Before the mercury drops, mark these items off your home to-do list
Heating & Cooling
Change your air filter monthly. “One of the leading causes of break downs are dirty air filters,” says Brandon Brown of Browns Heating and Air. He suggests setting a reminder on your phone for the first of the month to change filters. This will help your system work better and easier overall.
Line up a full system maintenance. This will clean your system inside and out. “A normal home HVAC system runs more than a car does per year and needs to be cleaned and maintained like a car needs its oil changed,” says Brown.
Fill gas or oil tanks. Do this now, “before cold hits and prices go up,” Brown says. It’s also a good idea to check on your gas logs and get them serviced if needed.
Have your ducts professionally cleaned. Brown says this is suggested for older systems that have been installed for a while. “This gets rid of all dust, dirt, mold spores and toxins in the duct system you breathe,” he says.
Exterior Upkeep
Check your roof for damaged shingles. According to All Phase Roofing and Construction, while roof damage happens throughout the year, the rough winter seasons in Lynchburg can be especially tough on your roof. Repairing damaged shingles now can prevent leakage once snow starts falling.
Clean and repair your gutters. This task needs to happen after all of the leaves have fallen and when temperatures are still above freezing. “If you [miss] cleaning gutters in the fall, you may have issues going into winter,” says The Brothers that just do Gutters on its website. “These issues are not always evident in the winter because your gutter is frozen, but during the first thaw they’ll show. The excess debris in your gutters that was not cleaned prior to winter will result in a sort of debris popsicle within your gutter system.”
Check around your windows and doors for air leaks. If needed, seal the leaks with caulk to keep out the cold air.
Inspect and clean your chimney to prevent fires. Statistics show dirty chimneys cause approximately 22,000 house fires each winter. Have a certified professional inspect your chimney annually, and make sweeps or repairs.
Miscellaneous
Store unused lawn care equipment. Local realtor and home renovation expert Dan Vollmer says whether it’s a mower or a trimmer, you should drain all of the gas before you put the equipment away.
Remove and store window screens. This is something else Vollmer does to prevent future, often costly, repairs. “Sometimes the weight of snow can stretch them out,” he says.
Replace smoke detector and CO detector batteries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, house fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six house fires.
2019 Lynchburg Idea House
Combining the nostalgia of an authentic farmhouse with 21st century amenities, the 2019 Lynchburg Living Idea House is a charming mix of old and new, traditional and modern, simple and ornate.
Located in the new Trent’s Landing subdivision off Waterlick Road in Campbell County, this farmhouse-style home fits in perfectly with Central Virginia’s gorgeous rural landscapes and country setting—but it also stands out, in a good way, with its modern black and white exterior.
The 2,832 square-foot, three-bedroom home is cozy, comfortable and convenient—without sacrificing sophistication and style. It’s a place you can lounge around with your family on Saturday morning… and host an elegant dinner party on Saturday night.32
Scott Elliott and the CS Custom Structures team were intentional in their design and plan, seeing that no space is wasted and no detail is overlooked—from the functional flow of the open floor plan to the high-tech master bathroom. Elliott’s wife, Meredith, created a vision for the décor—a subtle coastal style that uses white as its canvas and pops of gray and blue to calm the spirit.
As we take you on a tour, we believe you’ll find the 2019 Lynchburg Living Idea House is just… easy—easy on the eyes and, most important, easy to live in.
ENTRYWAY: A Welcome Sight
Nothing says “farmhouse” more than a spacious front porch—a place you can picture yourself sipping sweet tea while watching the sun set over the Blue Ridge Mountains. A driftwood gray semi-transparent stain on the deck gives you a taste of the distressed colors you will see inside, while black double doors with glass panels give this stately home the big reveal it deserves. Step over the threshold and your eyes are immediately pulled to the staircase with rustic treads (matching the distressed prefinished hardwood floors) and modern, square white pickets. To the left, a traditional foyer table and mirror from Virginia Furniture Market, similar to what you’d find in an authentic farmhouse generations ago. To the right, a powder room painted in a bright pop of coastal blue (Harbor Fog by Sherwin-Williams). You’ll wonder if Joanna Gaines is around the next corner when you notice what looks like shiplap on the walls throughout the downstairs. It’s actually something better—nickel gap siding, an easy-to-install and less finicky counterpart. The nickel gap siding and walls are painted white (Cotton White by Sherwin-Williams), to maintain a clean, neutral canvas for the home’s coastal décor.
