Tour a Custom Home on Smith Mountain Lake

He was born in the land of a thousand lakes, but he chose the one with mountain views.

Minnesota native Dennis Mischel and his wife Gayle have lived in North Dakota, California and Washington D.C., but Gayle admits, “I’ve never lived in a place as welcoming as Smith Mountain Lake.”

And this year, all settled in to their new life, the Mischels are returning the favor as they take part in a major community event—the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour.

From the Pentagon to the Blue Ridge
The Mischels left the Washington, D.C. area in 2014 when Gayle retired from a career in corporate insurance and private consulting, and Dennis retired from his work as a mechanical engineer with the Pentagon.

Prior to retirement, the Mischels spent time investigating different locations in order to find their ideal community.

“I wanted somewhere warm year-round; he wanted a lake,” Gayle explains. Since they knew they wanted to be on the water, they began looking at lakes here on the East Coast because both of their grown children, along with their families, lived on the East Coast at that time. The Mischels had never heard of Smith Mountain Lake until one of Dennis’ co-workers at the Pentagon suggested they explore this area. “It took us three times of getting lost before we finally found the place,” Gayle admitted, but the journey was clearly worth it.

“This is an active community and it’s like a small town—it’s what we were looking for. We just fell in love with it,” Gayle gushed.

Once they agreed on Smith Mountain Lake, they began weekend trips to explore the various neighborhoods and find a new home. The Mischels enjoy the amenities and convenience that the Westlake area offers and hired Peggy Hodges from Wainwright Realtors to help them with their home search.

After seeing over 30 homes and finding nothing that met their requirements (including a four-car garage, an open floor plan and a view), Hodges told the Mischels they’d need to build.

“My husband and I looked at each other and said, ‘Okay, well, then find us a lot!’” Gayle remembers. “We were actually looking at another lot in this area and we came down this street, turned around this cul-de-sac, and this lot was for sale.”

A Back Lake
When arriving at the Mischels’ home, visitors can expect to see water, lots of water—the first impression upon driving up to the house is that there’s a back lake instead of a backyard. There is a yard out there (but you just can’t see it).

“I wanted the house to be like you’re on a large bluff overlooking the water, so one of my criteria when we built the house was you don’t see anything but water when you walk through the front and on the main level. I think our architect did a wonderful job in designing that.”

As you walk through the foyer, you notice instantly that the Mischels achieved the wide, open-concept plan they were longing for thanks to Dennis Cooper (Cooper Contractors in Hardy) and architect Eric Buck (Comprehensive Home Design). The rows of windows that span the back wall of the living room, dining area and keeping room showcase the one-of-a-kind lake and mountain views that the Mischels’ frontage (over 100 feet) offers.

The views above are equally impressive: Gayle chose to use various ceiling designs to help define the different living spaces within her open-concept floor plan. For instance, the tray ceiling shares the same shape and dimensions of the island in the gourmet kitchen whereas the keeping room features an octagonal ceiling.

The living room is the first gathering area past the foyer, whose fireplace commands attention as its rock façade reaches up to the full height of the cathedral ceiling. Matching built-in bookcases flank the fireplace, containing a pristine display of beloved items, such as a ceramic coffee urn Gayle’s mother gave her on her 18th birthday to mark her entrance into adulthood.

When you have an open floor plan, you want a sense of cohesion with your décor and furnishings. To achieve this, the Mischels first used the same paint color throughout the home (Benjamin Moore Shaker Beige). They also opted to repeat the look of the rock fireplace in the kitchen backsplash, which helps to create contrast and texture in an otherwise sleek space. Custom cabinetry by Montgomery Woodworkers incorporates shades of ebony, chestnut and auburn into a custom color; the eight-inch hardwood planks contain the same custom color because Gayle wanted the grain to match. The Mischels chose to have a casual dining area instead of a formal dining room, where even if you aren’t facing the water directly, you still enjoy the same vistas as captured in the stained glass piece by Shelly LaTreill that replicates the view from the deck.

Lake living often seems to be all about the lake itself; it’s equally about being there with family and creating memories beside the watery backdrop.

“We built it for our kids and three grandkids and I wanted a lot of space so the little ones can run around,” explains Gayle.

The Mischels’ son and his family recently moved out to California while their daughter and her family live in Virginia.

With family in mind, Dennis and Gayle purposely separated the sleeping quarters from the gathering spaces. They also elected to add an ensuite bathroom to each bedroom for additional privacy.

A hallway beside the kitchen displays oversized metal plates as well as a cutting board with Norwegian rosemaling, a nod to Gayle’s heritage. The hall leads to a closet-turned-office for Gayle, a guest bedroom, a drop zone, and ultimately to the master suite. With lakefront views and a cozy reading area, the room calls for relaxation.

Places to Play
Still, when the family comes to visit, the Mischels spend most of their time downstairs or out on the dock. Outfitted with a pool table, card table and flat screen TV, the downstairs den provides plenty of spaces for entertainment. There’s another fireplace to cozy up to, framed by Gayle’s cherished Norwegian spinning wheel and tine box. Tucked behind the family room is the children’s playroom that houses toys, video games and a sleeper sofa. This room and another guest room share a spin on a Jack and Jill bathroom (a children’s side, a parent’s side and a shower in between).

Behind the den is Dennis’ office—a man cave with a waterfront view—and an indoor sauna. “Dennis really wanted one of these—coming from Minnesota, he likes anything that’s warm!” Gayle joked. Dennis explains that it’s not just the warmth—his father always chose to stay in hotels with saunas, and he has fond memories of traveling with his dad and enjoying the saunas with him. “Plus, yes, it’s warm and relaxing,” he agrees.

A tile path leads from the outside door to the half bath all the way to a mini-fridge stocked with beverages and to the outside perimeter of the family room—this is a sign of careful planning.

“When they come in from the dock, they’re wet and they stand here and drip and then they go back out again,” Gayle says. The tilework makes cleanup a breeze.

The outside door leads out to the Mischels’ dock. They have everything they need for maximum enjoyment of the lake: a kayak, Jet Ski, pontoon boat and wakeboard. The dock also has a storage room with a tile counter and a remote-controlled shade that helps keep the pontoon clean and covered; it also provides an extra level of privacy.

Whether at home with family or out in town, the Mischels simply love where they live, and they are committed to supporting their community. “When we moved here, we were not aware of the large number of people who were in need,” Gayle admits.

As a way to give back, the Mischels chose to open the doors to their home for the upcoming SML Charity Home Tour this October. “This is the largest community fundraiser for a charitable giving on the lake, so if we can give back and can help people who are in need by just opening our front door, that’s what we’ll do.”

The 2017 Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour
October 6-8
For the past 27 years, the volunteer-driven Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour has helped charities that provide services to those in need around the Lake area. People travel by boat, car or shuttle to tour eight different homes; eight charities split the majority of the proceeds generated from the tour’s ticket sales.

DebraLee Hovey, publications director for the tour, explains that organizations undergo a rigorous, competitive process in order to be one of the participating charities. In addition to their mission statements lining up with that of the home tour, the charities must also commit to raising $5,000 themselves and providing all of the volunteers for the tour. “Most of these charities would have not have access to this kind of funding—it’s vital to their programming,” Hovey adds.

Likewise, the SML Home Tour Board strives to find different properties each year that will spark public interest. In addition to contractors, builders and architects suggesting homes with unique or compelling designs, the Board welcomes recommendations for future tours since being on the tour is a one-time-only experience.

Hovey points out that the tour not only hopes to support the charities involved but also the economic vitality of the region.

“A lot of the Lake goes [the] Lynchburg way,” she says.

“We go to your restaurants, your shops—my dentist is actually in Lynchburg!” she laughs.

The 2017 SML Charity Home Tour will take place rain or shine on Columbus Day weekend (October 6th- 8th). Tickets are good for all three days (no refunds). For more information, visit www.smlcharityhometour.com

---

Photography by Michael Patch

The Question
It was May a year ago. With eyes glazed and jaw dropped, my mouth mumbled, “What? You’re inviting us to open our new home and garden for Garden Day?”

