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.

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!

Summertime in the south-is there anything better? We’ve corralled the best ways to beat the heat, soak up the long days, and enjoy local summer bounty so you never have to spend a single moment wondering what to do this summer.

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

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

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

(Voting for the 2024 Best Of Lynchburg Awards begins July 27. Look for those winners in the January/February issue of Lynchburg Living!)

Tony Camm is Writing His Own Artistic Story

Photos by Ashlee Glen

Local influencer, musician, and creative Tony Camm has nothing more to prove when it comes to how he impacts the Lynchburg community. All know him for his funk band FunkAllStars but he is much more than that. Calling himself an “entertainer-prenuer,” Camm is a jack-of-all-trades. Starting his creative journey around the age of twelve, while making home films with his younger brother, allowed him to learn the importance of creativity and its impact. Starting off with silent films he began to realize the value of being creative, leading him to become a well-versed artist, entrepreneur, and influential leader, whose goal is to entertain, impact, and exude positivity. 

The entertainer-prenuer works in many facets such as painting, music, cartoon producing, and much more. He is a father, actor, leader, and community member who believes that entertainment is his way of impact. He also manages the Lynchburg Grand Hotel across from the Academy Center of the Arts in downtown Lynchburg.

“I think my creative imagination was always there, you know… when you get into the school system they always want to put you in the box,” Camm said, remembering that school only encouraged students to learn certain subjects. “What about the creative side of things?” 

Likewise, Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” That thought further validates that the need for arts and innovative programs not only adds value to learning but enhances intelligence. 

Camm understands the importance of the arts in that they help youth determine who and what they want to be—understanding the value of education but emphasizing the importance of creativity in schools. 

“When I was younger they defunded a lot of the arts stuff, [but] that’s the key stuff because kids at their young age need to know at that age what they really want to do,” he said. 

In addition, it is clear that math, reading, and other subjects are valuable, but Camm believes it is not what everyone uses every day. 

“We use our reactive minds all the time,” he shared. 

Moreover, it is creative sensibility that influences our society and Camm truly believes that all ideas can be completed if there are two things. First is “being able to come up with an idea,” and the second thing is to “have the [support] and people to help you make it happen.” 

Realizing that the things he does make an impact on the people that watch, he ensures that he thinks of every individual in his following when doing a project, program, or event. Being an entertainer-prenuer has given Camm the space to create community everywhere he goes, though he is well aware of the impact he makes and does not take it lightly. 

“With everything I do, I make sure I think of how it can impact someone because it can impact someone positively or negatively,” Camm explained. “And if you think it will impact someone negatively then you have a choice. You can still do it, if it will benefit you or you could say, ‘Well that would be cool but I don’t want it to [impact others like that]’. That option is always right there.” 

He cares about what he provides to his community to certify that the arts can truly help change the atmosphere and connection among individuals within a community. Hoping that his impact has youth saying, “Well if he [Camm] did it let’s see if we can do it.”

Despite the possible mental obstacles such as self-doubt, Camm continues to muster the courage to act on an idea. 

“It’s not why, it’s a why not?” said Camm, as to say, the only thing stopping an individual from making all of their ideas possible is based on the resources and support they have. If the individual has all of the above, then is it the individual getting in the way of one’s own dreams and aspirations?

It can be believed that he is an amazing person who all can learn from. Teaching those who come in contact with him the principles of positive thinking and overcoming self-doubt. 

Recently, Camm launched a Jazz Club in the shared space at 720 Commerce Street—something he didn’t even know the community wanted until he started to do it. 

“Everybody wants to be entertained and sometimes people don’t even know they want it…,” he shared, yet again reinforcing that it’s all about acting on your ideas and having confidence that it will all work out. 

Tony Camm has various ideas he has pursued—his jazz club, comic book series, radio show, and even his own clothing line—and yet he still continues to grow and dream up new ideas. His motto is, “Live everyday like it’s your first…” and every day he says to himself, “I’m brand new to the world…so what can I do today?” Ultimately showing how profound his wisdom is and why he is so successful at what he does. 

