Salem Hicks and Audra Rygh Transform Local Retail for Moms

By: Izzi Diaz Young  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Mothers have many reasons to be exasperated or exhausted. Whether it’s an overtired baby or an adventurous toddler—there are upwards of ten thousand things any mother is thinking about at any given moment. One of those, however, should never have to be where they are buying their children’s clothing. Co-owners Salem Hicks and Audra Rygh were part of that community of mothers as well, until they opened downtown Lynchburg’s newest tot-spot, Hunny B’s. 

As owner and stylist at local hair salon, Bloom Studio, Hicks had been selling baby clothes in the salon since 2019, unaware that someday she would have her own little one to buy clothes for. After becoming a mother in June 2023, Hicks was disappointed that all her son’s clothes had to be purchased online due to limited retail options in the city.

As she and her hair clients gabbed in between washes, they kept coming back to the realization that within the Lynchburg community, there was a huge gap for children’s clothes.

Around the same time, the beloved Baby B’s shop on Main Street had just closed its doors after more than two decades spent providing children’s clothing for local mothers. 

When Bloom Studio relocated to Main Street, their new location didn’t have the space to continue selling baby clothes within the salon.

Then, Hicks realized something. “We saw that five doors down was the former location of Baby B’s, and it was available for rent!” she said.

Like it was fate, the stars aligned for Hicks and her business partner, Audra Rygh. Within a week of discovering the storefront, the two had secured the location on Main Street. Then, as if it couldn’t have been more meant to be, Hicks discovered a program called Launch LYH, an initiative designed to truly launch businesses in Downtown Lynchburg, providing them with cash grants to expand or start their own businesses. She signed up for it the day after she and Rygh signed their lease.

“Going through that program was so beneficial,” Hicks stated. “Downtown Lynchburg businesses really look out for one another, and I believe they realize that if we are all successful, it’s a win for everyone. When we found out we won, it only encouraged us that we were on the right path, and that God has much in store for Hunny B’s.” 

As Hicks and Rygh begin their future as co-owners of Hunny B’s, they haven’t forgotten what the location used to represent. Hicks noted that many of the retail shelves inside their store, as well as the checkout desk, were courtesy of the former children’s emporium, Baby B’s. 

“They left quite a legacy with their store, and we always hope to honor that and the work they put into it.” 

While the new owners have brought more modern items into the shop, they also hope to curate a few pieces that are more traditional, just like the original store.

Not only is Hunny B’s run by two mothers, but the store itself was truly created for mothers. Hicks explained that in addition to children’s clothing, customers can find a play area for their little ones to be entertained while the mothers themselves shop. They can also find stroller parking inside, as well as a place to grab a to-go cup of coffee. Hick’s and Rygh’s intentions shine through each nook of their business, as their high-quality goods are meant to provide mothers in the Lynchburg area and beyond with better options than some department stores can supply. 

Hicks also explained that they created aisles wide enough for strollers to peruse the inventory, and even an area with notes of encouragement, designed for any mother feeling down. They take it one step further, their passion for supporting mothers showing with each turn, especially in the “Mommy Corner,” a designated place where mothers can come to feel uplifted. Here, they can find a selection of brochures, cards, businesses, and mom groups that they can browse through. 

“We even found all of the numbers for the maternity resources at Centra and at the hospital so that they don’t have to wait on hold to get to the right location,” Hicks said.

Hicks said that Hunny B’s would soon like to give ten percent of its profit to a small business loan program that exists in Haiti, where she lived for four years before returning to Lynchburg. There, she co-founded a center for women and a residential housing program for women who were being exploited. 

“It’s not just about making money, it’s about supporting the dreams of other women,” she said. “It’s about giving back to more than just our community, but to other areas that need us.”

Hicks said that Hunny B’s will always stand for a culture of inclusivity and kindness, and a judgment-free zone. 

“We are here to support mamas on their journey,” remarked Hicks, “If you ask any mama, they will tell you that there are one million opinions on how we should raise our children, but we aren’t here to share in that guilt, shame and ‘should do it this way’ cycle. We are here to encourage and support.”

Hunny B’s is located at 821 Main St. and serves as a safe place for all mothers to come home to. Whether they need to shop for their children, need a friend, or simply just need someone to talk to, Hunny B’s and their hive of moms will be waiting for them with open arms.  

Pink Flamingo Café is a haven for parents and kids

By: Emeri Glen  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Conveniently situated in the middle of Forest Square Shopping Mall in Forest, Virginia, The Pink Flamingo Café welcomes parents, caregivers, and children to relax from the tedium of everyday worries.

Co-founder Rachel Queen fills the café with her welcoming presence and has made an impressive
effort to create an environment that caters to the needs and special circumstances of caregivers.
Upon walking in, customers are met with explosions of pink and green and several child-sized playhouses set in the back of the café. These include one-stop shops like Sutton’s Supermarket—of which Queen’s daughter is the namesake—a play hospital, and a sheriff’s office.

Equally as noticeable as these lifelike installations is the café’s mascot, a bird that holds a great deal of significance for Queen and Cheri Distefano, her business partner and mother.

