Unsalted Water Co. celebrates the best of lake life

By: Jeremy Angione / Photos Courtesy: Unsalted Water Co.

Although many Central Virginia residents have to drive a few hours for a relaxing day at the beach, local apparel brand Unsalted Water Co. celebrates the lake day activities just within reach. Founder Michelle Novak started Unsalted Water Co. earlier this year with a hope of curating all the feelings the lake gives her into fun and fashionable designs.

“Unsalted Water Co. isn’t just apparel to me,” Novak said. “It’s a lifestyle rooted in memories, tranquility, freedom, and the feeling you get every time you step out on a dock or look out at the water. That is the emotional heartbeat behind everything I create.”

Despite its recent launch, Novak insists that Unsalted Water Co. was brewing as an idea for years. Fun and formative lake experiences throughout her life helped shape the future of the company in her mind.

“From learning to ski on Lake Lanier, vacations spent on Lake Cumberland, houseboating on Lake Havasu, time spent on Lake Erie and Norris Lake, and now building my brand around Smith Mountain Lake, I realized that there were many brands that celebrated the ocean lifestyle,
but not a national brand that celebrates lake life for everyone,” Novak said.

For Novak, starting her brand was not meant to simply highlight logos or designs. Unsalted Water Co. means to encapsulate the feelings of being on the lake and making memories however you and your loved ones choose to.

“Our core demographic is really anyone who feels emotionally connected to lake life, but especially adults who see the lake as part of their identity and lifestyle,” Novak said.

Unsalted Water Co. has several unique collections to highlight specific lake staples and Activities.

“Every collection has a personality behind it,” Novak said. “Wags on Water celebrates the time with our furry family members in and around the lake or Sips Ahoy is for those who indulge in their favorite beverage around the water.”

Unsalted Water Co. will also be launching a new collection called Wake Warrior. This newest collection will celebrate the more athletic lake-goers seeking a thrill by wakeboarding.

Currently, Unsalted Water Co. apparel is only available online. According to Novak, the brand has already seen success from local support and nationwide. Despite originating with Smith Mountain Lake, Novak assured that Unsalted Water Co. is for anyone who enjoys lake life anywhere.

“We have customers from the West Coast to the East Coast that include: Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia, to name just a few,” Novak said.

While the majority of Unsalted Water Co.’s offerings are shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, Novak wants to expand the brand to feature more accessories, experiential marketing, and ways to give back to the community.

“We also plan to become more involved locally through lake events, festivals, pop-up opportunities, collaborations, and future lake conservation initiatives,” Novak said.

Despite the Unsalted Water Co.’s youth, Novak believes expansion beyond Smith Mountain Lake is a distinct possibility.

“One of my biggest goals is to continue to expand Unsalted Water Co. into a full national lake lifestyle brand, not just apparel,” Novak said.

A small but important step to that larger nationwide goal is continuing to earn spots in retail spaces and boutiques that specialize in lake lifestyle products.

Although the ambition seems fast-paced, Novak has been intentional about every step of the business. She says that she’s worn many hats to propel the business forward, including creative director, customer service, marketing, and social media.

The products themselves are especially curated to be both quality and affordable.

“I also wanted the apparel itself to feel boutique quality—soft fabrics, premium blanks, and designs that people genuinely want to wear on and off the water,” Novak said. “I’m very intentional about the fit, feel, colors, and overall aesthetic because I want people to feel the difference when they put it on.”

Aside from curated collections which highlight different aspects of lake life, Unsalted Water Co. also plans to roll out customization options. Customers will be able to create custom apparel with the lake names of their choice.

“Since lake life is such a personal experience tied to specific memories and traditions, I wanted our customers to feel even more connected to the places that they love most,” Novak said.

While Unsalted Water Co. continues to grow, the most evident constant is Novak’s love for Smith Mountain Lake.