Lynchburg’s enthusiastic event co-chairman Courtney Alford repeated her invitation. In a split second, her contagious smile melted my guard and “Well, sure!” slipped out. It would take a tougher woman than I to say “no” to my friend and fellow Hillside Garden Club member, Courtney.

Besides, our club serves as local event co-sponsor of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, along with Lynchburg Garden Club. Both clubs are among the 47 statewide member clubs of the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) committed to a common purpose and legacy.

The event highlights Virginia’s hospitality, history, and beauty, and proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of more than 40 historic public gardens and landscapes statewide, including Point of Honor here in Lynchburg, as well as a research fellowship program and a GCV centennial project with Virginia State Parks. Meg Clement, state Chairman for this 84th annual event, reported that “approximately 26,000 attendees across the state contribute economically and culturally. Recent surveys indicate that over
$11 million is spent across Virginia…with a cumulative impact of $425 million over the past 45 years.”

And the GCV members have a track record for impeccable organization and support of homeowners on the tour. So, of course, I’d do my part. Commitment made, I had less than a year to prepare.

Then It Sinks In…
Soon my own questions came flooding: Why would Garden Day visitors want to tour a second-floor condominium? (I couldn’t recall a condo ever being on the tour.) Will our small communal garden sport anything but weeds on April 25th? (I hadn’t yet seen it in spring.)
Will our Homeowners Association approve? (I didn’t know my new neighbors.)

Oh, and the Big Question: Will we have time for order to arise from the chaos of our move from our farm in Bedford County to our new home in The Woodstock? (We hadn’t even scheduled our move-in date yet!)

I wasn’t willing to concede being overwhelmed even though my mind was loaded to capacity with figuring out what to do with our accumulation of 43 years of treasures and junk that decades of living, loving, and space at the farm encouraged. With time to Garden Day (G-Day) ticking away, we stepped up our game with the help of our sons and my sister Jan Dow, who hauled a truckload to Richmond to distribute to family there.

With only Tim, Mama Cat, and me living under our roof, I counted on preparation being less stressful than the first time I opened my home and garden for G-Day in 1985 while managing a house full of teenagers, a four-year-old, and a menagerie of dogs and cats.

That was in Danville’s 1886 Penn-Wyatt House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This time it’s the 1917 Woodstock, designed by Stanhope Johnson and a Lynchburg Historical Foundation Merit Award recipient. Knowing that historic places with architectural appeal hold their own on Garden Day and draw the crowd reduced pressure even more.

Besides, we’re a foot stool and lap robe kind of family, comfortable surrounded by family memorabilia, including collections of folk as well as fine art from around the world. Some may consider our treasures tchotchke or worse, but we don’t have it in us to stage décor à la Architectural Digest or keep up with trend-setting decorators. So, we were ready to buckle down and prepare.

First things first, I appealed to our Homeowners Association for our neighbors’ blessing—and was warmly embraced.

Just the spark I needed to start hustling to place furniture, hang pictures, and figure out what to do with the garden.

Taking on an Established Garden
The idea of opening the Woodstock’s communal garden was daunting. I was still grieving my beloved farm garden we’d left behind and didn’t intend to start over with this one. But Meg Laughon, Elizabeth Hutter, and other trusted GCV friends convinced me that it had good bones and great potential. They, along with several new neighbors, garden guru Don Lee, and the Woodstock’s own professional landscaper Kenneth Robertson helped us take inventory, appreciate the work of previous gardeners throughout the Woodstock’s history, and consider what could and should be done to spiff up for G-Day.

We learned that previous residents were master gardeners who popped plants in every spot possible, especially plants found on sale that they nurtured into fine specimens. Ah, my kind of gardeners—more interested in rescuing plants than presenting a grand and cohesive landscape design.

Our feeling of kinship with the past century of Woodstock gardeners continued to grow. They’d planted and nurtured many of the same trees, shrubs, and perennials that we’d planted and loved at our farm, including Virginia favorites—magnolia, dogwood, maple, crepe myrtle, azalea, wisteria, lilac, snowball viburnum, tree and herbaceous peonies, and iris. A bonus was lovely mature camellias, which I’d never grown successfully before. My gardener’s heart began to beat a little faster.

I knew from my previous historic garden that when restoring an already established garden, it’s best to observe it a full year in every season before making radical changes—except for the obvious immediate tasks of removing dead, diseased or radically overgrown plant material.

Kenneth and crew removed dead tree limbs, shaped up shrubs, cleaned out debris, and started tackling a huge overgrowth of English Ivy, accumulated Magnolia leaves, and the dreaded poison ivy—which drove me out of the weeding business after a couple of wicked early spring bouts of allergic reaction.

Yet there was still much work to be done. The flower beds remained scruffy with winter and early spring bedhead, and I couldn’t tell whether some sticks were new-to-me shrubs just waiting to flesh out or last year’s perennial debris. So, patience was the order of the day.

As spring unfurled, the risk of frost diminished daily, neighbors pitched in to fill pots with boxwoods and plant annuals, and Tim and I transplanted tree and herbaceous peonies, hellebores, and more from the farm and planted a few additional varieties of Japanese maples. By then we were hooked.

Behind the Scenes
Courtney and her counterpart, local event co-chairman Lea Barksdale, epitomized GCV grace, organization and support.

They ably led an army of volunteers who aced every planning detail, including organizing the tour path, three shifts of hostesses to cover every critical juncture, and police presence. Flower chairmen, our cousins Patsy Wilkinson and Carter Bendall, orchestrated a committee of talented arrangers who created a profusion of gorgeous arrangements, upholding Lynchburg’s reputation for flower arrangements that put our G-Day on the map.

Club members answered questions, brought meals and gifts, and always showed great appreciation while I perked along happily hanging pictures, planting the garden, and enjoying stories by other Garden Day survivors. Elizabeth Hutter told me one of her garden’s matched pair of wisteria arches looked dead and dreadful the year she opened her garden for the tour. Her solution? Cut off blossoms from the other profusely blooming arch, put them in water tubes, and tape them on the barren plant. No one was the wiser, and the slow bloomer took stage center a week or so later, of course. Such are the vagaries of nature and tricks of the trade.

Another friend requested that closet doors remain closed.

Looking for the bathroom, a hostess accidently opened one of the off-limits closets to discover it piled high with sports equipment and other evidence of a full life. Facing the interloper was a big sign: “Don’t judge! I bet your closet looks like this too.”

Tales of innovative solutions to occasional G-Day glitches speak of devoted husbands schlepping guests around traffic snarls and of keeping homeowners’ floors clean and dry during pouring rain by issuing shoe booties or plastic bags at the front door, collecting them at the back door, and running them around front to reuse. I figured that no matter what the challenge, these ladies are up to it and can turn it into an amusing story!

Countdown
Glitches for us piled up the final week before G-Day: The front-room chair that for decades passed for shabby-chic suddenly degenerated into tattered-derelict. Window washing, an estimated 2-day project, turned into a complicated 5-day project. Touch-up paint didn’t match. Our old HVAC system chose an 84-degree day to die. And, the big one: Tim’s health took a turn for the worse.

Thanks to re-upholstery magic by interior decorator friend Marjorie Grabeel, multiple trips to paint stores by Love Painting’s Kameo Hunter, and rushed HVAC delivery and installation by Wooldridge Heating and Air, we slid in under the wire on G-Day eve. The chair arrived and looked great, windows were spotless and gleaming, and paint touch-ups were drying to match the walls. Half of the new HVAC was running in time to keep flowers and arrangers from wilting, with final installation complete by 9:30 p.m. Fears of G-Day visitors fainting from the heat evaporated, and Tim’s ticker was ticking. So, bring it on!

We even collected our own tale to add to G-Day lore:
As “Arranging Day” (G-Day eve) progressed, one of the arrangers commented, “You have the nicest men working for you. They were so helpful in bringing our card tables, buckets of flowers, and bags of tools upstairs for us. Did you bring them in town from your farm to help us?” It took me a minute to figure it out: Uh…no! She hadn’t noticed the pocket stitching on their shirts, “Wooldridge.”

The Big Day Arrived…
…along with chilly drizzle and rain. As hostesses reported for duty and we were leaving for the day, I flipped the AC off and gas logs on. After all, that’s what we do for a cozy day at home.