GREAT ROOM: Something Old, Something Blue
All of the unique colors, textures and styles seen throughout the home come together gorgeously in the home’s great room, creating a warm and inviting place to sit down and prop up your feet. The creamy white sofa and chair not only look the part—with sleek lines and bronze button details—they are comfortable too. (We tested them out to be 100 percent sure.) Blue—from navy found in the woven jute rug to the light blue, distressed round coffee table—plays its strongest role in this room. A conversation starter for guests is the antique mantel, believed to be from a local home built in the early 1900s.
DINING ROOM: Everyone, Gather Round
Already comfortably seating six on a regular basis, the home’s dining table comes with a huge leaf that would add 4 to 6 more place settings—perfect to host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. A large painting of the ocean—a serene mix of green, blue and white—gives the space a dramatic focal point. But your gaze will also shift upward to the unique fixture over the table made out of glass beads with rustic jute detailing.
KITCHEN: An Entertainer’s Dream
The heart of this home has the space and flow you are looking for when hosting friends and family as well as the gourmet amenities needed to whip up a top-notch meal. The kitchen mirrors the home’s modern farmhouse exterior with its white and black color palette. White shaker-style cabinets and “true white” quartz countertops offer clean lines, and several cabinets have glass fronts with lighting, perfect for displaying your favorite china. From a convenient pot filler over the range to a large apron sink (a farmhouse trend that’s maintaining its popularity), all fixtures and pro-style appliances are matte black. Drawing you into the room—and making the entire space sparkle—is the seashell-inspired, penny tile backsplash with a sand-colored grout. Barnwood-style shelving balances out the shimmer and brings a rustic touch to the room. It’s also what you don’t see that makes this kitchen charming. The microwave, typically placed above the range and oven, was relocated to the island and is pulled out like a drawer. You also can ditch your Keurig if you wish, because the refrigerator has a place to brew K-cups right in the door.
MASTER BEDROOM: Cozy Cocoon
Located on the lower level of the home—a floor plan requirement, Scott says, for many homebuyers of all ages—the master suite is within arm’s reach of the main living area but still feels like its own private retreat. Numerous windows make this room feel bright and airy and the white shiplap walls, continued from the main living area, add that extra touch of quality and class. Furniture is minimal to reduce clutter—and you don’t need more than one dresser because just around the corner is a massive master closet to serve as your main clothing storage area and dressing room.
LAUNDRY: It All Flows
Connected to the master bathroom is a huge walk-in closet. From there, you can access the laundry room, which includes more storage, including barnwood-style shelving with lighting.
MASTER BATHROOM: Forward-Thinking Oasis
Elegant finishes and details take center stage in the master bathroom. The overall color palette is calming—from a gray ceramic printed tile that looks like marble (but is much easier to maintain) to white floors and cabinetry. Instead of a typical walk-in shower with a curb to step over, there is a wet room—a European concept that incorporates the shower and tub into one area. A frameless glass wall and door separate the space and make the room feel larger, and the tile floor—the entire bathroom has the same flooring, which is waterproofed—gradually slopes to the back of the shower to a linear drain. Inside the shower area, black matte fixtures include a rain head, two body sprays, a wall spray… and a digital shower control system by Moen. Each person using the shower can set up a profile that saves their individual settings. It’s also wireless—so you could start your shower on your drive home, if you wished. A Mirabelle tub by Ferguson with straight, modern lines completes the wet room and is spacious enough for a relaxing bath for one or a romantic soak for two. A window over the double vanity and another at the top of the shower area let in plenty of light, making this space equally as bright as its connecting master bedroom.
UPSTAIRS: Some Breathing Room
While the second level of a home is often overlooked and underdesigned, this upstairs is a breath of fresh air with its versatile layout and attention to detail that is up to par with the rest of the Idea House. Hardwoods continue on the landing along with the shiplap-inspired walls. On the right and left are two identical bedrooms that lead into a Jack and Jill bathroom, with a twist. The shower area is shared—with the shower featuring a vibrant blue-and-white stripe penny tile—but each room has its own closet area, toilet and vanity. Also upstairs is an office, “flex space”—you could make this area into a mini guest room with a sofa sleeper or create a small TV nook—and a large bonus room with dormer windows.
The bonus room is large enough to be a play room for kids or, for older adults, make it another place to entertain guests by adding a bar area.
EXTERIOR FEATURES: Looking Sharp
The sharp contrast between the white siding and black windows make this home a head turner. The white board and batten siding draws your eye upward, instead of side to side; vertical siding is also less busy than its horizontal counterpart, allowing other exterior features to stand out. Black double hung windows and a black standing seam metal roof pop against the white backdrop while gray stone along the foundation and gray-stained hitters above the windows tone down the modern color scheme.
