Inside Joshua & Deidre Stone’s 19th Century Home

Peeking out behind a boxwood hedge in College Hill is a whitewashed stone cottage crested by a green metal roof and accentuated by black window shutters. A black and white cat sunbathes on the stoop, acting as the unofficial guardian of the home. On a still, quiet morning, the faint sound of a record can be heard emanating from behind the arched glass transom and, if you stand up on your tip toes and hold your nose just right, you may catch the subtle whiff of sandalwood. 

It’s an idyllic scene to stumble upon—the exterior of the home giving the impression of a place frozen in time. But if you step through the front door, you’ll be greeted by its current owners, Deidre and Joshua Stone, and realize that the space isn’t frozen in time at all. Rather, it’s a work in progress—a constant evolution of creativity, eclecticism, and whimsy.

Deidre, dressed in a thrifted kimono with a large bronze ankh necklace draping from her neck, lights incense in the front living room while Joshua, shirt buttoned behind a bolero tie, switches the record on the record player. The two move about the home in sync with one another, with the ease of a couple who has been together for 17 years. Their energy is effortless, with a spark of expressiveness and curiosity that is infectious but unrepeatable. Within the walls of their 200-year-old home, everything is a canvas, everything is an opportunity, and everything is art.

“We purchased the house in 2018,” said Deidre, “after living in an apartment that had flooded multiple times. We knew we needed to move.”

“We weren’t looking for a house,” Joshua continued, “instead we were looking around at other apartments. The flooding happened on a Sunday, and this house was listed on that Wednesday. We looked at it, loved it, put an offer on it that Thursday and it was accepted the next day.”

“We closed and moved a month later,” Deidre concluded.

The house was move-in ready, though it had been vacant for ten years. But while it was move-in ready in the practical sense—replacement windows, central air conditioning—the Stones knew they were embarking on a journey to marry their aesthetic with the circa 1815 home.

The front part of the cottage—the living room, front bedroom, and second floor—are all original to the home, which is one of the oldest remaining homes in Lynchburg. The kitchen and bathroom were added sometime in the early 20th century. When the Stones purchased the home, they immediately ripped up the carpet and painted over the pale blue walls.

“I was hoping that there was goodness underneath all they had covered up,” Deidre remembered. “There were drop ceilings everywhere and layers and layers of wall and wallpaper.”

And goodness was in fact discovered as the Stones started stripping away two centuries worth of renovations. The original fireplace was unmasked after hiding behind plaster walls for decades. Sweeping ceilings and stunning wood beams were unearthed beneath drop ceilings. Original heart pine floors were waiting, perfectly preserved under beige carpet. In each room, the Stones meticulously rediscovered the original beauty of the home.

“I still think there’s a lot that we haven’t uncovered,” Deidre acknowledged.

Then, the Stones got to work making the home their own.

“Admittedly, all of this work and this vision is hers,” Joshua said, nodding toward Deidre.

“I love darker, moodier vibes. I like to think the house is an extension of my personal style. I fit in well with the decor,” Deidre laughed.

The Stones wanted to create a space that felt cozy, moody, and dark, but remained welcoming.

“It’s a marriage of style and aesthetic, but also comfort and livability,” explained Deidre.

Throughout the home, inky walls offset velveteen and metallic textures. In the living room, a plush brocade sofa from Gold Tusk Vintage sits amongst scented mystical candles. Geodes, tarot cards, and plants line metallic shelves. Celestial brass wall hangings dot the walls while dried flowers hang like fragile banners across windows.

Every element is a nod to Joshua and Deidre’s life and tastes. Deidre, the owner of Storm + Stress—a shop devoted to mystical jewelry, candles, art, and home decor—peppers her pieces throughout the home.

Her original artwork trails up the tiger print lined stairs. A brass tarot card from her shop hangs against an ebony wall. Joshua, who owns Stone Spice Company and sells his rubs and seasonings at the Forest Farmer’s Market, brings home a bouquet of flowers to dry each week—each one unique and delicate. When a corner of the home isn’t styled with elements from the Stones own hands, thrifted pieces take their place.

“It’s rare that I purchase anything new, unless it’s handmade,” said Deidre. “I think of myself as an intuitive thrifter. I let pieces come to me. I have an idea in my mind of what I need and I don’t try to rush it. I just wait until it presents itself. You don’t always get instant gratification that way, but when you do find the right piece it’s amazing.”

