The Student Doctor 
Will See You Now!

After two years of countless study hours, classes and exams, the inaugural class of student doctors at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) will step out into the real world as they begin clinical rotations at local hospitals and primary care offices starting this August. >>
“I’m looking forward to interacting with patients. We’ve spent a lot of time studying, and I have missed working with real people. The chance to apply what we have all learned in class….is why we study so diligently,” said student doctor Zach Jensen, who was assigned to be on rotations in the Lynchburg region for the next two years.

The expectations are high for Jensen and his peers, according to Ronnie B. Martin, D.O., dean of LUCOM, who explains that his goal for the student doctors isn’t just passing exams but surpassing the standard expectation of patient care. “Boards measure competency, but we think our goal should be excellence,” said Dr. Martin.

As the pioneer class of LUCOM, the recruitment of these student doctors was taken very seriously. According to Martin, each candidate was painstakingly selected not only for academic prowess and achievements, but also for their humanity. Student doctor Fon Sawitree Kongmuang-Dew, who will also be on rotations in the Lynchburg region, explains that her parents were her biggest influence in her decision to become a doctor. “My mom is a retired nurse and that took a toll on her. She has had chronic back pain for almost a decade…and it pains me to see her suffer through rounds of doctor visits, physical therapies, [and] medications…but nothing makes her feel better. So I hope I can use OMM [osteopathic manipulative medicine] to relieve her and my patients’ pain soon.”

Student doctor Josh Reynolds, also assigned to Lynchburg, expounds on this idea and explains that through his training he will be able to serve his community in a unique way.

“Being able to approach a patient’s health from multiple directions gives them the best opportunity to thrive. It also shows them that I truly care about their health, rather than just earning a paycheck.”

In addition to their humanity, LUCOM student doctors represent various ethnic, religious and social backgrounds. In many cases, they have put their adult lives on hold to pursue a calling to a second career. Statistically, the majority of the students recruited to LUCOM are first-generation physicians, second-career students from rural areas. They are selected in the hopes that they will take their skills back into underserved populations through primary/preventative care. Throughout the first two years of medical school, it has been a priority for Martin and his team of faculty to engage the student doctors in a way that enables the future physicians to fulfill their goals for positive change. Martin explains their simple yet profound approach is to “feed the brain in the classroom and feed the heart in medical outreach.”

In fact, many in Central Virginia have already been introduced to the student doctors through events at the Jubilee Center, The Free Clinic of Central Virginia, domestic violence shelters, the YMCA, Runk and Pratt and medical missions locally and internationally. Kongmuang-Dew adds that her ambitions are to improve her community through pediatric neurology. “I’d like to be part of children’s development and help them and their families…so that they can grow up… and reach their best potential and hopefully be part of helping make the world a better place.”

As students pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O) degree, in contrast to Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or allopathic medicine, they are taught based on a fundamental philosophy that sets them apart in their approach to patient care.

Among these philosophies is the foundation that each individual patient should be treated as a whole being—mind, body and soul. Osteopathic medicine operates through a belief that the body is capable of healing itself with minimal outside interference.

These doctors integrate osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) into their practice, where they use their hands to treat and even prevent illness and injury. As Martin explains, “Being well is more than not being diseased. We are so much more than just disease. It’s about the treatment of the patient.”
Kongmuang-Dew says she was drawn to osteopathic medicine because of its holistic approach. “The emphasis on treating patients holistically and respecting each person’s unique character and background is what impresses me the most. As a neuroscientist and a Buddhist, I value the harmony of the brain, body, mind, and spirit, and this aligns well with osteopathic medicine.”

Lily Daniel, another student doctor preparing for Lynchburg rotations, states that in addition to approaching the patient as a whole person,
she has learned through osteopathic medicine that trust is paramount.

“I really love the purposeful treatment of the ‘whole patient.’

As a physician, I think it is important to inquire about mental and spiritual health on a regular basis as it can greatly affect their ability to maintain physical health. I think medicine is losing some of its ability to maintain personal, doctor-patient relationships. Trust is an important aspect of that relationship and inquiring about your patient’s life outside of their illness and getting to know them allows you to build that trust.”