Entertainment is one thing he does well and will continue to do because, “Everything we do daily, involves some form of entertainment… Entertainment to me equates to fun. So, if you wipe away all forms of entertainment and there is nothing but work, there is no art, no music, there’s no culture—all that stuff, in my opinion, is more important than anything else. I don’t think anyone is born to work a job… the arts and the culture, which doesn’t get enough credit for anything, needs to be different.”

To see Camm’s current projects, visit his website at cammentertainment.com.  

The Summit Revamps their Culinary Program

Photos Courtesy of The Summit

Good nutrition is important at every age. Not only is food essential to life but it is also emotional, evokes the senses, and should taste good! The residents living at The Summit, a senior living facility in Lynchburg, are enjoying a major food upgrade with even more culinary progress on the horizon. Gone are the days of institutional food service in order to make way for fresh, exciting choices as residents enjoy a true destination dining experience. 

For the last twenty years, The Summit has offered seniors Independent Living homes, spacious apartments, and Assisted Living residences with twenty-four-hour care. 

“With its mission of providing residents with choices for purposeful living, The Summit is shifting services and amenities to be customizable, putting choices in the hands of those that call the community home,” explained Marketing Director Brenda Dixon. 

Some of those choices extend to dining and meals. 

“Our vision at The Summit is to provide a place for residents’ wellness to flourish where dining becomes an integral part of any wellness routine,” Dixon said. “While it has been known that a diet centered around fresh ingredients can improve your physical well-being, research is now finding that healthy eating habits can benefit your mental well-being as well. We promote community and friendship here at The Summit and we can’t think of a better way to promote community than through our culinary program by sharing a great experience around a great meal with friends. Our goal is to create a place where our residents know they can come and enjoy food that will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The menu at The Summit has gone through its share of changes over the years. Most recently, flexibility in menu creation, vendor sourcing, and resident input have become top priority. The atmosphere in the dining room at The Summit now feels more like a restaurant where community members can eat and enjoy. Residents choose from various meal plans, decide how often they want to eat, what they would like to eat, and how they want to spend their money on meals.

Some options on a recent menu, which rotates often, include pan-seared pork chop with peach barbecue sauce, grilled mahi with lemon garlic cream, and marinated beef medallions with mushroom demi-glace. If vegetarian choices are preferred, there is a vast array including butternut squash curry, spinach and artichoke dip pasta, and stewed chickpeas with eggplant and tomatoes. If a resident has a sweet tooth, there is a delicious dessert menu that includes French silk pie, cannoli, and brown sugar cake. There are also frequent ticketed coursed meals with wine pairings that residents can enjoy together as a community.

Who is responsible for these tasty changes at The Summit? Mitch Rodhe recently has become the Director of Culinary Services and has had a hand in implementing many improvements in his department. If you recognize his name, it could be from his last role as the Food and Beverage Director at the Craddock Terry Hotel, which includes Shoemakers and Waterstone Pizza.

Currently, only lunch and dinner are available to residents but a café is slated to open later this year where breakfast will be offered, including sandwiches, pastries, fresh fruit, bagels, and smoothies. Snacks and bites will be available focusing on finger foods and hors d’oeuvres to accompany the atmosphere of mingling and fellowship. 

“The community can come together, soak up those gorgeous views, and enjoy a glass of wine and some appetizers,” Rodhe said of the café and its ability to utilize an outdoor patio area on warmer days.

Chef Rodhe assures that The Summit is able to meet each resident’s dietary needs and wants whether they are due to allergies or medical restrictions but also if a resident eats gluten-free or vegetarian by choice. The Summit has new resident meetings, focus groups, and committees to discover what residents love to eat and how they are able to deliver meals in a safe and delicious way. 

“We’re going to continue the traditions of culinary excellence at The Summit, along with new options for the residents we serve,” Rodhe said. 

The idea of sustainability and farm-to-table focuses are important to The Summit and will become even more so later this year. Culinary Services is challenging vendors to offer a wider selection of locally grown fruit and produce. They also hope to partner with Lynchburg Grows, a nonprofit urban farm, to increase local sourcing availability. There is a plan to implement an herb garden and produce beds on the property to feature in daily recipes. Plant-based menu selections will be featured on the daily menu offerings incorporating plant-based proteins, fresh grains, and vegetables to meet the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan meal options. 

