Resolving Conflicts Without Court

By: Robert A. DeRise

Imagine your business is in the middle of a dispute, and it is getting contentious.

For many, unfortunately, this exercise doesn’t take a lot of imagination. Your business, let’s say a custom clothing store, has several owners.

You’ve poured blood, sweat, and tears into getting it up and running. It’s taken years of hard work. But things are finally taking shape. You’ve made a few large sales. You’re turning a profit. Just when things are starting to look up, you and your co-owners want to take the business in totally different directions. They may think the time is right for a brick-and-mortar storefront.

But you want to focus on online sales and generating positive engagement on social media.

When running a business, friendships and professional relationships alike can come under strain. Communication can break down. One side or another may begin to think about calling it quits, breaking off to form a new company, or even seek legal recourse in response to a real or perceived slight. So, what are your options when you and your company are at an impasse?

One option individuals and business owners are increasingly turning to is mediation. Mediation is a voluntary process to attempt to settle disputes without a lawsuit. It is, in essence, a settlement conference, but one that uses a neutral third-party (often a respected lawyer or retired judge), to attempt to guide the negotiations. At the mediation, the parties will start out in the same room and the mediator will begin by discussing confidentiality. Each side may make an opening statement, but that is not necessary if emotions are too high. Then the parties will break out into separate rooms, and the mediator will engage in “shuttle-diplomacy,” talking to each side about the strengths and weaknesses of their positions, to try to find common ground, and to help the parties reach a negotiated settlement.

Mediations are non-binding, so you do not have to settle if you can’t reach an agreement that is acceptable to you.

There are many benefits to mediation, especially when compared to seeking a resolution in court through litigation. Most turn to mediation for one or more of the following reasons: speed and efficiency, reduced cost, confidentiality, less formality, and effectiveness.

Speed & Efficiency. A mediation may be scheduled and completed in as soon as a few weeks. The mediation itself usually lasts no more than a day, perhaps only a few hours. Leading up to the date of mediation, a mediator may call each side independently to understand their position and may allow the parties to request and exchange targeted information needed to ensure the mediation is productive.

Contrast that with a litigation timeline, where you are likely looking at a trial date many months out at best (usually more than a year). The presentation of each side’s position to the court in legal memoranda, as well as requesting and exchanging documents (“discovery”), is often lengthy and formal, and can last many months and prompt mini fights. Often it may take years for a case to come up for trial, if it makes it that far.

Reduced Cost. Going to mediation rather than litigation can save the parties from having to spend substantial amounts on attorney’s fees. To be sure, a private mediator will have an hourly rate and their bill will have to be paid by one or both parties (split equally, or with one side covering the bill). But that extra expense for prep time and a one-day or half-day mediation will likely be a fraction of even the most cost-conscious attorney’s fees needed to prepare a case for trial.

Confidentiality. In mediation, there is no need to air your “dirty laundry” in public. In Virginia, communications during a mediation are generally treated as confidential, with a few exceptions. That helps the parties engage in a full and frank discussion to resolve the dispute. By contrast, in litigation, most filings (including the complaint that kicks off the lawsuit, briefs, and court rulings) as well as witness testimony at trial, are all matters of public record and accessible to any interested member of the public.

Informality. Going to court can appear very formal and intimidating to many—both the uninitiated and the initiated alike! And that can be a barrier to getting resolution of a real dispute. By contrast, mediation is decidedly less formal and is conducted in the privacy of a conference room. The mediator is not there as a judge and does not apply the rules of evidence. Usually, there is little emphasis on procedure and process.

Effectiveness. Finally, mediations have a proven track record for effectiveness. The American Bar Association reports that 70% to 80% of mediations end in a settlement. Those numbers should be welcome news to anyone who wants to get back to running their business and putting their dispute in the rear-view mirror. In addition, given that parties in mediation are actively involved and have had “buy-in” on any agreed-upon settlement, they typically are more likely to stay committed to that settlement than those who got a result handed down to them (whether by a judge or jury).

For these and other reasons, mediation has become an increasingly popular way to resolve intra-business disputes, disputes between an employer and employee, or between companies. Of course, it is not a silver-bullet. It requires buy-in from both sides and a willingness to negotiate in good faith. And there are costs involved.

As a result, mediation may not be appropriate in all cases, or at some stages of a dispute. There may be reasons why one would want to file a lawsuit to preserve legal claims, including before any statute of limitations expires.

If you are facing a dispute, consult with a lawyer to assess your specific options. Given mediation’s benefits as a quicker, cheaper, and more streamlined process, it should certainly be one option to consider to get back to your business and move on with your life.

We are proud to announce the 2024 Lynchburg Living Community Champions—a group of dedicated individuals whose unwavering commitment to advocacy and service has significantly enhanced our community.

These champions work both within organizations and directly in the community to support vulnerable populations, providing essential resources and support to those in need. Their tireless efforts and selfless dedication exemplify the spirit of community engagement, making a profound impact on the lives of many.

We honor their contributions and celebrate their role in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all residents of Lynchburg. Their work inspires us all to join in the effort to create lasting positive change in our community.

 

 

Joe Girandola
Horizon Behavioral Health Project Director – Grant to Benefit Homeless Individuals

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

Through perspective and life experiences, I’ve always had a personal disposition toward helping people in need, which evolved into academic and professional pursuits over the years. I’ve continued to develop this mindset, and I can recall specifically when it gave life to a principle I hold dear, “If not you, then who?” Later in my journey, I developed another motto: Just show up. These words often inspire me to do the things I can do for people or volunteer when opportunities present, and they push me to challenge myself.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? My work primarily focuses on populations experiencing disparate access to resources, such as youth or other vulnerable populations. Currently, alongside many other champions and organizations, I work with youth and families experiencing homelessness.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Many local champions for the community thrive off the generous giving of time and resources. To get involved, a person simply needs to ask, i.e., call a local organization whose mission you’d like to support, and they will provide guidance on how to get involved. Just show up.

In what ways can local businesses, organizations, or individuals better support community efforts? Any time a local business, organization, or individual gets involved to support the community the immediate and downstream positive impact can be overwhelming, even for just one person whose life circumstance significantly improves. To that end, simply start somewhere: if you have time, housing, work opportunities, or other resources, make those known by connecting with the agencies and individuals who serve to funnel these to people in need. The most important thing is to start somewhere.