Above the gentle noise of her daughter’s and son’s (Jet) play, Queen explained, “So, there’s this thing with flamingos… when they become parents, they actually turn white for like two to three years… because they’re giving so much of their nutrients to their chicks… I think a lot of moms and parents can relate to that, that in those early child-rearing years you give so much of yourself to your kids.”

A Liberty University graduate, Queen was a teacher for three years before deciding to stay home and take care of her children. The experience of personal struggle and sacrifice inspired Queen to create the Pink Flamingo Café as a response to the isolation and fatigue that many mothers and caregivers feel as a result of pouring out their love, time, and devotion for their children.

“I want customers to walk away feeling refreshed and equipped to tackle the day,” she explained.

Queen is supported by a beautiful family and her mom, who commutes regularly from her home in Maryland to help things run smoothly at the Pink Flamingo.

Apart from being bright, welcoming, and filled with swathes of pink, the café was thoughtfully geared toward imaginative playmaking. The play area features a slide, a plethora of themed toys, and ample opportunity for kids to use their imagination. The only prominent technology in the building consists of screens for menus and ordering purposes.

The Café partners with downtown Lynchburg business Father’s Bakery to bring customers delicious pastries (including gluten-free options) and also provides an assortment of snacks and specialty coffees.

As for the future, Queen would like to eventually franchise her business, and quipped that her father (a seasoned entrepreneur) liked the idea of her one day trying her luck on the reality TV series, Shark Tank. She also does content creation and has been toying with the idea of opening more locations if she continues to garner more exposure and success with her venture.  

If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for a child-appropriate environment paired with delicious pastries and good coffee, look no further. More information can be found on the Pink Flamingo website at pinkflamingoplaycafe.com.

Earning a Best of Lynchburg award should be celebrated, and earning this recognition year after year earns a business a spot in the Hall of Fame. 

To place in our Best of Lynchburg Hall of Fame, a business, person, or place needs to have won a gold level award in a particular category for the majority of the last eight years—since VistaGraphics first launched the contest. 

Flip through to see who is the best of the best in the region! 

(Voting for the 2025 Best Of Lynchburg Awards begins July 26. Look for those winners in the January/February issue of Lynchburg Living!)

A mother of two runs Amherst-based Alcock Threads

By: Izzi Diaz Young  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

When the owner of Alcock Threads, Renita Kuepfer, was gifted a sewing machine by her parents for her twelfth birthday, she had no idea the impact it would have on her life. What began with creating miniature clothes for her dolls and small quilts for herself eventually grew into Alcock Threads, a custom linen clothing shop based out of Amherst, Virginia. 

Uprooting from her home in northern Michigan about eight years ago, Kuepfer settled in the town of Amherst after she and her husband got married. Now, she is a mother to two little boys; when she is not parenting, she can be found with a needle and thread, hand sewing custom creations for customers across the globe. 

Her love of sewing and creating was inspired when she was only a child, but was amplified around eight years ago, as Kuepfer realized what might be lying within the details of her beloved materials. Her medium of choice was validated once she began discovering hidden chemicals lying within household objects and many synthetic fabrics. 

“When I got married in 2016, I became very aware of all the toxins and chemicals that come with so many cleaners and fabrics, and I really wanted to cut down on that for my own home,” Kuepfer said. 

With that, an idea formed. 

“That’s when I found linen and fell in love with how sustainable and versatile it is for all your home linens, and, it is so incredibly comfy yet classy while wearing it!” she said.

After having her first son and experimenting with sewing linen, Kuepfer found her niche.

“I really had a hard time finding clothes that actually fit my preferences and body type, and so I resorted back to my initial ability to sew my own clothes,” she explained. “Then I fell in love with the art of being able to take a piece of fabric and some measurements and making something that I wanted to wear and felt beautiful in.” 

While she began crafting her vision and designing her stunning products in 2016, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that the store, Alcock Threads, was brought to life. 

“I was in the crunches of being a first-time mama and needing to stay home and quarantined. I badly needed something to do as a creative outlet,” Kuepfer noted. “So, out of desperation, I started an Instagram account to document my sewing. Within a few months, I started getting messages about sewing custom orders and I eventually started up an Etsy shop to take orders.” 

Alcock Threads shoppers can browse tank tops, dresses, aprons, and anything in between, and purchase hand-created, stunning garments by Kuepfer that are all custom, made to order, and designed specifically for the customer. Browsers will see that all the listed designs have unique names to fit their personal style, such as a linen buttoned bodice dress named Charity, or linen maxi skirt by the name of Evelyn. One might even notice the linen tee the shop offers with a familiar name of Reni, short for Renita. 

Kuepfer stated that much of her clothing and style inspiration is drawn from her love of minimalism, and how linen is often associated with “simple yet elegant designs.” 

She noted, “Often I find this inspiration from Pinterest…but I also do have four wonderful sisters that I bounce ideas off of!”

Alcock Threads features an array of apparel that is perfect for everyday attire, but can also be adorned for more formal events, succeeding in being versatile to fit all phases and stages of life. Her designs can be woven to fit all body types and styles, becoming the perfect addition to anyone’s closet. 