Much like their mentality with decorating and embellishing their home, the Stones are intuitively letting their home show them what’s next. It’s a constant evolution of projects—from the smallest of paint upgrades to plans to build out a commercial kitchen so Joshua can run Stone Spice Company entirely from their home.

“There’s no need to rush things,” Deidre concluded.  

Follow along as Deidre and Joshua continue to transform their home. Find them on Instagram at @blackmoonstonecottage.

Fall Gardening and Prep for a Successful Spring and Summer Season

Aaahhh, autumn in Virginia.

Before you pull your mittens over those green thumbs, there are a few things you can do to get ahead of the game and be in top shape for the arrival of spring. 

First of all, the growing season doesn’t have to come to a screeching halt. In fact, I LOVE winter vegetable gardening. So many cool weather crops grow well here in our region, and with fewer weeds and less humidity, it makes for a more pleasant gardening experience.

Now is a great time to get your fall/winter brassicas established. To give your cool season garden a head start, you can often find already-established plants at local garden centers and skip the process of starting from seed. Broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, and others grow very well in the fall, and even in frost and snow!

In fact, they sweeten with the colder temperatures. Other options like carrots, parsnips, and even tender greens can grow through the fall and winter, especially with the help of a hoop house or cold frame. In fact, sweet and snow peas will grow through the fall as long as you protect them from frost. Many of these veggies are quick to mature, so plant in succession as long as the weather allows. 

There are lots of simple, cheap options for plant protection on bitterly cold days. A quick Google search on DIY hoop houses, cold frames and mini green houses will turn up plenty of results, and you may have the necessary tools and materials just lying in your garden shed! 

As for your non-edible landscape, a little attention now will serve you well when warm weather returns. September is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Gentle pruning is also recommended this time of year. Take some time to remove the dead and brittle branches, and shape up your canopies and bushes. For the rose gardeners, now is a good time to give your roses their last feeding of fertilizer and allow them to harden off. You can, of course, continue deadheading and think about collecting those rose hips (if your shrubs produce them) for later use in herbal teas, hand-made soaps, and other fun crafts.

A favorite fall gardening activity for many people is, of course, planting bulbs. There are so many options for fall planting that will provide bright bursts of color in the earliest days of spring. A few regional favorites include daffodils, tulips, alliums, lilies, hyacinth, and crocus. Bulbs are great fun for those who enjoy landscape design. Consider using different colors and flower heights to create interesting patterns. It will be exciting to see your hard work popping up after along winter.

These are just a few things you can do to clean up your landscape and dive into the fall gardening season. It’s also a good time to pull any unwanted weed invaders, separate crowded perennials, and give your lawn a little love by testing and adjusting your pH levels (between 6.2 and 6.5 is desirable), dethatching, and aerating.

We wish you happy gardening and a lovely fall season!  

Gregory and Lindsey Smith’s Home is a Lesson in Connecting with Where You Are

We fell in love with Lynchburg from afar,” said Lindsey Smith, standing in the kitchen of the A-frame home she shares with husband Gregory and 13-year-old son Oliver.

Both Louisiana natives, Lindsey and Gregory met in their senior year of college and connected over growing up in small towns outside of Baton Rouge.

“We grew up 20 minutes apart from one another, but never met,” Gregory, who now leads the development department for sporting equipment company Marucci, remembered.

After living in Baton Rouge together for 10 years, the Smiths knew they were ready for a change but weren’t sure where to move.

“I’ve traveled out West a lot and I knew I wanted mountains, hiking, and easy access to the beach,” said Lindsey. “But the West Coast felt unattainable.”

“If we tried to move there, it would be so expensive,” Gregory added.

But in the summer of 2017, the Smith family road-tripped north, stopping in Lynchburg before making their way on to Charlottesville and then Richmond. After just five hours in Richmond, the Smiths turned around and made their way back to Lynchburg. Lindsey had been following a handful of Lynchburg accounts on social media, and already knew how special the area seemed, and how much it offered similar outdoor amenities to the West Coast.

“We booked an Airbnb on the way back and also contacted [realtor] Victoria Bartholomew,” Lindsey remembered. “We knew this was home.”