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Kristin Marstin
Central Virginia Regional Rescue (CVRR) Volunteer / TNR Program Manager

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

My journey into community service began with a profound passion for animals. It started when I volunteered at a local shelter, where I was deeply moved by the stories of homeless animals. Witnessing their resilience and the difference compassionate care made sparked a commitment within me. The experience ignited a broader sense of responsibility to help those in need, leading me to explore various avenues of philanthropy. What began with a love for animals evolved into a lifelong dedication to community service, driven by the belief that every act of kindness, big or small, can make a meaningful impact.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? I am deeply passionate about helping stray, homeless cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). TNR helps reduce overpopulation, ensures healthier colonies, provides vulnerable kittens with a chance for a better life, and reduces both overcrowding and euthanasia in shelters. My commitment to these animals and those who care for them fuels my drive to create lasting, impactful change.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? One moment that will always stay with me is rescuing a kitten out of a storm drain manhole at Kroger here in Lynchburg; the community really came together to save that kitten. Employees of Kroger, my friend Shannon, and passerby all pitched in and cheered me on to help rescue this little kitten. I fostered the scared little kitten through CVRR and named her after the Kroger employee who first saw/heard the kitten and reached out for help—Bayley. Several weeks after her rescue, Bayley was then adopted by a manager from Kroger. Being a part of a rescue that brought the community together and had a happy ending really sticks with me.

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Kaleb Gay
Love LYH Market/Punk Rock Flea Market Lynchburg Coordinator & Curator

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

Our Market was born out of necessity: a desire for grassroots (wild, pollinating spaces) and free in every sense of the word. Our market fee is always sliding scale/negotiable—we want anyone who would like to participate to be able to do so.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? Punk Rock Flea Market Lynchburg is about true community and the possibility of making a connection and some extra money through expression of self. Good for the whole soul (and in this economy)!

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? Over the five years that this project has been growing, we have had all ages and types of folks set up with us. If you feel comforted even for just a few moments, it is a victory in my eyes. The LoveLYH Market is a glimpse at wholeness within our pocket of the world. “Tend to the part of the garden you can touch,” says Jack Kornfield.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Going forward I would love to see more youth/children art. Speaking as the curious child in myself (“the creative adult is the child that survived”) I know the feeling that is kindled when something I made is enjoyed by another person. That connection is as pure as any I can think of.

Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the community? The Market is a project of love—and it has so much potential.

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Nathaniel X. Marshall
BWX Technologies, Inc. Community Engagement Specialist

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

I became involved in a number of on-campus activities while at Lynchburg College, now the University of Lynchburg. After graduation and upon getting a job at BWXT, I found that I had some time on my hands to give back to the community. I decided to volunteer as a Big Brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. My community engagement took off from there.

What organizations or projects are you currently involved with? In what capacity do you work with these organizations? These are a few of my current activities: University of Lynchburg Board of Trustee (former Chair); United Way of Central Virginia volunteer (former chair and campaign chair); Virginia Board of Workforce Development board member (former Chair); Regional Workforce Investment Board board member (current Chair); Interfaith Outreach Association board member (current Chair); Vector Space board member, Salvation Army board member; Iron Lives, Inc. board member, Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living (LACIL) board member (current Chair); CVCC member of various committees (former Chair of Local Board); Roads to Recovery board member. And then there is LAYSi – Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative! It has been one of the best groups that I have been associated with for bringing businesses, non-profits, universities, colleges, schools, sororities, fraternities, teams, students, and volunteers together for a common cause.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? Through my various volunteer opportunities, I have met and shook hands with President Obama; discussed workforce issues with state leaders from across the country; worked with the last 5 governors of Virginia on workforce issues; sat at the table with presidents of state and private universities to discuss training needs. That’s pretty good for an old Bedford County kid.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Raise their hand! And show up – more than once!

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Sarah Quarantotto
Miriam’s House Executive Director

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

As a child I was always inspired by the stories of incredible individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Theresa who gave so much of themselves to improve the world around them. While I knew that my story would not be quite as grand, I also knew that I wanted the story of my life to reflect one of service to others. When selecting an education and career path, the field of social work really resonated with my values and I have loved being a social worker throughout my career.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? Early in my career I worked in community mental health with low-income families but quickly realized that it was very challenging for a household to focus on their mental health when their basic needs were not being met. Switching from a primary focus in my career from mental health to basic needs like housing has been incredibly fulfilling as this is the very foundation to an individual’s, families’ and community’s wellbeing.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? I am really proud of the ways I have led the growth and expansion of Miriam’s House over the past decade. Growing from an agency that served less than 50 people experiencing homelessness a year to now serving over 500 has required a great deal of commitment and partnership from our staff, board, volunteers, donors and partners and I am really proud to have led this effort.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? It has been so encouraging to see the variety of ways individuals have contributed to ending homelessness in this community. From landlord partners who have provided our families with a second or third chance at housing, to local employers who have provided job opportunities for single moms trying to support their families, to individuals who contribute small monthly amounts to support our mission, to volunteers who make Miriam’s House welcoming to those who live here.

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Mark Dalton
Terry Volkswagen Subaru General Manager

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

At Terry, Inc., giving back has always been part of our DNA. Working alongside the team, especially in partnership with Subaru of America, has inspired me to embrace the importance of paying it forward. Their unwavering commitment to the community reminds me that success transcends business—it’s about making a real difference in the lives of others. I feel privileged to have the resources and support to contribute, and I take that responsibility to heart.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? At Terry, I’ve found a strong commitment to supporting youth and pets in need, which aligns perfectly with my own values. Through Subaru’s Love Promise initiative, we give back monthly and take pride in participating in events like youth turkey and duck hunts and technical center partnerships. These initiatives not only create growth opportunities but also ensure we’re making a difference in the lives of vulnerable groups. Being part of a company that prioritizes these values inspires me to contribute even more to our community.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? One of our most impactful initiatives has been partnering with the Campbell County Technical Center. Each year, we host students at Terry, Inc., offering them hands-on experience in the automotive industry. Over the years, several students have transitioned into full-time employees, which speaks to the success of the program. Watching them grow from students to professionals has been incredibly rewarding and reinforces our commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development.

Additionally, through our work with Subaru’s Love Promise, we’ve made a difference by supporting organizations like the Lynchburg Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, and local schools. These partnerships have allowed us to stay connected to the community, contribute to causes that matter, and give back in ways that positively impact lives.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Volunteering time can make a huge impact. Organizations like Meals on Wheels and the Lynchburg Humane Society always need help. Even a few hours of your time can contribute meaningfully and strengthen the community.

