Woods Goods & Mercantile Brings Back a Bygone Era

Photos by Ashlee Glen

Years ago, sitting on horseback with feet in stirrups, a group of children would saddle up and ride their stallions to a place formerly known as Tom’s Grocery. Their intention was to snag some sweet treats from the owners of the storefront, not knowing that it would someday become much more than a gas station located in front of U.S. Route 460. 

After a short period of being Witt Wholesale before it relocated, the market so loved by many sat desolate for a long while, serving only as a storage and rental unit. That was, until the Wood family discovered it. Originally hailing from Northern Idaho, Heather Wood and her family relocated to Bedford County in June of 2022, where they fell in love with the weather, scenery, and community. Instantly, Heather began searching for the perfect place to turn her dream of what would soon become Woods Goods & Mercantile into a reality. After discovering the forgotten structure, she knew that was just the place, and the Woods knew it was time to give it both new life and a whole new personality. 

“We really had no idea how much work it would require to get her heart beating again,” Wood said. 

The renovation process was a whole family affair with Heather, her husband, their two children, and Heather’s parents and brother-in-law working tirelessly to renovate the abandoned building. Together, they updated the electrical, flooring, paint, and landscaping of the old market. 

“We had to tear out 1950’s appliances and plumbing,” noted Wood. “None of us are home renovators so it was DIY trial and error. Through the process, we met locals who were willing to help and who are now dear friends of ours!”

Now, standing where horses once galloped and cars filled their gas tanks, is a remodeled home and goods store. Woods Goods & Mercantile is a family-run love letter to the olden days, holding within their walls antique pieces and heirlooms for any customer to appreciate. Wood noted that she and her family take pride in displaying items that allow their customers to feel as if they are being transported to another time.  

Those with a green thumb will feel right at home here, as well.

 “We love flowers and houseplants,” Wood said. 

She encourages customers to visit their plant room, where they are able to create their personal houseplant with the store’s abundant selection of pots and plants. 

“At Woods Goods & Mercantile, we believe that our plant buddies need their own decor,” she said. “We have many fun little plant decor items to add to your new green pet!”

Also available at their boutique is a curation of handmade novelties—ranging from woodworker MJB Artisan, who “transforms blocks of wood into beautiful bowls and jewelry boxes” to leather artist Banister Goodes who crafts purses, hats, wallets, and more. The store holds an all-natural body care line by Keitha’s Artful Garden who, according to Wood, grows many of the plants used in her products. On one corner, a shopper could discover Nana’s Nifties, who creates Memory Bears and kitchen items. On another corner, one could spot one-of-a-kind birdhouses, made from barnwood and antique hardware with original artwork by Geppettoz. 

Woods Goods & Mercantile not only caters to the avid shoppers, but also to those who happen to come along for the ride. Wood goes on to note that her family’s store even carries “‘husband’ chairs for the gentlemen to rest while their wives feather their nests.” 

“We have a booth to satisfy the huntsman, veteran, engineer, or antique connoisseur,” she said. 

After said gentleman finds his desired purchases, they are directed to bring their finds to Edison, a 1929 Model A-turned checkout counter.

“Antique vendors and consignment artists also grace our store,” noted Wood. “We support the Bedford Humane Society by selling items with 100 percent of the profit going to the Humane Society. We also contribute to CASA of Central Virginia.” 

Wood, longtime lover of home decor and antiques herself, said, “This store is a dream come true with new home lovelies, antique treasures, plants, talented vendors, and just darn good coffee!” 

She notes that she and her family are even working on transforming the old kitchen located inside the shop, aiming to turn it into a small coffee shop, where they will serve, in her words, “the most amazing coffee from Floyd, Red Rooster Coffee!” 

When asked what her favorite part of being a small business owner is, Wood answered, “feeling like a part of the community! I have met so many wonderful people and love to hear about the memories our store’s products bring back. Many of our customers are now friends!”  

Trading Post by Traber Ranch Serves Downtown Through Meats and More

Photos by Ashlee Glen

Whether you are looking for expertly crafted coffee, Wagyu beef, or anything in between, Trading Post by Traber Ranch has got you covered. 

This family business, which opened in October 2023, seeks to combine variety with convenience to ensure that everyone who enters the store finds something for them. 

Sporting a Texas theme complete with a stuffed bull’s head on the wall, Trading Post affords Lynchburg residents the luxury of relaxing in a coffee shop environment while simultaneously offering a wide variety of items similar to what one would typically find in a convenience store. Yet, while convenience stores typically include a high markup on items such as eggs and milk, Trading Post aims to sell these at prices almost identical to that of the local grocery store.

