BEHIND THE SCENES

Temperatures were in the teens as we descended on Atelier Studio & Gathering Space January 23 for a styled spring-inspired photo shoot. Inside the Madison Street business, it was all hands on deck (or in some cases, ladders were used) to create two unique table settings—from the perfectly tied napkins to the exquisitely styled flower arrangements.

Later in the day, at the home of Jill Rufus in Forest, the family dog Hershey offered plenty of comedic relief as our freelance photographer, Laura Beth Davidson, worked her magic—(we’re not 100 percent sure, but we think he was subtly telling us he wanted a belly rub?)

Flip to our expanded Home & Garden section on page 25 to see how it all turned out!

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to Hawaii Poke and Greens in Cornerstone.
Hello! to County Smoak on Timberlake Road (near Tiny Town Golf).
Goodbye to the Calle Cruz Miami and Uprooted food trucks as the owners relocate to Florida this year.
Hello! to Mardel Christian & Education. The book store will open next to Hobby Lobby this spring.
Hello! to Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. The bakery will not be relocating and is staying in Downtown Lynchburg!
Goodbye to Whole Health Physical Therapy in Wyndhurst.
Goodbye to Waitr in Lynchburg. The app stopped its service here in late January.
Hello! to a new location of Batter Bar on Church Street.

Mark Your Calendars

M*A*S*H, The Play
March 5-7, 8 p.m.
Based on Richard Booker’s 1968 novel about three Army doctors, this Renaissance Theatre performance is full of comic adventures… with a little bit of romance and drama, too. Buy tickets at www.renaissancetheatrelynchburg.org and see our complete Theater Preview Guide starting on page 52.

Empty Bowls 2020
March 21, 10:30 a.m.
Raise money for Lynchburg Daily Bread at this 12th annual event at the Academy Center of the Arts’ Warehouse Theater. Your $20 ticket includes a hand-made ceramic bowl (all are donated by
local potters), soup tastings, bread, dessert and a beverage. Buy tickets at academycenter.org.

Lynchburg Garden Day
April 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This self-driving tour, part of Historic Virginia Garden Week, features five local properties full of history and unique charm. This year’s lineup includes the octagonal villa and ornamental gardens at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Find more information at www.lynchburggardenclub.org.

Antique Rose Festival & Sale
April 25 – May 31
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of this beloved Hill City event at Old City Cemetery that’s also the largest antique rose sale in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The festival includes a series of special events at the cemetery and downtown. Learn more at gravegarden.org and read more about the history of the festival starting on page 93.

Dance Theatre of Harlem
May 2, 7:30 p.m.
This dynamic, multi-ethnic ballet company will take the stage at the Historic Academy of Music Theatre. Dance Theatre of Harlem’s performances include classic as well as contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture. Buy tickets at academycenter.org.

Local photographer Laura Beth Davidson’s youngest daughters (twins) received this cardboard box for their third birthday in October and quickly took it outside. Their two older sisters joined the fun—and soon, her 8-year-old got a little creative. “Of course, just playing in the house would have been too simple,” Laura Beth joked. She grabbed her camera to capture the “mobile” home as it moved around in circles on the driveway. “Life with four children is exhausting,” Laura Beth said, “but it is certainly never boring!”

Photo by Laura Beth Davidson

Mark Your Calendars January/February

Guys and Dolls
Jan. 30 – Feb. 23
Let the fantastic performers of Wolfbane Productions in Appomattox take you back in time
to Depression-era New York City with this classic romantic comedy. Shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are at 8 p.m. or catch a matinee on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Find tickets at wolfbane.org.

Arctic 5K
Feb. 1, 9 a.m.
Don’t let the chilly temps stop you from meeting those 2020 fitness goals! Head to Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center and tackle this cold morning run that takes you through the forest. Register at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lynchburg/Arctic5kTrailRace.

