By: Charlotte Farley | Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Going to the gym can feel intimidating, expensive, or isolating, but Live Move Be (LMB) Fitness Studio & Center isn’t your typical gym.

Ever since LMB transitioned from a traditional business model to a nonprofit organization in 2023, they’ve redefined what group fitness looks like in the Lynchburg area. Known as “the little studio with the big heart,” LMB has opened its doors—and arms—to offer no-cost group exercise classes and wellness programs for mind, body, and spirit to anyone who walks through the door.

“We want people to come as they are,” said Kat Seay, LMB’s founder. “Fitness isn’t about perfection; it’s about moving with joy and purpose.”

That mindset drives everything at LMB.

A Shift in Mission

Live Move Be began five years ago as a small, for-profit studio with a community-minded heart. That mission only grew stronger when Seay, a longtime group fitness instructor, underwent hip resurfacing surgery.

“During my recovery, I realized I didn’t just want to teach classes anymore. I wanted to build something bigger—something that could serve others beyond just fitness,” Seay explained.

And that’s exactly what LMB has become: a wellness hub where classes are free and open to all.

Fitness with Heart

With more than 20 programs each week, LMB combines exercise and connection in a way that can appeal to everyone. The lineup includes something for every level and preference, from upbeat dance, circuit training, and functional low-impact workouts to yoga, pilates, and barre—even boot camps and faith-centered sessions.

While LMB removes financial barriers to wellness, it’s the environment and the people that set LMB apart. There’s no pressure there—just encouragement and support.

In LMB’s group classes, you can always make the choice to simplify a move or add a challenge to a routine.

“Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Seay explained.

“We focus on creating an atmosphere where people feel loved, supported, and excited to keep showing up.”

While donations are welcome, they’re never required.

LMB is able to offer no-cost classes thanks to monthly partners (some giving just $10 a month), individual donations, and grants that keep the studio thriving.

“We’re able to offer this because of the people who believe in what we’re doing,” Seay said. “And we hope that when people walk in, they’ll feel that belief too—that they’re worth showing up for.”

More Than Movement

Seay has a unique ability to unite people—through movement and through shared purpose.

“People have good intentions to give back, but we all get busy,” Seay shared. “You’ll see things riding around in the back of someone’s car for months because they mean to drop them off, but they just don’t have the time. So I thought—bring it to
the studio, and we’ll do it together in a way that’s more productive.

That idea led to LMB’s Caring Initiatives, which are donation drives tied to LMB’s mission and calendar. Participants packed shoeboxes with essential items for families in need, gathered blankets for the Agape Center, and partnered with HumanKind to collect backpacks for local students starting school. Seay and her team made sure everything reached the people who needed it most.

“Not only do I get to do what I love, but I get to organize my community to support the good work others are doing and helping those organizations in the ways we can,” she said.

Wellness for Mind and Spirit

Beyond movement and service, LMB nurtures the whole person. The studio hosts Bible studies, book clubs, and creative Girls’ Night Out gatherings that foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.

In the past year alone, LMB hosted an all-natural product make-and-take night and an evening of fresh floral arrangement—creative ways to bring people together. They even organized a Daddy-Daughter Dance around Valentine’s Day, providing a space for families to create meaningful memories.

“Fitness is a need everyone has,” said Seay. “But for some people, the need is deeper. Some people are looking for connection; some people are looking for spiritual support.”

New in 2025: Expanding Offerings

LMB continues to grow, and 2025 will bring even more opportunities to the table. Thanks to a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, LMB will introduce Human Reformer Pilates—a new offering that’s as exciting as it is transformative.
So how can you support LMB? “We’d love for people to come alongside us—partner with us—even at $10 a month,” Seay explained.

“It’s a small investment with a huge impact.”

Live Move Be proves that fitness can be joyful, inclusive, and—most importantly—full of heart. After all, every day at LMB is heart day.

To see class schedules, explore upcoming events, or learn more about how to support the mission, visit livemovebefitness.com.

What makes a great lawyer? While impeccable communication skills and high intelligence are a part of the equation, truly great lawyers also earn a respect that follows them out of the courtroom and into the community.

Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is the result of a comprehensive peer-to-peer survey, facilitated by DataJoe Research Company.

Summary. To create the list, Lynchburg Living contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. We paired this with an Internet research process to identify success characteristics. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to Lynchburg Living for its final review and adjustments.