“I’m a hands-on person,” she explained. “So I hand-draw my patterns with a grading process, inspiration photos, and use either USA letter sizes or your specific measurements.” 

When asked what her favorite thing about being a business owner is, Kuepfer said, “I love being able to work with people I have never met, creating a design I know will put a smile on their face whenever they wear it.” 

She certainly makes her customers happy, having received an average rating of five stars for her listed items. One customer commented, “Renita has a gift, and she is excellent at it! I have bought two dresses and they are both some of my favorite pieces I own.” 

Another remarked, “Reni works really hard to make sure you are satisfied with her garments and willing to make changes until you are happy.”

Kuepfer had a goal, a plan to execute her vision, and much help along the way. Kuepfer now operates as a mother and small business owner—two full-time jobs that aren’t for the faint of heart. With much dedication, an immense passion for what she does, and the support of a happy clientele behind her, Kuepfer’s dreams have come to life. 

Her community of consumers and encouragers is growing daily and spans the country.

“I’ve met some lovely local friends through sewing orders, but the majority of my business has come from the nationwide online community,” Kuepfer stated. 

Kuepfer’s advice for folks interested in starting their own small business? “Just do it,” she said. “Find your niche and stay consistent. It’s hard work but being creative is worth it! Most importantly, have fun with it!” 

Experience history, wildlife, and conservation efforts with guided river tours

By: Jeremy Angione  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Lynchburg residents have a unique opportunity this summer to learn about the unique history and wildlife flowing through the James River. 

Steeped in the history of Native Americans and early American colonists, the James River served as an instrumental source of hunting, commerce, and drinking water. For Virginia’s modern denizens, the James River is more often associated with fun and relaxation. Considering the James runs through several major Virginia cities, including Lynchburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg, the river acts as a boon for local ecology and everyday life.

For the James River Association—a nonprofit organization that advocates for the entirety of the James from Botetourt County to the Chesapeake Bay—the goal is to cultivate a lasting appreciation for the river and all that it does and represents. The Lynchburg branch of the association is James River Adventures. Just as their name suggests, the best way to help Virginians appreciate the river is by showing them the adventures to be had on and around it.

“Once you have something that you love, it’s something that you want to protect. That’s truly our organization’s goal—to protect the James, now and into the future,” James River Association’s Upper James Regional Manager Robert Campbell said.

Campbell has become JRA’s self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades” since he began his work there in 2013. One of Campbell’s major duties is tour guide of James River Adventures’ seasonal Paddle Downtown Experience, which runs from June to September.

More than just aimless paddling in the river, the JRA tours have different themes depending on the date that should appeal to a wide variety of novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The tour themes include local history, birding, fishing, and “threats to the river.”

Depending on the experience level or size of the groups, paddlers can float on the tour using a canoe, a kayak, or even one of JRA’s historically fashioned batteaux.

“We’re very much geared at people who don’t have experience. In general, we like to have folks who have zero experience. We want to cultivate a love for the James in everybody,” Campbell said.

Campbell’s passion for protecting the James started with the love that his father helped cultivate. Growing up in northern Amherst County, Campbell routinely went on the river to fish with his dad. But, according to Campbell, seeing the James River Batteau Festival hooked him on river life. Campbell believes he can replicate that experience with paddlers who learn to love the river.

“The ones who are the most rewarding are the students and people who have grown up right next to the river, but never had any experience with the water,” he said.

Although to many paddlers the river tours are just a unique day of fun on the water, to Campbell and JRA, the hope is that their values of advocacy, education, and restoration are imparted to paddlers.

Though much of the advocacy work is done at the Richmond branch, Campbell says that the JRA is “constantly working with lawmakers to get good legislation for the James River.”

“Anything related to water; we’re there to advocate not only for the James, but for the community surrounding the James,” he said.

Campbell and the JRA provide a unique, hands-on education for paddlers with their near-encyclopedic knowledge of the river and its history.

Last year, Campbell said that the James River Association was able to get about 18,000 students out on the river for trips, with about 3,500 students coming through the Lynchburg branch.

“Our restoration work is one of our largest growing programs. Over the last five years, we have put in close to 100,000 trees on the side of the James River,” Campbell said.

After a short tour of the James River with Campbell acting as batteau captain, it is clear to see why a float on the James River is a worthwhile venture. Campbell managed to recite dozens of facts about the James all while pressing roughly against the riverbed with a poplar sapling that had been fashioned into a pole-type oar to guide the batteau around the river’s currents.

The light breeze, gentle sun rays, and local wildlife make for a remarkable trip that many Lynchburg residents unfortunately forget is just in their backyards.

The batteau, which is essentially a large canoe, was previously used to deliver thousands of pounds of goods (such as tobacco) across the James River. Charlie Coleman, husband of Sarah Coleman, another member of the JRA team, built the historically accurate watercraft for JRA.

“It took me about 6 months to build. The JRA batteau is built and patterned off an original canal-era batteau that was unearthed in the 1980s,” Coleman said.

As a Lynchburg native, Coleman cites the James River as a personal landmark in his life that hosted countless adventures for him, including his proposal to his wife Sarah, and his young daughter catching her first fish. Coleman’s love for the river underpins his support of it and JRA, just as it does with Campbell.

