwanzaa celebrations can continue to do so virtually via Channel 15, where it will air each day, or via YouTube where it will be uploaded after its initial air on television. All event details can be found on the Legacy Museum and Parks and Recreation website.

“Kwanzaa does not take away from those who celebrate Christmas, it is in addition to Christmas and begins the day after Christmas. This is a time to celebrate unity, family, cooperative economics and instead of buying gifts use your hands to make gifts for children and family,” Simpson concluded.

How The Listening is making changes for the future

The Listening, a creative non-profit based in Lynchburg, has been connecting writers, artists, students, and the creatively curious for a little over 10 years. Now, they are looking to the future and how they can adapt and grow over the next 10 years and beyond.

“I’ve made a habit of saying that The Listening is for artists, but over the years, it’s become much more,” explained Nicholas Steven George, Founding Executive Director. “Our mission is to engage, change, and save lives with the performing arts, and we hope to provide a safe and brave space for our community to discuss issues like mental wellness, social action, and education through art forms like spoken word, theater, dance, and songwriting.”

With summer reading programs, peer support groups, after-school workshops, open mic sessions, performance showcases, and routine creative conferences, The Listening keeps their reach and approach broad on purpose.

“It doesn’t just impact artists and creatives, but people of all backgrounds,” said Keaira Reese, Co-Executive Director of Programming and Development. “The programs it provides allow for people to have a space to show authenticity with no judgment. For example, having the Open Mic nights allows vulnerability and it helps bring a sense of community to everyone that sits in the room. Moreover, we provide opportunities for our youth to learn how to read, write, and even express their emotions through being artistic.”

The Listening has had growing success with their various programs over the past 10 years under the leadership of George. Now, that leadership model is shifting. As of August 31 of this year, George has stepped down as acting Executive Director and will be passing the metaphorical baton to Reese and Angelina Randolph, Co-Executive Director of Operations and Outreach.

Under this new shared leadership structure, Reese and Randolph will share the overarching leadership and vision casting for the non-profit organization, but will each take on different roles that support its ongoing growth.

“Keaira and I do have titles that help others, as well as ourselves, know what we are leading,” explained Randolph. “For example, I am over the operations and outreach, therefore I oversee the recruiting of leadership council, volunteers, establishing the connection between our community and organization, almost anything that falls within those areas. Keaira oversees the programming and development of the organization, which would essentially be the open mics, the youth programming—as in our Yearly Freedom School—and more. However, though we are the lead in those activities and departments, it does not mean that we will not assist one another. This style offers diversity of ideas, perspectives from outside of ourselves, and essentially the overall manifestation of true teamwork.”

With two individuals now at the helm, alongside the support of a Creative Citizen Leadership Council, Reese and Randolph believe this shared management structure will allow for more outreach, more in-depth events, and the continuation of the legacy that George worked tirelessly to establish.

“Research shows how important it is that organizations continue to grow and evolve and how its leadership should evolve as well,” detailed George, whose departure from a leadership role with The Listening has given him time to focus on his family and pursue his own personal creative projects. “With nearly 10 years of building and leading this organization, I am acutely aware of how much The Listening has changed since 2013. At the same time, I also see the opportunity for new leadership to take this organization beyond my abilities.”

Reese and Randolph have developed a plan to further and iterate on the vision George created for The Listening, and will work to create an environment where the arts are empowering, powerful, and eclectic.

“We are planning to build off of the foundation [Nicholas] created to make it a place for everyone to be heard,” said Reese. “Not only our small little town, but any small town that has an underserved population. Our vision is to sync to what he wanted to create.”

Randolph expanded, “What I want is for those who experience The Listening, for them to walk away thinking about how they can do more, what else they can do to further themselves as artists, where they can make a positive impact, and be present.”

The future of The Listening will continue to evolve, just as art is always fluid. For now, community events like the open mic nights and signature sessions—where artists are invited to share their craft and the community is also invited to hear and even share—will continue, as well as their youth programming. The community who knows and loves The Listening shouldn’t expect any changes to the level of support and connection they receive from the organization.

Reese and Randolph look forward to having more people alongside them to work and further the mission of The Listening. They will continue to show diversity and use that to commune with and understand one another, and they will continue to give back to their community through advocating and bringing awareness to the importance of education, social justice, and wellness.

“If you look at major events in history that have majorly impacted people and society—music and art was produced from that,” said Randolph. “Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come spoke directly about the Civil Rights Movement and the effect he and his community felt. Lil Baby, with The Bigger Picture, mentions George Floyd, protests, and the perceptions that we have of one another. Many people listen or have listened to these two different artists, but one thing they have in common is the fact that they are making art that reflects their lives, their now, their community, and how the community feels.”