Final note. We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

Read on to see who lawyers themselves recommend in 20 specialties.

Delmus Phelps’ Contagious Joy in Flowers: The Art of Offering Healing Through Paintings

By: Emeri Glen | Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Settled next to a small garden and near the nesting spot of a neighboring doe, Delmus Phelps’ red studio sits neatly. It’s filled with natural light from its several windows and, covering the wall opposite the entrance, still moments captured on canvas. One of these pieces recreates Phelps’ son looking out over a valley, trying to discern which path to take following his graduation from high school. Another is of a colorful giraffe playfully sticking its tongue out. But most of these poignant pieces are flowers.

Somewhere between 2007 and 2008, Phelps was walking along a street with his son when he chanced to see a marvel through a storefront window.

“I saw the painting, from the street, through the gallery, all the way in the back… That [the positioning of the painting] was done on purpose,” he recalled.

Phelps had glimpsed an unusually large, detailed painting of three blooms. Despite his son’s chuckles, Phelps left his walk to go search through the gallery for the piece. After winding through the maze of paintings to the end of the gallery, he finally was able to properly appreciate what he’d seen from the street, and thus Phelps, immediately falling in love with this style of artistry, began to paint flowers.

Phelps, born in Germany, raised in the United States, and well-traveled, has experienced a wide range of what this life has to offer. He is acquainted with both great joy and heavy grief, and seeks to represent these experiences in his art. Phelps’ family deemed him “the artist” amongst their bunch when he was young, and he has been painting impressive pieces for decades.

Following another stint in Germany, where he was stationed with the Airforce, Phelps’ returned to the United States with his growing family in tow and began to hone his passion. His oil on canvas pieces include familiar locations around Lynchburg, landscape, still life, and everyday objects, but his main focus is on flowers and their beauty.

Phelps spoke of a study conducted by California University where individuals were gifted flowers.

“Their face typically lights up,” he said. “People are really happy when they see flowers. … And I’ve asked customers who’ve bought my paintings, ‘Well, what was your main reason?’”

These customers’ reasons were primarily in keeping with the results found by the study; flowers bring joy, and Phelps paints them well.

Some of the themes that permeate Phelps’ work are that of healing and not worrying oneself over circumstances that aren’t within one’s control.

The yellow swallowtail butterfly serves as a spiritual reminder to Phelps that everything will be ok, and he mentions that it makes appearances in many of his paintings. Encompassing these themes is the common, meaningful need for beauty in the form of art. Phelps spoke about how his customers recognized the grief in his paintings, and this shared meaning helped them to find commonality in beauty and understanding.

“I guess the main thing is… You need art in your life, and it’s healing, especially flowers,” he said.

Phelps continues to offer healing in the form of his empathy and painted blooms. To read more about his story, visit his website www.delmusphelps.com.

An Emphasis on Whole-Body Health is Proving Positive Results

By: Jeremy Angione | Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Weight loss is a prevalent and constantly evolving conversation in the health and wellness communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 74 percent of Americans are overweight, with 40 percent considered to be obese.

Despite the abundance of new diets and fitness options, those numbers persist, if not increase.

To help stem the issue of obesity in a more healthy and positive way, Dr. Venkata Maddukuri opened Forest Wellness MD in October 2024. Dr. Maddukuri is a double board-certified physician with more than a decade in her field.

“I’ve dedicated my practice to helping patients achieve transformation goals. My passion lies in understanding connections between obesity, metabolic health, and overall well-being,” Maddukuri said.

Though she formerly worked at Centra, Dr. Maddukuri says that the Covid-19 pandemic was a motivating factor in fully dedicating herself to her own practice to broaden the scope of her specialty.

Forest Wellness offers a wide range of services including personalized diets, meal replacements, hormone replacements, vitamin therapies, and women’s sexual health.

“Our mission is to empower people in a supportive and compassionate environment, so that patients’ lives can be happier, healthier, more successful and vibrant,” Dr. Maddukuri said.

The issues caused by obesity include heart issues, strokes, 13 different types of cancers common in obese people, and can
even reduce one’s life expectancy anywhere from five to 20 years.

“Proper weight loss methods are more important now than ever. Many people still think obesity is more of a cosmetic issue, but it’s actually a serious disease,” Dr. Maddukuri added.

She went on to cite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) classification of obesity as a disease back in 1948.