Owners Peter and Melanie Traber originally opened the shop to sell their 100-percent pureblood Wagyu beef from their cattle farm, Traber Ranch, which is run with the help of their son and daughter-in-law in Amherst County. The emphasis of the business slightly altered, however, once they realized the potential Trading Post had for serving the downtown Lynchburg community. 

The connected coffee shop offers specialty drinks such as coffee and “bull-rush” energy drinks (with myriad syrup flavors to add) as well as baked goods.

Fans of Italian cuisine will also be thrilled to learn that the Trading Post offers imported pasta from Philadelphia’s Talluto’s, which Peter Traber describes as the “best ravioli you have ever had.” The store also includes frozen options of several different cuisines such as Mexican, Indian, and Chinese.

“[Trading Post] is a place where you can get all of those things,” Peter said. “We wanted to have a place that people in the neighborhood could go to without driving out to a large supermarket as well as a community place where people could gather for coffee.”

The Trabers said that offering such a wide variety of options allows customers to limit the number of shopping trips they have to make. 

“It’s a unique store. It’s not your typical anything and I think that we are imbibing our character into the store,” Peter said. “We found that we actually don’t have to shop anywhere else during the week.”

In addition to the Trading Post itself, the Trabers plan to use the property for two additional functions. The 6,000-square-foot basement will be transformed into a sports bar complete with pool tables, darts, and beer and wine sales (the store currently sells alcohol for offsite consumption). The upstairs room behind the coffee shop will be primarily utilized as a rentable event space for weddings and other large gatherings.  

Trading Post by Traber Ranch is located at 1222 Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg. For more information visit tradingpostbytraberranch.com.

The Lynchburg Living Best Of Awards are the result of an online voting contest at lynchburgliving.com, held from July-September 2023.

Voting took place for the entire duration of the contest with write-in nominations accepted for the first few weeks. Readers could vote one time per email address in as many or as few categories that they preferred.

The winners listed inside this section are the ones that received the most votes.

Fresh Entertainment & Shopping To Downtown Area 

By Stephanie Alicia James  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

Playing games at a local arcade, receiving indoor plant education, learning dances, and shopping at a high-end thrift clothing store are all new opportunities that residents and visitors alike can now enjoy downtown. 

This new year offers fresh entertainment and shopping opportunities through businesses located in downtown Lynchburg, and the owners of these new businesses shared a common task before opening— participating in the Downtown Lynchburg Association’s Launch LYH program. The Launch LYH program aims to support entrepreneurs who are ready to start a new business, relocate their business, or expand their footprint with a downtown location. Individuals who go through the program participate in an eight-week educational course that covers all aspects of business start-up—from accounting to marketing. The eight-week period then culminates in a pitch competition, with winning pitches receiving cash grants to assist businesses in their new venture.

This year, the program was funded through a $115,000 grant from the Truist Foundation, a resource that helps build communities. 

Businesses that participated in the program and received grant funding include Super Rad!, Mosaic Collective and Threaded, Easy Speak Dance Hall & Events, and PREAM–Plants Rule Everything Around Me. Those that were selected to receive a part of the grant distribution were able to overcome financial barriers that so many entrepreneurs face when starting a business. 

“Access to capital is a hard thing especially in marginalized communities,” said Downtown Lynchburg Association Business Development Coordinator Kelvin Whitehurst. 

Along with the cash reward, Launch LYH winners were given access to other benefits, as well, including comprehensive marketing support. 

“We would help them with social media and building their websites,” said Whitehurst. The winners also received promotion through television advertisements and radio. 

For Launch LYH participants, the eight-week program was split into two tracks: Track One was for beginners, those with little to no hands-on business experience. Track Two was for more seasoned entrepreneurs who simply needed a leg-up in the downtown market. 

“It provided a foundation for new and existing businesses,” explained Whitehurst. 

Whitehurst noted that the businesses opened up right around the holidays. 

“For the Launch LYH grantees that are not retail businesses, such as Super Rad! and Easy Speak Dance Hall & Events; well, those are just two more exciting attractions people can enjoy their time at,” Whitehurst said. 

With a 22 percent vacancy rate of storefronts in the downtown area in 2022, the program became part of a solution. 

“The main point of the program was to fill vacancies at a lot of places,” Whitehurst said. 

For its debut, the Downtown Association Launch LYH first accepted applications in February 2023. Special consideration was given to small women-owned and minority businesses. The timeline for taking applications sparked a wide range of applicants. 