Connected to the front porch with exterior doors leading into the great room is a large patio area with a table for six and other places to rest—a grillmaster’s retreat. On the other side of the home, a “live driveway” leads to a two-car garage. This new idea from Finley Corporation adds visual interest to the driveway—it features concrete poured in square formations with sod in between.
2019 Lynchburg Idea House was Built by Custom Structures. Furniture by Virginia Furniture Market. Sponsors: Terry, Divine Designs and Delights.
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Take a Break from Netflix: Book Recommendations for All Ages
Lots of people are finding themselves with more time on their hands than ever before. (That’s not a bad thing, right?) Even those working from home during the day have free evenings and weekends as the governor’s stay-at-home order continues.
Now is the time to get lost in a good book (or two… or 50). We asked the Lynchburg Public Library to recommend some good titles for all ages—and all are available online through the library’s hoopla or Overdrive collections. If you aren’t sure how that works, we’ve included some background information as well—just keep scrolling.
Adults Titles compiled by Leann Underwood, adult services supervisor at the Lynchburg Public Library
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel—Hilary Mantel provides a compelling twist on Henry the VIII, telling the Tudor saga from Thomas Cromwell’s point of view. Mantel does not paint Cromwell as a do-gooder, but rather shows us his greed and ambition as part of a complex character. The eaudiobook is available on Overdrive. The video is available through hoopla.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman—We could all use a reminder to have faith in humanity. This humorous, poignant novel follows a year in the life of Ove, a man who has lost his wife and is determined to end his—but events and neighbors assure that Ove remains. The ebook and eaudiobook are available on Overdrive.
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler—A delightfully bewitching and beautifully written novel of one woman’s transformative journey through self-discovery. Willa Drake spends the novel surrounded by eccentric neighbors who treat each other like family. Available on Overdrive. The Splendid and the Vile by Eric Larson—Eric Larson makes non-fiction read like fiction. It is the height of WWII and Europe is looking for a leader. Larson captures the sacrifice of Winston Churchill himself, and his family, in the fight against Germany. Available on Overdrive.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett—“The Dutch House” is very accurately described as a “richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go.” The Dutch House almost becomes a character itself, allowing the reader to look through the windows into the lives of those who have lived there. Available on Overdrive. Young Adult Top 10 List Compiled by Emily Mook, youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library All are available through hoopla’s Bonus Borrows Collection
• The Lord of the Rings audiobooks (entire trilogy) • The Hobbit audiobook • Spider-Man: Miles Morales Volumes 1 & 2 comics • Loki: Agent of Asgard Volume 1: Trust Me comic • Magic: The Gathering: Rise of the Gatewatch eBook • The Gamer’s Bucket List eBook • Star Wars Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes comic • Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume 1 comic • Rebel Belle audiobook • The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens eBook
Children’s Top 10 List Compiled by Emily Mook, youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library All are available through hoopla’s Bonus Borrows Collection
• Captain Underpants audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Lumberjanes Volume 1 comic • Boxcar Children eBooks and audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Classic Starts audiobooks: Peter Pan, Oliver Twist, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Secret Garden, Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, A Little Princess, Alice in Wonderland, and Anne of Green Gables • Diary of a Wimpy Kid eBooks (select titles in series only) • Big Nate comics (select titles in series only) • The 39 Clues audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Wings of Fire audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Avatar: The Last Airbender: North and South Part 1 comic • I Survived audiobooks (select titles in series only)
Understanding hoopla and Overdrive The hoopla and Overdrive collections are available to anyone with a Lynchburg, Campbell County, or Bedford County library card. The Lynchburg Public Library allows for three checkouts per month per library card. (However, checkouts of the hoopla Bonus Borrows Collection are unlimited.)
Anyone who has a library card issued from a library branch in Lynchburg, Campbell County, or Bedford County can create a free digital account with each collection. Go to hoopladigital.com or vppl.overdrive.com and sign up for an account using your library card number and PIN. (Your PIN should be the last 4 digits of the phone number you gave when signing up for your library card.)
People who don’t have a library card can still get one online at lynchburgpubliclibrary.org/get-a-card. Allow 24 hours for your card to become active.
If you have a question or are having trouble, reach out to the Lynchburg Public Library on Facebook or by calling (434) 455-6300 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Staying Sane As You Work From Home
A licensed professional counselor shares some words of wisdom
You thought it was your dream come true—but “working from home” isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Many challenges are surfacing as employees all over the country try to do their jobs from their kitchen tables.