By 2018, the Smith family had moved to Lynchburg—tucked into an early 19th-century home close to downtown Lynchburg. That home became a transitional home for them, emphasizing just how much they valued space, peace, and quiet.

So when a fellow parent connected to Boy Scout Troop 29—their son’s troop—mentioned that their A-frame house just outside of the Lynchburg city limits was going on the market, the Smiths jumped at the opportunity to view it. From the moment they pulled into the tree-lined driveway, surrounded by nothing but bird and squirrel chatter, they knew they had found their new home.

The Smiths moved into their new home in 2019 and have been making it theirs ever since.

“Our strategy has always been to get to know a place and a space before making any big decisions or changes,” said Lindsey. “I worked for Juniper Ridge [a wilderness fragrance company] for a while and their owner was a great mentor to me. He would often quote writer Gary Snyder by saying, ‘Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there.’ And so that’s what we’ve done.”

The home was move-in ready, with only the need for the Smiths to make the aesthetic changes they saw necessary to truly make the space their own.

“We absolutely loved the big windows [in the living room] and we wanted to choose a paint color that almost made the walls disappear so you only saw nature when you looked out,” said Gregory.

That intentionality to unobstruct nature is seen throughout their four-bedroom home and the surrounding two and a half acres. Wood paneled ceilings give way to towering windows and each room in the home has natural elements and textures on display.

“We like to blur the lines between inside and out,” explained Lindsey.

It’s not just nature that the Smith home connects with, however. There is a central line of generational and ancestral connection that tells a unique story of how the Smiths got to where they are today.

“We haven’t bought a ton of ‘new’ furniture,” Lindsey said. “Most of it is family heirlooms or from estate sales.”

With designers like Jersey Ice Cream Co. and Sibella Court and visually stunning locales like Wisconsin’s Camp Wandawega as inspiration, the Smiths have expertly woven familial elements throughout their home.

On one table, a tiny sleeve of postcards exchanged between Lindsey’s grandparents while her grandfather was away during WWII rests, inviting the passerby to pause. In the downstairs guest bedroom, an unassuming oak and pecan headboard tells the story of Hurricane Katrina and Gregory and his father’s combined labor to create a furniture piece that will stand the test of time.

Walking through their home, both Gregory and Lindsey can point to any piece or element and rattle off their respective stories with expert accuracy and great care.

In one room there’s a truck-tarp ottoman—full of texture and slightly undone—that Lindsey purchased from Anthropologie when she worked on their visual team. In the breakfast nook, a dining room table, lovingly purchased by Lindsey’s mom as an engagement gift, marks the years of Lindsey and Gregory’s relationship. Above their fireplace mantle, Great Blue Heron by painter John James Audubon—who often identified himself as a native Louisianan—casts a wary eye on a bobcat that Lindsey’s father hunted in the ’70s. Wooden walking sticks and a vessel full of bird feathers tell the stories of the countless hikes the Smiths have gone on as a family. Even the most subtle detail—a tiny stamped “X” on an All Roads Studio iron peg rail—marks the Smiths’ 10 year wedding anniversary.

No matter where one turns in the Smith home, stories and nostalgia abound. There’s a sense of permanence—of investing in pieces that last and of nurturing them so they do. That feeling makes its way outside of the large sliding glass doors and out into the porch and surrounding land, as well.

“I grew up gardening with my grandmother and mom,” said Lindsey. “They were the type that would knock on a neighbor’s door and ask them the name of a plant, and so that’s what I grew up with. And my grandmother grew up during the Depression, so she never wasted anything.”

Tucked into nooks, sprawling across river rock, and sweeping up the back hillside, native plant life thrives. 

“Most of our plants are propagated or grown from seed. It’s a great practice at being slow,” explained Lindsey, wearing a ring with the words “Live Slow” stamped onto it, putting a period to her point. “We think of ourselves as stewards of a place rather than owners. We’ve prioritized native plants and are a certified pollinator habitat.”

Even amongst the plantlife, heirloom pieces can be found. A cast iron cauldron that Gregory’s grandfather once used as a cookstove now lives a second life as a water fountain—water pumping from a cast iron pitcher pump they pulled from Gregory’s grandparents’ property.

“When we talk about getting to know a place, you have to think about nature,” said Lindsey. “Nature is different every single day and you can always see something new, whether we’re hiking the same hike we’ve done a hundred times or walking in our backyard.”