“I love that they bring people to the river who may not know what it has to offer. If you are open to it, you can find adventure and beauty in so many different spots on the James,” Coleman said.

According to Campbell, Batteau trips are also available with private bookings for up to six people, and guests can even bring along food and drinks.

While the guided tour season runs through September, Campbell says that JRA may extend its season into Autumn for guided tours to observe the changing of the leaves.  

Anyone interested in booking a guided tour can find details on JRA’s website jamesriveradventures.org, where you can find price information and the various dates of and themes of each tour. 

Sponsored Content

By Barrett Baker  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

Hickey Plumbingm Air & Electrical is a one-stop shop for all your plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and generator needs, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. If you are experiencing multiple comfort issues in your home or office, you don’t need to call all over town to get assistance. Hickey does it all with transparent pricing, quick dispatch, and guaranteed satisfaction!

The company was founded by Fred Hickey in 1978 and has been growing ever since. Fred was an electrician when he started the company, then added the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) division sometime around 2012.

By 2018, Fred was starting to think about retirement and approached Steven Jefferson, one of the distributors he worked with, about potentially taking over the company. Jefferson wasn’t ready to buy at that point, but two years later, he became Hickey’s General Manager with the intention of heading the company shortly after.

“In October of 2020, I met with Fred to talk about buying the company from him,” said Jefferson. “I told him I would come on as General Manager, and that in three months I would know if I wanted to buy the company.”

It only took one month before Jefferson was convinced that’s what he wanted to do, and he purchased the company in December of 2020. He added their plumbing division in 2021, and in three years the company has doubled in size and revenue. To handle their growth Jefferson purchased a building in Amherst in October of 2022, which they have been remodeling and are getting ready to host their grand opening on May 17, 2024. The move took them from 1,500 square feet of operational space to more than 17,000 square feet of room.

“When I bought the company, that was during COVID,” said Jefferson. “We buckled down, made some good decisions, and really focused on customer service. That’s what we’re building the whole business on.”

Another thing that has helped grow the company is that Jefferson doesn’t believe in hard sales tactics when it comes to providing customers with what they need.

“We’re not pushy,” said Jefferson. “I’m not a pushy salesperson and I don’t want pushy salespeople. We talk to people, find out what’s going on, what they want, what they don’t want, then we give them three, sometimes four different options, as opposed to just providing them the highest-end product and telling them that’s all they have to choose from.”

In fact, their values are all about serving others: One more value to add is that they are respectful of their customers’ time. 

“If you call us during business hours, you’re always going to get a live person on the phone,” said Jefferson. “I’m not big on those call services where you have to dial 1 to get this, dial 2 to get that. That stuff drives me nuts.”

When an appointment is set and a technician is on the way, they will provide the customer with a 30-minute “heads up” to let them know. That way, customers don’t need to wait around all day. If customers have errands to run or can’t take a lot of time away from the office to be at home, the call from the technician gives them time to get home or to where the service is going to take place.

School Will Soon Be In Session Soon

When Jefferson bought the building they recently moved to in Amherst, he was initially concerned that they actually had too much available space. But he quickly formulated a plan that would help utilize different spaces to maximize their efficiency.

As a part of the Nexstar Group, which is a business consultant group, Jefferson is able to tap into their NexTech Academy, which provides software for online programs that teach plumbing, electrical, and HVAC theory. He has set up a computer lab in their building in Amherst so anyone interested in learning either plumbing, electrical, or HVAC trade skills can come get training.

“I have the computer lab set up already for online theory, and I’m working on setting up a hands-on training lab in our office,” said Jefferson. “So, students will go from theory on the computer, to hands-on training, then go out on calls with our techs for field training.”

The program was originally designed to be available for apprenticeships when Jefferson is ready to hire new techs. However, with some encouragement from the Mayor and City Council of Amherst, he decided to open it up to anyone interested in learning a specific trade. He’s also trying to apply for grants so that tuition for the program can be fully paid, or at least will provide students with deep discounts.

“It’s a work in progress, but I think it’s going to be a great way to help the community and also help us,” said Jefferson. “I think there’s a really big opportunity now because more people are leaving the trades than are coming in.”

The school, which hasn’t been named yet, is targeted to open in August 2024. It will be an ideal opportunity for high school students to learn a skill without going to college, and Jefferson believes it will be great for veterans who have finished their service and are looking for something new to do.

A Story of Resilience, Tradition, and the Allure of Classic American Diners

By Olivia Carter | Photos by Ashlee Glen

On Main Street there is a culinary institution with a blue roof where time seems to stand still. You know it.

The Texas Inn, affectionately known to locals as the T-Room, is more than just a diner, it’s a cherished icon, an institution deeply woven into the fabric of the community’s history and culture.

Dave Saunders, the current owner, looks back on its history beginning in 1935 of how it started with Isaac “Nick” Bullington, a former employee of Ringling Brothers Circus, and how it now has three sister locations not only in the Hill City in Cornerstone but in Harrisonburg and, most recently, Richmond.

“The Texas Inn is kind of Texas in name only,” he said. “It really is a Virginia institution. And it certainly is a Lynchburg institution.”