With Gov. Ralph Northam’s recent announcement about continued closures through June 10 (hopefully earlier), we know lots of you might need a pep talk. Pamela Smith, LPC, CEAP, is a local licensed professional counselor with years of experience in individual and family counseling. Here are a few of her suggestions for the work-from-home crowd:
Follow a schedule—“I think we all work better with a schedule,” says Smith. “Even though we are working from home, try to get up at the same time every morning. Set an alarm.” Then, take a shower, dress as if you are going to the office, put on makeup or jewelry. This will help you get in the right mood, Smith says. Finally, be sure to map out how your day is going to go or create a to-do list.
Set reasonable goals—Stemming from the above, Smith says she hears many people complain that they just can’t seem to finish any of the tasks on their to-do list—and they feel stuck. She says lack of motivation is very common during this time of uncertainty and suggests trying the 5-minute rule. “Break down tasks into little pieces,” she says. “If you want to clean out the garage, maybe start with one shelf. If you want to do more, great.” When possible, use the same approach with your work tasks.
Find and make personal space—This especially applies to couples and/or families that are not used to being together as much. “I think we’ve got to talk to each other about this and figure out where everyone’s space is so that if we need to get away for a few minutes we can,” she says.
Stay hydrated and eat well—“Stress and eating can collide and thus we either overeat, avoid food or forget to eat,” Smith says. We all know we feel better when we are taking care of our bodies. One idea is to use this time to improve your cooking skills or find ways to challenge yourself to eat healthy on a budget.
Use a timer for breaks (preferably dance party breaks)—Breaks are essential for the work day—they clear your mind and reset your body. “I have a friend working from home with family who told me at five minutes to the hour, everyone stops what they are doing and gets up and dances. Just to break the ice and give everyone a good laugh,” Smith says. She suggests finding a new genre of music and to have some fun with your playlist.
Cut yourself (or your employees) some slack—In other words, be flexible. Slower internet speeds, children in the home and other factors will make it a lot more difficult for employees to be productive. “A lot of people struggle with change. This is a scary time,” she explains, adding that we, “need to lower expectations and practice radical self-acceptance, accepting everything about yourself, your current situation and your life without question, blame or pushback. You are doing the best you can in a very difficult situation.”
Anxiety-Busting Advice
5 Simple Steps You Can Take To Chill Out
Feeling a little anxious these days? Us too. It seems like no matter how hard you try, it’s very easy to find yourself consumed by the coronavirus and the “what happens next?” scenarios.
Pamela Smith, LPC, CEAP, is a licensed professional counselor with years of experience in individual and family counseling. If you start to feel anxiety creep in—about COVID-19, career changes, or even cabin fever with children—here are 5 actions she suggests that can help you regain some control.
Try square breathing. Imagine a box: breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for four counts, and hold for four counts. “This gets you to do some deep breathing but your head is in the game. You are less likely to let your mind start thinking of those stressful things. Because you have to count,” Smith explains. Her advice is to take is slow and don’t worry about quantity. Even just three or four breaths can help you reset.
Start a gratitude journal. At night before you go to bed, Smith recommends writing down three things that happened during the day that you are grateful for—no matter how small. “When you write, the information goes to a different part of your brain, you process it better than just thinking about it,” she explains. Then after you turn off the light and try to sleep, replay those three things in your mind. If you aren’t a writer, try bullet points or even draw a picture, she says.
Limit time watching the news and surfing social media. There is a big difference between staying informed and staying immersed in the daily news grind. “Don’t leave the news on 24/7 a day and when you get on social media, set a time limit,” Smith says. It’s easy to start clicking on every single opinion article but your mental health can’t handle an overload of negativity.
Practice mindfulness. For those unfamiliar with the term, mindfulness is about “staying in the here and the now,” Smith says. “Right now, we are so worried about the future and what’s going to happen. But we forget what we are doing right now.” Being mindful means you focus on the moment you are in. For example, when anxiety starts to build, focus on three things you see, three things you hear and three things you smell. “This allows us to re-center ourselves,” Smith says. “This is who I am right now. Let me move forward right now.”
Get moving, preferably outside. “I know for me, I was going to the Y and exercising four or five days a week so I’m struggling a bit,” she says. “Moving our body is so critical for not only our physical health but our mental health.” Whether it’s going for a walk or doing some gardening work, you will feel better after getting some fresh air and working up a sweat.
Need Some Fresh Air?