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Bishop S.Y. Younger
The Ramp Church International Senior Pastor

What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

My philanthropic inspiration has to be my mother and grandmother. We didn’t have a lot of worldly possessions but whatever we had they were more than willing to share it. I watched my mother take a plastic bag and go through our cabinets to give a lady in the neighborhood food for dinner. My grandmother took care of other people’s children while the parents got on their feet. The house was small and was already filled to capacity, but she and grandfather always had a way of squeezing one more.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? I often feel that my heart is pulled into so many directions that I get overwhelmed. I’m learning to serve what’s in front of me. Recently I discovered that the City of Lynchburg had a homeless bed deficit. I’ll be honest I tried to look away hoping that someone else would pick up this torch, but I couldn’t ignore the need. I shared with my church that the mandate to take care of the homeless is a core value of our Christian faith. Our own Savior was faced with a similar problem at his birth. Our church along with other local churches will be partnering together opening the Refuge on Memorial this December. This facility will house the unsheltered in our city.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? With all of our initiatives we’re always open to collaboration and partnership with like-minded people and organizations. Contributions are always needed but the contributions do not always have to be monetary. There are individuals who may be willing to contribute time. Anyone interested can go to our website www.therampchurch.com for the Refuge on Memorial and they can go to bishopyounger.com for the B. Younger Academy in Pakistan.

How do you stay motivated and energized in your work, especially during challenging times?

Doing nonprofit work while utilizing mostly volunteers with limited funds can be very exhausting. What keeps me energized and motivated is that I actually believe that I’m walking out a purpose that’s greater than me. I sincerely do not believe that any of us are successful until we have made someone else’s life better. When I start feeling overwhelmed, I stop and center myself. I remind myself of how far we have come and then rehearse the testimony of that journey.

By the time I’ve been considering those things I am quickly reminded that anything that I’ve accomplished is because God provided. I often say if it’s God’s will then it’s God’s bill.

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Sarah E. Blankenship
Community Enthusiast
Organizations: Central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence (CVANE), Pierce Street Gateway & Pierce Street Community Garden, Literacy Advisors of Campbell County, LYH Nonprofits, Social Solutions

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

During my time at Bank of the James, I had the privilege of meeting Vickie Spencer, who selflessly dedicated herself to serving her community. She was a great inspiration to me and taught me the importance of contributing to meaningful causes, not just through financial support, but also through acts of service. My involvement in Leadership Lynchburg further fueled this passion, as it presented us with a community challenge and allowed us to brainstorm the best ways to address it. This is how the Pierce Street Community Garden came to fruition.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about?

Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? I am deeply committed to breaking down barriers in our community. Issues such as food insecurity, job preparedness, and financial wellness not only impact individuals directly but also hinder our entire community from reaching its full potential.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? The most significant accomplishment in my endeavors thus far has been the establishment of the Pierce Street Community Garden. As a member of Leadership Lynchburg Class 45, our team was tasked with addressing food insecurity. Leveraging our diverse skill sets, we conducted thorough research on the issue and developed viable solutions. Through engagements with various non-profit organizations, we identified a substantial food desert within the Pierce Street Historic Renaissance District characterized by inadequate access to fresh produce, limited transportation, and the absence of nearby grocery stores. To address this issue, our team, known as Big Hearts, collaborated with Pierce Street Gateway to construct a raised bed garden on their premises. Our garden’s dimensions and design were informed by research into Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommendations for raised bed gardens. By partnering with local establishments such as Lowe’s in Madison Heights and JMJ, The Landscape Supply Center, we managed to construct the garden without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. Engaging with the local community enabled us to ascertain their produce preferences, and subsequently, we collaborated with Lynchburg Grows to acquire the appropriate seeds. The success of this project has been made possible through the contributions of numerous organizations, which continue to support the initiative to this day.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? I strongly encourage anyone with the desire and capacity to make a difference to take action. There is no greater satisfaction than giving without expecting anything in return. SHARE Greater Lynchburg provides a valuable directory of nonprofit organizations, their requirements, upcoming events, and additional information. If you are considering getting involved,
I recommend starting by exploring their resources.

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Dr. Mason Bates
Bates Family Orthodontics
Orthodontist / Owner

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

From its inception, Bates Family Orthodontics has been committed to building lasting relationships that allow our team to love, serve, empower, and impact our community. I consider it both an obligation and a calling to give back to the wonderful community that not only supports my practice, but also that I am raising my family in. I once heard a speaker say in regards to living generously, “we are meant to be rivers, not reservoirs.” That stuck with me and I decided that no matter where I was at in my career, I would strive to operate from a position of constantly flowing generosity towards my community.

Can you describe the primary causes or initiatives you are passionate about? Are there specific issues or populations you are most dedicated to supporting? Several areas that I am particularly passionate about are: youth ministry/mentorship, helping those who are lacking in resources, oral hygiene/dental health education, and preventing/ending human trafficking.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? The leadership of Park View Community Mission and I have been working on an Oral Health Initiative which would incorporate dental hygiene items into their already established Food for Thought program. Unfortunately, many children in our local community do not have access to essential dental hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.), placing them at a significant disadvantage in maintaining good oral health. This is partly because the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not cover hygiene items, and the price of these items has increased. This contributes to an increased risk for dental problems (early childhood caries, early loss of teeth, etc.) that can detriment the overall well-being of these children (psychosocial problems, inability to focus on learning due to pain, negative perception by peers, etc.).

How do you stay motivated and energized in your work, especially during challenging times? Passion. I love what I do. I’ve also got a pretty great support system in my family, my team at work, and my friends which certainly helps.

It’s important to be honest and lean on those around you for encouragement or help when it’s needed. We aren’t meant to operate alone.

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Blake Bryant
Puzzled Car Shows/Puzzled Events CEO/Founder

How did your journey of community service/philanthropy begin? What inspired you to start giving back to your community?

My wife, Andrea Bryant, and my sister, Jennifer Bryant Foster, inspired me with all the good work they do and that made me want to do more.

What organizations or projects are you currently involved with? I am passionate about anything having to do with children and autism awareness. I am involved with Amazement Square, the Foster Foundation, and Puzzled Events. For the Foster Foundation and Amazement Square I am an advocate. I am the CEO of Puzzled Events.

What have been the most impactful moments or achievements in your community work? Is there a particular experience or accomplishment that stands out? I’ve won lots of awards, been on the cover of magazines, and been on multiple media platforms, but none of that is as rewarding as seeing the smiles on the children’s faces that I have helped.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work in the community? Are there individuals, organizations, or experiences that have shaped your approach to service?

The biggest influences in my life have been my sister, Jennifer Bryant Foster, and my wife, Andrea Bryant. Seeing them give to the community has been the spark that I needed to begin giving back to the community.

How do you think others can get involved or contribute to the causes you are passionate about? Others can help by volunteering and offering a hand to a child in need.

How do you stay motivated and energized in your work, especially during challenging times? Whenever I get down, I think about the children I am helping and that helps me to keep going.

Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the community? Children on the autism spectrum struggle everyday. We all can take some of their struggle away by offering a helping hand to them.

From local events to new traditions you can start in your own home, there are many ways to enjoy and cherish this season.
Here are just a few (or 50!) ideas to get you started.