Originally opened in Lynchburg, the T-Room had only ten stools and a to-go window, yet it quickly became a local hotspot, drawing in crowds with its signature dish— the Cheesy Western.

The Western was on the menu originally at the Lynchburg location and at Roanoke’s Texas Tavern, but in the late 1940s and early 1950s, people began asking for cheese on the burger.

While some items have been added and removed over the years, the core essence of the T-Room remains unchanged with its offerings of hot dogs, cheesy westerns—a hamburger with relish, a fried egg, and cheese—and chili, better known as a “bowl.”

“Basically, you could get a Western and you’d say, ‘Add cheese,’” Saunders said. “In the ’70s when they moved locations and they put up the menu board, they had a Western and they had a Cheesy Western. And then basically the lingo for the servers was just shortened to ‘cheesy.’ So it was just like the shorthand that the servers used to call back to the cooks.”

Over the decades, the T-Room evolved from its humble beginnings across from the Academy Theater to its current location on Main Street. In 1971, a relocation transformed a former gas station into the popular diner we know today. Renamed the Texas Inn to distinguish itself from its Roanoke counterpart, the T-Room retained its iconic charm, complete with the legendary blue roof proudly displaying its name to passersby.

Saunders said what truly sets the Texas Inn apart besides its history is the commitment to quality and tradition. Soon after Saunders bought the business in 2018, he spent not only time but money perfecting the famed chili recipe, a labor of love that involved months of collaboration with food scientists.

“I’ve described our business model as ‘good, fast, and cheap,’” Saunders said. “You’re not going to get people to fall in love with you until you get all three and the Texas Inn does. People love it. I mean, they don’t just like it, they love it. They have an emotional attachment with the experience and with the food.

I get notes all the time saying, ‘Thank you for buying it. Thank you for returning it to its former glory. It tastes as good as it did in 1950.’ And I think that’s important. I think the proof is in the numbers. We serve twice as many people today as we did five and a half years ago,” he continued.

Beyond the food, there is a power of community and nostalgia in the diner. Saunders said there are patrons who have traveled from all over to the T-Room, including Governor Glenn Youngkin,
who never fails to make a pit stop to order two Cheesys and a Dr. Pepper whenever he visits Lynchburg.

Every dollar earned is reinvested into the diner, Saunders said, making sure that it remains a strong landmark for generations to come. From meticulous attention to cleanliness and compliance with regulations to the curation of Sunday Stories on social media, Saunders makes it a part of his job to honor the T-Room’s rich history and the characters that populate its stools.

A Lynchburg native, Saunders remembers his father, a fire marshal, would tell stories about his friends in the health department conducting inspections at the establishment downtown.

“They were really mean because they showed up at the same time. They used to scare the bejesus out of people,” Saunders laughed. “I can’t imagine today having an inspector and the fire marshal at the same time. But my dad said everybody at the fire department and everybody in the police department knew the cleanest place in town to eat was the Texas Inn and to see it fall on such rough times… I’m proud that we’re in compliance with everything.”

Saunders said when he first purchased the business, the parking lot had holes in it, the ceiling tiles were hanging down, the lights were flickering, and parts of the restaurant were broken and dirty. 

Yet, nostalgia, as Saunders points out, is a double-edged sword. While it fosters a sense of connection and belonging, he said it can also cloud judgment, leading to unrealistic expectations and comparisons with a bygone era. 

“On the one side, it’s wonderful and people really do connect with it,” he said. “I got a picture a guy sent me of three generations sitting at the counter in Cornerstone. But on the other side, people will go in and say, ‘Well, gosh, I remember when I could get a Coke for a nickel,’ and I’m like, ‘Well, yeah, that was before I was born, and gas was 35 cents a gallon.’”

What was once a male-dominated establishment, now a more inclusive community hub, the Texas Inn has shifted to a staff of more women than men and a commitment to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity.

“It’s the community dining table regardless of what neighborhood you come from,” Saunders said. “You can be in Boonsboro, or you can be on Diamond Hill, or you can be on MLK Boulevard, it doesn’t matter. You’re all sitting there and at that counter, you’re all sitting on the same stool, you’re all getting the same treatment, and you’re all eating the same food. And that closeness of those stools gets people talking.”

It may not offer a gourmet dining experience, but it does provide something far more valuable: a sense of belonging and tradition and a slice of Southern hospitality that keeps patrons coming back, time and time again.

“I think we’re very comfortable with what we are,” Saunders said. “And I think we’re very comfortable with what we’re not. We’re not a gourmet dining experience, we’re a good, fast, cheap dining experience where the intangible value of dinner and a show is really what keeps people coming back.”  

University of Lynchburg’s Burton Dining Hall

By Suzanne Ramsey | Photos Courtesy of John McCormick, University of Lynchburg Marketing and Communications

One Friday, my husband and I had a “date night.” It was dinner and a show—the “show” being the University of Lynchburg’s spring musical, Seussical. Since the play was at the university’s Dillard Fine Arts Center, it made perfect sense to have dinner beforehand a couple hundred yards away at Burton Dining Hall. 