5 Local Trails Worth Checking Out
While “social distancing” continues, you might be searching for some new outdoor activities. Central Virginia is home to so many incredible hiking options—from easy hills to challenging climbs—but we particularly love these 5 local spots.
The Alpine Trail at Lynchburg’s Riverside Park Take care of your body and your mind with a hike on the Alpine Trail, the first dedicated hiking trail in Lynchburg. The Alpine Trail was built during the 1920s and ’30s when visitors could cross the James River onto “YMCA” island, which is now known as Treasure Island.
This secluded path winds through the steep, wooded hillside of Riverside Park off Rivermont Avenue—offering spectacular views of the James River. Nature lovers will also adore the frequent sightings of woodland birds, including migrating hawks.
Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Restrictions: Since the slope of the hill drops almost vertically onto the railroad tracks hidden below, this trail is not recommended for small children or individuals with disabilities. Strollers and bicycles are prohibited.
Where to Enter: Look for a marked entrance sign just past the Riverside Park Overlook. An entrance to the other end of the trail is found near the Fink Deck Truss Bridge.
New London Tech Trails
New London Tech Trails in Bedford County Perfect for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, the New London Tech Trails—built in 2017—is one of the area’s newer outdoor destinations. Although the trail system was designed as a “power lunch” option for employees in the New London Business and Technology Center park, it is open to the public as well.
With 6.5 miles of multi-use trails on 500+ acres, you have plenty of room to explore with friends, family, or even your furry companion. Length: 6.5 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. These are smooth rolling terrain trails with limited trip hazards and clear lines of sight. Options: There are 5 color-coded trails to choose from—the longest loop is 4.3 miles. Where to Enter: The New London Business and Technology Center park is located off U.S. 460 at Meade Road.
The Cole Mountain Loop in Amherst County Wait—or is it Cold Mountain? Apparently both names are acceptable for this hike in the George Washington National Forest. (But Cole is the “official” one.)
Hikers of all skill levels are welcome on this loop that’s a part of the Appalachian Trail. You can make it a workout… or take it slow and observe nature along the way.
The best part about this hike—the Cole Mountain apex is a nod to The Sound of Music (you know, the part at the very beginning where Julie Andrews is running through the field surrounded by gorgeous mountains).
After making the trip up to the top, Cole Mountain hikers reach a wide-open pasture with panoramic views on all sides. It’s the perfect backdrop for selfies, professional shoots, or even a song from your favorite musical. Once you see the view, you may be moved to do pretty much anything.
Length: About 6 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Difficulty: Moderate How to Get There: Take Route 60 west out of Amherst. Turn right on Coffeytown Road and then another right on Wiggins Spring Road. (Note: Wiggins Spring Road is a forest service road. The drive can get bumpy.) Where to Enter: The parking area is at the end of the trail but you enter about .2 miles north, on the blue-blazed Hotel Trail. Follow those blue blazes to stay on track. Take It a Step Further: Make the hike longer by combining the Cole Mountain loop with the nearby Mount Pleasant hike on the next ridge. Together, they make an 11.3-mile circuit. Be sure to pack a backpack and plan accordingly for this longer journey.
Sharp Top Trail in Bedford County With its impressive summit offering a 360-degree view of the region, Sharp Top Trail at Peaks of Otter is a bucket list hike for Central Virginia natives. Park at the Visitor Center to begin your journey.
Length: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Time: Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzard’s Roost, which is a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. What to Pack: Water—none is available at the top. Professional camera—to capture amazing photos.
Mike Donahue Trail in Campbell County Part of the Liberty Mountain Trail System, this particular trail is one of many you’ll find near the Snowflex Centre. We like it because it’s an easy 1-mile loop without a lot of elevation changes. (So you wouldn’t have to worry about getting stuck carrying a complaining child, for example.)
Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Where to Enter: The Trailhead is located at the parking lot of the Snowflex Centre. Take It a Step Further: For those wanting more of a challenge, try out the Lake Trail and Dirty Ridge trails nearby. Nearby Attractions: Once you’ve finished your hike, take the family over to the LU Monogram and grab some photos as you overlook the city.
SNEAK PEEK!
A LOOK AHEAD TO THE AREA’S THEATER OPPORTUNITIES
Information Compiled by Emily Mook
If you’re a fan of the theater, the greater Lynchburg region has a little something for everyone. From high school students to professional actors, we are lucky to live in a community that invests in and supports its performers of all levels. To make it even easier, we’ve compiled our annual Theater Preview Guide to highlight the year’s upcoming local shows.