The Smith’s nature- and heirloom-filled home feels like an extension of that state of mind. With elements and family pieces expertly blending in with the home’s natural surroundings, there’s always something new to see and a new story to unravel.  

 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

Laura Miner knows a thing or two about a well-run kitchen. As a mom of three and the creator behind the popular food blog Cook at Home Mom, Miner spends much of her time testing recipes and creating content for her blog, all while serving up three square meals a day for her family.

“I always wanted the kitchen to be the center of the home, like it was for my mother and grandmother,” Miner said.

A New York native, Miner grew up around food and the community that it can create. Her grandmother was known for hosting big family meals and get-togethers and it was in her kitchen that Miner herself began to cook.

“Every Sunday, we were there and she always had something cooking,” Miner recounted. “The kitchen was the center of the household and food was always at the center of our family. I learned the basics from my grandmother and, as I got older and went away to college, I would call her and say, ‘Okay, I have a can of beans and an onion here, and I think I have some pasta in the cabinet,’ and she would basically give me a cooking lesson on the phone.”

It was after Miner got married and had kids that she started experimenting more in the kitchen—deviating from the soul-nourishing cheese and pasta staples from her childhood and learning how to adapt recipes to her and her family’s preferences. She started her blog, Cook at Home Mom, in 2014 on a whim and a means to connect with others creatively. At that time, she had just moved to Lynchburg with her family and was a new stay-at-home-mom and the blog served as a hobby, creative outlet, and, by 2018, her full-time job.

Steady readers of Cook at Home Mom will notice an emphasis on whole, healthy foods, many of which are Whole30, paleo, or low-carb friendly.

“I didn’t grow up eating that way,” Miner explained. “I grew up eating pasta and cheese—all the things that are good for the soul but not necessarily good for my body. I did the Whole30 in 2015 and I found that all sorts of lifelong issues that I had felt—rosacea, joint pain, inflammation issues—disappeared. I hadn’t realized before then that I was having reactions to certain foods. So anti-inflammatory diets have just helped me feel better. After I finished the Whole30, I started transitioning to a paleo-type of diet—but I still do occasionally eat bread and cheese.”

There’s a natural crossover between the recipes Miner shares on her blog and the meals that make their way to her family’s table. On and off the internet, Miner prioritizes whole foods while still leaving plenty of room for special indulgences.

“We don’t have our kids follow any strict protocol or anything like that. My main concern is their overall health,” she said. “I think it’s good to allow them to experience all the different foods that there are and talk in kid-friendly terms about the decisions that we make. When we are watching what we eat, we talk about it not in terms of what we can’t have, but in terms of what we can have. To little kids, that makes sense in a way that is less harmful than talking about food as either ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ And we explain to them that their taste buds change every now and again and that they may now like a food that they didn’t before. I want them to have a good relationship with food.”

The prioritization of accessible whole foods plus the daily cadence of creating new content for her blog means Miner requires a lot out of a kitchen. But when they moved into their Lynchburg home, its piecemealed kitchen quickly exposed inefficiencies and frustration.

“The kitchen was essentially three separate rooms,” said Miner. “We had to knock out two walls. There was a full wall and a door between the kitchen and the dining room. For us, it just didn’t make sense.”

Despite the glaring inefficiencies of the space, Miner and her family spent a full year living in and getting to know their home before jumping into renovations.

“Over time, you think about how you use the space and how you want to use the space,” she said.

After observing, cooking, and learning, renovations got underway. The Miners knocked out the ancillary walls to completely open the kitchen into their living room and took down the door between the kitchen and dining room. What was left was a flood of northwestern light that gradually softens throughout the year as the tall trees in their backyard leaf out in the spring and summer.

Opening up the kitchen into the living room left two stunning bay windows that allow light to stream in.

“We went through several rounds of designs, and I was really worried about the windows, that they would look clunky or strange. But we wound up figuring out a way to make it work,” she said.

The new open space served as a blank canvas for what the new kitchen could be.

“I wanted the kitchen to be a place that was calm,” Miner explained. “I didn’t want it to feel crowded or cluttered, which meant we needed a lot of storage. And, of course, I wanted to focus on the utility of the kitchen. I wanted a place for everything, and I wanted everything easily accessible so I could cook quickly and with expedience.”