Equipped with these philosophies and an understanding of medicine and manipulation techniques, these student doctors are prepared to venture into our communities to educate, assess and enable patients to reach their health goals, under the guidance of local physicians. Martin explains that even in a community where there is an established expectation of excellent care, the physicians themselves will be stepping up their game when mentoring student doctors because they will be leading by example. Also, as the physician does rounds with a student doctor, a thorough explanation of treatment and dialog will be taking place between team members. “Students do a tremendous time of slowing the process down to give that individualized time and attention,” said Martin.

Martin further explains that having student doctors do their rotations locally will create a draw for them to come back to the area, infusing Central Virginia with more local practitioners.

“We know there are studies that show that if student doctors and residents are treated professionally and respectfully they will stay in the community and will improve access to healthcare.

It also has a big economic impact.”

For Daniel, a fond experience in Central Virginia was exactly what brought her back. “This community welcomed our family over 20 years ago, and [it] has been a wonderful place for us to grow, work and play. It was an easy choice to come back here to train and hopefully give back in some way,” said Daniel.
Bringing more healthcare providers to the area not only has a direct impact on the economy but also creates an environment where healthcare becomes more competitive and easily accessed.

This is particularly important as parts of Central Virginia are amongst the most underserved in the United States.

The goal of LUCOM, as Martin explains, is to put many of its student doctors back into community-based practices with a focus on preventative care. “[Our] primary goal is not research or subspecialties. Our mission is to graduate community-based physicians who work towards improving the lives and status of patients.”

Having these ambitious student doctors in hospitals and doctor’s offices is an exciting new horizon for Central Virginia. Student doctor Miranda Westbrook hopes the community is as excited as they are to take the region’s healthcare to a new level. “I think that we’ve been really well-prepared for clinical rotations, and I’m ready to put my skills to the test. There’s going to be a lot of growth and learning that’s going to occur, and I’m excited to have the opportunity!”

By Tiffany Lyttle

“It’s hard being a mom to a child who can’t communicate his love to me verbally or physically, yet the joy in that kid—it changes me.”

Life can change without warning. Both the tragic and fortuitous can reshape a life, and yet it is in these moments that traits such as love and hope are forged. For Robin Foutz, a moment such as this was ushered in by a seemingly innocuous tap on her door.

A warm and waning afternoon in 2012 played itself out much like any other. As dusk approached, brothers Josh and Elisha set out for a quick joy ride on their bikes as their mom Robin pulled together stories for Bible Pictionary. Foutz quickly wrote down stories such as Adam and Eve, Moses, and Noah but when she arrived at Abraham and Isaac something impressed upon her to delve further into the story. She describes the simple synopsis that resulted from her Google search, saying, “Abraham [had] unwavering and unshakable faith that God would raise up his son.” This description left an impression on her thoughts, which were disrupted by a knock on the door—an interruption bringing the news that would change the Foutzes forever—Elisha, only age 12, had been struck by a car.

Foutz recounts, “Nate got there before I did…He was kneeling over Elisha, who had been lying in his own blood. It was surreal…”
Nate Foutz had the foresight to instruct his new wife not to come any closer in an attempt to protect her from his fear that Elisha would not survive the encounter.

Robin continues, “I don’t know why I listened; I’m his mommy… but I turned around, looked at the sky, and said, ‘God, I trust you!’”

Elisha did survive those first frenzied moments and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Upon arrival, the healthcare team worked feverishly to save him. Foutz remembers, “I still couldn’t bring myself to…look at him, but I stayed nearby and prayed constantly…” Somewhere in the blur of time that followed came word that Elisha was stable but in critical condition; he would require treatment from a more specialized hospital.

Robin whispered loving affection into Elisha’s ear just before the doors closed and his helicopter ascended. Robin and her family would be following by car; she explains, “As I sat there, in the car, driving, I felt I needed to remind God of His word [the Bible]…but it was more that I needed to be reminded. I just kept saying, ‘You’re a God of redemption and healing… I trust you.’” Robin describes that at that moment something supernatural overcame her, “A blanket of comfort came over me, and I remembered the story of Abraham that I had just been reading: ‘…God would raise up his son’.” As she approached the Pediatric ICU, she encountered Nate and immediately shared with him her newfound confidence. To both of their surprise, Nate had also been filled with the same inexplicable sense that Elisha would not only live but be healed.