For full disclosure purposes, as a writer with the university’s marketing department, I’ve done this a lot over the years—having a meal at Burton before lectures, readings, concerts, and plays. 

First of all, you can’t beat the convenience of a quick, scenic walk across the Dell between dinner and your event. Secondly, an all-you-can-eat meal for $11—$7.50 for kids—including beverages, desserts and tax, isn’t bad these days. And there’s no tipping, to boot. 

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the food is great—a far cry from my college days, where cheese melted between two tortillas was declared a quesadilla and was cause for celebration. 

On the contrary, you’ll find restaurant-quality fare at Burton. In fact, it’s a Level 1 Certified Green Restaurant—the first private university in Virginia to achieve that designation. 

According to Michial Neal, co-director of dining services, that means there are “certain qualifications you have to meet, like water conservation, LED lighting, Energy Star equipment, recycling, composting, and no Styrofoam.” 

Burton uses locally sourced food whenever they can: milk from Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, honey from Hungry Hill Farm in Shipman, ground beef from Seven Hills Food in Lynchburg, etc.  

Breakfast sausage comes from Baker’s Farm in Mt. Jackson. 

“Our sausage is spec’d per our qualifications and tastes,” said Shaun Dearden, co-director of dining services. “Michial [Neal] helped come up with the flavor profile and that’s what we go with.”

Burton also uses ethically and sustainably sourced seafood, whenever possible, which means diners might encounter a fish they’ve never heard of: Peruvian trout, barramundi, pangasius, walleye, black drum, and more.

“When they try it, they’re like ‘Wow,’” Dearden said. “It’s opened up another market, so you can get some of the other species. You get to try something unique sometimes when you come here. You never know what you’re going to get.”

Dearden estimates that about 60 percent of the food served at Burton is scratch made. 

“A lot of the pasta dishes are made in house,” he said. “Briskets are smoked in house. Rotisserie chickens are done in house. All of our sauces are made from scratch. There are a lot of recipe-driven items. We’re trying to be unique and create some of our own tastes and flavors.”

With a record number of international students on campus—210 students from 38 countries to be exact—they’ve also been working to globalize the menu.

Depending on the day, the “Global Destinations” bar might include food from the West African coast, Thai street food, Mongolian beef, Chinese bao buns, Hawaiian poke, “British Breakfast,” or “Wings of the World,” with Indian, Korean, and Filipino-style chicken wings.

Every day, dal bhat—lentils and rice, a South Asian staple popular with the university’s 114 Nepali students—is offered on the vegetarian bar. 

“Our cooking staff has stepped up and are more than willing to learn these cuisines and are putting their spin on it,” Kitchen Manager Angelo Harris said.

To make sure they’re getting the flavors and spice-levels right, Burton staff lean heavily on international students. A good example of this is the Nepali-inspired chicken curry. 

“We started with a base recipe and kept tweaking it,” Sous Chef John Barker said. “It took us quite a few tries, but we found what works best for us, production-wise, as well as making sure we got a consistent outcome for our students.” 

Barker added that the recipe, which calls for habanero chiles, originally called for jalapeños but Nepali students “demanded it be spicier.” (Find the recipe on page 39.) 

“The Nepali kids are very vocal,” he said. “We’re lucky to have them. They let us know when they don’t like it—too much turmeric, etc.” 

Although hesitant to admit it, Dearden said the most popular menu item is “dino nuggets,” with more than 37,000 consumed in 2023. 

“We cover everything from dino nuggets to salmon to flank steak,” he said. “We have surf-and-turf nights, Alaskan king crab legs, and occasionally we offer sushi from Choice Hibachi Buffet, which is extremely popular.”

Liam Young, a 7-year-old who comes to Burton with his family, is particularly fond of the ribs and chicken wings. The Italian dressing served on the salad bar, in particular, has set the bar for him.

“I don’t know why it’s so good, it just is,” he said, adding, “When I grow up, I want to go to the University of Lynchburg because the dining hall is so good.” 

From a recruiting and retention standpoint, the kid could be on to something. 

“We need to retain students here,” Neal said. “If they’re not satisfied with what they’re eating here, they’re going to go somewhere else. Students’ dining options are in the top-five of persuaders of where they go [to college]. It’s important to them. 

“We try to serve the best products we can for the budget that we’re given. We’ve been very fortunate to do that. … If you’re going to do something, do it right.”  

While Burton Dining Hall is located on University of Lynchburg’s campus, it is open to the public.

Sattva Yoga & Wellness Center Promotes Wellness to the Community

By Megan Williams  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

Sattva: quality of goodness, purity, positivity, and truth.

In Ayurveda—a practice and philosophy stemming from India and believed to be one of the oldest healing sciences in the world—there are three modes of existence: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (activity/passion), and Tamas (darkness). With this philosophy, it is believed that goodness, passion, and darkness have always existed and exist within everything and everyone. While all three exist in everything, it’s the proportion of each that defines the character of someone or the nature of something.

In downtown Lynchburg, one would argue that there’s an extra proportion of goodness
and positivity radiating from 12th Street—and it’s Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center.