The Best Of Lynchburg Party
Feb. 1, 7 p.m.
Join Lynchburg Living at The Virginian Hotel as we celebrate the winners of our popular Best Of Lynchburg contest! Enjoy tastings from local restaurants and catering companies, live entertainment and more. Find more information at lynchburgbestof.com.

The Second City: Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons
Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Beat the winter blues with this hilarious revue at the Historic Academy Theatre that’s breaking all of the comedy rules—and may even make you rethink what’s funny! The Second City is celebrating nearly 60 years of comedy performances. Learn more at academycenter.org.

Local Openings & Closings
Hello! to Batter Bar, a crepe food truck in Lynchburg.

Hello! to C-Ann’s Southern Bistro off Timberlake Road at The Clubhouse.

Hello! to Iron & Ale Bistro located inside River Ridge Mall.

Goodbye to Main St. Eatery and Catering Company, a downtown favorite since 1997.

Hello! to Simply Vanilla Gourmet Cheesecakes in Forest.

Goodbye to Gabe’s restaurant in Madison Heights.

Goodbye to Farmer’s Seed & Supply, a downtown business for more than 110 years.

Hello! to a new location of Blue Ridge BBQ on Graves Mill Road.

Don’t be afraid to take your fitness goals to new heights this year!

Here you see the feet of Lynchburg Living writer Rachel Dalton as she tries out a new Aerial Pilates class at Iron and Grace Fitness Studio in Lynchburg.

Aerial Pilates draws from all of the traditional elements of Pilates—but instead of lying on a mat, you utilize a silk hammock that’s suspended from the ceiling just a few inches above the ground. This extra challenge forces you to use different muscles.

Read more about Rachel’s experience in the Winter/Spring issue of Be Well Lynchburg, on stands now across Central Virginia, and visit ironandgraceva.com to see the most updated class schedules.

Photo by Laura Beth Davidson

BEHIND THE SCENES
Lynchburg Living relies on a fabulous team of freelance photographers to fill the pages of our magazine with local, current photography.

It’s something we are very proud of!

In November, when photographer Heather Kidd wasn’t able to secure child care for her 8-month-old son, editor Shelley Basinger said, “Bring him on!” Shelley heldWyatt while Heather took photos for this issue’s Home feature.

It was a tough job but someone had to do it.

See this issue’s Home feature on Grandmillennial Style starting on page 35.

BEHIND THE SCENES
While a high of 89 degrees didn’t really get us into the spirit, Mikael Blido’s delicious treats sure did.

On September 21, this issue’s Taste contributor invited us to his Forest home to show off three baked goods. He prepared everything beforehand and had it ready to go. (One reason why we love Mikael!)

Photos of the festive bread and cookies in the sunroom were easy; photographer RJ Goodwin used a chair to get an overhead view. Mikael provided plenty of fresh holly to add a subtle holiday touch.

Then, we took the cake inside to get straight on shots. It took a little finagling to make the white Christmas lights cooperate in the back corner but with RJ’s expertise, a warm glow behind the masterpiece was achieved.

And you better believe the team chowed down when the last photo was snapped. ’Tis the season!

Learn how to make Mikael’s cake and other goodies on page 92.

Local Openings & Closings
Hello! to a new location of Ford Mays Wealth in Wyndhurst.
Hello! to Peaksview Brewery and Games on Timberlake Road, set to open this winter.
Hello! to Gentleman John’s Classic Barber Shop on Main Street.
Goodbye to Phase 2 on Odd Fellows Road. The venue’s final concert is Nov. 2.
Hello! to seafood restaurant Crab Du Jour on Wards Road.
Hello! to Rolled Cold Creamery on Main Street.
Goodbye to vegan restaurant Urbavore on Church Street.
Hello! to Gilded on Church Street, featuring gifts, cards and coffee.
Hello! to Three Roads Brewing Company (formerly Third Street Brewing Company in Farmville). The brewery will open a location on Court Street in early 2020.
Hello! to Starr Hill Brewery on Main Street, opening early next year.