As a focal point to the kitchen, Miner had a large island installed with enough seating for her family of five. Miner opted for marble countertops despite countless warnings that they would get chipped and stained over time.

“I made my peace with it,” she laughed. “We opted for a leathered finish, so it really hides and masks any wear. I’m hard on the kitchen and I cook a lot. I also have little kids. So, I wanted something more durable but couldn’t find anything that matched that finish that I loved so much. I felt it brought a lot of warmth to a white kitchen.”

The island features abundant storage underneath and beside the deep stainless steel farmhouse sink, but the true storage abilities of the space can be found in the cabinets across and adjacent to the island.

Within arm’s reach of the stove is a dedicated, tiered spice drawer that keeps the many spices and seasonings Miner uses organized and close at hand.

“I knew I didn’t want to be rifling through cabinets,” she explained. “I wanted to be able to go through it in quick order.”

Other efficiencies found their way into Miner’s kitchen redesign—from electrical outlets in the pantries and a dedicated coffee space to a uniquely placed kettle faucet.

“I fill my Berkey [water filtration system] twice a day, so I knew that I wanted a dedicated faucet right above it,” she said. “I also wanted the coffee out of the way so people could come in and make themselves a cup and not interrupt me while I was making breakfast. You just have to know how you work and how you function.”

Miner prioritized design and functionality decisions that felt timeless—like the picket tile backsplash and cabinet finishes—with enough flexibility for the kitchen to continue to evolve as their needs change.

“A designer once told me, ‘Don’t do anything permanent if you’re not sure.’ That’s advice that I took to heart,”  she said.

Miner doesn’t consider her kitchen to be “finished,” and it may never be. For now, future plans include installing bay window seating and storage and continuing to spend her days whipping up nourishing meals for her family and readers.  

As your children reach school age—or perhaps they’ve been in school for some time now—you may find yourself considering whether private school is the right choice for them. It could be that you are currently homeschooling your child but are looking for a bit more day-to-day structure. It could be that they’re currently in public school, or it could even be that the private school they’re attending just isn’t the right fit for them. Or, like many new parents, you’re simply trying to get a jumpstart on school research so you’re prepared to make a decision once your child reaches preschool or kindergarten age. One thing is certain: Choosing when and what private school is an incredibly important decision and it’s one that looks different for every family. As a parent, you’ll know what’s best for your unique child and the way they learn in certain environments.

As you navigate the private school decision, we have a handful of tips to help make the decision easier and to guide you on the questions you should ask during private school visitations.

The Factors to Consider
Whether your child is too young to weigh in on the decision about which private school they’ll attend, or they’re old enough to consider the options, there are a number of factors to consider. 

First and foremost, consider the type of environment your child already thrives in. Do they benefit from a highly structured learning environment or does their curiosity call for a more freeform learning experience? One of the benefits of choosing private school over public school is that you can place your child in an environment that is more tailored to their individual needs. Class sizes are smaller, education is more tailored, and course offerings can vary more.

If you are the parent of a very young child and are considering private school just as they reach preschool age, there are certain queues that can help you identify what type of learner your child is. As a general rule, all people are kinesthetic, visual, or auditory learners. Typically, we are a balance of all three but have a tendency to lean toward one specific style. Understanding, even at the most basic level, what type of learner your child is will help you identify which private school may be best for them.

“The five top factors for parents and students to consider when deciding on a private school should be accreditations, course offerings, Biblical foundation, mission, and opportunity,” explained Ashley Saunders, Director of Marketing and Communications for Liberty Christian Academy. “At LCA, we are able to support our students by recognizing each student’s individual needs. We combine small class sizes, our guidance team, and full-time campus pastor to create a team of support for our students.”

Choosing whether or not to enroll your child in a parochial school—or a school that is affiliated with a religious or spiritual organization—is also a factor to consider. Within the Lynchburg, Campbell, and Bedford footprints, there is an incredible diversity among private schools so you can align your child with a curriculum that matches your family’s lifestyle and spiritual beliefs.

Also take into consideration the extracurriculars and athletics available to your child. Each private school offers a different set of opportunities—some of which aren’t often found at our local public schools, like lacrosse. Consider the musical opportunities that may be available to your child as well.