“During the COVID pandemic, I was inspired to start a nonprofit yoga center to help people find a support community to overcome the struggles of isolation, depression, and poor health conditions,” explained Gary Sullivan, Executive Director and Founder of Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center. “We use the practices of yoga, healthy nutrition, and disciplined lifestyle to help others pave the way toward more healthy and productive lives. We aim to help those struggling in their daily lives to stay happy, healthy, and joyful.”

A former manager at BWXT, Sullivan discovered the personal benefits of yoga at age 59 and shortly after became a certified yoga instructor.

“I knew it’s what I needed—the mental clarity that comes from yoga,” he said. “In six months, I was teaching.”

Sullivan focused his training and certification on trauma-informed instruction and began teaching a yoga class for veterans at the downtown YMCA in 2018. Over the years, he gained a loyal following of students, particularly Vietnam veterans who quickly saw increased mobility and flexibility through Sullivan’s classes.

In October 2022, Sullivan was given the opportunity to expand and build on his vision by leasing the 100-year-old former Salvation Army building on 12th Street.

“We have been cleaning, restoring, and improving the building over the past 18 months to help meet current needs and to enhance the use as a health center space,” he said. “In the building, we have our yoga center where we do daily yoga classes, tai chi, cooking lessons, workshops, and retreats. We have a meditation garden and lease offices for our providers who offer their services on a sliding scale cost basis and supported by a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation.”

Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center lives true to its name. When you walk through the unassuming side door of the looming 12th Street building, you are greeted with a silencing sense of calm. The front entrance room is kept open on purpose—it’s an empty vessel waiting to be used by the community. On one evening, it may be filled with veterans gently stretching while seated in chairs. The next, it could be filled with mats, blankets, candles, and Tibetan Singing Bowls as students are guided through a sound healing. And one afternoon, the room could be filled with community members as they take a cooking class, learning techniques and recipes to cook nourishing meals for themselves and their families.

“Almost every activity at the Sattva Center is intended to promote wellness and increase mindfulness,” said Sullivan. “Weekly yoga classes and support groups for veterans and those in recovery help overcome physical disabilities and trauma experience. These practices rebalance and restore the nervous system to a natural state of health. We have retreats for women to allow release of trauma and PTSD, with support groups and counseling to augment the healing process. Sound baths, breathwork classes, energy healing, and meditation practices aid the individual in reducing stress and anxiety and returning back to the present moment. Counseling and coaching are provided for youth and adults, specifically geared toward those struggling with anxiety and depression.”

Sullivan believes that improved physical health is achieved through daily yoga classes, healthy living workshops, and nutritious cooking classes, all activities Sattva aims to offer at an accessible price.

“We also have community events like drum circles, music events, and community socials for all to find community and overcome the impact of isolation and social media,” he furthered. “These practices help those suffering from mental and emotional distress and depression.”

Of course it’s not just Sullivan taking on the responsibility of guiding the community to improved health and wellness. Within Sattva’s space, there are a number of providers and instructors, offering everything from yoga and tai chi classes to nutrition classes and energy healing.

“We try to teach people how to incorporate wellness tools into their daily lives,” explained Lauren Platanos, National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Ayurveda Instructor for Sattva.

Sattva members as well as the broader community can seek health and nutrition support from Platanos, who will focus on the individual’s health history, current health challenges, and current state of health across a full spectrum of holistic wellness. Sessions are either in-person on the second floor of Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center, where a number of providers maintain offices, or via phone or Zoom.

“I help get to the root of health challenges, uncover your personal vision of wellness, and set realistic habits and goals to move toward that vision,” she said.

“The key is bridging the gap,” continued Brooke Mays, Marketing Director and Reiki Master for Sattva. “Our goal is to make [wellness] more accessible and understandable.”

Through Reiki, Mays uses energy force to reduce stress and anxiety and encourage relaxation. Reiki is based on a century-old belief that vital energy flows through your body. Established originally by a Japanese Buddhist monk, the idea is that a reiki master, such as Mays, uses gentle touch—
or places their hands just above a student’s body—to help guide energy in a way that leads to balance and healing.

Both Mays and Platanos describe Sattva as a “multi-disciplined wellness center,” which is appropriate considering Sattva’s ever-growing roster of offerings. Their event calendar is constantly expanding with breathwork classes, self-defense training, recovery groups, youth counseling, yoga, and so much more. It’s clear that Sattva is on a mission to pour as much goodness into the community as it can and meet whatever needs that may arise.

“Our membership is small but steadily growing,” said Sullivan. “We have had over 200 people participate in our programs and activities during the past 19 months and we see this steadily growing as our community becomes informed of our services.”

The community can take advantage of Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center’s programs via a monthly membership (just $32 per month), which gives an all-access pass to any yoga class taught at Sattva. Workshops and individual classes can be reserved and paid for separately. 

“We have recently added a family yoga option for $50 [per month] for a family of two with kids,” Sullivan concluded. “The unlimited single memberships are $32. We really hope to motivate families to bring their kids and incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives to encourage healthy minds and bodies at a young age.”  

Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center is located at 300 12th Street, Lynchburg, VA. More information on membership and programs can be found at sattvacentercv.org.