Similarly, The Listening will continue to encourage artists to do the same—to expose their hearts, dissect social bias, and find connections with one another that can only sometimes be done through art. And they will continue to be there to listen.

No matter your age or economic status, planning a will is one of the most important estate planning steps you can take. If you pass away without having a will in place, your estate—your money, home, and assets—will be divided up according to state law. If you have particular wishes or recipients for each of those assets, a will can ensure they go to the right person.

“It will never hurt to have a will that states your wishes,” explained Sam Patel of Patel & Dalrymple, PLLC. “More practically, people often make a will after a major life event—marriage, buying a house, having a child. These are just a few examples of things that might make your wishes change, and it can help to update your estate plan accordingly.”

Determine Your Executor

One of the first steps toward creating a will is determining who the executor of your will and estate will be. This executor will act as your personal representative and will be in charge of handling the details of your will. This person should be someone you implicitly trust. You should talk with this person ahead of time to ensure they are up to the task, and then let them know where to find all important documents, such as your will, insurance policies, and passwords for important financial accounts.

“Consider discussing your estate plan with your family after you’ve put it in place,” said Keith Orgera of the Law Offices of Ron Feinman. “Generally, it is far better for your loved ones to know what is going to happen when you die rather than to get surprises after it happens. Talking to everyone in advance, while not a fun conversation, can avoid a lot of hurt feelings and squabbling after you’re gone.”

Ask the Important Questions

“I would suggest one decision and one question,” said Orgera. “It’s important to decide what you want to accomplish with your will. They are powerful instruments and can do many things. Knowing what you want the will to make happen is more important than who exactly will be your executor or who gets the Buick. Related to that is the question: ‘Is a will the best way to achieve what I want?’ Once you know what you’re trying to do, you can talk with your estate planner about the best way to accomplish it and how.”

Once you have your will in place, it’s important to make sure it continues to reflect your current wishes. Consider updating your will once a year, making sure to update it after marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and other life events.

Look at the Bigger Picture

“A will is just one component of an estate plan,” explained Peter Davies of Davies & Davies Law Firm. “An estate plan should address powers of attorney, advance medical directives, wills, beneficiary designations, tax planning, and possibly trusts, among other things. An estate plan should be in place for someone when they have kids, get married or divorced, have a blended family, have tax concerns, have health issues, and so on. A good estate plan addresses many aspects, not death alone.”

While a will is a powerful document that can enact your final wishes, it doesn’t necessarily accomplish everything. A legal professional can help you evaluate the details that fall outside of a will and help you put together a more comprehensive estate plan that covers the entirety of what you’ve worked hard to save or build.

Hire a Professional

Some things are too important to leave up to chance. A poorly drafted will can be worse than no will at all. Often, self-prepared wills aren’t signed and finalized correctly. For example, a self-prepared will could have an executor or family members who are listed as beneficiaries, who also signed on as witnesses. That could either invalidate the witness to your will or prevent the witness from receiving any benefit under the will.

“This isn’t a time to DIY,” furthered Davies. “A comprehensive estate plan assembled by an attorney specializing in estate planning can go a long way to prevent a mess.”

An attorney will help you sort through the maze of estate planning so you can feel confident that your final wishes will be fully enacted.

“A lot of things can pass outside of a will; sometimes the entirety of a person’s property,” said Patel. “This can be beneficial in some circumstances, to avoid probate taxes and costs, or to avoid public scrutiny of a probated will. This is something to discuss with your beneficiaries, and with your attorney. There are lots of ways to pass on your belongings, and it’s always good to know your options.”

Sweet Poppa’s Serves Up Southern Sweet Tea with a Hint of History

For the average Lynchburg Community Market visitor, Sweet Poppa’s Sweet Tea may seem to be just another local business (with some of the best sweet tea you’ll ever taste). For co-owner Ericka Ennis-Harris, however, it holds additional significance: furthering her father’s legacy.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Ennis-Harris held a strong bond with her father, David Ennis. As she reflects on her childhood, one fond memory she has is her father’s incredible sweet tea (a recipe that Ennis kept tightly guarded). “‘If I tell you [the recipe], I’ve got to kill you,’” Ennis-Harris said her father would jokingly tell her when she was younger.

Ennis-Harris did not learn the recipe herself until later in life from her stepmother after her father’s death. Since then, Ennis-Harris has perfected the recipe by adding fruit flavors to the original concoction. These flavors include peach, lemon (sweet or unsweet), raspberry, cherry, and mango—all of which are deliciously sweet, with a bright, fruity finish.