“The Smith Mountain Lake community has been extremely supportive, and that means so much to me because living on the lake for the past five years has profoundly shaped the heart, lifestyle, and identity of Unsalted Water Co.,” Novak said.  

To check out Unsalted Water Co.’s apparel collections, go to unsaltedwaterco.com.

Needle Ninja adds color and tactile arts to downtown Lynchburg

By: Olivia Carter  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

When customers step through the doors of Needle Ninja, they are immediately welcomed by color.

The entryway, painted in alternating lavender and lilac stripes, is intentionally playful and is the first clue that this is not a traditional fabric store. Inside, sunlight pours through tall windows onto tables filled with vintage buttons sold by the ounce, bolts of linen and denim, sewing machines waiting for their next makers, and carefully curated cross-stitch kits featuring literary icons such as Jane Eyre, Mary Poppins, and Anne of Green Gables. 

It’s a space owner Lynne Forth says people often describe the same way: “happy, light-filled, airy.”

That atmosphere is exactly what Forth hoped to create when she opened Needle Ninja in downtown Lynchburg—a place where creativity feels approachable and sewing feels less like a niche hobby and more like an invitation.

“I’ve always had entrepreneurial goals and dreamed of having my own shop,” Forth said. “This really combines a few different passions and loves for me.”

For Forth, sewing is much more than a business model. It’s a language.

This began about 15 years ago, when she took her first sewing class while earning a degree in fashion merchandising. Though she had grown up watching her mother sew, she wasn’t sure at first whether the craft was for her.

That changed after making a simple pillowcase.

“I just thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I made a pillowcase with my own two hands, with just some thread and some fabric. This is incredible,’” she said. “And it just kind of took off from there.”

Her passion deepened while working at Liberty University, where she designed and created costumes for theater productions. There, she learned that fabric could tell stories before an actor ever spoke a line.

“I fell in love with color theory and what color can convey on stage,” she said. “What can I tell the audience without using words just by using fabric or shape or pattern?”

That fascination eventually shaped her graduate work in strategic communication, where she studied how clothing communicates identity and emotion. It also helped define the mission behind Needle Ninja: not just selling fabric, but teaching people how to make something meaningful.

“As a way of showing other people, this is something you can do, something you can be passionate about, use to make an income, or use to empower yourself,” Forth said. “If you are sewing something and it turns out well and you’re proud of it, it’s a beautiful way to gain confidence.”

Needle Ninja arrives at a time when handmade skills are experiencing renewed interest. In an age dominated by online shopping and fast fashion, Forth believes many people are craving something slower and more tactile.

“People want to make something with their own two hands,” she said. “They want to do something in person. They’re tired of trying to look things up on YouTube and not having someone next to them who can say, ‘That’s right, but if you do it this way, it’ll be even better.’”

She believes people are looking for even more than just sewing. They’re looking
for connection.

“People are craving community,” Forth said. “A lot of arts can feel isolating because you’re often doing them alone. Here, you get the creative world and community together.”

Some of the vintage fabrics displayed throughout the store belonged to Forth’s late grandmother, an avid collector and sewer.

“The fact that we’re getting to use that again is really, really special,” she said. “It kind of makes it so that she’s all over the store with us.”

Her mother’s influence is even more visible.

Forth describes her mother as both a lifelong maker and one of her biggest inspirations. A master of Norwegian Hardanger embroidery, or Hardangersøm, her mother now spends part of the year in Lynchburg helping teach at Needle Ninja.

“She’s one of my best friends,” Forth said. “To be able to do this with her, to give her a space where she can teach people and meet people, is just so special.”

That family legacy helps explain why Needle Ninja feels less like a store and more like a gathering place. Customers wander in for different reasons. Some are experienced sewists thrilled to have a dedicated downtown creative space. Others are complete beginners who saw the shop’s bright windows and simply got curious.