Community/Professional
Academy Center of the Arts 600 Main Street, Lynchburg academycenter.org
Community Through Theatre Presents: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time “Christopher, 15 years old, stands beside Mrs. Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion.” March 7, March 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. at the Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre
Opera on the James Presents: The Barber of Seville “The story is simple: a handsome young nobleman is in love with an independent-minded young woman, who is kept under constant surveillance by her elderly (and ill-tempered) guardian. Enter the Barber, who, through various ruses—one of which includes a mountain of shaving cream—saves the day.” March 27 at 7 p.m., March 29 at 2 p.m. at the Historic Academy Theatre
Academy Presents: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! “Daniel Tiger and his family—along with O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, and more familiar friends—will take audiences on an interactive adventure to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences.” April 5 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Academy Theatre
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Presents: A Conversation with Mr. Jefferson Featuring Frederick Douglass “Thomas Jefferson is joined by famed abolitionist, autobiographer, and orator Frederick Douglass for a fascinating look at their lives and legacies.” April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Historic Academy Theatre
Academy Presents: Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] “All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays.” May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Academy Theatre
Endstation Theatre Company 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg endstationtheatre.org * All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. All matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.
On Golden Pond “The plot focuses on aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. … The play explores the often turbulent relationship [the daughter] shared with her father growing up and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage.” June 19-21, 23-28 at Thoresen Theatre, Randolph CollegeCollege
Bye Bye Birdie “Bye Bye Birdie is an American musical about fictional pop sensation Conrad Birdie and his final performance before being drafted to the army. He promises a song and a kiss to a typical American teenager on the Ed Sullivan Show.” July 14-19, 21-26 at the Warehouse Theatre, Academy Center of the Arts
The Twelve Dates of Christmas “Christmas celebrations are just around the corner and Shirley the Partridge has got some problems to solve. The French Hens are arguing, the six geese have flown to Florida for the winter and worst of all… someone has stolen the Five Golden Rings!” December 17-20, location TBD
Little Town Players 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford www.littletownplayers.com
I Hate Hamlet “TV star Andrew Rally is about to start rehearsals to play Hamlet—and he is terrified. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore.” Directed by David Walton. March 13-15, 20-22
Once Upon a Mattress “This musical comedy opened off-Broadway in 1959 before moving to Broadway. It was written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, ‘The Princess and the Pea.’” Directed by Denis F. Deane. June 5-7, 12-14 *Friday and Saturday night shows begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows at 2 p.m.
Renaissance Theatre 1022 Commerce Street, Lynchburg renaissancetheatrelynchburg.org * Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m., doors open at 2:30 p.m.
M*A*S*H: The Play “The staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and hijinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war. Some of your favorite characters from the TV show are here: Radar O’Reilly, Painless the dentist and, of course, Hawkeye. Join us for the hilarity as they run amok in the 4077 MASH!” March 1, 5-7
Other Desert Cities “Brooke Wyeth returns home to celebrate Christmas. She announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history—a wound they don’t want reopened.” April 24-25 and May 1-3, 7-9
Nana’s Naughty Knickers “What Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite Nana in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she’ll never forget! Her sweet Grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area!” July 10-11, 17-19, 23-25
Sister Act “When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in a convent! Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover.” October 2-3, 9-11, 15-17
A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas “Bill, Dave, and Jimmy have had it with their women! Even though it’s Christmas Eve, the boys decide to hightail it into the mountains for a little hunting and a lot of beer. It’s gonna take a Christmas miracle to get these redneck families back together.” December 4-5, 11-13, 17-19
Wolfbane Productions 618 Country Club Road, Appomattox wolfbane.org * Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Performances: All shows start at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. * Sunday Performances: All shows except Young Frankenstein start at 3 p.m., doors open at 2 p.m. Young Frankenstein Sunday performances start at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
Steel Magnolias “Picture it: anybody who’s anybody comes to get their hair done here. Winner of Wolfbane’s 2020 Audience Choice poll, get up close and personal with the ladies like never before: no stage, no curtain, just hair… and a little bit of gossip.” May 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31 at The Wolf Den indoor venue
Young Frankenstein “Based on the hilarious Mel Brooks classic, with all your favorite characters: the famous doctor Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’), the hunchbacked sidekick Igor (pronounced ‘Eye-gore’), the leggy lab assistant Inga (pronounced normally), and more!” October 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, October 29-November 1 at the Wolf PAC outdoor venue