“A parent or student should consider the educational philosophy and curriculum of the school, as well as the school’s culture and values, outcomes, extracurriculars and athletic programs, and classroom size and student-teacher ratio,” said Maryanna Stands, Associate Head of School for Advancement and Director of Admissions for James River Day School.

Common Misconceptions
There are certain misconceptions attached to private schools that should be debunked as you’re navigating the private school decision, as well.

“A common misconception is that parents think there are less opportunities for their students, whether it be extracurricular or academic,” said Saunders.

“People think private schools are only for wealthy students and provide a less diverse student body,” continued Stands. “James River Day School is more diverse, both socioeconomically and culturally, than most people think. Nearly a quarter of our families receive some amount of need-based tuition assistance, and 21-percent of our students come from ethnically diverse backgrounds. We continue to focus some of our strategic efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion as a more diverse school is what’s best for all of our students.”

As you’re visiting the local private schools that you’ve identified as potential options for your child, have a running list of some of the assumptions that you may have about that particular private school, or just private school in general. Ask pointed questions to challenge those assumptions—you may just be pleasantly surprised at the answers.  

Being a teacher is more than just a job. It’s more than a just career. It’s a calling.

Our annual Top Teacher Awards are a way to honor deserving educators who have not only answered this call for public service, but they also go above and beyond to make sure their students are thriving.

This list—made up of various school districts, grade levels and subjects—is only a snapshot of the incredible teacher talent we have in our region.

Thank you to Chick-fil-A Wards Road/River Ridge for partnering with us again on this campaign and providing each teacher with a bag of gifts and coupons.

The Herbs and Flowers You Need to Create a Stunning, and Healing, Medicinal Garden

Herbal medicine predates written language and recorded history. Archaeologists have found evidence of herbal medicine usage as far back as 60,000 years at research sites in present day Iraq. Now, we have chemically synthesized medicines that, without a doubt, save lives and cure disease, however, our modern medicine doesn’t nullify the value and importance of natural medicine. In fact, some of our most powerful drugs are still derived from plants! Did you know that two common drugs used in fighting childhood leukemia come from Madagascar periwinkle?

The plant has been used by indigenous peoples for ages to treat diabetes, however it was discovered to have cancer-fighting properties in the 1950s. We have not yet figured out how to synthesize these chemicals, so we still use the plant extract itself to make these life-saving medicines, reminding us that science is amazing, but sometimes you just can’t beat nature.

As a matter of fact, there are MANY modern medicines that come from plants, or that were developed because of our understanding of plant science. And traditional herbal medicine is still practiced today in much of the world. But you don’t have to be an expert or consult a mysterious medicine woman to add herbal medicines to your cabinet. Here are a few safe and simple herbs you can incorporate into your health and wellness routine:

For Insomnia: Chamomile, Lavender, Valerian Root
All three of these herbs have long been used to reduce tension and settle the mind and body in preparation for sleep. Valerian Root is especially trusted as a natural sleep aid. Drinking a hot tea in the evening of any one or more of these herbs is a great way to treat yourself to a little R&R.

For Pain: Feverfew, Ginger, Turmeric
If you suffer from chronic pain or frequent headaches, or deal with muscle soreness after a workout or a day on your feet, these options may help to relieve your discomfort. They’re great options to try for anyone looking to lessen their use of over-the-counter pain medications. Ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a host of other health benefits. Feverfew, as you might guess, is used to reduce fever, but also helps curb pain from rheumatoid arthritis and toothaches. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has shown in some studies to be as effective as Ibuprofen in pain relief. It’s also easily incorporated into the diet in juices, smoothies, soups, or curry.

For Energy: Ginseng, Peppermint, Ashwagandha
All three of these herbs have been shown to improve energy, brain function, focus, and physical performance. Peppermint is probably the easiest to grow in your home garden and is great when used as an essential oil in a diffuser, as studies suggest that simply inhaling the scent of peppermint sharpens your focus and enhances your mood. Ginseng is popular for athletes and is commonly found in supplements and beverages. Ashwagandha is truly ancient and has continually proven to have a powerful effect on cognitive function, alertness, and even reaction time.

Powerhouse Herbs to Keep on Hand

There are a few herbs that are just good to have around, as they can address all sorts of ailments and issues. This is only a short list. In fact, most medicinal herbs have more than one use, and it’s a good idea to get an herbal guide or do some research if you’re interested in knowing more!