1. Visit Bright Nights in Downtown Lynchburg
Enjoy the festive light displays and holiday decorations throughout the downtown area.

2. Attend the Christmas Parade
Participate in Lynchburg’s annual Christmas parade, featuring floats, bands, and Santa Claus.

3. Shop at the Holiday Maker’s Market at the Academy Center of the Arts
Browse through local crafts, holiday gifts, and seasonal treats at this charming market.

4. Take a Scenic Winter Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Enjoy the beauty of winter in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains with a peaceful hike.

5. Ice Skating at the Ice at River Ridge
Spend a fun-filled day ice skating with family or friends at this popular local spot.

6. Attend a Christmas Concert at the Academy Center of the Arts
Enjoy holiday music performances ranging from classical to contemporary.

7. View the Decorated Historic Homes in Garland Hill
Take a self-guided tour of the beautifully decorated historic homes in Lynchburg’s Garland Hill neighborhood.

8. Attend the Christmas Tree Lighting at Craddock Terry
Welcome the holidays with the rest of the community at this treasured annual event

9. Bake Holiday Cookies with Family
Spend an afternoon baking and decorating festive cookies together.

10. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Gather loved ones for a cozy movie night featuring classic holiday films.

11. Participate in a Christmas Eve Luminary Event
Light up your neighborhood by participating in a luminary display.

12. Have a Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a hot chocolate station with different toppings like marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream.

13. Go Caroling in Your Neighborhood
Spread holiday cheer by singing carols with friends or family around your neighborhood.

14. Host a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Invite friends and family for a fun and competitive gingerbread house decorating session.

15. Create a Holiday Scrapbook
Document your favorite holiday memories and activities in a special scrapbook.

16. Volunteer at a Local Charity
Give back by volunteering your time at a food bank, shelter, or community event.

17. Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Arrange a fun and festive gift exchange with friends, family, or coworkers.

18. Make Homemade Holiday Cards
Craft personalized cards to send to loved ones, adding a special touch to your holiday greetings.

19. Attend Christmas at Avoca
Step into a winter wonderland of enchantment and joy as Avoca Victorian Mansion opens its doors for a heartwarming celebration of the season.

20. Visit Poplar Forest for Christmas Tours
Explore Thomas Jefferson’s retreat, decorated for the holidays with special tours and events.

21. Attend the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert
Enjoy a festive evening of holiday music with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra.

22. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Downtown Lynchburg
Experience the charm of the season with a scenic carriage ride through the city. Carriage rides are available during the Lynchburg Community Market’s Mistletoe Market season.

23. Enjoy a Christmas Tea at Ploughcroft Tea Room
Relax with a holiday-themed tea service. The Ploughcroft Tea Room will close for business on December 18 after an incredible 14 years in our community. They have become a pillar in Lynchburg’s downtown and will be missed.

24. Attend a Holiday Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard
Sample seasonal wines and enjoy the festive atmosphere at a nearby vineyard. For a nearby experience, visit Reserve in downtown Lynchburg, or travel a bit further to visit Veritas Vineyards & Winery, including their walking lights display.

25. Take a Holiday Photo at Monument Terrace
Capture a memorable holiday photo with the iconic Monument Terrace as your backdrop.

26. Visit the Lynchburg Museum’s Holiday Exhibit
Learn about local holiday traditions and history at the museum’s seasonal exhibit.

27. Experience a Christmas Candlelight Service
Attend a traditional candlelight service at one of Lynchburg’s historic churches.

28. Go Sledding or Have a Snowball Fight
Enjoy a wintery day outdoors with some classic snowy fun. Fingers crossed for snow this year! If not, visit Snowflex or nearby Wintergreen.

29. Decorate the Christmas Tree Together
Make tree decorating a special family tradition.

30. Host a Holiday Potluck Dinner
Gather friends and family for a potluck with everyone bringing their favorite holiday dish.

31. Organize a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of holiday-themed items for a fun scavenger hunt around your home or neighborhood.

32. Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Explore the winter landscape and look for seasonal wildlife.

33. Create a DIY Advent Calendar
Make your own advent calendar filled with small treats or activities for each day. See opposite page for ideas.

34. Make a Holiday Playlist
Curate a playlist of your favorite holiday songs to enjoy throughout the season.

35. Have a Pajama Day with Holiday Activities
Spend a relaxing day at home in your pajamas, doing holiday crafts, and watching movies.

36. Attend a Holiday-Themed Workshop at Vector Space
Join a community makerspace for a creative holiday project.

37. Make Handmade Ornaments
Create personalized ornaments to decorate the tree or give as gifts.

38. Host a Holiday Game Night
Play festive games with family or friends.

39. Make and Deliver Holiday Treats to Neighbors
Spread goodwill by sharing homemade treats with your neighbors.

40. Go for a Drive to See Christmas Lights
Take a leisurely drive through Lynchburg to admire the best holiday light displays. Keep an eye on Living in Lynchburg and Lynchburg Macaroni Kids for an updated listing of houses.

41. Host a Virtual Holiday Gathering
Connect with distant loved ones through a festive online celebration.

42. Reflect on the Season with Gratitude Journaling
Take time to write down what you’re thankful for and cherish the season’s moments.

43. Attend the Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park
Keep an eye on the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation’s social media for specific walking-only nights. Otherwise, cars are allowed at any time.

44. Have a Cozy Night in with Holiday Books
Spend an evening reading holiday-themed books with hot cocoa.

45. Attend a Holiday Cooking Class
Learn how to prepare a special holiday dish at a Flour District Cooking Class.

46. Start a Yule Log Tradition
Craft your own with foraged materials or try your hand at baking one (recipe on page 119).

47. Attend a Community Hanukkah Celebration
Check out local synagogues or community centers for events featuring music, games, and menorah lightings to celebrate the Festival of Lights together.

48. Host a Winter Solstice Celebration
Embrace the longest night of the year by gathering friends for a cozy evening of storytelling, reflecting on the past year, and sharing hopes for the future.

49. Create a New Year’s Reflection Ritual
As the year ends, set aside time for family or friends to share their highlights and challenges of the past year and intentions for the year ahead, perhaps while enjoying a festive meal or treats.

50. Visit Mistletoe Market
Enjoy a cozy morning at the Lynchburg Community Market during their Mistletoe Market season. Special seasonal vendors will be present alongside the market’s regulars.

The Community-Building Power of the Village Concerts Series

By: Emily Mook / Photos by: Brianne Friberg

The power of music is boundless and often paradoxical: it hearkens back even as it innovates, it defines moments in time and is defined by those moments in seemingly equal measure, it can inspire conflicting emotions within seconds, and it can transport listeners while simultaneously making them feel more grounded. And yet, despite its myriad complexities and its capacity for evading definition, music has at its center an abiding feature: the ability to foster meaningful connection. 