“We’ve had people walk in and say, ‘I saw the word needle and wondered what that meant,’” Forth said with a laugh. “And then we get people who say, ‘My grandmother sewed all our clothes growing up, and I’d love to carry that on for my children.’”

Needle Ninja is built for both groups.

Its large communal cutting table, a feature many home sewists don’t have space for, invites customers to spread out and work. Rows of sewing machines sit ready for classes and open studio sessions. The goal, Forth says, is not just to teach people to sew, but to create a place where they want to stay.

That mission also has an environmental edge. Forth is outspoken about the waste generated by fast fashion and hopes sewing can offer an alternative.

“There’s this steady pipeline of cheaply made garments that’s taking up landfills,” she said. “For me, it’s not always about making something cheaper than buying it. It’s about having something unique to you.”

That uniqueness, she believes, especially resonates with younger generations.

“Gen Z and millennials are looking for something personalized,” she said. “What’s more personalized than making your own clothes?”

Forth’s ambitions extend beyond retail. She hopes to launch a sponsorship program that would allow local middle school, high school, and college-age students to take sewing classes for free, funded by businesses and community donors.

“I would love to see local companies and philanthropists invest in kids who want to learn this skill,” she said. “It could become a career, a side hustle, or just something that gives them confidence and purpose.”

She also envisions future summer camps, after-school programs, and an expanded roster of instructors so students can learn a wider range of textile arts.

“My goal is not to always be the one teaching every class,” she said. “I’m always learning, myself. There’s always someone who knows something different, and I want our students to benefit from that.”

For now, though, Forth is focused on what’s directly in front of her, opening the doors each day and watching people discover, sometimes for the first time, the joy of making something by hand.  

Returning to the Creek

Nearly five years after Lynchburg Living first profiled author Leah Weiss, the Virginia writer is inviting readers back to the Appalachian world that first captured their imaginations.

Her newest novel, The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow, returns to the fictional community of Baines Creek, North Carolina, a place longtime readers will recognize from Weiss’s previous novels If the Creek Don’t Rise and All the Little Hopes. While the new release stands on its own, it also serves as a homecoming of sorts, revisiting familiar landscapes and beloved characters while exploring new mysteries hidden deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Set during the summer of 1980, the story follows Kate Shaw, a schoolteacher who has spent a decade in Baines Creek but remains skeptical of the folklore and superstitions that shape the community. Her practical worldview is challenged when Birdie Rocas—a reclusive local woman often described as a witch—dies and leaves Kate an unusual inheritance: a collection of illuminated manuscripts, journals, and a mysterious Book of Truths that traces a lineage stretching back centuries to Scotland.

At the same time, Lydia Brown arrives in Appalachia carrying grief of her own. Once gifted with psychic visions, Lydia lost her abilities after the death of her parents and has come searching for Birdie in hopes of finding answers. Instead, she finds herself drawn into Birdie’s unfinished story and an unlikely partnership with Kate.

Together, the two women begin unraveling secrets hidden among forgotten graveyards, underground passageways, and mountain legends. What emerges is both a mystery and a meditation on grief, resilience, and the bonds that connect women across generations.

Weiss has long been celebrated for her ability to capture the complexity of Appalachian life without relying on stereotypes. Her stories are steeped in folklore and regional history, yet grounded in deeply human experiences. In The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow, she once again blends magical elements with emotional realism, creating a world where ghosts and legends feel as natural as the mountain landscapes they inhabit.

The novel also reflects Weiss’s enduring fascination with the stories communities tell themselves—and the truths buried beneath them. As Baines Creek struggles against decline, the characters confront questions about legacy, belonging, and what should be preserved when the past refuses to stay silent.

For readers who discovered Weiss through her earlier novels, the return to Baines Creek offers a welcome reunion. For newcomers, The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow provides an atmospheric introduction to a writer whose work continues to illuminate the beauty, hardship, and enduring mysteries of Appalachia.  

Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers blends fresh ingredients, Southern baking traditions, and nearly 100 years of family history into desserts that feel like home.

Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Some family recipes are written on stained index cards and tucked into kitchen drawers. Others live entirely in memory.

For Delilah White and Ryan Davis, the team behind Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers, preserving Grandma Nellie Belle’s baking legacy meant spending two years translating decades of instinct, observation, and tradition into written recipes.

“It literally took me two full years to write down all of Grandma’s recipes that had lived only in my head,” said Davis, who serves as head baker of Ry’s Pies. “Every pie crust, cobbler, and dessert was learned by watching her hands, standing beside her in the kitchen, and hearing her say, ‘You have to feel it.'”

That legacy began long before the bakery itself. Some of Davis’ earliest memories involve gathering ingredients alongside cousins and family members. When the grandchildren wanted dessert, Grandma Nellie Belle had a simple response.

“If you want something sweet, go pick the berries and I’ll make it for you!”

The children would spend hours in the blackberry patch before returning home, where those berries became warm cobblers shared around a crowded family table. Today, those lessons still shape the business.

“We still believe in using fresh, quality ingredients, and we use fresh-picked fruit in our desserts,” Davis said. “More importantly, we strive to create the same feeling Grandma created around her table—a sense of comfort, connection, and love in every bite.”

That commitment to craftsmanship has earned recognition well beyond Southern Virginia. Among the bakery’s accolades is a win in the King Arthur Flour Harvest Competition for its Caramel Apple Crumb Pie. Another memorable moment came when a customer shared that a representative from Nothing Bundt Cakes had recommended Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers instead.

Yet awards are only part of the story. The bakery remains deeply rooted in the traditions that inspired it, from classic Sweet Potato Pie and Blackberry Cobbler to seasonal desserts that celebrate Virginia’s agricultural heritage.

If there is one dessert that captures the heart of the business, Davis points to the Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Built on Grandma Nellie Belle’s sweet potato pie recipe and paired with a homemade cream cheese filling, graham cracker crust, and signature Brown Suga Glaze, it represents both preservation and innovation.

“In many ways, our Sweet Potato Cheesecake is Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers on a plate,” Davis said. “It’s rooted in family history, handcrafted with care, and creatively reimagines tradition while staying true to the flavors and values that started it all.”

Visitors can find Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers each Saturday at the Lynchburg Community Market, where Davis and White continue sharing desserts inspired by nearly a century of family tradition. Whether it’s a slice of pie, a cobbler, or a cheesecake, every dessert is designed to offer something more than sweetness.

“We hope they’re experiencing a little piece of those summer afternoons in Grandma’s blackberry patch and the sweet moment of gathering around the table with the people you love.”  

A vibrant, fresh summer menu that’s perfect for an afternoon by the pool or a lazy evening in the shade

Written & Photographed By: Laura Miner

This collection of fun, vibrant recipes is perfect for a sunny day in the backyard. Much of it can be prepped ahead of time, meaning you get to spend more of  the party with your friends and loved ones. When hosting is easier, you may actually get to take a dip in the pool, too!

Better-Than-Takeout Taco Bar (Photo above)

Serves 6

Skip the drive-thru and build the ultimate taco night at home with one of my favorite entertaining meals! When everyone builds their own tacos, you simply create an easy setup that turns taco night into an interactive feast with bold flavors and fresh ingredients in every bite. 

Because you can prep most of the ingredients the day before, it makes the party a lot less stressful—simply heat up the final items just before serving.

Best of all, you can totally customize the ingredients that you serve, so everyone’s happy. Grab your favorite proteins, salsas, and toppings, and let’s go! 

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can black beans
• Jalapeño
• Cheddar cheese
• 2 limes
• Cilantro
• Pickled onions (see salad recipe)
• 1 head lettuce
• Flour or corn tortillas
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 small sour cream
• 8-10 taco shells

Taco Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Do the prep work: Slice the jalapeño, removing the ribs and seeds to decrease the heat (if preferred). Mince the cilantro. Shred the cheese. Shred half of the lettuce, leaving the larger leaves whole for lettuce wraps. Mix together the taco seasoning ingredients and set aside.