My parting words were, “Forget the plastic shoe bags. These rugs survived decades of living on our Bedford County farm with kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, dogs, cats—and red clay, food, and wine. Some are even welcoming their second Garden Day. A little rain won’t hurt.” And after 1,424 guests filed through that day, I was right. Tim and I—and our rugs, home, and garden—are all happy survivors.

My garden-loving friends know me well. We weren’t ready to say “good-bye” to gardening. The Woodstock garden and the community that shares and cares for it had found a place in our hearts. So, I’ll continue transplanting peonies, iris, hellebores, and my great-great-grandmother’s daffodils from their most recent home at the farm to The Woodstock. I know they’ll bloom where they’re planted. As will we.

Living Flower Arrangements

Have you always envied those individuals who could take just any old pot and make it become a masterpiece floral arrangement in soil? Well, Lynchburg has Master Gardeners who can teach you to pot plants in an arrangement just like the pros. I for one do not have the talent, so I am eager to learn.”

These luring words from Elsie Morris, President of the Hill City Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) landed in my email inbox a few weeks ago and reeled me in. Even though I’ve been collecting containers and potting plants in them for as long as I can remember, I’m always up for a new perspective and tips for success. And Master Gardeners Patty Butters, Diane Cooper and Laura Meniktos offered exactly that with their seminar and workshop on “Container Gardening and Fairy Gardens” at Lynchburg Grows just in time for those of us who’ve been watching the calendar and weather reports in anticipation of filling this spring’s outdoor garden containers with works of floral art—or edibles—as well as setting houseplants outside.

Catching Potted Plant Fever
Eye-catching creations of plants in containers first sparked my imagination in picturesque old European cities with charming balconies brimming with blooms and palaces where majestic urns spilled splashes of color against great masses of gray or honey-colored stone structures. Oh, yes, I recall charming pots of flowers in courtyards in Seville, window boxes in Germany, urns lush with geraniums rimming walls and other delights at cross-axis points in formal Italian gardens, and alluring combinations of plants in pots in stately gardens in the Cotswold Hills.

And I’ll never forget the obligatory line-up of lemon trees in terracotta pots in Mediterranean and other Italian gardens, or the seemingly random scattering of charming pots bursting with color in meandering country cottage gardens or carefully placed by front doors in cities with tight living spaces and small yards. It seems that not to be outdone by their forebears, Christchurch, New Zealand has serious competition and rewards for gardeners who incorporate clever and artistic use of pots in their landscapes during their annual Festival of Flowers.

Container gardening has recently gained traction here at home. Renowned garden writer and professor, Allan Armitage, author of Herbaceous Perennial Plants and Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens, declared in a recent Piedmont Landscape Association Seminar in Charlottesville that container gardening is the fastest growing garden sector in the U. S. today, and that excellent space-saving “patio veggies” are now being bred for container gardening and vigor, with especially good success for potted slicer and cherry tomatoes.

What’s Not to Love About Potted Plants?
They add colorful punctuation to green landscapes layered with trees, shrubs, and ground covers—or provide a touch of living green to the built environment, inside and out. They introduce interesting shapes (such as vertical elements into horizontal gardens), and enliven balconies, patios, terraces and porches with intoxicating scents wafting over sitting areas.

Mobility is another plus, since portable pots can be moved from porch to patio or popped temporarily into party décor. And they offer the option and flexibility in choice of plant material when space constraints, poor soil, or no soil at all do not present conditions amenable to in-ground planting.

Potted tropical plants that require inside protection over the winter add a lush exotic flavor to summer outside spaces. For years, my screened back porch was the perfect summer home for my collection of potted orchids until fall’s first frost, and autumn nights outside invariably set the flower spikes for January’s indoor blooms.

Or you can plant a sequence of spring bulbs in your pots, followed by annuals when danger of frost passes. Other plant options are perennials, shrubs, trees (such as a single boxwood or Japanese maple) and herbs.

Pots are especially useful for containing perennials or herbs that tend to spread all over the garden, such as mint, or to manage other challenges. I potted all our herbs for kitchen use out of range of the lifted-leg of our little beagle every time we let him outside. A bonus was locating the pots just outside the kitchen porch door for quick and dry-footed access. And for years Tim planted his tomatoes in pots inside an abandoned fenced dog run to keep critters from eating them.

Growing plants in an enclosed space—whether large or small, grand or humble, permanently located or portable, useful or purely decorative—is the perfect solution to space constraints.

Even the smallest of front stoops can typically hold a little pot, and window boxes are sometimes an option when the building façade is flush with the sidewalk or street. Indeed, potted plants can brighten any spot, including a back alley, narrow path between buildings or window sill; strategically placed splashes of color in pots offer visual appeal with less work than in-ground gardens.

Classic and Creative Containers
Over time, potted plants have developed from the classic “lemon tree in a terracotta pot” into a highly evolved floral art form. Exciting combinations of plants and containers are endless, and most anything can be used as a container—if it drains.

You will, of course, want to consider size, shape, color, style, use and location.

Whether you choose containers that are utilitarian or decorative, be sure they suit your style and purpose and are compatible with their setting: your architecture, yard furniture and other features. An eclectic assortment of pots can be quite effective, just as an eclectic art, furniture or rug collection can reflect the owner’s taste and preferences for interior design.

For our farm, mid-sized traditional metal urns were right for flanking the entrance fence gates, while simple, functional pots worked outside the kitchen door. At the other end of the house, the idea of clustering blue ceramic urns and pots captured my fancy for our terrace entertainment area overlooking the Blue Ridge.

When considering protective potting for kitchen herbs, I searched dusty corners of the barn and discovered an old copper ham boiler. Scrounging around produced another one that Tim’s grandma had used as a tub for washing clothes over the wood-burning stove at their Indiana farm. (Yes, it had earned its holes in the bottom, and I didn’t have to pay extra for well-earned patina!) Then over time, I repurposed additional rarely-used copper pots (by drilling holes in their bottoms) and ended up with a solution that was just right for kitchen container gardening.

Remember that unglazed terracotta pots are porous and water evaporates from them more quickly than from metal or plastic ones. They can also crack if the potting mixture freezes in winter, and large ones can become too heavy to move once planted—although the weight can be a good thing for stability in windy areas.

Patty urged workshop participants to scour yard sales and Goodwill for unusual and fun cast-offs that could be spruced up to create containers and charming “fairy gardens” with tiny figures in live plant settings. Her out-of-the-box (intentional pun) thinking produced a miniature scene in a sea shell, a pirate ship, a shoe, and a child’s little red Radio Flyer wagon, each accompanied by a charming story. One of these as a birthday gift most certainly would enchant children and imaginative adults alike!

Plant with Flair and Locate Strategically
Diane stressed the three “C’s—Container, Colors, Creation” for potted plants and agreed with Patty and me in choosing a container: “Just about anything that holds soil and has (or can be given) drainage holes is fair game!” When selecting plants, consider color, shape and growing habit.
She reaffirmed rules-of-thumb I follow for creating pots with panache: Unless the container is very small (or you’re simply planting a shrub or other statement plant), add three or more complementary species: thrillers, spillers and fillers.

Thrillers include attention-getting “wow! factor” plants for height, such as spikes/dracaena; spillers, such as sweet potato vine, creeping Jenny, or ivy, cascade over the edge of the pot; and fillers can be any plant that takes up the middle ground. For an artistic arrangement, the traditional guideline for number of plants in a container is 1, 3, 5, or 7. Be sure to place the tallest plants in the center of the pot and let spillers tumble over the edge.

For strongest contrast and eye appeal, Diane prefers combinations of primary and complementary colors (yellow and purple, orange and blue, red and green), although any combination that balances color and texture is fine, even if you go for a combo such as purple and red or orange, all green, or all white—which are some of my favorites.

Choose plants for their location—sun, shade and other environmental conditions. Once again, ensure good drainage (adding permeable garden fabric, gravel, or crock pieces if needed), potting soil or other appropriate growing medium—soil-based, soilless, acidic, or alpine/free-draining, and fertilizer. Clustering pots can create a more dramatic effect, but be sure to group plants with similar sun and water requirements.