Music can—and does—mean entirely different things to different people, but anyone who listens to it can agree that it is meaningful, and so we find ourselves listening to it, talking about it, and perhaps even making it together. In the extraordinary case of Polly King and Van Holton, music has led to finding a life partner and hosting a groundbreaking concert series together that spotlights and nurtures music’s singular community-building power: the Village Concerts Series.

King started the Village Concerts Series in Palmyra, Virginia, in 2007 and met Holton
when he attended one of the concerts in 2009. Long before that fateful meeting, music had
played a significant role in both of their lives.

“I’ve been a groupie since the late 60s,” Holton remarks. “Nobody could ride in the backseat of my Volkswagen because I had so many boxes of 8 tracks back there!”

For King, music was a constant in a childhood characterized by frequent change.

“I was an army brat, and we ended up traveling quite a bit,” she recalls. “My mom loved to sing and cofounded a choir in Wilmington, North Carolina, many, many years ago. We always had a piano and I learned to play the flute.”

At a certain point, King realized that she felt more suited to playing a supporting role when it comes to music, and this realization played a role in her decision to get her master’s degree in Arts Administration.

“I always loved the arts in general and gravitated toward creative people,” she notes. “I always felt that many of my friends were more creative than I was, but I was a good organizer and support person. When I ended up going to graduate school at Virginia Tech, I went for a MFA in Arts Administration with the full intention of being the background person.”

After attaining her degree, King traveled widely and worked for the Baltimore Symphony, a chamber music and jazz producing company in Mount Gretna, and an ethnic folk arts center and a baroque chamber ensemble in New York City. Subsequently, her then-husband got an arts job in Abingdon and hired her to put together an arts series that they called “The New Traditions.”

“The series lasted about three years,” says King. “We featured music, lectures, and films. It was a lot of fun and really brought people together in a good way.”

These experiences, coupled with a desire for connection, led King to start the Village Concerts Series in Palmyra in 2007.

“I started the concert series in Palmyra because I was lonely,” she remarks. “I lived in a village of twelve houses, ten of which were occupied, and when I was home on the weekends, people were gone. I didn’t see very many people. So, I thought, ‘Well, I know how to push furniture back in my living room and put up folding chairs and host concerts,’ and that’s what I did. The first year was rough and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to continue because we didn’t have a lot of people coming for the parties, but then more and more people started coming and this wonderful community of music lovers was built up around a common theme of sharing live music.”

As luck would have it, one of those attendees was Holton, who had incidentally had a similar realization to King about playing a supporting role when it comes to music.

“It used to frustrate me that I can’t sing or play an instrument, but then I learned a word: aesthete,” he states. “An aesthete is an expert appreciator.  That’s me; I can do that!”

And so, although neither King nor Holton sang or played an instrument on that fateful day in December 2009, music—in its limitless capacity for facilitating connection—brought them together.

Holton built King a gardening shed (which was actually more suited to serve as a stage), and in 2013, the pair began hosting annual outdoor “SHED Song” concerts in addition to several indoor concerts per year. The two wed in their backyard in Palmyra in 2015 between the second and third bands of that year’s outdoor concert.

In 2018, the couple decided to move to Lynchburg. After looking into hosting concerts through various commercial venues, they ultimately decided to host concerts at their home on Harrison Street in 2020. After hosting one concert in January and one in March, however, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. In late 2021, they moved to their current home and started presenting again.

Location changes aside, the Village Concerts Series has retained certain qualities from the start: it features a mix of Sunday matinee shows (seven to nine per year) and an annual “SHED Song” show the weekend before Father’s Day, attendees are invited through a mailing list and pay strictly on a voluntary basis, the shows are deemed “listening shows,” and the caliber of music presented is always topnotch.

Because attendance is limited to a mailing list—a longstanding but also ever-growing list—of Holton and King’s friends and friends of friends, Village Concerts are able to operate in a non-capital driven and organic capacity. The couple asks attendees for voluntary contributions and then makes up the difference from their own pockets.

“The folks who attend the concerts are not patrons—they’re friends,” notes Holton. “It’s not about commercialization. We don’t make or keep a dime. We love to introduce our friends to our other friends who just happen to be musicians!”

According to King, “guests can come up and talk to the musicians in the potluck line and have one-on-one conversations that they would never have elsewhere.” That intimate feel also extends to the concerts themselves in that they are considered “listening shows.”

“People come here and learn that musicians want to be listened to,” King says. “It’s rare to be at a show where people actually listen. We’ve had people cry in the audiences of the concerts we host because they’re so moved—the beauty of the music and the experience moves them to tears. People stop talking and truly listen, and the musicians really appreciate that.”

Village Concerts Series concerts are not limited to specific genres of music, but they all feature first-rate talent.

“When people ask what kind of music gets played at the concerts, I always say that it’s good music,” says Holton.
“It could be jazz, folk, bluegrass, rock and roll—it could be just about any genre. It’s professional, high-shelf music. These are artists who live to play music. I personally admire strong stage presence, beautiful timing, and a good backstory. I love to see what music does to a room.”

Past featured artists include Wayne Henderson, Mike Seeger, The Honey Dewdrops, The Steel Wheels, Will Kimbrough, Mary Gauthier, Ana Egge, Morgan Wade, David Olney, Love Canon, David Wax Museum, Arkansauce, Palmyra, Abe Partridge, The Matt Flinner Trio, Tony Furtado, Maeve Gilchrist, Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin, Eric Taylor, James and Vivian Leva, Danny Knicely, Tony Trishka, Robin and Linda Williams, Michelle Malone, Seth Walker, and more.

Additionally, at the time of publication of this issue, the Blue Newt Band—a popular and award-winning Lynchburg-based band from the 1990s through the 2000s—will have reunited for their first performance in almost 20 years for a special Village Concert on August 31. The show will have been open to the public and all voluntary donations will have gone to the Lynchburg Daily Bread.

An upcoming collaboration with the Academy Center of the Arts (ACOA) will also increase access to the Village Concerts Series’ unique charms. The Academy will host shows coordinated by Village Concerts in their new Music Hall or in the Warehouse Theater, with the first show slated for September 20.

“Polly and Van are bringing acts to the Academy that they could not bring to their own venue, whether because of audience size, cost of artist, etc.,” remarks Tabitha Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of ACOA. “These acts will be reviewed by an internal committee and presented through the Village Concerts brand. I love how Van and Polly have created a niche audience, and our hope is that we can bring their influence to downtown Lynchburg to continue to diversify the music scene in the arts and culture district. They have a reputation and a following and we are honored to combine our resources to benefit the community.”