According to Dr. Maddukuri, many people believe that obesity is simply a willpower issue that is easily fixed by eating less and exercising more. However, she reasserts that, in fact, obesity is a “complex medical condition influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle.”

Because of the stigma around obesity and losing weight, Dr. Maddukuri says that many of her patients feel misunderstood, ashamed, and blame themselves for their failure to lose weight. Because of the emotional toll of obesity and weight loss,
Dr. Maddukuri maintains open and constant communication to create a plan that both fits and challenges their current lifestyle.

Dr. Maddakuri says that Forest Wellness strives to maintain a sense of normalcy for patients throughout their weight loss journey.

“We actually make a very customized plan. Forest Wellness takes into account what patients like to eat.

We try to include things they enjoy,” Dr. Maddukuri added.

With only a few months open, Forest Wellness is already showing results. Dr. Maddukuri says that on average, patients are losing 10 to 15 pounds in just a month’s time.

“We are seeing a lot of success—that’s what I feel very proud of. We are very fortunate that many people are loving us,” Maddukuri said.

She adds that by comparison, at similar clinics patients tend to lose 20 pounds in three to four months.

When a patient enlists the aid of Forest Wellness MD, they spend a considerable amount of time discussing their issues and lifestyles with Dr. Maddukuri.

“We are not just making our patients rely on medications,” she explained. “We talk to our patients. Our patients are more heard. I spend more than an hour with each patient. They are not just numbers, they are people with real issues.”

After a consultation, patients submit bloodwork, medical history, family history, and a hormonal panel. According to Dr. Maddukuri, gut and brain hormones are major factors in someone’s weight gain and ability to lose weight.

“Without proper hormone optimization, people will not lose weight. As soon as we optimize people’s hormones, it will be a night and day change. People feel as if they can accomplish more things.” Dr. Maddukuri said.

She compares the body to a car. Certain models run very efficiently on a gallon of gas, while others can only go half as far with the same amount of gas.

“Your body engine is not efficient in using the fuel.

We try to change the rhythm of the body to start burning the fat that’s already in it,” Dr. Maddukuri said.

Many of the medications and treatments at Forest Wellness seek to address the hormonal inefficiency in a patient’s body.

However, she cautions that medications are only 50 percent of the equation, with the other portion being a lifestyle change.

Dr. Maddukuri has lived in the area for about four years and is a mother to two young children. She began pursuing her field as a career because of a personal stake she had in fighting the causes and effects of obesity.

“I decided to pursue this speciality because I know how it feels,” she said. “I know the struggles with weight, health issues, and hormonal imbalances. It is a lot, and that’s why I am very passionate about helping people and educating.”

For a visit, Forest Wellness MD can be found at 18250 Forest Rd Suite 1, Forest, VA 24551.

Greg Starbuck’s Remarkable Experience as a Historical Headwear Hobbyist

By: Emily Mook | Photos By: Ashlee Glen

If you know—or at least know of—Greg Starbuck, you likely already know that he wears many hats. If you don’t, however, he would simply like for you to know that he makes them. Starbuck has been creating authentically reproduced 19th century headwear, specifically Civil War kepis, for more than 40 years, and his experience doing so is like something out of a Hollywood movie—or, as it were, something in multiple Hollywood movies.

Starbuck’s early interest in American history paired with his early exposure to sewing made him ideally tailored for his eventual—and highly fruitful—hobby as a kepi creator.

“I grew up with a mother who was into quilting, so I grew up surrounded by sewing machines and fabric,” he remarked. “It was not an unfamiliar domain for me.”

Starbuck made his first cap at the tender age of 13, but the hobby really took hold during his time working at a historic Civil War site in Georgia in the 1980s.

“A big part of our programming involved people dressing up in uniforms,” he recalled. “Back in those days, you couldn’t just go online and order historical gear, so some of my colleagues and I would get together and sew things ourselves.”

Starbuck soon realized that he had a particular affinity for creating kepis.

“As time went on, I gravitated toward Civil War headgear because the pieces are distinctive and attractive—and small!” he said. “Making the headgear also entails working with fabric and leather, and I like working in both of those disciplines.”

According to Starbuck, the kepi is “ubiquitously associated with the Civil War,” but it actually originated in France. America adopted its style for the Civil War, and many other countries—including Japan, Mexico, and Germany—also adopted its style in the 19th century. With its easily identifiable shape and style, the kepi is undoubtedly an iconic historical artefact.