Mark Your Calendars November/December
Downtown Lynchburg
Tree Lighting
Nov. 30, 4 – 7 p.m.
Officially kick the Christmas season into high gear with this second annual event at the Craddock Terry Hotel. This also marks the beginning of the holiday lights on the Bluffwalk—grab a hot drink and take in the sights as you do some shopping!

Christmas at Hydaway
Dec. 5-7, 6 p.m.
Come get into the spirit at Camp Hydaway! Enjoy an outdoor walk through Christmas scenes and lights while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. There will also be bonfires, photo booths, Christmas crafts and more. Better yet—it’s free!

A Holly Jolly Christmas Home Tour
Dec. 8, 1 – 5 p.m.
Five historical Bedford homes will be covered in Christmas spirit thanks to five local garden clubs. They range from “The First Lady of Bedford Avenue” built in 1866 to a Spanish-style home built in 1930. Stop by the Bedford Welcome Center during the tour for refreshments and walk through the Festival of Trees. Purchase tickets at the Welcome Center.

Happy Holidays with the LSO
Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Sit back celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. You’ll hear holiday favorites—from beloved hymns to music from Disney’s Frozen. Get your tickets early because last year’s 1st annual event sold out! Find tickets at academycenter.org.

Trophy Returns to Heritage Drill Team 35 Years Later
PhotoGRAPHY by Lucas Moore

“A band of misfits.”
Les Womack doesn’t sugarcoat how he describes his Heritage High School JROTC unit in 1981. But the following year, those misfits were in for a rude awakening.

David Rose, a no-nonsense Vietnam veteran, had just finished 20 years of active duty and needed a new focus. He took on the role as the instructor of the Heritage JROTC unit, and with it, focused on rebuilding the competitive drill team.

When Rose came on the scene, “There had been a trophy won here or there. Mostly they were regarded as participation trophies. The bar had not been set that high,” said Womack.

That wasn’t good enough for Rose.

By 1983, the unit was competing at a high level and getting national attention. Then in 1984, that same “band of misfits” took home the top title at the National High School Drill Team Championships in Orlando, Fla. “It really put the program on the map for many years to come,” said Womack. “That was the first, but wouldn’t be the last national championship the unit would enjoy.”

Staying connected to Heritage through the years, Womack, who now lives in Forest with his family, was asked to come to the school years ago as staff purged old trophies from the packed display cases. Womack took home that national trophy and two first place trophies and put them in his garage where they sat—until recently, when history started repeating itself.

There is a new Marine in charge of the Heritage JROTC unit—and, like Rose, he is also trying to shake things up. Sgt. Major Dave Eldridge, a friend of Womack’s, voiced his frustration about the lack of memorabilia from years’ past in the new Heritage building. “I told him that I was in possession of, in my humble opinion, one of the most important keepsakes in the history of the unit,” Womack said.

One thing led to another, phone calls were made, and a reunion of sorts was in the works to bring that 1984 National Championship Team together—and those trophies back where they belonged. On Oct. 1, those former “misfits,” along with the hard charging leader who turned them around, presented the three trophies to the current Heritage JROTC unit.

Rose was there to motivate and inspire—his tone isn’t as aggressive as it used to be. But with the gentle tone of a grandfather, he encouraged the young cadets to “set your goals and achieve them… and listen to your sergeant.” The members of that 1984 team shared their words of wisdom as well, many shedding tears over how Rose changed their life.

Drill team season is ramping up, and Womack is hopeful that by bringing these pieces of history home, the cadets will add more trophies to their collection in the future. “We hope that this motivates and challenges the students to rise to a new level that they may not have deemed possible.”

Photo by Lucas Moore Photography

It can be easy to wish away one time of the year for another. Here, a photo perfectly captures one of those fleeting “in between” moments of our seasons—rich green trees alongside their vibrant yellow and orange counterparts.