Chef Rodhe shared, “Buffets and action stations will become more frequent to allow our residents to get to know our kitchen team. Plus, action stations have the benefit of showcasing our ingredients before they become entrees, thus enhancing customization, temperature, and freshness of our dishes.”

Not only will this new culinary program, with its emphasis on resident engagement and satisfaction, improve quality of life for The Summit residents, it will also work to further engage the residents’ visitors.

“Our goal is to build a culinary experience in which residents are excited to host their family and friends, creating a quality experience for all residents and guests,” Dixon said. “An experience that brings joy to their days and quality nourishment to their bodies.”  

Lynchburg resident aims to keep ice cream history alive

If it wasn’t for the mob, Strawberry Shortcake Bars and Chocolate Eclairs might not have been everyone’s favorite summer treat. And what’s a visit from the ice cream truck if you can’t get one of those to help you cool off?

That’s just one of the facts ice cream enthusiast Robert Jacobs (or Pops) loves to share when people spot him around Lynchburg with his authentic 1967 Ford Good Humor ice cream truck. 

“It’s a neat story,” he said. “The mob demanded that Good Humor pay protection money and [their owner] refused. So, they blew up the factory that housed the trucks in Chicago and [the idea of an ice cream truck] gained national attention after that.”

After surviving a mob hit, it’s no surprise that the Good Humor brand has been around for more than 100 years. What started as an idea by Harry Burt in 1920 has turned into a multi-billion-dollar delicious empire.

Burt had come up with what he believed was a competitor to ice cream: a chocolate coated frozen treat. There was just one critique from his daughter: good, but way too messy to eat.

It was Burt’s son who first suggested the idea of adding a stick. That way, people could avoid getting their hands sticky or dirty. From there came more than 50 options of treats for customers to choose from. 

But today only about 100 models of the Good Humor trucks remain—with one making its home in Lynchburg. 

“Who Doesn’t Love Ice Cream?”

For Jacobs, the ice cream truck has always reminded him of great childhood memories. 

“With five kids we didn’t really have a lot of money,” he said. “But when the ice cream guy came around it was a treat.”

It only made sense to eventually buy one as an adult. 

“I had looked at several of them and finally did get one,” Jacobs said. “I figured it could be something I did once I retired, but I didn’t really do anything with it and ended up selling it.”

But after moving to Lynchburg to be closer to family several years ago, Jacobs decided to try again. 

Finding an authentic one was not an easy task. While the trucks were once abundant, Good Humor sold its fleet in 1976 to focus on selling their ice cream in grocery stores. Many were lost, scrapped, or repurposed into other trucks like Mr. Softee. 

Thankfully, Jacobs found another one and got it working once again. However, he didn’t stop there. If Jacobs was going to keep true authenticity of a Good Humor truck, he wanted to do it right. He invested in the starch white uniform and even the triangle hat. 

“Starting out, ice cream was considered scary because it wasn’t sanitary,” Jacobs said. “That’s why, when you see photos of the uniform, it’s white because [Burt] wanted it to remind people of a doctor—which meant safe and clean.”

Being a Good Humor Man though is more than just a nice uniform. According to Jacobs, truck drivers had extensive customer service training they were required to do. Because of that it was considered a good job back in the ’30s and ’40s. 

“That’s why they would come around and hand out ice cream from the curb,” Jacobs said. “It was about the personal face-to-face experience. In more modern ice cream trucks, someone hands you ice cream through a window instead of coming out of the truck.”

Jacobs said he found videos and articles online that helped him get the etiquette down. Then it was time to get it out on the road.

“We live in Boonsboro so I would just go up and down the block,” he said. “But it’s hard to hear because it doesn’t have a speaker with music. It just has a little bell that I ring instead.”

Now you can find Jacobs around at parks, special events, car dealerships, and even
house visits. 