Starbuck’s ability to honor the kepi’s rich history while innovating and improving his creative process makes him a master in his field.

“The techniques, materials, and equipment I use have all evolved over time,” he said.

“Even though I’ve been doing this for more than 40 years, I’m still always learning.

It’s fun to discover new things. I may have done something a certain way for 20 years and then learn a new approach that’s easier and also produces better results. I’ve gotten more economical and streamlined over the years.

It’s natural to evolve and improve when you do the same thing for this long!”

Of course, innovation sometimes entails an enhanced aptitude for authentically replicating techniques of the past, as is the case with the fabrics Starbuck uses for his kepis.

“In the early days, I would just go to the fabric store and buy fabric, but now there are a lot of places that specialize in producing fabrics exactly the way they were produced in the 19th century,” he remarked. “They will weave the fabrics on looms and dye the fabrics with vegetable dyes rather than modern dyes.

The materials now are much more exciting to work with because they replicate what was used back then so well.”

From start to finish, Starbuck’s kepi-creating process runs like a well-oiled machine.

“I keep a pile of fabric and leather on hand,” he stated. “When I need to make something, I simply pick the right pattern out—I have 30 to 40 patterns—trace it, cut it out, assemble the basic framework by machine, and then hand-sew the rest. I then hand-sew the leather components like the visor and sweatband. I also have a supply of buttons on hand because each cap has a button on either side. I’ve literally accumulated thousands of buttons over the years! There’s also some ironing involved.”

As luck would have it, Starbuck took on another hobby in and beyond the 1980s that would ultimately help catapult his kepi-making hobby to A-list Hollywood heights: acting as a TV and film background extra.

“The 1990s and 2000s were a sort of golden age of historical movies, and I got to work on several of them as a background extra,” he recalled. “They [movie crews] typically use the same 40 people and just dress them up differently for different scenes. Being an extra got me slightly into the Hollywood network.”

Among the films Starbuck has appeared in are Ironclads, The Broken Chain, Tecumseh: The Last Warrior, Forces of Nature, The General’s Daughter, The Hunley, and the hugely successful and acclaimed The Patriot. He can be seen playing a squeezebox in a bar scene in The Hunley and playing a fife in the Charleston British headquarters scene in The Patriot.

Starbuck’s first major motion picture costuming experience was as a props assistant on Gettysburg in 1993. He cites his first big costuming break as 2003’s Gods and Generals, saying that “the costume designer for that film was a history friend of mine, and he called me to see if I could create the headwear.” He designed and produced more than 80 pieces of principle headwear for all lead actors in the film including Stephen Lang, Jeff Daniels, C. Thomas Howell, and Bruce Boxleitner.

2003 proved to be a banner year for Starbuck; his next project was the blockbuster smash Cold Mountain. He both designed and handcrafted Civil War headgear for Jude Law and other actors and served as an advisor to the costume department.

Since 2003, Starbuck has worked on over a dozen film and TV projects, most notably 2012’s multi-Oscar winning, Steven Spielberg-helmed Lincoln.

“I did four caps for Spielberg’s Lincoln,” noted Starbuck. “They said they needed one of the caps by a certain date, but then they contacted me and said they needed it sooner for rehearsals in Baltimore because Spielberg wanted everyone to rehearse in full costume. I told them that even if I finished it that day and shipped it the following day, it wouldn’t make it in time, but they said, ‘No problem; we’ll send someone to pick it up.’ So, someone came and picked it up and drove it to Baltimore.”

Regardless of the size, scale, and commercial success of—and personalities involved in—Starbuck’s many projects, he says that every experience has been his favorite.

“The energy, enthusiasm, and adrenaline rush on a movie set is unparalleled,” he remarked. “Each project is different, and those differences keep things fun and interesting!”

Similarly, whether Starbuck is making a kepi for a major celebrity, a museum exhibit, a living history or reenactment event, or a noncelebrity history enthusiast, he approaches each project with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a profound regard for both the client and the craft.

“I think the most rewarding thing is seeing someone really happy with what I’ve made for them,” he stated. “It’s great to see someone in their 60s acting like a kid at Christmas! It’s also great to see what you’ve made up on screen on a famous A-lister.

Of course, it’s not just about producing something—the process is also a form of relaxation therapy for me. It’s something I truly enjoy doing.”