Robin laughs as she describes the next part of their journey: “God had prepared us in advance, giving us peace and confidence… [and] day in and day out, we just had to hold on to it.” Arriving at UVA that evening would only be the beginning of Elisha’s journey. The shaken family would fight constantly against doubt in times that seemed all but hopeless, and they would cling to their resolve during the seemingly endless silence from Elisha, who had yet to open his eyes.

Because of the shearing his brain had endured, Elisha would face ever increasing intracranial pressure that his treatment team fought desperately to control. This reality proved impossible without drastic interventions. Robin had to make an immediate decision for a craniotomy, meaning part of Elisha’s skull would be removed to relieve the mounting pressure. She explains that receiving this news initially stole her ability to think clearly and at that moment clung to the wall to keep from hitting the floor. However, after collecting her thoughts, she approached the waiting room with resolve and instructed her visitors, “I need you all to pull up your bootstraps, dig in and pray.”

While the surgery worked to correct the pressure, the injury his brain had received in the accident would keep Elisha in a coma. Silently, Elisha would face both of his lungs collapsing, bones being reset, a tracheotomy and life on a ventilator. Each new medical situation would draw from Robin a resilience that even she did not expect. “I felt like I was giving up every single time we said ‘Ok, do this; ok, do that.’…But in retrospect we see it was all part of the journey.”

Weeks and then months passed, but Elisha still hadn’t responded in a way that everyone had hoped. On one particular morning, Robin and a nurse stood at Elisha’s bedside when a new resident approached. He explained to her that she would need to face reality and understand that her son wouldn’t get any better.

This news was disheartening for Foutz, but the nurse turned to her and adamantly explained, “… It isn’t our job to rob people of their hope….I don’t go to church but I see more of God here at the hospital than I’ve ever seen at church.”

Robin was reaffirmed in that moment and shortly after would receive encouragement from Elisha as well.

Later, as the nurse proceeded to brush Elisha’s teeth, she froze. Excitedly, she burst out, “Did you see that?” They had both seen it. For the first time, Elisha was turning his head in protest to having his teeth brushed. The nurse exclaimed this was Elisha’s defiant response to the doctor’s doomsday announcement.

But even these slight movements were not enough to convince Elisha’s treatment team that he had made significant progress.

Robin, newly invigorated with hope, boldly spoke these words: “I appreciate… everything you have done and will continue to do, but I have
faith, and it’s bigger than what you are saying… bigger than what I see. This little boy is going to baffle all of you.”

A few mornings later, Robin woke early to read what initially seemed like a random passage in her Bible.

It was a verse from 1 Corinthians that echoed Robin’s earlier comments to the treatment team: “I will baffle and render useless…the learning of the learned…” There, in those words, Foutz realized that her son was not a victim of fate but rather a beacon of hope.

Elisha would eventually be moved to a treatment facility to receive physical therapy and recover from more surgeries.

In time he would wean off the ventilator and weather “storming”—a dangerous and painful side effect of traumatic brain injuries. The seemingly never-ending battle testified to Elisha’s persistence towards not just survival, but healing. Robin explains that the next phase of healing was tedious, but Elisha eventually opened his eyes and even regained purposeful movement.

The day before Thanksgiving 2012, and nearly four months after the accident, Elisha returned home. Robin recounts, “That was the hardest decision for me.

I felt like [saying], ‘You’re giving up on my kid.’ I just didn’t understand…” Robin and Nate became Elisha’s medical team; they managed nearly 20 medications given around the clock, feedings, bathing and physical therapy. This task was in addition to reassuring and loving their other children, addressing the house that was threatening to fall down around them, and having been unable to work for some time. Ironically, Nate and Robin both laugh in the present as they recall this trying time of readjustment, not capriciously, but rather as two survivors who clearly see the obstacles they have overcome.

Today, Elisha is in a wheelchair and has cognitive injuries that leave him unable to speak, but his emotions and reactions are beautifully intact. Robin smiles as she explains how he giggles endlessly at slapstick comedy and enjoys his family, “He is just so full of joy…and authentic… He is a rock star!” She continues, “I think when you have been in tragedy, it just changes you…. It can take you down a dark road, or it can take you down a good road.”

