Let me tell you about this amazing woman I knew in my childhood.

Up before 5 every morning to get her kids ready for school, then started her work day by 7:30 a.m. where she managed about 30 people—some of them very, very difficult to work with. Then, she often stayed a few hours after her official “quitting time” just to get everything done. Once home (after dinner, homework, dance practices/baseball games) the paperwork would continue. Her pay was not the best—and many times she had to use her own money to accomplish daily work tasks.

This woman didn’t wear a business suit… but a denim jumper smeared with Elmer’s glue. Instead of a briefcase… a giant canvas bag full of lesson plans. Everyone called her Mrs. Basinger; I called her mom.

Being a “teacher’s daughter” earned me a slight celeb status at my elementary school just outside of Charlotte, NC where my mom taught kindergarten. I also saw firsthand that teaching is not a breezy 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. job that people sign up for so they can get their summers off. It’s hard. It’s demanding. And it’s a profession that requires passion (and a lot of patience).

This year, we are once again honored to recognize some of the area’s best educators in our 3rd annual Top Teachers contest. A panel of judges selected the Top 25 after reviewing heartfelt nomination forms sent in from the community. Starting on page 47, hear from the Top 10 teachers, including their biggest challenges and favorite moments. Our Artist Profile on page 22 is also a teacher; barely in his 30s, Derrick Thompson’s musical resume is already very impressive.

We also have plenty of teaching moments in this issue, perfect for spring. If you want to learn a thing or two about the very popular farmhouse style, we go inside the home of Peg Breiholz, the owner of The White Brick House on page 66. Our Expanded Home and Garden section also includes Spring Cleaning advice and practical lawn/garden tips from local experts.

In the Taste department, food editor Rachel Dalton highlights the best places in town to get fresh, local veggies. And this issue’s “Local Flavor” is a father of three who knows how to cook so much more than chicken nuggets. Find his healthy recipe (that includes the up-and-coming sous vide method) on page 100.

Finally, it isn’t officially spring until you’ve watched a Hillcats game at City Stadium, and there are a lot of changes (including the colors) for fans to see and experience this year. Team President Chris Jones explains it all starting on page 31.
As always, when you pick up a copy of Lynchburg Living, I hope you learn something new. And after reading this issue, I hope you’ll make it a point to thank a teacher in your life.

Because I can tell you from experience, he or she works a lot harder than you realize.

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com

I can’t recall ever making a New Year’s resolution. It’s not that I’m perfect; there are plenty of ways I could improve myself. (Just ask my husband.) But the whole idea of waiting until a certain day to make a change? I’ve never been a fan of that.

However, there is something about the start of a new year, when I go to write a new date on my checks, that makes me change my overall outlook. (And, let’s be honest—I’m probably going to write 2016 until at least March.)

Anything is possible. I think to myself, “Maybe this could really be my best year ever.”

This issue is all about being the best, starting with the much-anticipated results of our Best Of Lynchburg contest. I’m still floored over how many votes were counted on our website—165,452! Starting on page 93, flip through to see who took the gold in dozens of categories—restaurants, shops, area leaders…you name it.

If your goal is to downsize in 2017 (especially after the typically-greedy holiday season), you will be very impressed with the Fosters in our Home department who decided 310 square feet is all they needed. It blows my mind! We will walk you through their tiny house adventure starting on page 29.

Another popular resolution: a pledge to finish what you start. I’m guilty of trying out a Pinterest project and quitting halfway through (usually after a few expletives, too). In our Art department, we introduce you to Rivermont Makery—a place where DIY is not so intimidating! And you can get started immediately with a special craft for your front door on page 26.

Make your marriage the best it can be this year by setting aside some time for a special trip, just for the two of you. If you’ve always wanted to visit Homestead Resort in Hot Springs but weren’t sure, writer Jeremy Angione spent a couple of days there checking it out. Read about his experience on page 154.

And maybe this is the year you finally branch out in the kitchen and deviate from the same ol’ spaghetti or chicken casserole. Intimated by oysters? Think they’re too fancy for you? Don’t worry; you have plenty of company. Our new Taste editor Rachel Dalton caught up with several local chefs to give you some confidence. Check it out on page 159!

Whether you have a list of resolutions or zero, here’s to starting out 2017 with a positive outlook. I truly hope it’s your best year ever!

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com

Every year when I was a child, I would wake up on Christmas morning the exact same way. My older brother, Jake, getting within a few inches of my face, would shake me gently until I opened my eyes. Then once I “came to” I guess you would say, he would remind me of the HUGE thing I had forgotten while I was out cold. “Shelley…it’s Christmas.”

Still to this day, even as we are grown up, with kids of our own and live in two different states, I will get a text message from Jake on Christmas morning, as soon as he wakes up. “Shelley…it’s Christmas,” it reads.

After a big chuckle, I always take a quick jog down memory lane, remembering what happened after those three words—seeing what Santa brought us in the living room on our assigned couches, fun family gatherings at Mamaw’s house and a meal complete with all of the Southern staples.

A lot of things have changed in my family since then so my long-standing Christmas tradition is pretty simple; maybe yours is a little more complex. Whatever you do to make the holiday season special with your family,
I hope this issue helps you get into the festive spirit. In our Taste department starting on page 117, we have a recipe that will spice up your basic hot chocolate along with some fun alternatives to the typical turkey. Then on page 95, check out our 11th annual “Look What I Found” Holiday Gift Guide. It’s not only a great reference as you prepare for your Christmas shopping but also helps support local businesses!