“One hundred fourteen people applied for the program,” Whitehurst said. “We ended up accepting 25 people.” 

Then in March, classes began. To help with the program, the Small Business Development Center taught classes that involved business start-up necessities: ordinances and taxes. The Center also handled all the small business advising. 

Also helping with the program was the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism as well as other community professionals. 

Though there is no set date yet for this year’s program, the Downtown Lynchburg Association is excited to continue the program and anticipates similar success. 

“You are going to receive an education that you cannot put a price tag on,” said Whitehurst. 

The following four businesses completed training, received grant funding, and opened a storefront downtown location right before the New Year—a program participation requirement. 

EASY SPEAK DANCE HALL 

Located at 409 5th Street Suite E, Easy Speak Dance Hall and Events attendees will be taught several dances ranging from soul line dancing to salsa dancing. 

 “We will have two to three hours of social dancing,” said Easy Speak Dance Hall and Events owner Genette Dahlby. Beyond learning to dance at the woman-owned business, people will have the opportunity to have private events. 

Dahlby recalled going through the program and that she was part of Track Two, which was the educational track for more experienced entrepreneurs. 

“I was really excited to be a part of it, “ said Dahlby. 

PREAM 

PREAM, located at 409 5th Street Suite A, is an indoor house plant shop. In addition to offering a storefront full of unique house plants, PREAM business owner Latia Hancock said that PREAM will host classes like House Plants 101 to learn basic plant care and terrarium building workshops. As a bonus, PREAM will offer events that offer relaxation and conversation similar to paint and sip but it will be referred to as plant and sip. 

Hancock was elated after receiving an email that she was selected for the program. 

“I think that I was looking for the little push. I made a lot of connections,” said Hancock, who also previously participated in another program called CO.STARTERS, which helps aspiring business owners. 

SUPER RAD! 

Super Rad!, a two-story arcade business located at 58 9th Street, features 50 to 60 arcade-style games. As the only arcade bar in Lynchburg, Super Rad! is fulfilling a unique void—a place where folks can eat, drink, and interact with one another beyond the dining table. Live gaming tournaments will also take place at Super Rad! in the future. Super Rad co-owners Culleen Jennings and Calvin Hoskins had started working on an arcade business concept in 2019 and Jennings said that he found the training helpful to get them through the final stretch of opening their business. 

“They walked us step by step,” said Jennings. “And it helped us a lot.” 

Mosaic Collective And Threaded 

Victoria Cropper, Mosaic Collective’s Chief Operating Officer, who is a business partner with owner Jen Tartini explained that Mosaic Collective and Threaded is part of a dual operation. One aspect of the business—Mosaic Collective—offers merchandise created by refugees, people experiencing homelessness, and human trafficking survivors from different parts of the world including Kenya, Thailand, and Nepal. The other arm of the business, Threaded, is a high quality second-hand clothing shop. 

Mosaic Collective, which has been in business for two years, is now in a new location after sharing a space on 5th Street with another business that closed last year. When the Launch LYH program became available, it was an opportunity for Tartini to make a pitch for a new location that incorporated an expansion. The new space is now located at 1219 Main Street. 

“It was a wonderful experience,” Cropper said of her participation in the Launch LYH program.   

Applications for the 2024 Launch LYH Program are open and will remain open until January 31. Details can be found on the Downtown Lynchburg Association website.

Eight Tips for Conquering Clutter and Reclaiming Your Space

Whether decluttering and organizing your home are on your New Year’s resolution list or not, it is undeniable that tackling these tasks can dramatically improve your outlook on and quality of life. For many of us, however, it can be hard to know where to start, how to avoid burnout, and how to maintain results. Lauren Malone, professional organizer and owner of Optimistic Organizing, understands these obstacles and has made it her mission to help people overcome them. Malone’s business, which she started in early 2020, was borne of a lifelong talent for—and interest in—organizing.

“Organizing has always been a passion of mine,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed organizing in my own home and helping friends and family. As I saw others creating businesses and being able to put that skill out in the community, it really struck a chord for me. I saw an opportunity to help more people with something that comes easily to me.”

Malone offers free consultations for prospective clients, and she also helped Lynchburg Living compile a list of eight tips to help our readers approach organization with not only an informed plan, but also with optimism.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If the mere thought of organizing unnerves you, consider reaching out for help, either from a professional like Malone or from a friend.

“I think a lot of people feel stuck and overwhelmed,” noted Malone. “They may feel like they just cannot seem to get a hold of their space. I want to be able to come into someone’s space and immediately let them know that they don’t need to apologize or feel hopeless. I want to empower people and let them know that they’re not alone.”