No matter what his next move—or movie—may be, Starbuck tips his hat to the legacy he has built thus far.

“If I stopped tomorrow,” he said, “all of my dreams would have been realized.”

A Warming White Bean Soup for Winter

Ingredients:
2, 14-ounce cans of white cannellini beans, drained and liquid reserved
1/4 cup good olive oil
4 ounces pancetta, diced into 1/4-inch pieces (or substitute with bacon)
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 medium yellow onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
5 medium carrots, scrubbed and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
4 ribs celery, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
6 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade)
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cook the Soup Base:
• In a large Dutch oven or pot (about 10 inches), heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the pancetta (or bacon) and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until browned and crispy.
• Add the chopped leeks, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and rosemary. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add Beans and Stock:
• In a food processor, combine 1 cup of the canned beans with 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid and purée until smooth.
• Add the purée, then add the remaining drained beans (discard the remaining liquid), 6 cups of chicken stock, bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
3. Final Adjustments:
• Discard the bay leaves. Cover the pot and let the soup sit off the heat for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• If the soup is too thick, stir in up to 2 additional cups of chicken stock until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.

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 from local businesses. So you’ll not only feel good about what’s under the tree, but you’ll also know your purchase helped support the local economy.

The Impact of Lynchburg’s Amplify Music Program

By: Jeremy Angione | Photos By: Ashlee GlenTurning Beats Into Futures

Downtown Lynchburg has become a haven for artists of all types. It’s not just a home for the established artist, but a connecting point to educate and empower future artists as well.

On Jefferson Street, Music Is Forever, a nondescript music production studio, is revolutionizing youth music education with their emerging program, Amplify Your Lives (or Amplify, for short). Amplify is a 10-week program “designed to empower aspiring musicians and producers in Lynchburg, Virginia,” according to Amplify’s syllabus.

The program began to take shape years ago when co-founder and lead instructor Keith Thomas taught a similar course at Pellissippi State Community College.

“What if we distilled that down and made it suitable for young people in the community,” Thomas had ideated.

Two years ago, Thomas returned to Lynchburg to experience what he described as a “string of shootings and untimely deaths with young people,”
in his hometown.

“You just heard community members saying, ‘We have to do something. We have got to create more opportunities,’” Thomas said.

Despite the bleak catalyst that started the mission of Amplify, Thomas and his Music Is Forever partner and founder, Jordan Preston, started the program relatively quickly.

Thomas returned to Lynchburg in 2022, and with the help of IRON Lives, an established youth outreach nonprofit with the resources and expertise that Thomas and Preston needed, Amplify’s pilot program was launched just a year later in November 2023.

“I understand these days the importance of collaboration as well as the necessity of building community,” Preston said.

Thanks to pivotal partnerships with the Academy Center of the Arts, IRON Lives, and local churches, Amplify received much of the technology and financial support that would help get the program into motion.

“The community has rallied in support in a major way behind Amplify. We’ve received support in attendance, financial, and positive feedback that positively encourages and pushes us,” Preston added.

A brief look at the Amplify syllabus would clue you in to its collegiate roots. While the program is comprehensive, Amplify’s staff ensure that each lesson is fun and applicable to students’ everyday lives.

“As a musician who struggled with this lack of understanding or support from my communities growing up, I can’t express how life changing this experience and these resources—even just the simple exposure to the studio—could be for a young person who genuinely needs creative expression and music in their life to thrive,” instructor Shana Munson said.

Now in its third cohort, Amplify guides its 10 students through an introduction to several production programs and technologies, music theory, vocal production, and recording, culminating in a student-produced album release party.

Thomas recalls that for the first class of every cohort, students are mostly unengaged and distracted by their phones. But he claims that without fail, students are much more engaged in the second class as they learn to actually produce a musical piece.

“At the end of the class they all have a song, or something that is musical. They’re all hyped. Immediately, we’ve got ’em, from that point on,” Thomas said.

For many of the in-risk, at-risk, and underserved students, Amplify and its lessons become a lifeline to many out of reach resources such as technology, the arts, financial literacy, and even a hot meal.

“Amplify provides a space where they can explore their potential, develop new skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. The program has strengthened community ties by showing these youth that their voices and talents matter,” instructor Phinees Robert said.

The creative outlet for students cannot be understated. All of Amplify’s instructors agree that the transformation of their students’ abilities and confidence from week one to week 10 is nothing short of remarkable.