Photographer Lucas Moore used a drone to capture this view of the Gladys area of Campbell County in October 2016. “I really love this shot because of the truck in it,” he explains. “I was just trying to get shots of the colors of the trees but when I heard a vehicle coming I immediately knew I wanted to try to incorporate that into the photo.”

See more of Lucas’s incredible nature photography on Instagram: @lucas.allen.

Mark Your Calendars September/October

Lynchburg Art Festival
September 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
More than 150 fine artists will show off their masterpieces in oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture and more. This event, now in its 47th year, is held on the grounds of E.C. Glass High School. Rain date is September 15.

Stanhope Johnson Historic Homes Tour
September 22, 1 – 6 p.m.
From homes to churches and beyond, the late-architect Stanhope Johnson designed between 700 and 800 buildings, half of those in our city. The Lynchburg Historical Foundation will lead the community on a walking/driving tour that highlights his work. Find tickets at the Lynchburg Visitor Center,
hillcitytix.com, and the foundation office: 434-528-5353.

Turn to page 63 to learn more about Stanhope Johnson’s personal life in Lynchburg.

Oktoberfest
October 5, 4 – 10:30 p.m.
Beer lovers… grab your lederhosen! The Water Dog and the Academy Center of the Arts are hosting this German-inspired celebration, held for the first time at Riverfront Park. Find more details at www.thewaterdog.com/Oktoberfest-2019.

Lynchburg Zombie Walk
October 19, 5:30 p.m.
Help transform Downtown Lynchburg into a scene from “The Walking Dead”! This bizarre gathering, now in its 9th year, serves as a fundraiser for Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the Lynchburg Dog Park. The walk starts and ends at the Lynchburg Community Market.

Mamma Mia!
October 4-19, various showtimes
Channel your inner “Dancing Queen” at Lynchburg’s Renaissance Theatre. This musical sensation, based on the music of ABBA, has been loved by audiences for two decades. Find ticket information at renaissancetheatrelynchburg.org.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to Board and Brush, a custom wood décor studio in Forest.

Hello! to Aji Ramen and Sushi on Main Street.

Hello! to Outside the Cone, an ice cream shop in Wyndhurst.

Hello! to Waffle Mania, a food truck located in the parking lot of Carol’s Place.

Goodbye to Sluggo’s Sundae Drive in Madison Heights (but you’ll still find their ice cream around town!)

Hello! to a second location of Mission House Coffee on Commerce Street.

Hello! to Scrub Connections in River Ridge Mall.

Goodbye to BurritOh! in the Forest Square Shopping Center.

Hello! to Petz Boarding and Doggie Daycare on Lakeside Drive.

Hello! to The Way Home Church Supplies on Fifth Street.

Best Of Lynchburg Frenzy

Our annual Best Of Lynchburg contest returned with gusto! Over the past two months, our website was in overdrive as the community voted for their local favorites—in categories from restaurants to healthcare providers to destinations and much more. As of Aug. 15, 74,448 votes had been cast at lynchburgliving.com.

Look for the winners in the January/February issue of Lynchburg Living!

Daily Bread Donation

We were thrilled to partner with Lynchburg Daily Bread for our 1st Annual Idea House events in July. After tallying event donations and furniture proceeds, Lynchburg Living donated $500 to the nonprofit, so they can continue their mission to help those in need, one hot meal at a time.

Turn the page to find a recap of our Idea House open house events!

Be Well Lynchburg Makes a Splash

Have you heard about our newest publication, Be Well Lynchburg? This magazine is full of fitness, nutrition, and wellness advice to help you live your best life. We received this note from Vickie Spencer after she picked up a copy: “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your new magazine, Be Well. Taking it home with me tonight and reading it cover to cover. Congratulations.”

Look for Be Well Lynchburg on local stands next to Lynchburg Living!