Caring for Containers
Frequency of watering is determined by plant choice (tender annuals need more, succulents need less), size and type of pot (small pots typically need more), if in sun (more) or shade (less), and time of year (more in heat of summer). In spring, fertilizing with a 10-10-10 mixture once a week will get your pots off to a good start. With experience, you can tell by the condition of the leaves if they need more (or less) sun, water and fertilizer. And experience is gained only by giving it a whirl. So, let’s go for gorgeous potted plants this season!

9 Ways To Tell If Loft Living Could Be For You

1. You want to be able to walk or bike everywhere. Loft living means living in a city with quick access to shops, dining and entertainment, so while you don’t need to get rid of your car, you also won’t need it just to go up a block or two.

2. You hate yardwork. No yard, no yard to work in!

3. You appreciate history and architecture. If you love the character of older homes and buildings and despise all things cookie-cutter, a loft could be for you.

4. You adore an open floor plan. A loft, by nature, has an open floor plan and high or vaulted ceilings.

5. You don’t need many bedrooms. Even though some lofts are larger than single-family homes, most only come with one or two bedrooms.

6. You enjoy the aesthetic of exposed brick and ductwork. Don’t think chintz or French country when it comes to lofts; think more along the lines of industrial, steampunk or rugged in terms of style.

7. You desire a sense of neighborhood and community. Loft living means sharing bike racks, grills and outdoor spaces, as well as living in the heart of the hustle and bustle—you can’t help but get plugged into the area when you live this way.

8. You’re on board with Marie Kondo and her method. You try to keep only possessions that are useful, beautiful or spark joy, and don’t need a storage unit for keeping the rest. Storage is usually at a minimum in these kinds of properties.

9. You always wanted to live in a city. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of living in a chic Parisian apartment, but you have ties to this area (or you don’t speak French). Satisfy your steampunk self or your inner sophisticate and get downtown.

Lynchburg’s newest lofts

With a greater interest in downtown revitalization, historic preservation and simple living, the demand for loft living is on the rise. Lofts establish a sense of community and their locations provide convenience to work (whether you work in the city or need to simply hop on 501), as well as being within walking distance from shopping, dining out and recreation.

While there are more than 10 loft-style properties already downtown, prospective residents have even more options for loft living with the addition of four new properties. Many of these historic properties come equipped with similar amenities, such as in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, parking and updated heating and air systems, yet each suggests its own story and sense of style.

Factory 88
Located on 12th Street, Factory 88 provides 23 one-bedroom apartments in what used to be the Ford & Winfree Tobacco Factory. The design highlights the property’s history using sliding barn-style reclaimed doors, kitchen islands with pallet fronts, and exposed bricks, beams, and pipes. A walking bridge leads to a parking lot, yet the on-site bike storage encourages renters to grab their bikes and explore the neighborhood. A favorite resident feature is the community deck that promotes socializing.

The location is ideal for someone who wants to be in the heart of it all, only requires one bedroom, and doesn’t mind a small living area as units are under 700 square feet.

Piedmont Flour Mill
The Piedmont Flour Mill’s location on Jefferson Street grants residents with easy access to recreation and restaurants while maintaining a sense of peace and quiet. It wasn’t always so peaceful, however: “locals brought their grain here to grind for flour and to trade along the James River—the flour made here actually fed the Confederate soldiers!” said leasing agent Trish Lightner. (The flour mill discontinued its operations in 1987.) Found objects are in full display from the framed flour sack in the lobby to the grinders, sifters and other artifacts on display throughout the interior. The fifth-floor units contain spiraled staircases and top-of-the-world views.

Unique to this property are the one-bedroom units that feature original wooden walls, which creates a log cabin feeling right in the middle of Lynchburg. These were the old silos: “in place of windows, they had these wooden slats so the grain could breathe and stay fresh and not mold,” Lightner explained. “You need to really like a log cabin effect to enjoy the aesthetic in these rooms.” The owners expect to convert a set of silos in back into apartments soon. Lightner believes that this is “going to put Lynchburg on the map since they’re going to create the units in a way that’s never been done before.”

With one- and two-bedrooms units ranging from $700 to $2,000, the property opened in the fall of 2016. More than half of the units leased within the first two months; tenants range from med school students to mature adults.

Wills-Camp
The original building was constructed in 1880, but the Wills-Camp Lofts are the newest addition to Lynchburg loft living. Located between Bowen Jewelry and Baby Bees at 819 Main Street, the building offers five exclusive lofts in addition to commercial space.

“We really wanted something different than what was already available,” explains owner James LaPrade. After completing in-depth research, designer Dale Davis developed the idea of five thematic rentals. From a staircase leading to a study in the Professor’s loft to the original mercantile shelves that serve as an entertainment center, Davis chose specific design details (as well as appropriate lighting features and hardware) for each individual unit. Davis and LaPrade also concluded that they wanted the Wills-Camp lofts to offer large, walk-in closets and as much natural light as possible.

In the past, the building housed commercial businesses, primarily of the retail variety: generations of merchants sold stoves, tin ware, equine equipment, shoes and clothing here at one point or another. In keeping with the building’s history, LaPrade is building a mock storefront complete with an original cash register and other artifacts he found in the building. He also elected to fashion a wet bar from the old elevator shaft in the Executive’s loft.

Amenities include water, sewer, and an assigned parking space. A one-bedroom, one-bath unit starts at $950 with the executive loft (featuring its own private patio) going up to $2,500. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for a retired couple who wants to downsize,” said LaPrade.

Gish Flats
On the corner of Fifth and Court streets, loft lovers will find Gish Flats, where prospective tenants choose between living in a renovated industrial space or a brand new building.

The historical building served as the R.E. Gish Tobacco Factory in 1883, which produced tobacco snuff. In 1920, it became Lynchburg Hosiery Mill #2, which held the distinction of having the first contract with the U.S. military and fashioned socks for the Army, Navy and Marine corps. Today, old knitting machines for hosiery display prominently in the large lobby.

The 66 units opened in the fall of 2016 with price points starting at $900. The rent payment includes free cable, internet, parking, trash, water and sewer services. Gish Flats presents a plethora of amenities to its residents, including complimentary shared bicycles, charcoal grills, and patio tables with sunny yellow umbrellas in the courtyard. There’s also a kitchenette adjacent to the common area to make prepping for outdoor entertaining a snap and an on-site fitness center. Units come with a coat closet and a pantry as well as a separate laundry closet; all units come with built-in Bluetooth audio systems and in-wall speakers. “This is all a very thoughtful use of space,” says Dee Beck, leasing agent for the property.

The panoramic views from the rooftop patio are unbeatable: look one way to see a city line and church steeples and simply turn your head to gaze upon the James.

A vibrant arts and cultural scene juxtaposed against a rushing river and blue mountain ridges, all with a sense of history continuing yet renewing—that’s not just the view from the rooftop, that’s life in downtown Lynchburg.

By Charlotte Farley

Our 3rd Annual Top Teachers reception was held on March 4; hosted by The Timberlake Tavern and catered by Friends Catering, the event drew nearly 100 guests to honor some of the region’s best educators. A panel of judges selected the Top 25 after reviewing nominations sent in from the community. Check out our photos of some very heartfelt, memorable moments. And thank you to all of the teachers in the Hill City!

 

 

 

 

Being a teacher is more than just a job; it’s more than just a career. It’s a calling. It takes a truly special (and very, very patient) individual to educate, nurture and inspire our young people.

In our 3rd annual Top Teacher awards, Lynchburg Living is recognizing a few of the area’s most deserving educators. After reviewing nomination forms submitted by members of the community, a panel of judges selected our 2016-2017 winners.

From their favorite memories to their biggest challenges, learn more about the Top 10 on the following pages. They represent multiple school systems and grade levels. But they all had so much in common—including how they love it when a student finally understands something for the first time or how they wish they had more time in the day.

To all Central Virginia educators, not just those on this list, we thank you for your perseverance and dedication. You are pillars of our community.