Robin, with tear-stained eyes and a smile across her face, concludes, “It’s hard being a mom to a child who can’t communicate his love to me verbally or physically, yet the joy in that kid—it changes me. It reaffirms to me that he is exactly where he is supposed to be…and I am exactly where I need to be… We won’t let tragedy strip us of our love and faith. It pulled it from us and brought us together stronger as a family.”

By Tiffany Lyttle
Photography by LaShonda Delivuk

Finding the Right Living Arrangement for Every Stage

Life is riddled with a variety of milestones. Early milestones hold promise and an added degree of independence, such as getting your driver’s license or going off to college. Others, especially later in life, carry a sense of responsibility that can sometimes be intimidating to the unprepared.

While you spend the early portion of your life deciding how you want to contribute to the workforce and training yourself to do so, time may slip by quicker than expected. As retirement approaches, the counter culture it presents to the years you spent working can be both liberating and daunting.

While finances will undoubtedly become a concern, perhaps a greater issue is your living arrangements. Several factors including health, the state of your personal relationships and finances can determine the course of action for the living arrangement best suited to you. Here are several scenarios and how to best approach them for your next step.

Retirement with a Spouse Who is Still Working
“One of the first big discussions for a couple retiring at different times should revolve around the retirement schedule itself,” the New York Times reports. “With such a great change in how your life operates, there are bound to be major adjustments required.”

Those adjustments will largely concern your relationship with your spouse and the household dynamics that can result.

“When spouses have different retirement timing, they need to start with, and accept, that mental difference. Then, make sure someone has done the math. Most likely, they both need to adjust some of their habits—both mental, emotional and actual ones,” financial consultant and marriage counselor Susan Zimmerman told the NY Times.

Assuming the major “breadwinner” of the household retired first, with their spouse now as the sole earner for the home, there may be several emotional issues that crop up. According to the NY Times, the retiree can sometimes begin to feel guilty, for both leaving their spouse to bear the responsibility of income and also feel guilty for spending that income.

“Once couples know their finances are in order, they often find it much easier for one to retire earlier than another,” says financial planner Dana Anspach to the NY Times.

Collective Retirement for Both Spouses
On the other hand, a spouse still in the workforce may finally catch up to retirement with their retiree, or perhaps they planned to retire at roughly the same time to enjoy those years together. In any case, there are other concerns that you will want to be aware of.

As with any major decision—buying a home, having kids, estate planning—it is vital to have a clear discussion. Talk about expectations for finances and household roles and responsibilities.

Robert Laura, self-proclaimed “retirement activist” and Forbes contributor, refers to this as an “in-sync” retirement. He adds that it can present issues in the relationship dynamic between retirees.

“The possibility of spending 24 hours a day, seven days a week together can be equally concerning. Initially, an in-sync retirement may conjure up loving images of long walks on the beach and stargazing over a bonfire together, but that can come with its own challenges,” Laura said.

While one or both of you were working, you most likely had a somewhat regimented schedule of when you saw each other.

The initial shift of seeing each other a few hours a day to all day can be jarring and can lead to conflict.

Laura suggests maintaining social networks and participating in activities is helpful for ensuring both spouses preserve their independence while still enjoying retirement together.

Initially, the uncharted waters of retirement can cause certain issues to appear that may have never existed. It is important to address them, no matter how minor they seem. Discussing who does what chores around the house and how much time you will spend together are just a few areas of concern.

“Role confusion can make it crucial to discuss feelings and needs with each other before retirement instead of assuming you’re both on the same page,” Laura said.

Independent and Assisted Living (by self or in retirement community)
Independence is something everyone clamors for; and though the urge for independence generally remains over time, retirement calls for some stark assessment of which areas of life can remain autonomous and which need to be adjusted.

For seniors it’s important to be “realizing that later on down the road—whether it’s two years or 20 years—their needs are going to change,” said Admissions and Marketing Director of Heritage Green Emily Young. “Independence might become a little more difficult.”

Young insists that seniors should “take the time while they have independence to figure out what’s important to them.” They should also prioritize sharing that information with family members members to guarantee that their preferences are known and followed.