“People have always come up to me and told me what good memories it brings back to them,” Jacobs said. “I had this family call me and asked me to come to their house so their six-year-old could see the truck with his grandparents. So at 10 a.m. I pulled up to the house and they all came out and took pictures. It was really special.”

Jacobs said he never expected the response he’s gotten.

“It all started when someone posted a photo of me on Living in Lynchburg [Facebook group] with the truck,” he said. “I think it got about 300 shares and it blew up. People wanted me to come to their neighborhoods.”

This year Jacobs said he’s working on getting his two trucks up and running for the summer. 

“It’s a labor of love,” he said. “The cost can quickly add up. But I love doing this and hearing about people’s good memories.”

So if you see Jacobs out with the truck this summer, the real question is, what should you order?

“Creamsicles, Strawberry Shortcakes, Chocolate Eclairs—those are my big sellers.”  

 When it comes to planning your family’s summer, balance is key. There is much to be said for the lazy, hazy days that find you laying outside with a good book and a glass of lemonade, but having too many of those days—especially when kids are involved—is a no-go. Luckily, adding structure to your summer also adds fun and excitement! The following pages are full of family-friendly events, outstanding organizations, and adventurous activities that will make your summer memorable—and the furthest thing from monotonous.

Imagination Station
We are keeping little minds growing and creating through art. Masterpieces will be made on different canvases, ceramics, glass, tiles, or wood, while learning to use a variety of mediums. These consist of but are not limited to acrylic, watercolors, oil pastels, gesso, charcoal and much more. Pack a NUT-FREE lunch with a drink and get ready to create. Visit imaginationstationstudios.com for more information.

---

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation offers a variety of services and activities to residents and visitors. We maintain over 40 miles of our trails and 17 parks, which offer organized and open areas for recreation, enjoying a picnic, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and children’s play. Find your summertime fun with us! lynchburgparksandrec.com.

---

Johnson Health Center
Johnson Health Center is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center with locations in the city of Lynchburg as well as Amherst, Bedford and Campbell Counties. Services include primary care, behavioral health, dental, OB/GYN and on-site pharmacies. All insurances are accepted and new patients are always welcome.

Coming in 2024 – the new Amherst County Community Health Center! This new health center will combine many current services including adult and pediatric primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy with drive-thru, and provide a wellness center designed to facilitate nutritional education and physical fitness.

With your all fun-filled summer activities let the professionals at Johnson Health Center help keep you healthy. For more information visit jhcvirginia.org

---

Liberty University
Looking for an unforgettable camp experience? Look no further than Liberty University! We offer a wide variety of camps including athletic camps, academic camps, and external camps and conferences from June to August! Whether you’re taking the field at Football Camp, making your musical debut in the theatre, or snowboarding downhill at Snowflex, there is something for everyone at Liberty University, and Liberty provides several opportunities for campers of all ages to create memories while developing their skills and building a strong foundation with Christ! If you would like to learn more about all Liberty University Summer Camps has to offer, visit our website at www.liberty.edu/summer-camps/.

Natural Bridge Zoo

Natural Bridge Zoo is the wildest place in the state of Virginia, full of fun and excitement for any age! We allow you to get close and personal with a wide variety of rare and endangered animals. Stare into the eyes of a huge white tiger, feed a giraffe, hug a llama, and have a parakeet land on your hand in parakeet landing. Experience an elephant ride by looking at the world from a different view point while feeling the gait of the elephants walk (offered scheduled days/times). See a wide variety of beautiful birds, colorful goats, monkeys, deer, mountain lions and many more. Spend a wonderful day at the Natural Bridge Zoo creating lasting memories with the whole family. For more information, call 540-291-2420 or visit naturalbridgezoo.com.

---

Lynchburg Scene Newsletter
Subscribe to the Free Lynchburg Living Scene Newsletter! There is always something going on in the greater Lynchburg area—so much, in fact, that we have an entire newsletter dedicated to sharing what’s current. Don’t miss out on weekly reminders pertaining to some of the best local happenings. From big events like festivals and concerts to small events like farmers markets and small business events, we cover it all. Sign up at LynchburgLiving.com.