---

Lynchburg’s Top Teachers

Crystal DeLong
School: Liberty High School
Years as an Educator: 19
Currently Teaches: 9th grade World History II, Practical Law, 12th grade AP Government

Special Recognition:
• 2017 Region 5 Teacher of the Year
• 2017 Bedford County Teacher of the Year
• 2017 Liberty High School Teacher of the Year
• 2002 Staunton River Middle School Teacher of the Year

Educational Background:
• University of Bath-United Kingdom, Master of Arts in Education-International Education
• Roanoke College, Bachelor of Arts-History
• Virginia Tech, Master of Arts-Political Science (present)

Why did you become a teacher?
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher; I believe that everyone has a calling and I know without a doubt that I have been called to teach. Nothing feels more natural than stepping into a classroom and interacting with students. My passion for history runs
deep, and I am privileged to be able to share that every day with my students.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
As a teacher, the greatest thing I can do is to inspire my students to become life-long learners. The “Aha!” moments when a student finally grasps a concept are the moments and accomplishments that make teaching fulfilling. That is why I continue to come back every day and year after year. Even when challenges seem insurmountable, nothing is more rewarding than making a difference in a student’s life.

What are your biggest challenges?
Some days the biggest challenges I face in the classroom are helping a student to grasp a concept or to take ownership of their learning. Through differentiation and personalized learning I hope to be victorious in those situations. Paperwork and grading can feel overwhelming at times, but overall, the rewards of teaching greatly outweigh the challenges we face as teachers.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
One of the most rewarding things I have been a part of in the past 10 years is Model United Nations (MUN). It was incredible to watch students’ worldviews expand as they became more exposed to other cultures and countries. Several of my MUNers have shared how MUN gave them confidence in speaking and debate, as well as expanding their worldview.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
A good teacher invests in her students and school both inside and outside the classroom. The service aspect of National Honor Society was one of the main reasons I agreed to be the advisor. Serving alongside my students at the Big Island Fall Festival, Roanoke Rescue Mission or with Habitat for Humanity has provided lots of great memories.

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
I am grateful to have the opportunity to teach your children. Thank you to all those who support public education. We need your support as parents and stakeholders to be successful in the classroom. Thank you for entrusting your children to us.

From Her Nomination:
“[Crystal Delong] is a selfless individual that comes to work every day to make a difference in every student’s life. She has natural leadership ability and articulates the needs of the school to ensure that Liberty High School is the best that [it] can be. As the leader of Liberty High School, it is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated teacher and she deserves to be recognized for her outstanding commitment to Liberty High School, Bedford County Public Schools, and the field of Education!”
—Kathy Dills, Principal of Liberty High School

---

Justin Neal
School: Yellow Branch Elementary
Years as an Educator: 5
Currently Teaches: 2nd grade

Special Recognition:
Received two grants from DonorsChoose.org

Educational Background:
• Liberty University, Bachelor of Science-Education
• Liberty University, Master of Arts-Elementary Education

Why did you become a teacher?
In elementary school, I always struggled with reading, decoding and comprehension. I remember what it felt like to sit in class and not know the words or understand the words. I remember sitting in my Title 1 Reading teacher’s classroom when I first learned to discuss and apply what I learned from reading. I remember how elated I was in that very moment. From the moment I joined the world as a true reader, I knew I wanted to teach others.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is that very moment when a student understands a concept I have taught them. It is truly amazing to watch my students apply the concepts they have learned to everyday life on their road to becoming a successful life-long learner. It is also very rewarding to see students improve throughout the year who have struggled.

What are your biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge I face as a teacher is getting all the tasks completed that need to be done. From lesson planning to grading papers to data collection, it is hard to fit everything in… in a timely fashion. However, I always remind myself that it will all get done, even when I feel otherwise!

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My greatest personal accomplishment in my career is the relationships I have built with my students and their families. As teachers, we have a lot to do daily. I firmly believe in building relationships with my students and their families first, and everything else will fall into place.
I still keep in close contact with my former students and their families.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
I would have to say my favorite memories are my end of the year award ceremonies. Our year together is displayed in pictures along with music. The reactions I get from my students and their parents are truly heartwarming.

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
If I could pass along one thing to anyone thinking about or pursuing a career in education, it would be to simply love your students. Let your students know you care, hold them accountable, and show them how fun learning can be. Create a positive, safe learning environment and your students will amaze you.

Teaching is hard every moment of every day, but it is certainly very rewarding.

From His Nomination:
“Justin is so fun and caring and really goes the extra mile every day to make learning exciting. He has a passion and energy for his students that is
rare and I could not be happier that my daughter has the opportunity to be influenced by such an involved teacher that truly loves his class and teaching.”
—Kelly Dalton, parent

---

Emily Morris
School: Perrymont Elementary
Years as an Educator: 10
Currently Teaches:
Instructional coach, grades K-5

Special Recognition:
• 2011-2012 Perrymont ElementaryTeacher of the Year
• 2014-2015 Perrymont ElementaryTeacher of the Year

Educational Background:
• Liberty University, Bachelor of Arts-Elementary Education

Why did you become a teacher?
My elementary school teachers had a very positive impact on my life, and I wanted to do the same for young students.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing teachers and students excited about learning and about sharing what they have learned with others.

What are your biggest challenges?
Helping teachers meet the needs of all students in their classrooms, on such a wide range of learning levels, with limited time.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Bringing teams of teachers together to share their learning and to work as a team in order to help all their students be successful.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
One of my favorite memories was having the students’ family members come in for breakfast in the classroom and our morning meeting.

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
Share your learning with others—no educator is an island. Working together you can achieve so much more for your students.

From Her Nomination:
My son thrived in her classroom. She brought science to life, and went above and beyond to schedule guest speakers on various subject material. Her joy over her students is obvious.”
—Parent

---

Debbie Lester
School: Brookville High School
Years as an Educator: 14
Currently Teaches: Economics and Personal Finance, VA/US Government

Special Recognition:
• 2014 Outstanding Economic Educator of the Year

Educational Background:
• Liberty University, Bachelor of Science-Social Science and History

Why did you become a teacher?
I love to inspire, encourage, and motivate—it was a natural fit for what I believe is my calling in life. Even as a young child, I loved playing school and having order. It’s funny because I enjoyed teaching in Sunday School and leading women’s fellowships but didn’t figure out that I should really be in the classroom until I was 30!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Building real relationships with my students and seeing them succeed not only in the classroom but in their lives. I believe that in order for me to have the most impact on my students lives, I have to be the “real” me. They know me for all my strengths, weaknesses, and craziness…but most of all they know I genuinely love teaching and I love them.

What are your biggest challenges?
I think there is a general belief by some that teaching is no longer honorable. There is a lot of negativity about public education that sometimes makes it discouraging. Being able to come into my classroom and focus on the reason I teach is what makes it all worth it.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
I love teaching Economics and Personal Finance. These are skills they will use their entire life. My favorite unit to teach is the stock market. We play the Stock Market Game each spring and have had great success with our teams every year. I have had the opportunity to take some of my students to Richmond and Washington, DC for recognition for building the most profitable portfolios in 10 weeks. Many of these students have never even left the Lynchburg area and for them to be able to be honored was a great experience for them.

Describe a favorite memorywith your students.
I think my favorite memory comes from this year and taking on the crazy student spirit club, renamed The Swarm. For several away football games, we took students on a spirit bus to cheer on our boys. The first game we had 52 students; the second game we had 102. Yes, it was crazy and loud, but we made really awesome memories for them!

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It takes all of you—your heart, your soul, your mind—to teach and grow these students. Be prepared for great joy and great heartache. It is sort of like being a parent. Sometimes, you don’t see the payoff until after they are grown. Teachers invest all of themselves into their students because they see the great potential that lies within…it isn’t an easy job but like my dad has always told me: if everything was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it!

From Her Nomination:
“Our school has many kids that do not have a great home life, and Debbie fills a void many students have. She supports them, loves them, and treats them all like her very own.”
—Lindsey Sharman, co-worker

---

Ronda Chandler
School: Amherst County High School
Years as an Educator: 12
Currently Teaches: Health and Physical Education, 9th grade Girls

Special Recognition:
• Received Golden “A” from student for being an Inspirational Teacher

Educational Background:
• Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science-PreK-12 Health and Physical Education
• Emporia State University of Kansas, Master of Science-Health, PE and Recreation

Why did you become a teacher?
I grew up around children and liked the idea of inspiring young minds. I also was a year-round athlete throughout school and wanted the opportunity to be involved in school sports.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
When you have that one student who recognizes everything you do for your job is to help them be the best they possibly can. Knowing that the information that has been given to a student has been taken and applied to their future is not only a memorable but rewarding experience.