White Barn Vintage’s Monthly Pop-Up is a Trove of One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Photos by Ashlee Glen

What began as a search for a lakeside retreat became a permanent landing place for Deborah Sirockman and her husband (and high school sweetheart) Marc, who moved to Leesville Lake nearly 10 years ago.

“We ended up buying a house on Leesville Lake but I never intended to live there, or even retire there, but as fate would have it the opportunity arose,” she said. 

They sold their home in New Jersey and ended up putting roots down in Virginia. Not only that, but they ended up purchasing the old Virginia Label Company and converted it into what is now known as Virginia Found Goods, a vintage shop, in Hurt.

They also operate a spring and Christmas market called “Sweet Violets.”

In December of 2022, they decided to expand and opened White Barn Vintage across the street at 711 Pocket Road.

“We thought that since Virginia Found Goods was successful, we could build a different platform where it has vendors, because Virginia Found Goods is all me,” Deborah said.

The 10,000-square-foot sister store to Virginia Found Goods features more than 30 vendors, creating a diverse and ever-changing selection of vintage finds.

White Barn Vintage sets itself apart by curating a selection that spans various styles, from industrial to farmhouse, ensuring there’s something for every vintage enthusiast.

White Barn Vintage opens the third weekend of each month and is held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the occasional evening event.

While White Barn Vintage is open, Virginia Found Goods is open as well. 

“We’re trying to make it a destination,” Deborah said. “The whole idea is to keep everything very fresh and new so that when customers come in, it’s a different experience every time and we do themes every month.”

The success of both Virginia Found Goods and White Barn Vintage can be attributed to the careful curation of items, dedication to authenticity, and the sense of community fostered by the Sirockmans. 

Despite the challenges posed by the ever-growing influx of mass-produced “vintage-inspired” items flooding the market, Deborah Sirockman said she remains steadfast in her commitment to offering genuine pieces with a story to tell.

“The continuum of things is vintage, but the differences and the beauty of vintage includes so many things that everybody’s got their own take on it,” she said. 

Some shoppers go for the industrial look while others lean toward farmhouse style. All vendors have their own style as well, Deborah said, with some who import goods from Europe and others who specialize in garden goods like small greenhouses.

“We really do try to run the gamut so that there’s something for everybody,” she said.

What she wants to avoid is reproductions, such as signs that are seen over and over again in multiple vintage stores.

“So what we’re trying to do is be as true to vintage as we possibly can.”

White Barn Vintage is more than just a store; it’s a destination. Visitors often describe it as their “happy place,” which comes from Deborah’s dedication to creating an inviting and character-filled environment. The addition of an Airstream for guest vendors further enhances the market’s appeal, turning it into a must-visit spot for vintage enthusiasts from near and far.

“I strive to make it feel like home as soon as you come in. It feels good, like you want to be there,” she said. “We’ve used a lot of vintage chandeliers and reclaimed wood. It’s a brand-new building, but we’re trying to give it some character.”

Melissa Dixon, owner of Loved and Restored LLC, sells all things vintage and loves the story behind the pieces, making her an ideal vendor for White Barn Vintage and Sweet Violets.

“Repurposing and saving a vintage treasure brings me so much joy,” she said. “In addition to true vintage, you’ll find locally made artisan products and fair-trade items in the store.
Every product has a special story attached.”

Dixon operates a pop-up brick and mortar in Appomattox but also travels and participates in markets all over.

“Deborah took a big chance and welcomed me into the Sweet Violet’s Vintage Market family years ago when I first started this business,” she said. “White Barn is truly a treasure. It’s so hard to find true vintage venues, and White Barn Vintage is filled with pure vintage.”

She knew she hit the jackpot the first day she walked into White Barn and was invited to be a part of its experience.

“I’ve been involved since the very beginning and it’s gotten better and better with each monthly market,” Dixon said. 

From a vendor standpoint, the Sirockmans go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect, she said.

“White Barn is a complete vibe. The venue is beautiful, no details were spared in the construction. Everywhere you turn there’s a fabulous vintage piece that catches your eye. It’s a true experience,” Dixon said. “You can spend the whole day engaging with other customers and vendors. So many customers have truly become White Barn family. We look forward to spending time with them every month.”

She says Deborah is a true vintage lover and appreciates the work vendors put in behind the scenes, including traveling to source products, researching every detail of the history, and creating a magical space. 

“She understands and supports every aspect! That’s hard to find! Both Marc and Deb are team players. They truly treat each vendor like an extension of their family, which does not go unnoticed,” Dixon said.

In a world where minimalism often dominates, White Barn Vintage is still a place for people who enjoy the enduring appeal of collecting unique, timeless pieces. 

“When I find something I love, I wish I could find the story of it and want to find out as much as I can about it,” Sirockman said. “And it’s a much different experience than walking into Pottery Barn and picking something out that you’re going to see, perhaps in a lot of people’s houses. These things are stuff you’re not going to find just anywhere.”

Each vintage find infuses the space with a sense of nostalgia and discovery, inviting a new generation to appreciate the beauty of the past. 

“It’s a treasure hunt, and you just never know what you’re going to come up with,” Deborah said.

In addition to White Barn’s regular market, a Sweet Violet’s Vintage Market at White Barn Vintage will be held on April 19 and 20.