Optimistic Organizing offers a wide range of services including decluttering, downsizing, unpacking, and organization of individual spaces or throughout the home. Clients can decide whether they want to work with Malone or have her complete tasks independently.

If you would prefer to reach out to a friend for help, Malone recommends doing a swap. 

“If you’re not able to hire a professional, consider swapping with a friend,” she said.” Say, ‘I’ll come help you with your closet, and then you can come help me with mine!’ If you both have kids, the kids can play together while you work!”

Try to keep a positive mindset

For most of us, decluttering and organization are fairly intense undertakings that can stir up tough emotions like guilt and shame. It is no easy feat to overcome these feelings, but being intentional about celebrating small victories, listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while you work, and embracing the inevitability of imperfection can help. The goal, as Malone puts it, is to achieve
“a hopeful and confident outlook on life and organization.”

Establish what brings you joy and what weighs you down

Speaking of emotions, it is vital to sit with them when decluttering to figure out which possessions truly enrich your life and which possessions are kept only out of a sense of obligation or emotional attachment.

“Some people can get really emotionally attached to items, especially items that belonged to family members or that were given to them as gifts,” remarked Malone. “Sometimes they get so attached to those items that they continue to fill their space to the point that they don’t have room for things that truly bring them joy. When you walk into a room, you should be able to see things that make you happy.”

Remember that there is value in space

Of course, when you walk into a room, you should also be able to have space to breathe and function. When you strive for a balance between stuff and space, you are much more likely to appreciate the things you own and to find your home harmonious.

“I like to remind my clients that there is value in having space to breathe and move in,” Malone noted. “A lot of people think that acquiring more things is going to help them, but often it can really hold them back.”

Start with the space that causes you the most stress

Starting with the space that vexes you the most will likely provide you with a confidence boost and a sense of accomplishment that will make smaller tasks that much easier to complete. 

“I ask people which space is driving them the craziest,” said Malone. “A lot of times it’s the kitchen because the kitchen is the hub of a home. Sometimes, though, I might think we need to tackle a certain space first but the client wants to prioritize a different space first. Whatever is going to bring them the most relief and the best sense of accomplishment is where we start.”

When in doubt, start with storage

If you are overwhelmed by the state of the majority of your home, Malone recommends starting with your storage spaces. 

“If you’re dealing with an excessive amount of clutter throughout your home, start with storage rooms so you can start with a space that likely contains items that aren’t being used regularly and should theoretically be easier to get rid of,” she remarked. “Remember to keep tabs on things that you put away in storage and make sure that you’re only doing this with things that you will actually use later. Items that aren’t serving you outside a box won’t serve you any better packed away in a box.”

Once you commit to organizing a particular space, don’t leave it until it’s done

One of the most important—and most challenging—parts of decluttering is committing to a single task and seeing it through to completion before moving on to a different task. Stepping away from one space to put even a single item elsewhere will almost inevitably lead to further deviation from your original goal.

“My recommendation for most people is to focus on one room or one space,” noted Malone. “Do not let yourself leave that space. A lot of times people will pull an item out and say, ‘Oh, this goes in my basement,’ and then they will walk down to the basement. Then, suddenly, they are in the basement working on something else, and then they are in the kitchen making a snack. I recommend having a bag or basket for items that don’t belong in the particular space you’re organizing. Put the items in that container, and then once you’ve finished that particular space, you can put those items where they go.”

Use the S-P-A-C-E strategy

Lastly, Malone recommends using the “S-P-A-C-E” strategy, which was created by organization expert and author Julie Morgenstern. After emptying and cleaning a space, take the following steps:

S: Sort the items into categories.

P: Purge any items that you don’t need or that don’t belong in that space.

A: Assign homes to items.

C: Contain the items. For this step, Malone stresses the importance of labels, saying: “A big complaint I get from a lot of people is along the lines of, ‘I know how to stay organized, but the rest of my family doesn’t keep it that way!’ Labeling things goes a long way because it is human nature to put things where you know they are supposed to go.”

E: Evaluate each space at least once a year to maintain results.

For more information about Optimistic Organizing, visit www.optimisticorganizing.com.  

What does it mean to give back? For some, giving back means supporting one of the hundreds of nonprofits and faith organizations in our area who are the boots on the ground, serving our community day after day. For others, giving back means rolling up their sleeves and doing the work themselves. Each year, we have the privilege of honoring the latter—the businesses making a big impact outside of their day-to-day responsibilities and giving back to our community in tangible and sometimes unexpected ways.