Stranger Sings “Written exclusively for Wolfbane by Cinco Paul, this highly energetic, feel-good parody returns just in time for the holidays! Based on the first season of the hit Netflix show ‘Stranger Things,’ join Chopper and Twelve (see what we did there) as they journey through another dimension with Eggos, Demogorgons, and Madonna.” December 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 at the Wolf Den indoor venue
College
Liberty Tower Theater/Alluvion Stage Company 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg liberty.edu/academics/art/theatre & alluvionstage.com
Sonic-Con Audio Theatre Convention “Sonic-Con is an audio theatre convention featuring interactive workshops, industry professionals, and live radio dramas. The convention will be the 20th-22nd, but we’ll have select performances available on the evenings of the 23rd and 24th. Tickets to the public performances sold separately from the convention passes.” March 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. at Liberty University
The Drowsy Chaperone (Academic Performance) “Hailed by New York Magazine as ‘The Perfect Broadway Musical,’ The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.” April 17-18, 21, 23-25 at 7:30 p.m., April 18 and 25 at 2 p.m., April 26 at 3 p.m. at the Tower Theater
University of Lynchburg Theatre 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg lynchburg.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/theatre/
Curtain Call Musical Theatre Cabaret “Come share a night of heartfelt joy, laughter and of course, singing. With music from Bright Star, Once, Big River and more!” March 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. at Dillard Theatre
Student Theatre Production (production TBD) “Entirely produced and executed by students working collaboratively to find their own vision and voice. Mature themes and language.” April 22-24 at 7 p.m. at Studio Theatre Stage
Randolph College Theatre 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg randolphcollege.edu/theatre
The Mousetrap “A timeless tale of ‘whodunit,’ Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap strands seven strangers at Monkswell Manor during a blizzard. But a police sergeant unexpectedly arrives, worried that a murderer-at-large is among the guests of the Manor.” Directed by Stephanie Holladay Earl. April 9-12, times TBD
Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker “Sweet Briar Theatre presents the acclaimed play by Annie Baker about how a community acting workshop gradually reveals the hopes, fears, and unresolved conflicts among a random group of people in a small New England town. This play is directed by Sarah Jane Grubb as part of her senior project in Theatre.” May 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. at Babcock Studio Theater
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast “The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress! If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out.” April 30, May 1-3, May 7-8 at 7 p.m., May 9-10 at 3 p.m.
City on a Hill Youth Theater 219 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg facebook.com/CityOnAHillYouthTheater
Pride and Prejudice “Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet’s most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject.” April 23-May 2, times TBD
Brookville Theatre (Brookville High School) 100 Laxton Road, Lynchburg facebook.com/BrookvilleHighSchoolTheatre/
42nd Street “Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown, PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show.” April 2-3 at 7 p.m., April 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., April 5 at 2 p.m.
Fame JR. “Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts in the early 1980s, Fame JR. is the bittersweet, but ultimately inspiring, story of a diverse group of students who commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work.” May 21-22 at 7 p.m., May 23 at 2 p.m.
Glass Theatre (E.C. Glass High School) 211 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg ecglasstheatre.org
In the Heights “Lin Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.” April 29-30, May 1-3 at 7 p.m.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda, The Musical “Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey.” April 3-4 and April 9-11 at 7 p.m., April 5 at 3 p.m.
Liberty Christian Academy Theatre 3701 Candlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg facebook.com/TheatreLca/
The Sound of Music “Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun.” May 14-15 at 7 p.m., May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., May 17 at 3 p.m. at Liberty University’s Tower Theatre
Lynchburg Living Top Teacher Award Winners 2019-2020
14th Annual Gift Guide
Look What I Found!
Staring blankly at that long holiday shopping list? Don’t fret—we’ve got you covered.
On the following pages in the 14th Annual Look What I Found! Holiday Gift Guide, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local finds—from unique toys for the kids to glamorous accessories for mom.
Enjoy our Virtual Gift Guide below! You can zoom in to read all the details!
Pro-Level Baking Made Easy
Unconventional recipes that yield amazing results
Photos by RJ GOODWIN
While I love spending time in the kitchen crafting creative, garden-to-table meals, I have a special passion for baking.
Like most beginners, I started out “by the book.”
But over the years, I started tweaking and adjusting my own recipes to bring them to perfection.
If you’re ready to stop following along on the cake box and take your baking skills to the next level, here are three of my favorite recipes that I know will impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Crusty French Bread (No-Knead) This recipe makes a crusty loaf of French bread that is as beautifully rustic as it is delicious. It takes a bit of time, but it’s easy and there’s no demand for unusual ingredients. The only special piece of equipment you’ll need is a Dutch oven, such as a Lodge or Le Creuset.