Prior to opening Sweet Poppa’s Sweet Tea, Ennis-Harris was hired as the director of security for River Ridge Mall. After an unforeseen disability, Ennis-Harris found herself in need of a new career. The solution arose when her children suggested she sell her sweet tea.

Harkening back to her father as inspiration for Sweet Poppa’s, Ennis-Harris takes a family-oriented approach in running the business. Ennis-Harris’ sister, Mariann Clark, co-owns Sweet Poppa’s, and her children work for the business.

While Ennis-Harris recognizes the importance of fiscal responsibility in maintaining a thriving company, she also acknowledges that money is not the sole purpose of her business. She emphasizes serving others and demonstrates this by donating any leftover tea to the Salvation Army.

“I still feel that community is important, and that God leads me to give back to those who need it,” Ennis-Harris said. “So, that’s why I donate to the Salvation Army. Every week, they expect it.”

In order to broaden her clientele, Ennis-Harris offers shipping options for those in Lynchburg as well as out-of-state. As an added incentive to purchase her products, Ennis-Harris often pays for overnight shipping out of pocket.

At a Glance:
Sweet Poppa’s Sweet Tea
Customers can find Sweet Poppa’s by visiting their booth at the Lynchburg Community Market, or they can contact Ennis-Harris via email: sweetpoppas@gmail.com
and phone: (434) 329-2812.

Poet Ogden Nash once penned, “Winter is the king of showmen,” and we couldn’t agree more, especially when it so magically blankets the city like it did the grounds of Randolph College last year.

We have our fingers crossed for more snow-laden scenes this year, full of sledding in our public parks and silent walks through neighborhoods with only the crunch of snow under our feet singing out. As night comes faster and we make room for the inevitable bustle that comes with these next few months, we hope you find time to soak up the beauty of the season.

Learn the Ancient Art of Tree Tapping for Syrup

The cold seasons may feel like a time of stillness—a pause in life and production. Our gardens are often bare, the ground is hard, and the winter hues of gray and brown may dampen our motivation to get outside. But here in Central Virginia, the trees are soon to be ripe for the harvest. No, not the fruits or nuts of summer, but of sweet, sticky syrup.

Humans have been tapping trees and harvesting sap to make syrup (“sugaring” as it has been called) as a food and medicine source for centuries. As spring approached, Native Americans would venture out and establish “sugar camps,” where they would wait for the sap to start flowing, and then harvest it to make maple sugar. The sugar was used as a food source, but also as a valuable trade commodity.

The best time for tree tapping is February and March, when the trees are moving energy (in the form of sugar) up and down their trunk in preparation for spring growth. Ideally, temperatures rise above freezing during the day, but drop below freezing overnight.

All trees produce sugar, but not all of it is good for syrup, or even human consumption. Of course, there is the maple (the Acer family), famous for the table syrup we buy at the grocery store and enjoy on our breakfast pancakes. But in Virginia, several tree species can be enjoyed for their sugary syrup production. Birch, pecan, and walnut trees are just a few other popular choices for tree tapping.

The Process

Thanks to Mother Nature and gravity, tree tapping is a simple, straight-forward process that can be enjoyed by the young, old, and in between. All you’ll need is a drill, spile (a small metal spigot), hammer and collection bucket (ideally one with a lid to keep hungry critters out).

You’ll want to drill a hole into the tree at a slight upward angle, using a drill bit big enough to fit your spile or tap. Most spiles are about 3⁄8 an inch in diameter. Drill a 2.5-inch-deep hole into the tree at a comfortable height for you.

The shavings when you pull the drill out should be light brown in color. If they’re dark, it could mean that the sap wood in that spot isn’t healthy, and you should consider relocating your drill hole. Traditionally, the south side of the tree is considered best for tapping, and results in higher yields, especially if you can place your spile under a large branch. But don’t worry too much about the exact location. If you choose to tap the same tree every year, you’ll need to move the tap at least six inches to the side of last season’s hole.

Using a hammer, tap the spile gently into the hole. You can order a spile online, or use something you have around the house, like clean metal tubing. However, the spile is the ideal tool for the job, and provides an easy way to hang your collection bucket. Once the spile is in place, you may see the sap flow immediately!

Hang your collection bucket from the spile or place it on the ground to catch the dripping sap. You can use just about anything, from five-gallon buckets to milk jugs.

Collection and Syrup Making

The next step is refining the sap into syrup. It’s easy! You’ll just need a pot, a good thermometer, and something to put your syrup in when it’s all done.