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Dawson Ford Garbee & Co., Realtors®
Founded: 1905
Number of Employees:  40

How has your business recently impacted the community?
Most recently, our company has started a podcast to provide a platform for nonprofits and those alike. We provide, weekly, a media space for these groups to engage with the community, and to let people know all about their mission and needs. The podcast is called “Community Love”. People are excited and we are booked six months out.

Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Our company is over 118 years old. It is because of our community and the people who live here, we have been allowed to service folks in their real estate needs for over a century in south-central Virginia. It only makes sense to give back to those who have allowed us to make that happen, and to invest in this community that we hold so dear.

Black Dog Sporting Goods

Founded: 2013
Number of Employees: 3 with 1 full-time and 2 part-time 

How has your business recently impacted the community?
We help local charities and Volunteer Fire Departments raise funds through numerous raffles each year. The raffles are an excellent way for the groups to raise much-needed funds to carry on their charitable and life-saving work. A few examples include college scholarships, youth sports gear, and First-Responder gear and equipment.

Why does your business prioritize giving back?
When you are in a position to help someone, it isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s the right thing to do. We strive to give back to the community by helping others including many charities and Volunteer Fire Departments.

Collaborative Health Partners 

Founded: 2014
Number of Employees: 310

How has your business recently impacted the community?
Our VTO (volunteer time off) Program allows for employees to volunteer up to 4 hours per calendar year on company time at a charity of their choice.  We also highlight one non-profit per month to educate our teams on our local resources, as well as to make them aware of opportunities where their VTO can be used.  Isaiah House 117, Parkview Community Mission, The Center of Excellence for Polytrauma, YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program, and the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center have all benefited from our team members’ generosity and/or time this year.

Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Excellence, Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion, and Teamwork are the values we live by inside and outside the walls of our organization.  Our business takes pride in contributing to the well-being of our patients and our community.  By engaging directly with local residents and charities, we better understand the needs and concerns of the communities we serve.  We’re here to help people…attain better health for a better life!

FunQuest 

Family Entertainment Center 
Founded: Skateland was founded in 1969 it became FunQuest in 1991
Number of Employees: 25

How has your business recently impacted the community?
Our business has been here in our community for 55 years. Jim and Cindy Anderson who owned this facility previously poured into the kids, the schools and the businesses in this community. When Mason Drew started running the business, we kept that same focus. Every year we donate over 15,000 free passes to our local schools, we have given grants for schools through the Roller Skating Foundation to experience our STEM program for free. We donate to nonprofits and sponsor sports teams in our area. 

Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Our mark in the community speaks to who we are as a business. We truly aim to provide good family fun to the people in Lynchburg and surrounding counties. Our hope is that our small locally owned business would be missed if we were gone, mostly because of the way we have poured into and loved on our community to make it better. 

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Founded: Patrick Henry’s National Memorial Foundation was founded in 1944.
Number of Employees: 14 employees (6 part-time and 8 full-time).

How has your business recently impacted the community?
There are many ways Red Hill has impacted the community. One being our recent addition of Red Hill Rediscovered. It is a hybrid virtual and in-person lecture series geared towards an older audience. It is aimed to tell the history of Patrick Henry, Red Hill and his connection through people and places you know through history. 

Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Red Hill prioritizes giving back through education, culture and providing a park like setting for people to enjoy. It’s our mission to reach the younger and older audience who have a passion for history and Patrick Henry. Red Hill aims to provide accurate information by telling the whole truth about its history, Patrick Henry, and the enslaved. Red Hill outreach efforts are on a national and local level to include Appomattox, Campbell, Charlotte, Danville, Halifax, Lynchburg city and Pittsylvania counties. 

Timberlake Animal Hospital

Founded: 1963  
Number of Employees: 14

How has your business recently impacted the community? 
We foster cats at our clinic for the Bedford Humane Society and Harmony Rescue. We also sponsor multiple schools and businesses in the area (JF, Brookville, Timberlake Christian, the Jamerson YMCA, local rescues and shelters, and multiple others). Dr. Pearson has gone into elementary and secondary schools to talk about veterinary medicine to students. We have had over 15 high school and college student volunteers come and shadow regularly at our clinic to learn more about veterinary medicine, as well as veterinary students on rotation from Virginia Tech.

Why does your business prioritize giving back?
As a locally owned and operated clinic, we strongly believe in supporting our local community. We believe it is crucial to pour into our community because when Lynchburg is strong, we are all strong. Our clinic is one of the oldest in the area and we are proud of its history as it has remained locally owned and operated while other clinics have begun being owned by corporate companies located elsewhere. We also believe in investing in the future of veterinary medicine by encouraging the public to learn about its importance and educating the next generation of veterinarians
as well!