Being aware of your limitations is crucial to senior living, especially if you decide to remain in your own household, as opposed to a retirement community.

If you choose to live alone, no matter your level of ability, there are certain steps you should take to ensure mental and physical wellness.

“For seniors who would like to live on their own, it is important to downsize, particularly to a one-level home that is handicap accessible. Beyond the physical preparations, it is paramount that the senior stays connected with family and friends and weekly church/activity groups,” Vickie Runk, Owner of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities, said.

While the idea of remaining at home—a place where you have invested so much of your life—can be more realistic and appealing for the new retiree looking to fill the void of employment with household chores and self-upkeep, for those with more health concerns and fewer family members to assist them, a retirement community may be a more attractive option.

A retirement community can be “so helpful for so many [reasons] because it allows the resident to have all of their needs met, which enables them to do more without having to worry about daily tasks,” Runk said. “Meeting their needs faster and more efficiently helps them to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible.”

Although assisted living and independent living sound similar, their implementation is different. Runk & Pratt and The Summit are local retirement communities that offer both options. The foundation of both facilities is providing a safe environment for members that allows for independence while also meeting daily needs if necessary. “If necessary” is the key phrase in understanding the difference between assisted and independent living. For those living independently, they can simply enjoy the amenities of their community. On the other hand, those needing more help can receive additional and specialized attention from staff to assist with daily tasks—such as medication or simple chores—that can prove troublesome otherwise.

In any case, Brenda Dixon, Marketing Director at The Summit, suggests that community living can add as many as three years to someone’s life.
Dixon also believes that remaining active in programs and events is a great way for seniors to transition into a new way of life. Keeping family involved in every step of the process is also vital.

“Families need to be educated about the options available and be realistic on what their family members can afford,” Dixon said. “Have ‘the talk’ early. When dealing with independent living, most often it’s the seniors themselves [who] are doing the research; they want to make their own choices.”

According to Young, it is fairly common for families to wait until emergencies occur before they decide to make a decision
about assisted living.

“If people were to start making these decisions earlier and making a move before they feel its necessary, I think they would have a lot of stress. . .relieved,” Young said.

Health and Rehab Centers
If a senior’s health issues are greater than having to take a daily prescription, they may want to be checked into a health and rehab center. Sometimes better known as nursing homes, Christi Thomas, Community Relations Director at Liberty Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center, ensures that modern rehabilitation facilities do not carry the same stigma or negative feelings often associated with nursing homes.

Nursing homes are sometimes thought of as an equivalent to hospice care, but this is simply untrue. “There are activities going on all the time, even nights and weekends,” Alicia Adams, Director of Community Relations at Avante, said.

Avante specializes in “skilled nursing and long term care.” Adams insists that Avante hosts many services that can help seniors transition in their health and rehab. However, depending on the medical concern, many seniors need some time before they are ready to acclimate back into their homes.

“We have a very high success rate with our therapy department,” Adams said. “It is very rare that someone comes in and is not able to go back to their assisted living or their home.”

Avante offers a wide variety of health services and therapy including speech therapy, counseling needs and outpatient occupational therapy.
Similarly, Liberty Ridge, while a smaller community, boasts a warm, home-like feel. According to Thomas, their small size allows them to give each senior more personal attention.

Whatever stage of life you find yourself in, be assured there are many ways to preserve the independence you want while still enjoying a safe and secure retirement.

By Jeremy Angione

From buck parties to hen nights to stag and doe events, a best man or maid of honor may be left wondering why pre-wedding celebrations have gone to the barnyard. But don’t be afraid of those mixed metaphors!

Marking that last night of freedom has evolved from a manly rite of passage to a variety of bachelor and bachelorette parties. Today’s party planners have moved past the Spartan revelry of conquest and temptation to a celebration of past meeting future.

Including both men and women, the best parties not only celebrate memories from single life, but also anticipate the joy of future togetherness. This spirit has spawned a host of new ideas for bachelor, bachelorette and group parties.

For the Group
The groom really can see the bride on the night before the wedding by starting with a group celebration. Stephanie Atkinson, long-time downtown Lynchburg resident, suggests that the whole wedding party start the night together. Then, they can separate into guys and gals to finish the evening. So, Atkinson recommends breaking the ice with a light activity like singing karaoke at Kegney Brothers. It will give bridal party members and friends a chance to meet before the rehearsal dinner or ceremony.