2. Cook the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned. Stir in the seasonings and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for four to five minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Heat the beans. Drain the liquid from the can, then add the black beans to a
small saucepan. Add juice of 1/2 lime, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and stir
in 1-2 tablespoons of cilantro.

4. Toast the tortillas, and warm the taco shells. Set out all the prepared ingredients.

Pro tips: 

• Buy pre-made to save time: Buy shredded cheese, and/or skip the homemade seasoning blend and use a pre-made packet. 
• Try the standing taco shells. I always find they make it easier, faster, and less messy when friends try to fill their tacos.
• Plan your servingware for each element the night before. I like to set out each bowl with a sticky note with what I plan to use it for. This makes party-time feel brainless, and you won’t be scrambling to find the right bowl or forget something you wanted to serve.

---

Honey-Mint Tropical Fruit Salad

Serves 6

This fruit salad will make your mouth water from across the room! Juicy seasonal fruit gets gently tossed in a dressing of sweet honey and tangy lime juice, with aromatic mint and lime zest to really make it come to life! Serve it chilled for a fruit salad that tastes just as beautiful as it looks!

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 lime, zested and juiced

Salad Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh watermelon
• 2 cups strawberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 mangos
• 2 oranges
• 2 cups pineapple
• 15-20 fresh mint leaves (about 1/4 cup loosely packed)

Instructions:

1. Dice the watermelon, strawberries, mangos, oranges, and pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Chop the mint.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, zest, and honey. 

3. Add all of the fruit to a large bowl, cover, and keep chilled until just before serving.

4. Just before serving, drizzle the fruit
with the dressing. Add the mint.
Gently toss the fruit salad and serve.

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Mango Slushie

Serves 4

This drink is super creamy and dreamy! It tastes like sunshine in a glass! It’s an easy recipe that comes together in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Made frozen mango, orange juice, and ice, it blends into the perfect tropical treat for hot summer days. Because the sweet mango flavor pairs perfectly with the bright citrus, you get a refreshing drink that feels a little like a vacation.

It’s really thick, so don’t forget the spoon!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen diced mango
• 3 cups orange juice
• 2-3 cups ice
• Juice of 2 limes

Instructions:

1. First, add only the frozen mango, orange juice, and lime juice to your blender. Blend until smooth. 

2. Add 2 cups of ice and blend again until smooth. 

3. Add the rest of the ice, and blend again for a thicker consistency. 

Tip: If it becomes too thick to blend, add a little water. 

Optional: For more tropical flavor, swap half
of the orange juice with coconut milk.

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Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad

Serves 4

This grilled corn and avocado salad is the perfect mix of smoky, creamy, crisp, and fresh. Sweet charred corn, buttery avocado, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickled onions are tossed together with crisp lettuce and drizzled with a creamy, lightly spicy dressing for a salad that’s packed with flavor and texture. It’s a delicious side dish for summer cookouts, tacos, grilled chicken, or weeknight dinners, and it’s even hearty enough to enjoy as a light meal on its own. Fresh, colorful, and easy to make, this is the kind of salad that’ll make everyone come back for seconds!

Salad Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn on the cob
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
• 3 cups mixed lettuce
• 2 avocados
• 1/4 cup cilantro

Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Pickled Onion Ingredients:

• 1 red onion
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 

Chipotle-Lime Ranch Ingredients:

• 1 cup store-bought ranch dressing
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Juice of 1 lime

Optional: handful of cilantro

Instructions:

1. The day before, or at least a few hours before, make the pickled onions. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, carefully slice the red onion thinly. Heat the vinegar until warm but not boiling. Add the pickled onions to a mason jar and pour the vinegar on top. Season with a dash of salt and sugar. Press the onions down until fully submerged. You can top it off with water if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours.