Lynchburg’s First Latin Café

Recently opened El Mariachi Café and the adjacent El Mariachi Restaurant provide downtown Lynchburg residents with a taste of Latin American culture through stellar beverage offerings as well as authentic Latin cuisine. 

For cousins and El Mariachi owners Daniel Sanchez and L.J. Pumagualle, the restaurant business has been a longtime family affair. The duo’s family opened its first El Mariachi restaurant in 2008 in Amherst County before starting a second 10 years later in Lovingston, Virginia. In August, Sanchez and Pumagualle decided to open a branch of their own, but this time with the addition of a café.

El Mariachi Café, the first Latin American café in Lynchburg as well as the first café for the El Mariachi brand, offers a robust selection of caffeinated beverages and desserts to customers. 

“We live in a diverse world, so it’s nice to have something for each area,” said Pumagualle, who is Ecuadorian. “Lynchburg didn’t have a Latin café, so we are pushing Honduran coffee, Guatemalan coffee, we want to start pushing Ecuadorian coffee, and Mexican bread and food. The Latin style is very important to me because you can do so much with it.”

While the restaurant provides patrons with a wide selection of lunch and dinner items, as well as a fully stocked bar, the café provides a more laid-back atmosphere for customers as well as includes breakfast options that aren’t available at the restaurant. It also offers specialty drinks that combine coffee with staple Latin favorites such as “horchatte” (horchata and latte combination) and a churro affogato.

Through these offerings, the business looks to share its passion for Latin culture with residents of Central Virginia as well as anyone else passing through the area. 

“I’m Mexican and I’ve kind of been disconnected from my heritage for a lot of different reasons, but this has been a way for me to connect back with my heritage through something I love, which is coffee,” manager Jeremy Angione said. “Not only are you getting the influence through the food and the aesthetics, but you’re also getting it through the people.”

As the café begins to grow and find its niche in the downtown scene, it will continue to evolve as it seeks to best serve its customers. Yet, its focus on authentic Latin cuisine will not change.

“We’re a people with a rich heritage that we like to pull from, with fresh ingredients,” Angione said. “We want to be seen as something more than just a theme or a character in a restaurant. We want to be seen as a people with a rich and diverse culture that we want to share with the people of Lynchburg and Virginia overall.”  

El Mariachi Café and El Mariachi Restaurant are located at 1001 Jefferson St., Lynchburg, VA, and customers can also visit the business’ website at www.elmariachimexfood.com.

Meals on Wheels Delivers Delight to Doorsteps

As Meals on Wheels approaches its 50th anniversary next year, the organization continues to be a pillar of community support in Lynchburg, serving individuals of all ages and income levels. Founded in 1974, the program relies on the dedication of volunteers and local fundraising efforts to provide nourishing meals and essential connections to those in need. 

Kris Shabestar, executive director for Meals on Wheels, said the organization is a community-supported entity that takes pride in meeting the needs of the local population. Unlike other programs that rely on state or federal funding, Meals on Wheels operates independently, enabling them to serve a diverse range of individuals without restrictions. From the youngest recipient at 23 to the oldest at 102, the program is committed to delivering sustenance and support to all who require it.

When government funding often comes with strict regulations and limitations, the nonprofit stands apart as a beacon of independence and discretion. Becky Tweedy, the organization’s communications director, emphasized their unique position, highlighting the freedom they have to use their discernment and adapt to the diverse needs of their recipients.

“There are unique situations that can cause someone to be homebound and we’re able to step in and fill that gap because there is a gap,” she said. “Last year 18 percent of the people we served were under the age of 60 and if we weren’t here to do that, then they wouldn’t have a resource.”

Meals on Wheels does not accept any government funding, Tweedy said, which grants them the liberty to navigate each situation individually and provide the necessary support.

The organization prides itself on its ability to respond swiftly in times of crisis. Shabestar said the organization remains agile and nimble, ready to provide assistance when unexpected situations arise. Through their emergency meals program, they ensure that anyone facing a crisis within their service area receives a meal the very next day. 

“Life happens and crazy things happen,” she said. “We are here for those crazy situations. If there’s a crisis, we can deliver a meal the next day.”

Covering 42 routes across the city of Lynchburg and Amherst and Campbell counties, Meals on Wheels relies on the dedication of volunteers to make their mission a reality. The delivery routes typically take between an hour and an hour and a half to complete, allowing volunteers to contribute their time based on their availability. 