But just as much as we all like to receive, it’s so much more important to give, especially during the holidays. And all year long, the leaders and staff of Central Virginia’s numerous nonprofits work hard, giving so much of their time to fill so many needs in our community. See who came out on top of the list in our 2016 Giving Back Awards, starting on page 77.

And on page 67, learn how giving a little of your time to a grieving senior could really help them during what’s often a tough time of the year.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the presents, the long lines, the pesky Elf on the Shelf…that sometimes it doesn’t always feel like “the most wonderful time of the year.”

So I truly hope you are able to slow down this holiday season and take it all in, continuing those old traditions (or even starting new ones) that you will remember for years to come.

Even if those traditions are simply a text message.

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com

When I showed my stepdaughters (ages 8 and 10) my first Letter from the Editor in the June/July issue of Lynchburg Business, they had a couple of questions. First, ‘What is a Letter from the Editor?’ 
(And while I envisioned this explanation being very simple, it actually took 
me a few tries to get it right.)

Second, they wanted to know as they skimmed the page, ‘Did you talk 
about us?’ (You’ve gotta love kids. They keep it real.) I was so relieved I could show them the “mention” I included about them playing in their room on a Sunday morning.

Along with those two beautiful girls in my life, we are all anxiously awaiting a new little lady to join us sometime in August. (The girls’ questions about this topic are, as you can imagine, endless. And much, much harder to answer!)

Families. Traditional, blended, sane or just plain wacky—they come in all shapes and sizes. Like you, I wouldn’t trade mine for anything in the world. That’s why I absolutely love our focus on families and community in 
”The Summer Issue” of Lynchburg Living—because I believe the bond we 
have with our loved ones is truly the backbone of this region.

As you flip through, I hope you’ll be inspired by the Foster family in our Home department. Not only do Rodney and Heidi have so much to teach all of us about home building and home décor but they also embody their last name by opening their home to others in a selfless way. Read their story starting on page 50.

Maybe your family includes your four-legged friend, like mine does. 
(Be prepared for stories about my lazy pit bull Sadie who is scared of her 
own shadow, plastic bags and any object with a cord.) On page 22, see how 
Joyce Ann Houck, our Artist Profile, is winning national awards with her pet-inspired creations—all made with needle and thread.

And with the long days and sunshine at their peak, we have plenty of ideas for you to take advantage of the final few weeks of summer. Check out an idea for a family day trip adventure on page 135, where you’ll learn there is so much more to the town of Luray than just a cave. In our Taste feature, take a break from the backyard grill, and check out some of the best patio dining spots in Lynchburg. And be sure to “Mark Your Calendars” for a few family-friendly events in the area, a few pages over in our UpFront section.

But with all of the planned vacations, day trips, cookouts and festivals, don’t forget to embrace summertime for its simple, impromptu moments. For my family, that means a long and untimed walk with the family dog, a quick stop for ice cream in the middle of the afternoon or an endless Uno game after dinner.

Sometimes, when you least expect it, that’s when the best family memories 
are made.

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com

By 10:30 a.m. most of the group has arrived. Chatting, sipping on steaming cups of black coffee and corralling any available chairs they can find around a central table, this group of retired gentlemen gather on the regular at a neighborhood coffee shop for some lively conversations—you may know who I’m talking about—and they discuss some fascinating topics. I know this because I’m a coffeehouse eavesdropper. Consider this my public confession.

But even more interesting than their conversation is the very fact that they are there. Familiar greetings and “how’s it going?”s fly through the air, reminding me of all that is good in our community—friends, familiar faces, hearty handshakes and “hellos.” I hear it all the time, but “Lynchburg Living” is so good because of the community we have here. It’s not something that should be taken for granted, and it’s one of the reasons I appreciate this work because I get a front row seat to the “community” feel of our city.

Only seven weeks ago I again experienced one of our community’s greatest assets—Virginia Baptist Hospital—when I gave birth to our second daughter. What I find most memorable from our experience is the group of nurses we were blessed to have; several moved here specifically because they “liked the area.” Me too.

Like our medical personnel, teachers serve a critical need in our community. That’s why I’m happy to introduce the second annual Top Teacher awards on page 79. As one of our top teachers, Michelle Burnett, said, “Without teachers, there would be no other professions.” And for that, along with their dedication despite so many obstacles, we applaud them.

We’re also excited to reveal this year’s Hitched feature, which showcases many elements of our community’s wedding industry starting on page 25. It’s easy to see why “Virginia is for Lovers,” especially in Lynchburg, where resources, venues and inspiration abound. From a gorgeous fashion shoot to a spotlight on creative bridal party outings, we hope this will help to bring your own wedding dreams to life.

An extension of our own community in many ways is Smith Mountain Lake, which is celebrating its 50th this year. More than 100 events, starting this month, are slated to help mark the occasion. From attempting to beat a world record to a cardboard regatta to concerts and more, read all about the upcoming fun on page 126.

Drop us a line and share what you love about Lynchburg Living—in the mean time, I’ll be sipping on some coffee and enjoying the conversation.

Best,
Jennifer Redmond, Managing Editor
Jennifer@lynchburgmag.com