Ginger is one of them. I have frequent migraines, and I keep ginger in my kitchen, purse, and my desk at work, to deal with the resulting nausea. It’s also known to be hugely helpful for expectant mothers dealing with morning sickness. I prefer to eat dried ginger (you can find it at almost any grocery store), ginger chews, or cook with fresh ginger. But it is also available in supplements and teas. Even my kids enjoy the chews and get one any time they complain of an upset stomach.

Echinacea is very well-known and is used for building up the immune system. If someone in your family is already sick, giving this to other household members may help prevent them from catching the bug. The root of the plant is especially powerful. It’s also good for relieving a sore throat.

Oregano is not only delicious, but it’s also a great herb to grow in your garden, as it is antimicrobial, meaning it fights fungal, viral, and bacterial germs. It’s also high in antioxidants.

Bee Balm/Bergamot is charming in the flower garden and is also a wonderful herb with many benefits. Like oregano, it is antimicrobial. It also soothes cough, skin irritations, and stomach cramping. 

There are so many more valuable herbs that can play a role in your family’s health. Don’t be afraid to give nature a try! Afterall, it has sustained us for thousands of years.

As spring approaches, it’ll soon be time to get your herbs in the ground! Visit the medicinal garden at Old City Cemetery for inspiration as you plan and plant your own medicinal garden at home.  

Please note: While the above herbs are generally considered safe, allergic reactions and drug interactions are always possible. It’s important to consult with your doctor and conduct your own research before adding an herbal regiment to your wellness routine.

Tips for Navigating Well-Loved Homes with Character

Lynchburg and the surrounding areas are full of timeworn homes full of potential. Whether it’s a colossal Victorian that neighbors a well-known historic street or a 19th-century farmhouse that’s been clearly well-loved and weathered, there are ways to unlock the potential of these old homes and bring them into the modern world—without sacrificing their charm.

Tackle the Big Needs First
If you’re in the process of renovating, restoring, or even maintaining an older home, it’s wise to start slow and truly look at the bigger picture. For example, if the old metal roof on the home is showing signs of wear or is already leaking, prioritize those crucial repairs first before moving on to smaller projects. It’s important to catch those issues while they’re smaller problems first, rather than waiting and potentially running into a larger problem that could cause wide-scale damage.

Once the bigger, immediate needs are taken care of, approach the home systematically by discovering the resolving problems one by one. Walk room by room with your phone’s Notes app or just with pen and paper and make note of every issue that you see. Is plaster cracking in the guest bedroom? Is the toilet randomly running throughout the day? Is there a light fixture that isn’t working? Are the wooden floorboards on your porch showing signs of rot or wear? Do all of the windows open with ease or do the old pulley systems need to be replaced?

Invest in Experts
Older homes and historic buildings are entirely different from new constructions—even the materials originally used are nowhere to be found in modern constructions today. For the most part, that is a positive. There’s a reason why people lament, “They don’t make them like they used to,” when referring to older buildings. The wood was infinitely stronger, and the metal or slate roofing materials used were meant to withstand the test of time—and they have.

However, it’s completely normal to feel intimidated by your older home. You want to do its “good, old bones” justice so it continues to last.

As you take time to explore the history of your home and identify the character-defining features that you want to keep, you can work with experts that you trust to keep those elements intact while updating any technology or infrastructure around them. For example, if your 100-year-old home has the original wavy glass in its windows, those may be elements that you want to keep—because they really don’t make them like they used to in that regard. However, those windows are often not as energy efficient, or they may need components replaced so they continue to raise and lower. Or, if you are renovating a midcentury that has loads of built-in cabinets but some of the doors no longer close the way that they should, an expert will help you by sourcing era-appropriate hardware that will restore them to their original glory.

If you happen to be more handy and want to tackle the work on your own, hire an expert—either an interior designer or a construction consultant—who has worked with homes from your era who will help you identify the special features in your home and point you toward the right direction for repairing them.

Set Expectations
The average homeowner doesn’t have an HGTV-level renovation budget (but one can dream!), so when you’re planning your renovation plan, it’s important to set realistic estimates alongside each item. Whether you’re hiring an expert or handling the renovations on your own, it’s always wise to add 20% to your estimated total in case of a worst-case scenario. For example, if the construction team starts replacing the floorboards on your porch and notices termite damage on the support beams that they originally assumed were stable, those will be additional costs that you will incur.