Some volunteers commit to weekly deliveries, while others opt for monthly or occasional shifts. The flexibility and convenience of volunteering make it accessible to anyone who wishes to contribute, Tweedy said.

Tweedy estimates that they rely on the commitment of approximately 108 to 150 individuals. Each new route requires 10 to 12 volunteers, underscoring the perpetual need for volunteers to ensure Meals on Wheels can continue expanding its reach.

She said volunteers often find fulfillment in knowing they are making an immediate and meaningful difference in someone’s life. Recipients, many of whom are isolated and lack family support, greatly appreciate the door-to-door interactions and the assurance that someone genuinely cares for their well-being.

“So many of the people we serve are isolated and many of them do not have any family connections or support,” Tweedy said. “Many of our recipients do not have an emergency contact on file and if they don’t answer the door, you can bet your bottom dollar we’re calling and following up or
going to the hospital. That sort of isolation can just be devastating.”

Beyond the nutritious meals, the Meals on Wheels program serves as a vital safety check
and a meaningful connection to the community for its recipients. 

“It’s a reason to get up in the morning, it’s a reason to read the paper, it’s a reason to listen to the news. It’s someone to talk to about your interests and your habits and your activities,” Shabestar said. “People ask, ‘How’s your dog?’ ‘How’d your doctor’s appointment go?’ Relationships are absolutely vital and that is why we do so much more than just deliver meals.”

Meals on Wheels goes above and beyond the delivery of meals, recognizing the importance of uplifting recipients’ spirits during special occasions. Birthday boxes, poinsettia deliveries during the holidays, and heartfelt cards from community members demonstrate the organization’s commitment to fostering joy and a sense of belonging. 

“A couple of years ago we did a survey of our recipients and 85 percent of those said they feel better, healthier, and stronger because they get Meals on Wheels, and it’s not just the food, it is the relationship we build,” she said. “One lady said this is the only present I will receive this year. Another lady said this was the first present she’s gotten in 20 years.”

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the demand for Meals on Wheels services. They are currently delivering 65 percent more meals than before the pandemic.

While the organization has been able to expand its reach and impact, the need for more volunteers, financial support, and advocates remains critical, Shabestar said.

“We definitely need more volunteers,” she said. “Everyone can do something. We need financial support and we need advocates. There’s a real misunderstanding about what we do, and who we can serve.”

According to Tweedy, the cost of delivering a meal through the organization is approximately $5.49, totaling around $27 per week, $110 per month, and $1,300 per year. She added that it is also noteworthy that 56 percent of the people served by Meals on Wheels live at or below the poverty level. Over 80 percent of these recipients receive their meals at no cost, while 8 to 10 percent contribute what they can afford. The organization operates on a sliding scale, allowing individuals to make a meaningful investment in their care, avoiding the stigma of accepting pure charity.

Shabestar said Meals on Wheels is not solely a long-term commitment but can also be a temporary solution during recovery periods, ensuring individuals regain their independence swiftly.

Recognizing the importance of companionship, the organization has also implemented an animal program. Pets serve as vital companions, particularly for those living alone. Additionally, Meals on Wheels accepts donations of cat food to ensure that pets remain well-fed, thereby alleviating the financial burden for lower-income individuals who might otherwise share their own meals with their furry friends.

“We found that they were sharing their meals, which is not healthy for the person, so we accept donations of pet food, which is collected at a number of veterinary clinics and other sites around town,” Tweedy said.

In September, the organization will serve its three-millionth meal, a major milestone,
Shabestar said.

“We’re delivering right now just under 600 meals a day,” she said. “We deliver every day, 52 weeks a year, even holidays, and that’s all due to volunteers and this community stepping up.”  

Vintage Stores Offering Style and Sustainability

Many people would still prefer to read a paperback rather than an e-reader or capture a touching moment on film rather than on their phone’s camera. Certain things never lose their charm or the experience they give.

Even buying clothes can provide a fun and nostalgic experience for savvy shoppers. While thrift stores are nothing new, the appreciation for vintage clothing is on the rise. For many, thrifting is much more than finding a great deal on clothes. It can be a way to engage in more sustainable consumerism, or to create a signature look that is unlikely to be replicated with the clothes of today.

Tastes in fashion vary from person to person, but there are plenty of options in some of Lynchburg’s newer vintage and thrift stores. Each has its own way of keeping unique styles alive, while also making culturally conscious business choices. 

Mission Thrift

A collaborative project of Freedom 4/24 and Sports Outreach Institute, Mission Thrift is a store dedicated to offering the community an affordable place to shop for many essentials, while also supporting other nonprofits.