As more and more voices add their harmonies to the beautiful melody that King and Holton have composed with the Village Concerts Series, Lynchburg stands to become an even more sought-after musical destination—a fact that is music to King’s ears.

“I find the sense of community especially rewarding,” she notes. “Even though I called the concerts ‘Village Concerts’ because I lived in the village of Palmyra, what has actually grown up around it is a village of people.”  

Smith Mountain Lake’s Pirate Days Set Sail

By: Olivia Carter | Photos courtesy: Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce & P.J. Nagel

Pirates and landlubbers alike rejoice as the 11th annual Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is back again, from July 19 to July 21.

What started as a handful of buccaneers has grown into a grand spectacle, drawing thousands from near and far, doubling in size with each year.

Led by P.J. Nagel, commodore and chief organizer, Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is a gathering of the local community and a chance for businesses to come together in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

Pirate Days was started as an effort to bring lake area businesses together to “pick up the slack” after Fourth of July, Nagel said.

“Business kind of took a tank and the theme of Pirate Days was introduced for local businesses to basically create a new holiday and it’s since morphed into a community event,” he said.

In its first year a handful of attendees, including Nagel and his crew, took to the waters and were met with curious stares from onlookers who were unsure of what was going on, Nagel said.

For the first event, there were just ten people dressed as pirates, he said, and six were with him.

“We actually decorated a boat and sailed around to different ports on the lake and people were looking at us like we were strange and had no idea what was going on,” he said. “It wasn’t marketed, it was something sent out through the Chamber of Commerce to the businesses and basically, they said, ‘Hey, this weekend is going to be pirates weekend.’”

With each passing year, Pirate Days grew and what began as a small gathering soon escalated into a full-fledged event, complete with pirate balls, sea battles, and celebrations.

But as the event grew, so too did the need for a larger space—Bridgewater Plaza, the event’s original home, eventually became too small to contain the pirates and those on land looking on.

Every year, Pirate Days looked for larger harbors, finally finding room at Crazy Horse Marina.

“We realized that, if we increase again, we’re not going to be able to stay here, right? So we started looking for a new venue and we ended up moving the entire event to Crazy Horse Marina because of the size of the property. And with moving there we subsequently saw just as much of an increase in attendance as the previous year and each year it just keeps stepping up,” Nagel said.

However, with the sale of Crazy Horse Marina, Pirate Days found itself once again without a venue.

The new venue must be waterfront and the overall space must be able to fit 100 vendors as well as a few thousand vehicles.

The events over the weekend include a Pirates Ball at Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Marina, where staff dress as pirates and professional pirates pay a visit. There are bands playing throughout the weekend as well as mermaids swimming around, Nagel said. Pirate crews from multiple states come for the event and bring their cannons and vendors are set up on land.

Shadow Players Stage Combat Group, theatrically trained swordsmen from Raleigh, will be in attendance and there will also be sea shanty groups that play music and sing. 

Not including volunteers, there are just five paid staff members who put the weekend on.

Last year, the event brought in 10,000 over the weekend.

A large portion of Pirate Days is the water battles that take place over the weekend and many spectators watch from land.

Nagel said the water fights mysteriously evolved during the third or fourth year.

“It’s something that just happened, and it took off like wildfire. It’s nothing that we coordinate. It’s nothing that we regulate other than putting out a public service announcement,” he said.

He said pirates on the lake will load their boats with kids and super soakers and drive around the lake “attacking” other boats with water battles and it happens throughout the entire weekend.

“We do advertise a time that they should be there and the reason why we were doing that in the past is because the Virginia Dare [cruise boat] would sail to whatever venue we were at, and they sell a pirate cruise and they outfit all their customers with water guns and they would sail to a location. So in an effort to coordinate the arrival of all these public boats, we’d set a time,” he said.

Due to the popularity and size of the event, many of the area rental homes get sold out ahead of time.

“If you talk to any real estate agent that rents houses, or a real estate company that rents houses on the lake, you’d be hard pressed to find one that will tell you that the third weekend of July isn’t the most requested week of the year,” he said. “These people are spending a fair amount of money not just for the house, but they’re going to all the retail stores and all the restaurants. So the economic impact for the businesses is widespread.”

Pirate Days also employs volunteer groups from non-profits such as the Bedford Humane Society, the American Legion, and local churches. Volunteers contribute to various tasks and in return, organizations receive monetary donations. 

Nagel’s dream is to one day expand Pirate Days into a larger event like Gasparilla in Florida, which draws 700,000 people to a one-day event.

But the biggest thing Nagel takes away from the weekend is interacting with the kids that come out.

“Pirate Days is and always will be family-friendly and every year there’s always a couple of kids that stand out.”

He looks at a photo of a kid who came dressed as Captain Hook the second year the event was held who challenged Nagel to a sword fight. The kid, now a teenager, still attends and finds Nagel each year.

“We have updated pictures of the sword fight every year with the same kid,” he said. “So it’s always…it’s about the kids.”  

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.”  

Lynchburg’s First Childcare Center Continues to Thrive

Photos by Ashlee Glen

As a child of former enslaved parents, living in a time when Black Americans had to piece together their lives with what the era would allow, Mary McLeod Bethune understood the importance of preserving family and ensuring children are properly cared for, no matter their circumstances. 

Despite the challenges and injustices facing Black Americans, including segregation, Mary would go on to found Bethune Nursery School, Lynchburg’s first childcare center, in 1936.

Today, Mary Bethune Academy carries on the legacy of its founder, nestled among a quiet neighborhood on Halifax Avenue, emphasizing its place in the community.

Although it is a daycare center for families who need childcare, Mary Bethune Academy embraces
its academy moniker acting as an early learning center.

The academy partners with the United Way of Central Virginia and receives federal assistance for roughly 70 percent of families, helping to make resources for the academy and childcare rates for families as accessible as possible.

As you enter the academy, every color imaginable is splashed over the walls, tiles, and furniture to keep the young minds engaged. Four classrooms divide up children by age, from infants to toddlers, with each class overseen by a lead teacher and an assistant or two.

“I’m thinking about what has contributed the most to our center’s longevity, and I really do keep coming back to our staff and the incredible job they do every day with our children,” said Karen Fitzgerald, Director of Office Operations for Mary Bethune Academy. “They really do treat every child as if he or she is their own, and they truly have a passion for children and wanting them to succeed. They are, without a doubt, the reason our center is trusted and supported by the Lynchburg community, and has been for almost a century.”

A few staff members at the academy have been woven into the long legacy of Mary Bethune, caring for generations of families in Lynchburg over the years.

Director of Facilities and Senior Lead Teacher Mary York has worked at Mary Bethune Academy since 1994, and her dedication to the community of families and children in Lynchburg has not wavered over that time.