“What becomes interesting is when the young people’s real lives begin to manifest in the space. When their real challenges become exposed and they might want to write about it. Things can get heavy,” Thomas said.

Thomas and the entire Amplify team trained IRON Lives staff to learn how to better serve the emotional and mental needs that may be troubling some of their students. Despite the students’ level of musical knowledge, or the challenges they face in life, the Amplify team makes use of it all to shepherd them to tangible, creative results.

As Thomas searched for the right words to convey how Amplify teaches students intuitively, he rushed over to a piano across the room and sat on the bench. He began pressing keys to convey what most of us would understand as the cues for tension, joy, sadness, and other emotions.

“We use the language of feeling, as opposed to the traditional music theory. You’re actually teaching the application of passion,” Thomas said. “It’s a step-by-step process, where we are teaching the fundamentals of programs, the technology, the artistry of making a song, and the performance of it. All the while we’re interjecting how this applies to real life.”

According to both Thomas and Preston one of the main challenges that Amplify faces is its relative obscurity in the community.
“I don’t know if people realize what’s actually happening in this space. I think if more people knew what was happening, then we could get more community support,” Thomas said.

At the end of the 10-week cohort students hold an album release party where they perform their self-produced music live for friends and family.

Aside from the technical skills they learn, Amplify offers its graduating class financial compensation for the music they’ve produced. Their music can be found on Spotify by searching “Amplify Cohort #1” or “Amplify Cohort #2”.

Currently, Amplify is building out its partnerships in order to implement an apprenticeship program for students to find placements for their newly acquired skills.

“My hope for Amplify is that it continues to expand and eventually becomes a year-round after-school program in Lynchburg City Schools. I would love to see the program reach even more young people in the community and offer advanced opportunities, such as paid internships or partnerships with local businesses, to give them real-world experience,” Robert said.

Irvin Reynolds’ ‘Preacher’s Pick’ Food Reviews

By: Olivia Carter / Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Lynchburg native Irvin Reynolds has always had a deep connection to his community. From growing up in the Richland Hills subdivision, delivering newspapers and working at the local Winn Dixie, to embarking on a career in food service and ministry, Reynolds’ life has taken many turns.
Now, after nearly 40 years away, he’s back in Lynchburg with a new mission—finding the best dishes in town ranging from hot dogs and burgers to barbeque and pizza.

Reynolds left home after high school to pursue higher education and a career in retail grocery and food manufacturing. He worked for companies like Winn Dixie and CPC International, managing stores and overseeing food production, all while learning the ins and outs of the food industry. His expertise ranged from butchery to crafting grocery store “meal solutions,” a precursor to the modern-day ready-made meals we find in today’s grocery aisles.

While in Charlotte, where he lived for 28 years, Reynolds also became involved in ministry, eventually serving as a discipleship pastor at a large church. His wife, Donna, also became heavily involved in food service at the church—feeding more than 600 people at a time.

But after years of service, the couple felt the pull to return home to Lynchburg, especially with their grandchildren now living in the area.
The Reynolds moved back in 2023, settling near their family. Shortly after, an unexpected opportunity arose. A small church in Evington—Bethel Baptist—needed a pastor and Reynolds agreed to serve, returning to his roots in ministry.

But it’s not just ministry that has captured Reynolds’ attention since his return to Lynchburg. Last August, while browsing the “Living in Lynchburg” Facebook page, Reynolds noticed a local debate about the best place to get a hot dog. Inspired by his own love for the classic American treat, Reynolds decided to start a fun new project—“Preacher’s Pick.”

Each week, Reynolds would visit a different restaurant around Lynchburg to sample their hot dogs. He would share his thoughts on Facebook, accompanied by photos of the hot dogs and a bit of commentary on the experience. His posts quickly gained traction, sparking lively discussions among locals about their favorite spots.

“I grew up with the Weenie Stand and Texas Inn, so I know a good hot dog when I see one,” Reynolds said. “It’s been great to reconnect with the food scene here and it’s a fun way to explore Lynchburg again.”

Reynolds’ “Preacher’s Pick” has become a charming addition to the local online community, offering residents a fresh perspective on old favorites—such as the humble hot dog. Through his light-hearted reviews and thoughtful engagement, Reynolds is creating a new sense of camaraderie among Lynchburg’s food lovers.