“Our goal is to be very collaborative and very community-focused,” Mission Thrift Manager Faith Towles said.

Located on Bedford Ave. in a former Food Lion building, Mission Thrift officially opened January 14, and has seen a consistent crowd ever since.

“We really are seeing the community, as a whole, come in the door,” Towles said.

The building is spacious enough to have several distinct sections for various household items, clothes, and even an entirely different wing of the building dedicated to furniture and large appliances such as refrigerators or ovens.

“We are an avenue for people to not throw away things. It’s amazing what items we get in,” Towles said.

Mission Thrift offers no-charge pickups for anyone wishing to give away furniture or appliances.

Although Mission Thrift offers a variety of products, Towles says that clothing is undoubtedly the biggest seller. Despite the sheer amount of clothing they take in, Mission Thrift still adheres to standards of quality to ensure customers also receive a great product.

According to Towles, if a clothing item is deemed unusable for any reason, it is packed away to be passed along to Mission Thrift’s clothing and textile recycler. The clothes stay out of the landfill and the materials can be given to communities with urgent needs around the world. To date, Mission Thrift has recycled 36,000 pounds of clothing.

Empire Fleet Vintage

With a greater focus on clothing, Empire Fleet Vintage boasts a unique array of styles and time periods on its racks. Owner Lisa Jonas opened the store May 2021, to accommodate her desire to start a business and her love for thrifting.

Part of Jonas’ goal in highlighting vintage clothing is to help combat the waste that “fast fashion” can cause.

“We don’t want to ever look down on people trying to rock their own fashion, but we like to encourage this idea of looking for pieces that are recycled, making it a little more sustainable,” she said.

Aside from the benefits of sustainability, what makes something vintage, as opposed to just secondhand, is the quality that it is made with—quality that is rarely found in modern clothing, according to Jonas.

“Having those time capsules from different periods is also really fun.”

She often gathers pieces for the store that she feels have some unique quality, but still keeps the store stocked with items with broad appeal.

“We do try to keep it curated to a degree that you don’t have to look too hard to find something that suits you,” Jonas explained.

The variety of styles at Empire Fleet is due, in part, to Jonas’ collaboration with other vintage consignors. She finds other people in the community who shop for vintage and offers them an avenue for their respective businesses.

“When they find their treasures, they can resell them here,” she said.

A+ Attire

While there is likely some cliché about couples who thrift together, Felix and Megan Guevara of A+ Attire prove there must be something to the success that their teamwork has provided.

Although you’ll sooner find A+ Attire at a community market pop-up rather than a traditional storefront, Megan also works at Empire Fleet Vintage, so some of her finds can be found there. The A+ team does business wherever they can and have made thrifting a part of their lives.

“Most of everything we’ve owned—furniture-wise, housing-wise, clothing-wise—has been thrifted,” Megan said.

Megan and Felix started A+ Attire just under two years ago. The company is named after their daughter Ainsley, whose blood type also happens to be A positive. However, the A+ also refers to the quality they seek in their repurposed clothes.

“We love to reuse and not let a lot of things go to waste,” Felix said.

Fortunately, after such a short time in business, Felix says that A+ found a degree of success early on.

“There’s a good market for it here in town. It’s an emerging market,” Felix said.

A+ likely has the most specialized vintage wear of the previously mentioned vintage stores—they specialize in vintage t-shirts and hats.

Imagining some of your old t-shirts or hats, you may not see the appeal of A+’s inventory at first, however, much like Empire Fleet, they look for items that stand the test of time and have unique qualities.

“We’re repurposing everything. That’s a big part of it, is repurposing,” Megan said.

Much of A+’s business comes from direct communications with the vintage community and their customers, who, at times, have very specific requests. Felix says that if a customer has a request, they “don’t have to put in the legwork.” Felix hunts down the requested item and notifies the customer when they’ve found it.

Megan recalls one of their more unique finds was a red satin jacket used in the 1960s-1970s television series Dark Shadows. “That was probably one of my favorite finds, to this day.”

Both Megan and Felix agree that they love finding something unique that a customer gets excited about. Continued research and discoveries into unique clothes have been a mainstay of A+’s business.

“We know infinitely more than we did a year ago. Our tastes have refined,” Felix said.  

For many newly engaged couples, wedding planning seems like a dream—until you are faced with dozens of choices all at once. From the venue to the dress (and all of those little details in between), it’s hard to know where to start!

We are here to help. Our Best Of Bridal Picks list tells you who recent brides and members of their wedding parties recommend in 27 categories. Read below to see who made the list!