As you’re making your renovation plan, consider what is an immediate need (like fixing the leaking roof), an important need, or simply something that is nice to have, and then prioritize your budget from there. Save the “nice to haves” for anything that is left over in the budget after the rest of the work is done.

And keep an eye out for any local or state government preservation incentives like tax credits that your property may qualify for!

Know When You Can Modernize
If your home still has its original coal-burning fireplaces, that doesn’t mean you have to rely on them to heat your home. You also don’t have to furnish your home in era-specific furniture that may not bring your joy or comfort.

The goal with renovating or restoring an older home should be about preserving the elements in your home that can adapt to modern needs. For example, if your home has the original tongue-and-groove longboard wood floors, don’t replace them with modern flooring if they’re still in good shape and can be restored. Or if your home has high ceilings with the original crown molding, factor its restoration into your budget rather than replacing it with newer materials.

Putting the time, energy, and money into salvaging these defining features will still maintain the character and history of your home without sacrificing modern conveniences. As you bring in those modern touches, like an updated electrical system or a new heating and cooling system, you can still be thoughtful of where they’re placed. New air conditioning returns may be carefully and inconspicuously placed so they don’t draw attention. Furniture can be laid out in a way that works with the home’s original floor plan but still works with how you live day-to-day.

Finally, focus on craft and quality as much as you can. The original builders of your home were experts with a deep knowledge of brick, wood, and plaster, so it’s important to focus on bringing in materials that maintain the same level of craftsmanship.  

The “barkitecture” trend is inspiring homeowners and designers to create pet-friendly kitchen and bath designs and more

Gone are the days when the most man’s best friend could hope for in the way of shelter was a simple canine-sized box with a roof and an open door in the backyard. While many dog parents would argue their pups consider every square inch of their human homes to be their own personal playgrounds, others are going the extra mile with dog-friendly remodels and special features.

Some may protest that our obsession with providing our pets with every imaginable creature comfort has become, well, the hair that wags the dog. But, to be fair, these “barkitecture” designs are often meant to make our human lives easier, cleaner, and safer as much as they are intended to please our pups—because, let’s face it, dogs are deliriously happy just to be around us. The term barkitecture began as a way to describe tricked-out dog houses but has come to refer to a variety of Fido-friendly upgrades, with kitchen and mudroom designs among the most common.

“Today, homeowners embracing barkitecture customize their pet-friendly homes with aesthetically pleasing and luxury features like hidden food storage and watering stations, as well as places to shower and groom their pets,” noted a press release from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. “Mudrooms specifically designed for families’ best friends are becoming increasingly popular additions, as they make the care and feeding of animals more effortless and convenient. Additionally, they keep the main living spaces clean and free of pet hair.”

A dramatic uptick in pet ownership during the pandemic may have contributed to the barkitecture trend as people spent more time in their homes and perhaps developed a deeper appreciation for the value pets can add to our lives. 

On the following pages are some specific tips provided by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery for getting in on the trend.

Add a dog wash station in the mudroom.

If you have a mudroom, it’s the perfect place to add a dog wash station. Install a handheld showerhead and use a tiled area with a drain to make it easy to clean up muddy paws and allow your dog to shake off fur. This station near the home’s entrance will make it quick and easy for everyone to clean up before coming in.

Install a hidden food and watering station.

Hide or recess food storage compartments within kitchen cabinetry. Many of these built-in feeding stations are usually incorporated into the center island and creatively incorporate a pot-filler faucet at their pet’s water bowl level. While this certainly is more aesthetically pleasing, removing the food and water bowls from the floor also thwarts the danger of tripping over them.

Homeowners who serve fresh foods or subscribe to a food delivery service requiring refrigeration for their pets can install an under-counter refrigerator dedicated to Fido’s culinary delights.

Barkitecture in the kitchen and bath can be seen as a way to add luxury and aesthetics to a pet-friendly home. These areas are popular additions for homeowners with pets because they provide a space for feeding, grooming, and storing food. Most importantly, they keep the main living spaces clean and free of pet hair.

Learn more at FergusonShowrooms.com.