What are your biggest challenges?
A big challenge for me, as with any public educator, is funding. Physical Education equipment is expensive and the classes tend to be on the larger side. I have to be creative with the equipment I have while making class engaging and informative.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My greatest personal accomplishment would be completing my master’s degree while teaching full time and coaching the varsity girls’ soccer team.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
Some of my fondest memories with my students are years after I have had them in class, and they come back to tell me how much they enjoyed my class. Also telling me that I have helped to show them that Physical Education could be fun and enjoyable is something I hold special.

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
To be an effective teacher you need to remember to not sweat the small stuff and to pick your battles with students. Remember, no one is perfect and everyone has their bad days, teachers and students alike. It takes just one smile or one compliment to brighten a student’s day and to leave a lasting impression.

From Her Nomination:
“She can always tell when something is wrong with one of her students. She often notices that I am anxious before I even tell anyone… She does her best to make health and PE fun… She makes gym interactive and comes up with ways to include all students… [Ms. Chandler] is not only an amazing teacher but a wonderful person who models compassion.”
—Grace Hall-Matson, student

---

Karen Rodriguez
School: New London Academy
Years as an Educator: 28
Currently Teaches: 5th Grade

Special Recognition:
• Bedford County Teacher of the Year (2004)

Educational Background:
• Concord College, Bachelor of Science
• University of Virginia, Master of Arts in Education-Curriculum and Instruction

Why did you become a teacher?
As long as I can remember, I have always valued education. Through life experience, I came to recognize that regardless of a person’s background, the opportunity to learn can be a game changer. I therefore chose to become an educator. This career would allow me to the give the gift of learning and impart knowledge, allowing my students to grow to their fullest potential.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
There are many rewards in the teaching field. However, for me, the most rewarding is the interactions I have with my students. Within my classroom, we build a community filled with learning, laughing and sharing. Our lessons extend beyond the curriculum. When my students exit the classroom, I feel confident they are better equipped for life’s challenges.

What are your biggest challenges?
In the high stakes world of testing, my biggest challenge is creating a meaningful and engaging curriculum. Today’s educational environment is highly focused on student assessment. I want my students to recognize that learning is much more than testing. Therefore, I strive to create lessons that are student-centric with choice and meaning.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
As I look back on my career, I feel my greatest accomplishment is the opportunity I have been given to mentor young educators. It is an honor to be able to work with the next generation of teachers and share my experiences. I am hopeful to provide continued leadership to my peers.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
One of my favorite memories is receiving a call from a high school teacher telling me about a letter a former student of mine had written.

The letter explained how the student’s perspective towards acceptance and respect of others was forever changed after her fifth grade year. I felt proud that beyond the academics, she had learned a lesson of love and compassion.

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
To look past the demands of the profession and recognize the purpose of your work. Some days, you will be frustrated and overwhelmed. When that happens, look toward your students: within them lies hope and the motivation to continue. Simply, they are worthy of your best.

From Her Nomination:
“[Mrs. Rodriguez] creates a safe and caring learning environment for all her students each day… She takes time to listen to my son…really listen to him. She engages all her students in learning. She is a difference maker.”
—Michelle Fluker, parent

---

Julie Speck
School: Heritage Elementary School
Years as an Educator: 13
Currently Teaches: Kindergarten

Special Recognition:
• 2012-2013 Heritage Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Received a 2017 grant for $1,310 for Augmented Reality Software (Learning Alive Plus) from Lynchburg Education Foundation
• Received $5,309 in grants through DonorsChoose.org over the past 5 years

Educational Background:
• Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science-Elementary Education

Why did you become a teacher?
As a child (with a younger sibling), I spent countless hours playing school in my free time. As I continued my schooling, I saw just what an impact a teacher can have on a student. Teachers essentially are shaping the next generation! I think it’s an honor (and a calling) to be able to do that daily!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Every year I get a classroom full of students, some of which have never even held a pencil and can’t tell you their full name. After a year of hard work, these same students are leaving my classroom able to write short stories, read books independently, and do simple math problems. Seeing how much of a transformation each student makes at the end of the year has to be the most rewarding part of my job!

What are your biggest challenges?
Not having enough time in the day. Teaching is definitely not an 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. job! You teach until 3:30, make sure everyone gets home correctly, and return to your room to get ready for another day. In Kindergarten, that requires getting everything set for the next day, writing lesson plans, mentoring new teachers, attending meetings, searching for new grant options, researching new strategies, calling parents, and so much more.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
I believe my greatest accomplishment so far is staying current in the field of education. I am constantly researching new technology, instructional items, curriculums, etc. Being that many of the students I am currently teaching will probably have jobs that do not yet exist, I feel like it’s important to stay on top of new trends and ideas.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
On the 100th day of school, I LOVE to celebrate the number 100 with my students! I dress up as a 100-year-old granny named Miss Alice. The students are so sweet and empathetic, always willing to help me get around the school and complete a day packed full of activities involving the number 100! Some students join in the fun and dress up also.

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
FLEXIBILITY! Teachers make hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions during the day and are required to always be flexible. You may have an amazing lesson planned only to find out your smart board won’t turn on, the copier is broken, or there is no more paper, so you need to do something else. As professionals, the expectations people have for you are also ever changing. No two days will ever be the same or go entirely as you have planned, but it will definitely be rewarding!

From Her Nomination:
“Julie spends countless hours at home and at school finding ways to reach students. She is usually the last teacher to leave in the evenings and comes in to work on many weekends. She looks for new ways to help students stay engaged and enjoy school.” —Christine Harp, co-worker

---

Jessica Hott
School: Bedford Middle School
Years as an Educator: 15
Currently Teaches: 7th grade Civics & Economics

Special Recognition:
• 2015-2016 Bedford Middle School Teacher of the Year
• 2015-2016 Bedford Area Educational Foundation Grant Recipient-Digital Makerspace
• 2014-2015 Stonewall Jackson Middle School Teacher of the Year
• 2011 Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball Teacher of the Year Nominee
• 2002-2003 Stonewall Jackson Middle School Beginning Teacher of the Year

Educational Background:
• Lynchburg College, Master of Education-Educational Leadership (present)
• Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Education-Special Education
• Lynchburg College, Bachelor of Arts-Early Childhood Development

Why did you become a teacher?
Ever since I was old enough to remember, I had remarkable teachers who invested their time and energy into my future. Their nurturing support in my formative years was instrumental in my decision to become a teacher. Particularly Mrs. Palmer, who instilled the importance of character and self-determination.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s all about the students! Walking into the classroom each and every day seeing a room full of smiling students ready and eager to learn. I love reaching the needs of all my students through creative, innovative and differentiated instruction. The joy of teaching is seeing sparks go off when students grasp content material and make connections with the past and present.

What are your biggest challenges?
Competing for my students’ attention and desire for technology while providing and promoting innovative learning experiences with that same technology is an ongoing challenge. In addition, differentiated instruction utilizing technology can be difficult with limited resources.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
In 2013, a student asked if I would sponsor her participation in the National History Bee, and I was able to recruit three more. The next year, I held a school-wide competition with over 80 students battling for one of four spots. After three years, the National History Bee became a county-wide competition with schools working together to prepare history buffs for the national competition. It is a rewarding feeling to see students soar and exceed their own expectations.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
My all-time favorite memory was of a 1920s unit. In collaboration with the school librarians, we turned the library into a 1920s speakeasy. Along with 1920s décor, stations were set up around the library. They included activities with 1920s slang words, a costume photo booth for students, KaHoot trivia and dancing the Charleston. Students were excited, engaged and quite impressed their teacher would dance the Charleston with them!

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
One daily contribution to education is something I think may be the smallest and easiest act: be kind. Students model behaviors from their teachers, and as much as we desire academic success, being kind never goes out of style. Teach kindness!