“I have to say, there’s something special about the Weenie Stand,” he said.

“It’s nostalgic and it always hits the spot.”

His approach to reviewing local food spots is all about detailed descriptions and community engagement. By asking locals for their favorite spots, he gives them a chance to voice their preferences, and the response has helped drive the direction of his reviews.

He said his process involves visiting the top-nominated places, ordering a consistent meal—in the case of the hot dog: a hot dog with chili, slaw, and onions—and providing thorough descriptions of every aspect: the bun, meat, chili, slaw, condiments, and even the price.

The detailed nature of his reviews, inspired by what he learned from Food Network shows, stood out to the community. Rather than simply stating that the food was good, he explained why it was good, noting the quality of the chili and whether it was meaty or whether the slaw was homemade or store-bought.

Initially, Reynolds posted his reviews in the Lynchburg Recommendation group, but after his posts—especially on fried chicken—gained popularity, Kipp Teague, the administrator of Living in Lynchburg, suggested he share his reviews there instead.

He said that oftentimes, his posts will drive attention to small, often overlooked, local restaurants.

What began in August of last year has snowballed into a local sensation.

“People started paying attention, especially when I reviewed fried chicken,” Reynolds said. “That one really got people talking.”

He said he has adapted his method based on feedback. For example, while hot dog and fried chicken reviews were a hit, taco reviews didn’t receive the same enthusiasm, partially because tacos didn’t photograph well and there were diverse expectations about what makes a good taco. Ultimately, he said his aim isn’t to act as a food critic but to promote local businesses and share personal experiences that resonate with the community.

“One of the biggest challenges is to keep the reviews positive, even when there are some aspects of a dining experience that aren’t great,” Reynolds said. “My intent is to promote local businesses.”

In just a year, he has reviewed everything from fried chicken and barbecue to cheeseburgers, tacos, and ice cream.

His selections are crowd-sourced as much as they are driven by his own curiosity.

He admits that he doesn’t feel like he’ll run out of places to review anytime soon.

“I’ve been surprised by the variety we have,” he said. “Lynchburg does have diversity in food styles, though some people don’t think so.”

With his latest endeavor focusing on mac and cheese, Reynolds said he has learned a lot about Lynchburg’s food scene—most notably, how slow it is to embrace change.

“Lynchburg is cost-conscious.

People get excited about new restaurants, but then it goes back to, ‘Well, how much does it cost?’” he said. “People here talk about the IHOP coming, and the next thing you know, everybody’s hyped up.

But two days later, they’re saying, ‘That place is expensive.’”

Reynolds has used the Preacher’s Pick platform to introduce the community to some hidden gems. One being Jed’s, a small barbecue food truck in Madison Heights. After his review, the place saw a surge in business.

“When I went back, the guy working said, ‘I know who you are. After your review, we got slammed, and we’ve been slammed ever since.’ It’s moments like that that make it all worth it,” he said.

Despite his success, Reynolds keeps it humble. He’s just a local preacher, enjoying good food with his wife, Donna, and sharing the experience with the community. He’s not worried about burnout or losing momentum. For him, there’s always a new dish or restaurant around the corner waiting for his Preacher’s Pick stamp of approval.

“People will tell someone, ‘Did you see what he said? Let’s go there tonight,’”

he said. “That’s what it’s all about, bringing people together over good food.”

25 Days of Kindness & Togetherness

As we enter into this holiday season, many of us look forward to the joy and excitement that comes with traditional advent calendars. While the thrill of opening a little door each day to reveal a sweet treat or gift is delightful, why not switch things up this year? Instead of chocolates or toys, consider creating an “altruistic advent calendar” that focuses on acts of kindness, service, and togetherness. Here are 25 creative ideas that will inspire your family to give back and spread joy during the festive season.

Day 1: Community Clean-Up
Kick off the month by organizing a family community clean-up. Head to a local park or neighborhood and spend the day picking up litter. Not only will you beautify your community, but you’ll also set a positive example for others.

Day 2: Bake and Share
Spend the day baking cookies or holiday treats together, then package them up to share with your neighbors, local fire station, or unhoused community. This gesture is sure to spread smiles!

Day 3: Donate Books
Gather any books that your family no longer reads and donate them to one of the many Little Free Libraries scattered around our city. Consider a trip together to deliver the books and discuss why sharing knowledge is essential. To find a Little Free Library near you, visit littlefreelibrary.org/map/.