2. Prepare the grilled corn: Preheat a well-oiled grill to medium (about 350˚F). Place the shucked corn directly on the grill, turning occasionally, until the corn kernels are plump and you see light char marks on all sides, about eight to 10 minutes. Set the corn aside to cool slightly.

3. Meanwhile, prepare dressing. Mince the peppers, and juice the lime. Whisk together all the salad dressing ingredients.

4. Prepare the salad. Halve the tomatoes, and dice the avocados. Chop the lettuce. Mince the cilantro. Once the corn is cooled, carefully cut the kernels away from the cob. 

5. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl, add some pickled onions, and toss with the dressing. Serve right away.  

A simple kitchen update evolved into a full-home transformation at Smith Mountain Lake, where thoughtful design, family antiques, and lakefront views create a space built for entertaining.

By: Megan Williams / Photos By: Ashlee Glen

It all started with a conversation homeowners will recognize all too quickly. Jeff Allen and his daughter, Daphne, realized there was one small improvement that could be made to their kitchen space to allow for easier entertaining.

“Then it all snowballed from there,” Allen laughed.

One small shift to make space for a double trashcan led to myriad “what if” conversations. What if we open up this space? What if we had more light in the kitchen? What if this space didn’t just allow for family gatherings, but entertaining the way we want to entertain? 

So Daphne called her longtime friend Mady Perillo, co-owner of Greer Design Co.

“Mady really started with a blank slate,” Allen explained. “A lot of what you see here was Mady and her vision.”

Allen’s lakefront home was originally built in the 1990s and it was largely established as a summer home—a quiet retreat that a young family could escape to. As the family grew, got older, and needs shifted, Allen and his brother worked together to add on to the home—adding a large basement den and primary bedroom and bathroom. Then, it became a full-time home for the first time.

When Allen reached out to Greer Design, he was largely still in the Lynchburg area but also traveling back and forth between Smith Mountain Lake and St. Pete, Florida, where he and his wife, Lynette, have another residence.

“From the beginning, our focus was on creating a home that felt bright, welcoming, and comfortable as the home previously was quite dark,” Perillo explained. “Our clients are wonderful entertainers, so making guests feel special was a top priority. Their love of coastal-inspired colors, paired with our passion for creating distinctive and memorable spaces, led us to design each room with its own personality while keeping the overall feel bright, relaxed, and cohesive.”

“Some things were still dated from the 90s and from the addition,” continued Allen. “So we tasked Mady with doing a makeover to who we are today, not when our kids were little.”

And indeed, the home is instantly warm, bright, and welcoming—with conversational nooks and space strategically placed to welcome conversation or to allow large groups of people to spread out. As you walk through the front door, you’re immediately met with an open kitchen. A large island—perfect for many elbows and drink glasses to gather—rests as the focal point of the space before the eye wanders to the dining area and the custom wine wall the Greer Design Co. team had installed. As you walk through the space, you’ll notice that the eye naturally knows which area to focus on next. The wine wall gives way to the screened in porch, where the oversized furniture all but beckons visitors to stretch out and stay a while. From there, a welcome wander to the opposite wall, where large prints of priceless family photos are framed in a grid invite you back inside where the air is cool and the drinks are being poured. Family or visitors need only turn around, however, to be greeted with an unbelievable sight: Floor-to-ceiling windows that give the viewer a full view of Smith Mountain Lake below. Situated on the second to last cove just before the Smith Mountain Lake dam, the water is deep and is rendered a stunning and surprising blue. A seating area invites you to take it all in, from the tiered landscaping that ushers you toward the boathouse and dock to the calm and quiet water itself.