OVERVIEW Total: 15 hrs 10 min Prep: 10 min Inactive: 14 hrs Cook: 1 hr Yield: 1 loaf
INGREDIENTS 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed (King Arthur – All Purpose) 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (Diamond Crystal Kosher) 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (Saf Instant – Red) 1 1/2 cups water (bottled or filtered)
INSTRUCTIONS Mix flour, salt and yeast in a mixing bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and mix until combined. The “dough” will be very sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave for around 12-16 hours.
Flour your counter or baking board liberally and turn out the dough, fold it twice and let it rest for 15 minutes then shape into a rough ball. Use only as much flour as necessary for the dough not to stick to the counter. Put back in mixing bowl and let rise for 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and put an empty 4-quart cast iron pot with lid inside (a.k.a. Dutch oven, like Lodge or Le Creuset).
When dough is ready, remove the cast iron pot from oven, take off lid and place the sticky, floury mess of a “loaf” into it, seam side up. Replace the lid and put back into oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake for another 15 minutes. Finally, take bread out of pot and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown and delicious. Let cool completely on baking rack before serving.
Buttery Sugar Cookies This is my go-to recipe for sugar cookies because they’re delicious and also because it doesn’t require softened butter; you can mix up this dough immediately. Rolling it out is super easy with the dough sandwiched between parchment sheets and chilled. Perfect for a holiday cookie swap!
INGREDIENTS – COOKIES 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup sugar 2 sticks butter, unsalted
INGREDIENTS – ICING 2 2/3 cups confectioners sugar 2 large egg whites 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS – COOKIES Whisk together egg, vanilla and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a second bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and baking powder.
Process the sugar in food processor until finely ground, about 30 seconds (6 pulses). Add butter and process for another 30 seconds, or until no large pieces of butter are visible. Add egg mixture and process for 10 seconds, or until dough comes together.
Turn out the crumbly dough onto your counter or a baking board and knead for a few seconds until it comes together. Split dough in half. Put the first half in-between two sheets of parchment and roll out until 1/8 of an inch thick, or roughly 7×9 inches. Repeat with second half. Place both dough halves with parchment on a baking sheet in your fridge for 90 minutes or longer to firm up.
Pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment. Retrieve one dough sheet and gently peel off top paper, put the paper back and flip—then peel off the second layer the same way. You should now have an exposed sheet of solid dough that is not stuck to the bottom parchment.
Cut out cookies using your favorite cookie cutters and transfer to parchment covered baking sheet. Bake until cookies are just starting to brown, or about 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and transfer to wire rack.
INSTRUCTIONS – ICING Using a stand mixer, whip all ingredients on high until glossy, soft peaks form, or 3-4 minutes. Spread icing onto completely cooled cookies. Let dry completely before serving or storing, or about 45 minutes. Enjoy!
Double Chocolate Cake I have probably made this recipe over 100 times and it is my favorite cake in the world. The unique thing is that it calls for oil instead of butter, which makes for a more soft and moist cake. Recently I made a couple of minor tweaks (slightly less leavening and lower temp) that made it even better because it now bakes more evenly.
OVERVIEW Total: 1 hr 35 min Prep: 30 min Inactive: 30 min Cook: 35 min Yield: 12 servings
INGREDIENTS – CAKE Cooking spray, for greasing the pan 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 3/4 cups cocoa powder (love Hershey’s Special Dark!) 1 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt (Diamond Crystal Kosher) 1 cup full fat buttermilk, shaken 1/2 cup vegetable oil (Canola is ok but Avocado oil is better for you) 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup hot brewed coffee
INGREDIENTS – ICING 6 oz semisweet chocolate (Ghirardelli bar is great) 2 sticks unsalted butter (like Kerrigold) at room temp 1 large egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 confectioners sugar, sifted
INSTRUCTIONS – CAKE Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease two round 9” pans with cooking spray and line the bottom with rounds of parchment paper. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt by pushing through a fine mesh sieve with a spoon (to avoid lumps). Add flour mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
In a second bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla; whisk to combine. With the mixer on low, add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix to combine, about 15 seconds. Add the hot coffee and mix until just combined.
Divide batter between pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, or about 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before using a butter knife to release cake from side, then turn out on cooling racks.
INSTRUCTIONS – ICING Chop chocolate and melt in heatproof bowl over simmering water. When smooth, set aside to let cool.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until it gets lighter in color, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes.
With the mixer on low, add the confectioners sugar—1/2 cup at a time (to avoid making a mess). Keep adding until fully incorporated. Spread icing immediately over cooled cake.