From Her Nomination:
“Ms. Hott is the type of teacher that will go above and beyond whether she was recognized as a Top Teacher or not. She truly cares for her students and puts in long hours to prepare lessons that promote critical thinking and application. She cares about the students that have less than others and she always advocates for their needs.” —Rhetta Watkins,
principal at Bedford Middle School

---

Robin Powell Wood
School: Robert S. Payne Elementary
Years as an Educator: 40
Currently Teaches: 3rd grade

Special Recognition:
• 1st “Teacher of the Year” for Robert S. Payne
• Recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by Wal-Mart

Educational Background:
• Longwood College, Bachelor of Science-Education

Why did you become a teacher?
My paternal grandmother was a teacher as I was growing up. I was fortunate enough to live behind her, so visits occurred frequently. My siblings, cousins and I would sit in rocking chairs on her big front porch and play “Kiddie College.” My grandmother would ask questions for us to answer. She made learning fun.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping a child learn when they doubted themselves is amazing, but the most rewarding part is when I can make a difference in their lives. I want my students to feel safe, loved and admired. I want to help them see the value in making good choices and becoming the best person they can.

What are your biggest challenges?
There are many challenges day to day in every classroom. Can I solve all problems? No, but I have to try. I have to let my students know that they are all important to me and that I am one of their biggest fans. They speak, I listen.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
One year I had a student that was a “selective mute” who did not talk to many people at all. My daughter, who also works at my school, and I gave up our lunch and recess time to work with her. Once we got her laughing, words were not far behind, then sentences.

It wasn’t long before her mother was telling me what the child was doing at home.

She started going to sleepovers and even church. Her mother wrote to me several times over the years to let me know that her child was still progressing wonderfully.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
My favorite memories are when my former students come back to see me years later. Hearing their successes makes what I do worth it. Some of my former students are in the military (one flew rescue missions on a Black Hawk), a few are in education, some are in the medical field, and others have families they are proud of. Many times I go out in Lynchburg and hear, “Excuse me. Are you Mrs. Wood? You were my teacher. Remember when…” Luckily, I do still, “Remember when.”

Most of the time I even remember their names. They ask, “Are you still teaching?”
I can proudly say, “Yes, I am.”

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
Teaching is not easy. In the beginning, you will go home crying about your experiences. How could I have been a better teacher today? How can I make a difference? Your heart breaks over the hardships that some of your students are dealing with. You have to dry your tears and find joy and purpose in what you are doing. Find ways to help your students cope with any hardships. Create a classroom of trust and mutual caring. First, you have to build community in that classroom. Then the learning will come.

From Her Nomination:
“Her motherly love and high expectations create a motivating environment for all students. It is evident that she cares personally for each child and takes a genuine interest in each one’s life. She takes the time to find out what is important to them and she remembers the details-the things that
matter to her students.”
—Becky Scott, co-worker

---

Betsy Layne
School: James River Day School
Years in Education: 20
Currently Teaches: 1st grade

Special Recognitions:
• Nominated for the Disney Teacher Award
• William M. Walker Family Meritorious Teaching Award

Educational Background:
• Elon College, Bachelor of Arts-Education
• University of Virginia, Master of Arts-Reading

Why did you become a teacher?
My mother and kindergarten teacher were instrumental in my decision to become a teacher. They instilled the love of creative play in me. I still remember climbing through refrigerator boxes and creating a drive up window to my house for shopping. Every summer I was a camp counselor for the recreation department in my hometown of East Aurora, NY. It was in that close knit community where I learned to connect with children early on.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The joy I get when a child has that, “I think I can, I know I can” moment and their eyes begin to sparkle because they finally made a connection is unbelievable. That is the gift of teaching and making connections is key. When I look back on my career, I have built friendships of a lifetime. I have been blessed to work with individuals who are positive and upbeat, which is contagious.

What are your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge is time. I often wish I had more time in the day to engage in learning experiences with my students. I feel success when my students say, “The day is already over? You know what that means, time flies when we are having fun!” I often think that when you love what you are doing, the time really does pass too quickly.

Looking back at your career, what would you say is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Getting my master’s degree before I became a mother. This gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion of becoming a reading specialist. My most recent accomplishment is that I have begun to embrace technology after years of trying to hold on to my “flip phone.” This year, my first graders became global engineering partners with a class in Bangalore, India. This has been a really cool experience.

Describe a favorite memory with your students.
Looking back, I think of the time when we took our kindergarten students to Virginia Beach. When we finally arrived at the beach, it was unreal to see my students’ expressions when I announced, “Roll up your pants and run through the ocean!” Many of my students had never left their small town before, and here they were, in the ocean, frolicking with their friends. That was an awesome day that I will never forget!

If you could pass along one thing to others about the education field, what would it be?
To have a sense of humor and to connect with your students and their families. I feel blessed to have worked with so many amazing families over the last 20 years. One thing that I strive hard to do is build character in my students.

My goal is to help my students become the best “tiny” citizens they can be.

From Her Nomination:
“My daughter was very nervous joining a new school and a new class at the end of the school year. After she spent a morning in the class before our move, Mrs. Layne had each student sign a welcome card for my daughter and then sent it to our home….The students in her class are engaged, happy, and come home every single day excited to go back the next.” —Michelle Davis, parent

---

Top Teachers 11-25

Tosha Weddle
Stewartsville Elementary School

Diane Brown
Dunbar Middle School

Amanda Barclay
Forest Elementary School

Michael Long
E.C. Glass High School

Sarah Davis
Brookville High School

Jennifer Anderson
Virginia Episcopal School

Dana Beall
Linkhorne Middle School

Nathan Kurko
Amherst Middle School

Kerry Doremus
Paul Munro Elementary School

Barry Calloway
Bedford Science and Technology Center

Victoria Meredith
Rustburg High School

Traci Miller
Amherst County High/Middle School

Jonathan Collins
Amherst County High SChool

Ashley Nowell
Bedford Hills Elementary School

Michael Myers
Campbell County Technical Center

Store Owner Peg Breiholz’s Personal Farmhouse Style

I’ve always loved doing creative things,” states Peg Breiholz, local artist and owner of The White Brick House in Forest. From her upbringing to her current business, Peg has maintained a strong sense of self that drives all her decisions and inspires others to do the same.

Staying true to roots
The Minnesota native grew up on her family’s homestead in Springfield where they farmed livestock and crops; Peg remembers they “had acres and acres of strawberries and cucumbers in the summer.” As one of 13 children (she calls herself “the lucky middle”), she pitched in around the farm along with her nine brothers and three sisters. She attributes this lifestyle to helping establish and nourish an entrepreneurial spirit within the family.

Peg came to Virginia for the first time when she was 20 years old: “I worked as a camp counselor over in Goshen, a couple of hours away from here, and I just had this distinct feeling that this is where I belong.”

Raising a family
As soon as she and her husband married, he attended a technical school in Hutchinson, Minnesota and moved to Alabama for a brief time so he could complete his studies. “After he finished, he had a job offer there and one at Babcock and Wilcox, and I already had two brothers who were living here in the Lynchburg area, so we came here!” Peg explained.

That was 28 years ago. Since then, Peg became a mother of two, educated her children, ingrained herself in her artwork and family life, and opened several small businesses—it’s been a busy time of life.

The Breiholzes live in Forest along with their daughter, who just finished her master’s degree in counseling at Liberty University, and her cat Sasha. They also have a son who recently began a doctoral program in electrical engineering at the University of Virginia.

Tending creativity
Peg refers to herself as “a junker” because she loves finding objects that others might pass over and enjoys making them beautiful and useful again.
She acknowledges that “most items I work on aren’t visibly valuable; they often have minor cosmetic issues to begin with. I like to give them a new life.”

She found herself doing this so frequently that she and a friend began selling their personal creations at Peddler Antiques in Forest six years ago. This wasn’t Peg’s first foray into the world of arts and crafts; she has been an artist as long as she can remember, working as a graphic designer for a local newspaper before staying home to raise and homeschool her children.

As a young mother, Peg turned to her art as a fun and creative outlet. “I started doing pastels when my son was two—it was something I could pick up for a few minutes and come back to.” She especially enjoyed dabbling in pastels and watercolor, and her original work is not only on display within her house, but it has also made appearances and won awards around the area, such as Best in Show in Bedford’s Centerfest one year, a ribbon from the Bedford Council for the Arts, and several ribbons from the Lynchburg Art Show.