“The homeowners were drawn to a neutral and cozy, coastal-inspired color palette, which became our starting point for the design,” said Perillo. “At the same time, the home included spaces with a very strong Virginia Tech influence, most notably the basement, which featured maroon and orange walls in addition to the mural when we began! Our goal was to honor both of those inspirations without allowing either theme to dominate the overall design. We focused on translating those influences into a more refined and timeless aesthetic.

We incorporated a cozy color palette and sense of ease often associated with coastal interiors, then added antiques, some unique pieces, and varied textures to add depth and character. That collected, layered approach is central to our design philosophy and was especially fitting for this project, given Jeff’s family background in antiques.”

No stranger to Smith Mountain Lake, Allen grew up just across the water at his parents’ lakefront home. His father owned Lawrence Allen Antiques on Old Boonesboro Road (where Meriwether Godsey is today). His father specialized in antiques, some of which reside in Allen’s lakefront home today.

“In our [primary] bedroom, there are two Henkel Harris nightstands,” Allen explained. “They’re called Allen Nightstands, and they are actually reproductions of nightstands that my dad sold. The originals are still in his house today.”

The corner cupboard in the hallway seating area is also one of Allen’s family heirlooms, which Allen recalls his grandmother painstakingly scraping off eight coats of paint by hand to refinish it.

“It’s a nice mix of antique and modern that flows with the house,” Lynette continued.

Throughout the home, the Greer Design Co. team incorporated custom elements that added character and a sense of intention to each space that worked alongside Allen’s staple, family heirloom pieces.

“In the guest bedroom, the unique and budget-friendly paint treatment created depth and visual interest by adding color but keeping the room still light and bright,” Perillo said. “While custom elements in the kitchen—such as the brass range hood—serve as a focal point, mixing cabinet hardware finishes creates visual interest and enlarging the kitchen window adds another focal point while filling the space with more light.”

Layered lighting was another important design element throughout the home. The Greer Design Co. team combined fixtures to create warmth and dimension, including a double layer of sconces framing a family gallery wall that transforms a pass-by wall into a memorable feature. In the downstairs den, they combined three TV consoles to achieve the look of a custom built-in while still being affordable and attainable.

“This home really has evolved over my lifetime,” Allen said, as he looked into the open concept dining room and kitchen from the screened in porch. “It now has everything we need for the family we are today.”  

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Pictured (Left to Right):
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Led by Brandon Brown and Dara Brown, our growing team is passionate about delivering an exceptional customer experience from the first phone call to the final handshake. With more than 1,800 five-star reviews, Brown’s continues to be recognized throughout Central Virginia for outstanding service, professionalism, and putting customers first.

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Pictured:
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The Central Virginia Business Coalition is dedicated to promoting locally owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and service providers of all types and sizes. Through local networking, advertising & marketing discounts, and community events, the CVABC connects businesses to the community. Uniting Businesses; Together we’re Stronger! This is the purpose behind the CVABC. Our mission is to support local and create a network throughout the Central Virginia Region where businesses work together for the greater good of our community! Contact us to join today! 

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www.cvabc.org

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June is National Safety Month—Here’s How You Can Help Keep Your Teen Safe

By: Lauren Edwards, Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers

June is National Safety Month, making it the perfect time for families to talk about habits and behaviors that can impact safety both on and off the road. While conversations often focus on topics like seat belts, distracted driving, and road safety, drinking and driving remains one of the most serious risks facing teens. While parents can’t control every choice their teen makes, they can strongly influence attitudes, expectations, and behaviors around alcohol and driving.

As Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers (an alcohol and drug rehab in Virginia), I’ve seen how summer can be a particularly vulnerable time. School is out, schedules are more relaxed, and teens often have greater independence. Parties, vacations, and social gatherings can increase exposure to alcohol, raising the risk of poor decisions. With that in mind, here are ways parents can help reduce the risk of teen drinking and driving this summer.

Start the Conversation Early and Keep It Going

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is treating alcohol and driving as a one-time discussion. Effective communication happens through ongoing conversations that evolve as teens grow and encounter new situations. Rather than waiting until your teen is headed to a social gathering, look for opportunities to discuss the topic throughout the year. News stories, television shows, social media posts, and everyday experiences can all serve as natural conversation starters.