Simply boil the sap until the water evaporates and it reaches seven degrees above the boiling point. Of course, your boiling point changes depending on your elevation, so you may need to look it up. Here in Lynchburg, the boiling point is about 210.65-degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling the sap can produce a lot of moisture, so many people like to boil the sap outside on a grill or fire. It should take around three to four hours to boil down.

When you’re ready, pour the syrup into canning jars, or whatever vessel you’ve chosen to store it in. Nothing to it!

Sugaring is a great skill to add to your list of practical homesteading knowledge. Everyone in the family can participate, and when all is said and done, you get to enjoy a sweet treat passed down through the ages.

If you’re interested in learning more, do a little research on tapping other tree species! For example, birch tree sap is also used for sugar and syrup, but more commonly for beverages, glazes, and marinades, and medicinally as an antioxidant and great source of vitamins and minerals.

Not sure where to start with that holiday shopping list? You’ve come to the right place! Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is an overview of unique gift ideas, all found in local stores.

This fire cider recipe will help you stay well this winter

The winter months are full of festive gatherings, holiday cheer…and icky colds and bugs. To keep your family well this holiday season, whip up a batch of traditional fire cider!

Fire cider is an herbal tonic that helps boost immunity and aids in digestion. As scientists have uncovered in recent years, there is a direct connection between gut health and overall wellness, and fire cider is a concoction that’s brimming with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Originally created in the 1970s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, fire cider recipes have been iterated on and adapted ever since. While there is a base recipe that you should consider sticking with to ensure you get the most cold-fighting properties, you can always customize the recipe to your tastes. And, while fire cider has only been around for a few decades, the idea of consuming apple cider vinegar—one of fire cider’s primary ingredients—for its health benefits has been around for centuries.

Keep a batch of fire cider in your pantry (or other cool, dark space) all winter long, and either drink two ounces every day or simply keep it on standby for when the coughs and sneezes arrive in your home.

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup fresh horseradish, grated
1 yellow or white onion, chopped
10 cloves garlic, crushed or chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 tbsp. rosemary, dried (or several sprigs of fresh rosemary)
1 tbsp. turmeric, ground
Apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey (plus more to taste)

Instructions
Add ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, peppers, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, and turmeric to a quart canning jar. Cover the mixture with apple cider vinegar by about two inches.

Place a piece of natural parchment paper or wax paper under the canning lid and close—the parchment will keep the vinegar from touching the metal, which could cause it to rust. Shake well. Store in a dark, cool place for one month and shake daily.

After one month, use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid as you can from the pulp while straining. Add 1/4 cup of honey and stir until incorporated. Taste your cider and add another 1/4 cup of honey, or until you reach desired sweetness. Fire cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet.

Celebrate with ease this season

The winter holiday season is filled with get togethers, from office parties to family gatherings. If you ever find yourself wondering what to wear, when a host gift is needed, or how to throw a last-minute party together, these tips are an excellent place to start. For expert help putting together a wine and cheese pairing menu, flip to page 125.

1. What to Wear.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, let guests know what to wear! Include attire tips on your invitation. Even a simple guideline of “festive casual” or “semi-formal” will guide your guests in the right direction. If you’re attending an office party and guidelines weren’t included in the invitation, dress more formally than you would on a normal day in the office—a stylish jumpsuit, a festive sweater with dress pants, or a velvet dress with pumps are all great choices. If you’re attending an informal family gathering, opt to be cozy and comfortable!

2. Gift or No Gift?
When should you bring a host gift? As a general rule, host gifts should be given at a brunch, dinner, or cocktail party. If you’ve been invited to a large gathering, like a party or larger formal dinner, a host gift isn’t necessary.

3. Send Invites Early.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, it’s important to remember that calendars can fill up fast this time of year, especially those precious few Saturday nights in December. Send invites as early in November as possible if you’re hosting a December get together.

4. Always Overestimate.
The last thing you need to worry about in the midst of entertaining is running out of food or drinks, leaving your guests hungry and thirsty. Always overestimate when buying food or beverages. Sure, you may wind up with a heaping pile of leftovers, but you could always send a scrumptious plate of goodies home with your guests when the night is over.

5. Don’t Overdo It.
You may be tempted to make everything from scratch but know your limits if you’re hosting a gathering! Make a few signature meals that you’re comfortable making, and then make your life easier by buying the rest or sourcing food from a caterer. Same with drinks!
Have a signature cocktail or mocktail on the menu, and then snag wine from a local wine shop for the rest.

6. Have Fun!
The holiday season is what you make it, so relax and have fun! Enjoy spending time with your friends and family and remember to stay present.