Day 4: Write Letters to Seniors
Have a letter-writing day where your family writes heartfelt letters to residents at a nearby retirement community. Ask them about their interests to make your letters more personal.

Day 5: Volunteer at a Food Bank
Spend a day volunteering at a local food bank or meal center such as Lynchburg Daily Bread or Lynchburg’s Food Not Bombs. This experience will teach your family about gratitude and the importance of helping those in need.

Day 6: Family Game Night
Dedicate a night to board games or card games as a family. Make it special by adding homemade snacks and warm apple cider. This fosters togetherness and strengthens family bonds.

Day 7: Create Care Packages
Gather items like toiletries, snacks, hygiene products, and warm blankets, and assemble care packages for our unhoused community. Take a family trip to distribute them together.

Day 8: Thank-You Notes
Spend time writing thank-you notes to people who have positively impacted your lives, from teachers to friends. Encourage your children to think of specific ways these people have helped them.

Day 9: Create Holiday Cards for Service Members
Spend the day making holiday cards to send to deployed service members through organizations like the Red Cross or local military support groups. Encourage your family to write personal messages of gratitude and cheer, letting these heroes know they are appreciated during the holiday season.

Day 10: Share Your Skills
Have each family member identify a skill they can teach others, like knitting, cooking, or crafting. Organize a small workshop for friends or neighbors, sharing knowledge and fostering connections.

Day 11: Organize a Puzzle Day
Dedicate a day to working on puzzles together as a family. Choose a large jigsaw puzzle to complete or set up multiple smaller puzzles for everyone to enjoy. You can even create a friendly competition by timing how long it takes to finish each one.

Day 12: Make Holiday Decorations for Others
Spend the day crafting holiday decorations and delivering them to local community centers or hospitals. A little holiday cheer can brighten someone’s day.

Day 13: Take a Walk for Charity
Plan a family walk or hike and collect pledges for each mile walked to donate to a charity of your choice. Enjoy nature while contributing to a good cause.

Day 14: Organize a Clothing Drive
Collect gently used clothing from your family and friends and donate them to a local shelter or organization in need. Set a goal for how many items you want to collect!

Day 15: Holiday Movie Marathon
Host a movie marathon featuring holiday classics. Make it special by creating a cozy space with blankets and snacks, focusing on togetherness and laughter.

Day 16: Offer to Help a Neighbor
Choose a neighbor who may need assistance, such as an elderly person or a busy family. Offer to help with chores like gardening, cleaning, or grocery shopping.

Day 17: Create Kindness Rocks
Gather some smooth rocks and paint them with uplifting messages. Hide them in your community for others to find, spreading joy and positivity.

Day 18: Visit a Local Animal Shelter
Spend a day at a local animal shelter, either volunteering your time or bringing in supplies like pet food and toys. Better yet, if you have the room and extra time to spare, consider becoming a foster parent—our local shelters are often unfortunately at capacity.

Day 19: Start a Gratitude Jar
Create a family gratitude jar where each member writes down something they’re thankful for every day leading up to the holidays. Read them together on Christmas Eve.

Day 20: Share Holiday Spirit
Encourage your family to participate in a local holiday event,
like the downtown Lynchburg tree lighting ceremony at Craddock Terry Hotel, to foster community spirit.

Day 21: DIY Gift-Making Session
Spend the day crafting homemade gifts for family members or friends. This could include handmade ornaments, baked goods,
or personalized notes.

Day 22: Holiday-Themed Karaoke Night
Organize a family karaoke night with all holiday-themed music to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Bonus points if participants dress up in their wackiest holiday attire.

Day 23: Explore Nature
Take a day to enjoy the outdoors as a family. Go for a hike or have a picnic, taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature together.

Day 24: Share Your Favorite Memories
Gather as a family to share your favorite memories from the year. Reflecting on your experiences encourages gratitude and reinforces family bonds.

Day 25: Celebrate with Gratitude
On the final day of your altruistic advent calendar, have a family gathering where you celebrate the acts of kindness you’ve completed. Share stories about your experiences and how they made you feel, reinforcing the importance of community and kindness.

By creating an altruistic advent calendar filled with acts of service and togetherness, you not only enrich your family’s holiday experience but also make a lasting impact on your community.

This holiday season, let kindness and connection be your guiding lights as you count down the days to Christmas.