York was born and raised in Chicago to a single mother who had to work while Mary attended daycare. York cites her mother as her initial inspiration to enter the childcare field. She went on to receive her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Mary, her husband, and her three kids moved to Virginia in 1984, where she has lived since. Now a grandmother to seven, Mary says that “being a parent and a grandparent helps me to understand the concerns and expectations parents have when they place their children into someone else’s care.”

“From when I started to now, I believe I’m more in-tune with my kids. I see their potential and enjoy listening to their views and explanations on everything,” York said.

As York speaks about her work at Mary Bethune Academy, she often, if not always, refers to the children attending as “my kids.”

Considering the teachers at Mary Bethune care for and teach children in their most formative years, Fitzgerald’s thought that the academy is “kind of like a little family” is demonstrated every day the center opens its doors.

“Working at MBA has brought me closer to the community because I’ve gotten to know the families. I am fortunate that I have been at MBA for so long that I’ve had the children of former children in my class. I think we, as childcare workers, become part of a child’s extended family,” York said.

Because of her continued dedication to quality childcare, York was recently awarded the Heart of Service Lifetime Achievement Award. The Virginia-based award is granted to the individual with “longevity and overall excellence in the field, with 20 plus years of service, and a demonstrated commitment to a career of caring for children.”

York’s consistent work over 30 years likely made her an ideal candidate. Reflecting on her career, York suggests that childcare has mostly remained the same over the years, as teachers try to support the social and emotional needs of their kids, with a recent and increasing focus on their readiness for elementary school.

“I feel that receiving this award means that I have truly made a positive impact on the lives of the children and families MBA has served,” York said.

While the academy staff are experts in their field, there are many challenges inherent to the work they do. York says that the most prevalent issue is having enough space and resources to accommodate the increasing childcare needs of the community. Fitzgerald echoes that sentiment saying that there is “no such thing as a slow season.”

“We are always looking for new ways to partner with our local schools and area organizations to provide services for more children and their families,” York said.

Fortunately, Mary Bethune Academy will soon make an addition to its facility that the kids will likely enjoy much more than the parents and staff. A new state-of-the-art playground is under construction, and set to be complete by Spring 2024, thanks to several donations to the facility. 

No matter the shape of the facility, the academy is continually ensuring that Mary McCleod Bethune’s legacy of care and love for all of the community’s children is being carried on through the generations.  

A Curious History Walking Tour

By Izzi Diaz Young | Photos by Ashlee Glen

The history of Lynchburg, Virginia is lengthy and engrossing. From its origin to where it stands today, there are hundreds of thousands of facts that can be found on each corner; each one more interesting than the last.

This is the basis of Curious History Walking Tours, an hour-long journey into the depths of the city of the Seven Hills. Guided by its CEO, or as she likes to call herself, “Curious Executive Officer,” Kathleen Davis started digging into Lynchburg’s past after hearing a peculiar story about the city years ago. From there, in her own words, Kathleen “just kinda never stopped researching.”

At a young age, Davis was exposed to the world of information, content creation, and journalism. Growing up in the heart of Decatur, Alabama, her family consisted of producers, videographers, and a retired anchor.

“As a kid, I could see how electrifying chasing down a story could be,” Davis stated. “You can’t plan on breaking news. My mom would get the call to go in and we’d rush to the TV station as if we were there to tell the world, or at least North Alabama, about whatever had happened.” 

Soon enough, Davis’s mother began her own advertising agency where she’d let Kathleen assist in creating “catchy ideas for clients.” She continued following in her mother’s footsteps and eventually graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Advertising; shortly thereafter beginning her own career in Atlanta, Georgia, at The Weather Channel. 

“Atlanta is where my love for performing and stand-up comedy came to life,” Davis reflected. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis and her now wife, Gail Goldsmith, made the decision to relocate. 

“We decided to start our life together in a new city with new jobs and basically a fresh set of everythings that we’d build together,” Davis explained. “After trying out a few places, Lynchburg felt like home.” 

Changing addresses in the midst of a pandemic came with a limited access to social life in their new city, so Kathleen and Gail mainly spent their time enjoying the scenery and looking in on Lynchburg life. 

“We would take the dogs on a walk down Rivermont and take turns saying, ‘Look at that house,’ or, ‘And that one!’ until eventually I couldn’t take it anymore,” she said.

She was overcome with curiosity, wondering, “Who built all of these beautiful mansions?” 

The couple’s dog walks slowly transitioned into what now could be seen as the true origin of Curious History Walking Tours, as Davis would fill their strolls with pieces of information she had happened upon while searching the houses they so adored. 

“Eventually, friends and family were able to come up and visit and I’d take them on tours as well,” she reflected. “Without even realizing it, I was building Curious History—turning my love for storytelling, comedy, and people into a business.” 

Davis’s appreciation for the past and all of the information that comes with it is the root of the Walking Tours, where she now guides many curious souls from all across Lynchburg and beyond. Starting in front of the giant red high heel statue in front of the Craddock Terry Hotel, a beloved city landmark, the hour-long endeavor is designed for people who simply appreciate weird history. 

“On the tour, I talk about architecture, industry, music, scientific discoveries and more,” Davis explained. “When I feel like I’ve collected enough stories about a selected tour route, I create a March Madness–style bracket to narrow down the best stories.” 

She continued, “Some stories I’ve included on this tour definitely feel like I’m doing stand-up comedy again, but others tug at deeper emotions. I try my hardest to paint the full picture of each story I share—it is important to me that I provide tour-goers with all the available facts and leave it to them to draw their own conclusions.” 

Tour guests have the option to attend a public tour; a private tour, where groups can bring their friends and family; or even create a custom experience such as hiring a performer to host a personal event or enjoy a custom tour/experience created for a business. 

Every few months, Davis and the team at Curious History Walking Tours will update the guided excursions with brand new themes. She has also recently teamed up with the staff at Ghost Stop to create “Lynchburg Ghost Tours,” a new and unique experience combining history and a sense of spookiness for all guests who are brave enough to embark on the journey. 

“Being an extrovert, my favorite thing about doing these tours is meeting all kinds of people and getting to hear their takes on the stories I’ve presented to them,” Davis said. “When the tour begins, we’re a group of strangers talking about parking and the weather. When we’re done, we’re walking back together, discussing the realities and eccentricities of characters in the Lynchburg story. When we learn more about who these people were back then, it teaches us a little bit about who we are now.”

For history buffs and novices alike, these tours are certain to delight, educate, and even surprise every guest who joins in the fun. 

“My goal is to use the art of storytelling to spin Lynchburg on its axis and reveal new angles, mysteries, and curious histories,” Davis concluded. 