The goal isn’t to lecture, but rather to create an environment where your teen feels comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns. When communication is open, teens are more likely to seek guidance before making difficult decisions.

Discuss the Real Consequences of Drinking and Driving

Many teens understand that drinking and driving is dangerous, but they may underestimate the potential consequences. Talk openly about how alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making. Explain that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability, particularly for inexperienced drivers.

It’s also important to discuss the broader impact. A single poor decision can result in injuries, fatalities, legal consequences, financial burdens, and lasting emotional trauma for multiple families. Focusing on real-life outcomes often resonates more strongly than simply repeating rules.

Create a “No Questions Asked” Ride Home Policy

One of the most effective safety measures parents can implement is a “no questions asked” ride home policy. Let your teen know that they can call you for a ride at any time if they ever find themselves in an unsafe situation, whether they’ve been drinking, their driver has been drinking, or they simply feel uncomfortable.

Many teens hesitate to reach out because they fear punishment or disappointing their parents. Make it clear that getting home safely is always the priority. Any conversations about consequences can happen later. Knowing they have a reliable safety net can make it easier for teens to avoid dangerous choices in the moment.

Help Them Plan Ahead for Social Events

Good decisions are easier to make when they’re made before emotions, peer pressure, or alcohol enter the picture. Encourage your teen to think through transportation plans before attending parties, concerts, sporting events, or other gatherings. Ask questions such as: Who will be there? How are you getting there? Who is driving? How will you get home?

Having a plan reduces the likelihood of last-minute decisions that could compromise safety. It also reinforces the idea that responsible behavior starts before an event begins.

Teach Them How to Handle Peer Pressure

Even teens who understand the risks of drinking and driving can struggle when faced with social pressure. Talk about common scenarios they might encounter, such as being offered alcohol, riding with someone who has been drinking, or feeling pressured to stay at an event longer than planned. Help them practice responses they can use confidently, such as:

• “I’m not getting in the car if you’ve been drinking.”
• “My parents are expecting me home.”
• “I’ll call for a ride instead.”

Role-playing these situations may feel awkward, but it can increase confidence and make it easier for teens to respond when faced with real-world pressure.

Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries

Teens benefit from knowing exactly where their parents stand on important issues. Clearly communicate your family’s expectations regarding alcohol use and driving. Discuss the rules, explain the reasoning behind them, and outline any consequences for breaking them. Research consistently shows that parental expectations influence teen behavior. Even when teens appear resistant, they often take their parents’ values into account when making decisions.

The key is consistency. Mixed messages can create confusion, while clear and predictable boundaries help establish trust and accountability.

Model Responsible Behavior Yourself

Parents are often more influential than they realize. Teens pay close attention to how adults handle alcohol, transportation, and decision-making. If you drink alcohol, demonstrate responsible behavior by never driving impaired and openly discussing how you plan for safe transportation. Use designated drivers, rideshare services, or alternative transportation when appropriate.

Modeling healthy decision-making sends a powerful message that safety is a priority, not just a rule for teenagers. Actions often speak louder than words, and teens are more likely to adopt behaviors they consistently observe at home.

Safety Starts With Communication

National Safety Month is a reminder that preventing tragedies starts with proactive conversations and thoughtful planning. While parents can’t eliminate every risk teens may face, they can provide the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to help them make safer choices. By maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and creating practical safety plans, families can reduce the risk of teen drinking and driving this summer.

Lauren Edwards is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers, a leading alcohol and drug rehab in Virginia. In her role, Lauren connects individuals and families with the center’s comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including outpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic therapies such as art and music therapy. She is dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders and providing compassionate support to those seeking lasting recovery, helping them navigate treatment options and access the resources they need to thrive.