---

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the perfect place to spend your summer! Join us all season long for monthly lectures, walking tours, and our signature Independence Day Celebration.

Our 1,000 acres provide the perfect setting for your visit. Whether you’re an avid historian, a casual hiker, or want to get outside, you’ll always be welcomed at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Visit redhill.org for more information.

---

Putt-Putt Fun Center Lynchburg

As you plan your summer fun, think beyond the routine road trip and Let The Fun Begin!^TM with all the action and competition to be experienced at a 3+ acre indoor/outdoor family entertainment park!

Feel the Breeze

Jump into the driver’s seat and become champion of the asphalt, zooming around our track for a rush of pure adrenaline. We have karts for single riders, as well as karts that can accommodate a parent and child.

Get Wet

A cool splash on a water ride is a great way to beat the summer heat. Battle it out with friends during a whirling, twirling and wet ride on our bumper boats equipped with water cannons.

Bring it Inside

Escape the heat and team up with family and friends. Guaranteeing nonstop excitement, our laser tag arena is the only two-story arena in Lynchburg. With ALL NEW laser tag vests, our arena is the place to escape sunburn and see who really the ultimate champion is.

Let’s Chill

Chillout and test your skills with the latest and greatest games like NERF and Minion Soccer. Plus, all the classics like air hockey and skee ball. After you’ve won all the points you can, turn them in at the redemption counter for awesome prizes.

Loop the 18

Bragging rights are at stake on our two 18-hole Putt-Putt® Golf courses! Soak in the fun AND the Vitamin D with the entire family. You may even get lucky and ace your shot on our skill-based par 2 courses! Visit PuttPutt.com/Lynchburg-VA to start the fun!

---

YMCA
Summer at the YMCA is an experience like no other. It’s a time for kids to make new friends, try new things, and create unforgettable memories. With a wide range of programs and activities, the YMCA is the perfect place for children to spend their summer. From swimming and sports to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. YMCA summer camp offers a safe and supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and have fun. With experienced counselors and staff, parents can rest assured that their kids are in good hands. In addition to the camp, the YMCA offers swim lessons, sports programs, and other activities for children of all ages. To learn more about the YMCA, visit ymcacva.org.

Dig into local flavors!

Mark your Calendar for June 17-24, 2023!

Lynchburg Living magazine’s Lynchburg Restaurant Week is a delicious way for locals and visitors alike to connect with the local flavors that make our community unique. From mouthwatering barbecue and soul-nourishing fried chicken to tantalizing spiced dishes and indulgently sweet desserts, this year’s Lynchburg Restaurant Week may just be our best yet.

From June 17 to June 24, a full roster of restaurants will be opening their doors and serving up fixed price menus with three-course meal options specially created for this culinary week. During Lynchburg Restaurant Week, you’ll have the chance to sample inventive appetizers, delectable entrees, rich desserts—and maybe even a beverage or two. But, don’t worry, if you have dietary restrictions that aren’t covered under a Lynchburg Restaurant Week menu or you’re simply craving something specific, you can order off-menu too.

If you found a dish that you can’t stop dreaming about or Lynchburg Restaurant Week led you to your new favorite restaurant, now is your time to share the love! All during Lynchburg Restaurant Week, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite participating restaurant. If they happen to be the lucky winner, they’ll receive some goodies from the Lynchburg Living team that’ll help support their business even further—a win win for everybody.

Click here to view the 2023 Participating Restaurants and then Vote for your Favorite Restaurant!

Presented by Lynchburg Living, this event is unlike any other in our area, featuring only local, home-grown eateries and benefiting the important work of local, nonprofit organizations, we’ve found a way to provide the public with great food at unbeatable prices all while helping a great cause.

Lynchburg Restaurant Week brings fabulous food to the greater Lynchburg region. Don’t miss a thing and follow us on Facebook; you may even catch some giveaway opportunities!

Take us along with you! Tag @LynchburgLiving on Instagram or Facebook and use #LRW2023 to show us the delicious meals you’re having.3

Vote for your favorite restaurant!