Curious History Walking Tours is any Hill City resident or non-resident alike’s newest and most entertaining way to dive directly into some of the town’s countless interesting stories. With Davis leading the way, these tours are guaranteed to go down forever in Lynchburg’s curious and wonderful history. 

Patrick Henry Jolly Gives A New Perspective at Red Hill

Photos by Ashlee Glenn

I personally believe that if we think of our founding fathers, obviously George Washington would be on the highest pedestal—but I firmly believe that if, given the opportunity, he would reach down, take Patrick Henry’s hand, and pull him up on that same pedestal. I really do,” said Patrick Henry Jolly, the fifth-great grandson of Virginia statesman and revolutionary, Patrick Henry. 

Patrick Henry’s home, Red Hill, sprawls over 1,000 acres, straddling Charlotte and Campbell counties. From the house at the top of a hill, one can see down over the fields to where the Staunton River flows. The land is owned by the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, which works to preserve Henry’s third and final Virginia home and keep the legacy of Red Hill alive.  

The Revolutionary orator, lawyer, and politician from Virginia became most famous for his “Liberty or Death” speech, uttering seven words that remain on the tongues of almost every United States citizen today. While other figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington might be more prominent in the public mind, Patrick Henry was also a founding father.

Many visitors to Red Hill might have met or seen Jolly giving a tour, or reciting Henry’s most famous speech at the organization’s annual July 4 event. For 35 years now, Henry’s fifth great-grandson has been working with Red Hill and helping to educate others about his forefather, the place he lived, and the people who lived there with him. 

Growing up, Jolly always knew he was descended from Patrick Henry through his mother. They even had a family heirloom: the now-famous ivory letter opener Henry held when he made that famous speech and, in the spirit of the Roman senator Cato, declared: “Give me liberty, or give me death!” 

“I’ve heard people say it has more significance to the American Revolution than the Liberty Bell,” Jolly said of the letter opener. To him as a child, he said it just looked like “an ivory popsicle stick.”

Jolly always felt proud seeing Henry’s portrait in school history books, and hearing his name mentioned—but not until his late 20’s did he really start learning about his forefather. 

“It was in the late 1980s that I was asked, in Ohio, to do a talk about Patrick Henry for a DAR group,” Jolly said. “I agreed, and as I began to prepare, I realized I didn’t know that much, which is a little bit embarrassing.” 

Jolly first visited Red Hill as a high school senior with his mother, and he instantly fell in love with the place. It was as though something in him remembered it. 

More visits to Red Hill followed over the ensuing years, and by the late 1990s, Jolly was more involved with Red Hill as an organization. He played the violin, taking up the instrument Henry played; he met with school groups and led tours whenever he was in town; and finally, he started dressing in period costume to read Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech on Independence Day. 

The original property was comprised of 3,000 acres, said Hope Marstin, executive director of Red Hill. It was always in the hands of descendants, up until 1944, when one of Henry’s great granddaughters died and Red Hill was not passed on. Concerned citizens banded together to save it, since Patrick Henry himself was buried there. Thus, the foundation was born.

“It started out, the place was kind of in ruins when his great-granddaughter died, and the Foundation formed to save it, and just started restoring and preserving everything slowly until [we got] where we are now,” Marstin said. 

Over the last few years with renewed vigor, Red Hill continued its mission to restore humanity to the enslaved people who also called Red Hill home—67 of them who are known. 

Jolly and Red Hill have been actively working to tell an honest and complete history of the estate and Patrick Henry. 

“I just think Red Hill… they’re committed to telling the complete, truthful story of Red Hill, and slavery is part of that story. This is Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, and Patrick Henry’s Red Hill included 67 enslaved individuals,” Jolly said.

When asked what his favorite part of Red Hill is, Jolly will say it’s the house, and its stunning views down to the river. The most special place, however, is another question altogether and, for him, the most special place at Red Hill is the Quarter Place cemetery. 

One day in 2019, Jolly wrote down all the names of enslaved people recorded in an inventory of Henry’s possessions—listed along with articles of furniture, instruments, and other items—walked down to the Quarter Place cemetery alone, and read each name aloud among the 147 total graves. Not all those buried there are known. 

Jesse. John. Peg. Critty, who is believed to have been the cook. Maria, Eliza, Violet. Bob and Peter; Polly and Betty. The list goes on. To this day, Jolly reads the names off as he leads lantern tours down to the Quarter Place cemetery. 

“To me, these people need to be celebrated,” Jolly said. “Patrick Henry wrestled with the concept of slavery, as many founders may have. He knew that it was wrong, but at the end of the day, he was a slave owner. He owned other human beings, 67 of them here at Red Hill… what I can do, personally and as part of Red Hill, is to celebrate their lives. To honor their lives.” 

Multiple descendants have been identified through the genealogical research conducted at Red Hill, Marstin said, both out of state and “around the corner.” Red Hill recently had its third annual event honoring and remembering the enslaved people who lived at and operated Red Hill, and descendants were invited.

“We had always—well, for decades—done genealogy on Patrick Henry’s descendants, but now, working the other side of it with the enslaved descendants, it’s a nice way to bring those two groups together, to just talk about the past, and make that connection,” Marstin said.

Red Hill’s top priority is education, Marstin said, and this includes working in and with schools around the area, especially elementary grade classes. 

Three of Jolly’s main takeaways he hopes to impart on visitors are the character of Patrick Henry; his significance to history and legacy in the modern day; and the beauty of Red Hill as a home and land.

“One takeaway would be Patrick Henry’s character, and his modesty. Another one would be his importance, not only in Virginia history, but in American history,” Jolly said. 

The property of Red Hill—the final home of the three Henry owned over the course of his life with the other two, Pine Slash and Scotchtown, located in Hanover County—is also special. Its rolling fields, wooded areas, stretch of river, and cemeteries all contribute to a serene home. The house itself is modest, not a Monticello or Mount Vernon mansion, Jolly said. That is fitting, he said, because that was Patrick Henry.

“When he called this one of the ‘garden spots of the world,’ it still is,” Jolly said.  

If aliens had landed and embedded a tribe of intergalactic species into one room… .”  No, that’s not the start of a zany joke; rather, it’s how one story in the January 2004 issue of Lynchburg Living began. In the article, Cutting Edge, Curious, Contemporary, writer Craig Shaffer reviewed a sculpture installation exhibiting at the time at Riverviews Artspace. We’d like to adopt that title—Cutting Edge, Curious, Contemporary—as the autobiographical title to this trip down memory lane. Twenty years of magazines. Twenty years of curiosity, of exploring the cutting edge, the contemporary, and the celebratory. Twenty years of putting ink to paper to catalog all that our beautiful region has to offer. If you’ve been with us since day one, this is just as much your celebration as it is ours. If you’re new to these pages, welcome. We hope you’ll stick with us for the next 20.