Around the time her youngest child was graduating from high school, Peg opened a small shop on Etsy, and eventually moved into business for herself and opened The White Brick House, a home goods store named for the building’s façade on Ashwood Park Drive in Forest.

The store carries goods made by Peg and several local artisans, most of which would fall into the category of farmhouse style, which has been a mainstay in American decor far longer than HGTV and Pinterest might indicate—and who would know more about authentic farmhouse style than someone who grew up on a legitimate Midwestern farm?

Building a white brick house
The owner of the booming Forest business calls a white brick house home herself. An easy drive down a pastoral Forest road leads to a lot with a clear view of a Blue Ridge panorama overlooking the rolling green hills of the neighboring farmer’s land.

It was that view that ultimately sold them on the lot six years ago and the landscape dictated many of their final decisions.

“The fireplace was originally supposed to go on the back wall, but we asked Deitz Lilly, our builder, to move it so we could add windows and really capture the view that we loved so much, and we wanted to bring in as much natural light as possible,” Peg explained.

Her inspiration comes from light, which she finds quiet, clean and peaceful. “I need a lot of white and bright lights, especially in the dullness of winter,” she admits, and even the briefest moment spent here makes it clear. Visitors who enter through her quaint front porch walk into a bright, open space, made to feel even more airy with high ceilings and flowing white custom curtains from every window.

Even though Peg lives in and loves the mountains, she enjoys decorating with the colors of the ocean: blues, greens and sandy beiges. She achieves this palette by incorporating jute rugs, white furniture and a striking collection of countless aqua bottles and mason jars that reside in a front-and-center hutch she rejuvenated with new hardware and paint, anchoring down the space between the foyer, living room and dining room in the open floor plan.

Sowing a sense of style
The dining room draws the eye up, beginning with hand-scraped hickory floors to its board and battens all the way to the blue ceiling “so it seems endless” like the sky. Vintage tablecloths hang on a wooden ladder, and antique corbels add a bit of old-fashioned charm. Peg designed the mantelpiece that frames the see-through gas log fireplace. She coated the chairs, mantel and hutch in Westhighland White (Sherwin Williams) for a crisp look that balances the other pieces Peg made over in the milk paint she carries at her shop.

Peg points out that milk paint helps provide the timeworn and time-loved chipped look on furniture.

Opposite the dining room is a small hallway and one of Peg’s own framed pastel drawings of her son as a little boy. The hallway leads to the office and a hall bath featuring Meador Blue walls, subway tiling, and glow in the dark tile as an accent. “I thought that would be fun!” Peg laughs.

Straight ahead of the foyer lies the family’s living room with an entire wall of windows highlighting the bucolic scenery that persuaded them to purchase the property. In spite of having a dining room and a kitchen nook, this is where the family typically eats dinner and relaxes with the view (or a show on the huge TV that sits atop a reclaimed buffet). She isn’t worried about spills or stains on the custom white slipcovers that adorn the sofas. “Even when my kids were little, I had white slipcovers. With upholstered furniture, if you spill something, you can’t always get the stain out.

With slipcovers, you just take ’em off and bleach ’em!”—and this practical nature is the sentiment behind farmhouse style.

In spite of all the white, the room doesn’t feel cold; it seems welcoming, cozy and warm thanks to a layering of textures and the comfortable couches.
For instance, a collection of skeleton keys rests in a wooden dish on an end table, and Peg’s husband fashioned the lamps from porch posts. Exterior light fixtures are hand-forged and made with hand-blown glass. A glimpse up the staircase reveals an original watercolor of Peg’s two children.

Harvesting history
Peg points out that she loves to tie in forms of local and personal history in all her designs. This is evident from old Bedford County license plates that hang over a doorframe to a pile of yardsticks placed in a primitive milk can bearing the name Roanoke and the old general store scale that provides a perch for a topiary. Of her massive collection of blue glasses, her most special pieces preside on a shelf over the kitchen table; these came from her parents’ home in Minnesota.

Peg loves to bake pies and cakes in her custom kitchen that displays a kitchen island her husband created out of a cast-off workbench; Peg ordered the zinc for its counter and added beadboard along the trim. Although her kitchen contains some modern, high-end features like the Carrera marble countertops, her favorite aspects of her kitchen are her farmhouse sink (“the raised sides make it look like an important statement, like art, instead of just a plain sink”) and her separate drink cooler (“it’s so helpful instead of having drinks take up room in the fridge”).

Would she describe her style as farmhouse chic? “Not chic,” she laughs, “just farmhouse style. Shabby chic isn’t really a term that people use anymore, and it differs from farmhouse in that it’s a more feminine style that uses pastel colors in a neutral palette along with small florals. Farmhouse is more simple, direct, and clean.”

Simple and direct—a perfect example of this comes from Peg herself: “I buy things because I like them, not because of their supposed value or because they’re considered antiques. I like old things with a history, I love seeing chippy paint, and I’ve always decorated with aqua.”

Peg’s sense of style and self is just as spot on as her intuition about living in Virginia. “I have always felt like this is where I belong,” she emphasizes.

A conversation with Peg and a visit in her personal home reveals so much more than figuring out how you want to style your home or how to pursue your craft, but how to stay true to yourself, your roots, and your own personal history.

---

By Charlotte Farley
Photography by Tera Janelle Auch

The Benefits of the Growing Trend

Selling your home these days is a fierce competition. HGTV shows are popular; professional photography is expected. Upon seeing your listing in their inbox or social media feed, a buyer’s first impression is critical. It’s either, “Show me that home, now!” or “Not interested”—with very little gray area in between.

So, how do you make your home stand out? How do you make sure a potential buyer who sees your home’s listing…asks to see it in person? Then, how do you turn that showing…into a sale?

The answer could be home staging—giving your home a facelift that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. According to a 2015 report from the National Association of REALTORS®, 81 percent of home buyers say it is easier to visualize a property as their future home when it is staged.

RE/MAX realtor Nadine Blakely provides the service for free when a seller lists their home with her—something she has been offering since 2007.
“I’ve been trained to have a keen eye for the little things that make a big difference,” said Blakely.

She explains how “staging is different from decorating.”

“I don’t necessarily decorate your home but work with a client to help them show off the really good side of all aspects of their property,” said Blakely.

Staging in occupied houses for sale focuses on the elimination of “things” to attract buyers to the spaciousness, organization and cleanliness of rooms. And sometimes, they aren’t major tasks. For example, Blakely tells homeowners to take the magnets off the front of the refrigerator or, her pet peeve, remove cereal boxes from the top of the fridge.

“[Doing that] screams that the kitchen is too small to even store cereal boxes in the cupboards,” said Blakely.

If you don’t currently live in the home, Dan Vollmer, associate broker with RE/MAX, says staging is “incredibly important.”

“Buyers sometimes have trouble envisioning the way a space can be used, particularly if it’s empty,” Vollmer said.

But does all the effort pay off? In the decade since Blakely started offering free professional staging, she says, “It works.”

“Many of my homes sell in a matter of days, and even for more money, once I’ve staged them,” said Blakely.

More statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® back her up. Their report says 32 percent of buyers’ agents believe staging a home increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer by one to five percent. Another 16 percent believe it increases by six to 10 percent.

But if you do choose to hire a professional to stage your home (or take advantage of a free service), Vollmer has these words of wisdom.

“You should rely on them and their guidance…” he said. “No one likes to be told their paint color choices or furniture or decor is anything less than beautiful! But if you take a step back, swallow your pride a little, and trust the person you’ve hired to give you expert advice, you’ll be much better off.”

If a professional is not an option, prepare to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. The elbow grease could pay off through a faster sale for a higher price.

…At The Old City Cemetery

Old City Cemetery’s 27-acre public garden includes the largest public collection of antique roses in the state of Virginia.

This spring, see the beautiful blooms for yourself during the 22nd Annual Antique Rose Festival. Get the best selection of this year’s inventory on Saturday, April 15. The festival also includes workshops and guided rose tours in May. View the full schedule at www.gravegarden.org. Photo Courtesy of Old City Cemetery