If you want the bridal party to be in sync, consider group dance classes at a local dance studio. It can even give you a chance to plan a YouTube-worthy entrance. For example, VA Dance Studio offers a “Wedding Bootcamp” package to practice some moves before the big day. Also, there are several dance halls and studios in Lynchburg where a group can dance together before the big day.

Finally, you can party like a local at Virginia Beach. Lauren MacMoyle, a Virginia Beach photographer, has several suggestions for beautiful waterfront celebrations. As a secret tip, MacMoyle suggests Croatan Beach, First Landing State Park and Beach Bagel Bakery. She explains, “Most locals don’t go to the main beach because it gets so crowded. Croatan beach is across the Rudee inlet south of the main beach, and it’s a lot quieter. There’s also a surfing area because the waves are better there.”

Similarly, First Landing State Park has “a quiet beach with plenty of hiking or biking trails.” With the natural dunes, MacMoyle suggests it as a spot to stop for photos. Finally, Beach Bagel Bakery is located slightly inland, making it less crowded than the beach-front breakfast spots.

MacMoyle also recommends spending a weekend at the boardwalk, saying, “No matter what you’re celebrating, you’ll always find something you like to do.”

For the Ladies
Set up a celebration to suit the bride by looking to her interests. Kendall Wong, graphic designer and bride-to-be, reflected on her celebration saying, “I think the primary thing that my maid of honor took into consideration for me when she planned my bridal shower was my personality and what would be most meaningful to both me and my guests. My maid of honor really put special effort and consideration into ensuring that the event was bright, fun and tasteful.” It’s easy to plan a personal event when you explore local Lynchburg.

For the active bride, consider sweating out some wedding jitters in a kickboxing class. If you’re looking for health benefits, Bruce Rubinberg, owner of FEKS Martial Arts Center, suggests starting classes four weeks before a wedding. If you simply need an active way to relieve stress, you can join in a class at any time. Dana Rubinberg, a kickboxing student since 2013, describes it as “…easy to jump in as a beginner.” This style of exercising also builds bonds from the interaction between friends as they practice, so consider making it a bridal party health goal in the weeks leading up to the big day.

For the busy bachelorette, some spa therapy will refresh and refocus. London’s Salt Spa features a unique salt cave with zero gravity chairs and fresh air full of 80 minerals. If you book the space for a party, your group can take advantage of the whole space, including catering in the reception area. The regulars prefer it for the atmosphere, which has been compared to the comfort of your living room.

For the sentimental friend, create a little art to commemorate your friendship. All Fired Up is a pottery studio where you can paint bisque pottery as a group. The owner, Vicky Ledbetter, recommends painting several pieces in the same colors so that the bride can use them in her home. For example, each friend can paint a plate with a different design in the bride’s colors. Then, she can remember her fun night out with every table setting.

For the foodie, a night in with friends can include an in-house wine consultation. Scott McCauley, wine consultant and co-owner at Magnolia Foods, recommends tasting as an opportunity to both educate and entertain. He can either bring a selection of wines to taste or make pairing suggestions based on the bride’s collection. Some couples even choose to create a wine registry based on the tasting, making it easy for guests to stock the couple’s cellar.

Cyndi Kelley, a wine pourer at Afton Mountain, recommends an in-house tasting as an easy way to start conversations and entertain without going out for the evening. She explains that bringing in a consultant, “…removes the added expense of a travel limousine…, [and] it’s more intimate.”

For the Gents
Steven Bowler, a local writer, values personalization and creativity when it comes to planning a bachelor party. He explained, “I think the activities should be tailored to the individual in a way that brings the group of friends together without compromising the integrity of the couple’s relationship. That could be anything depending on the individual: sports, drinking, swimming, games, hiking, billiards, bowling, canoeing, road trip, movies, food or music.”

For the nostalgic groom, recreate that summer camp experience by climbing a top rope system. Rise Up Climbing offers a 30-minute basic skills class so that the bachelor party can belay for each other. During climbing breaks, the observation area and party room are easy to customize with food and decorations.

Jacob Vinson, an avid adventurer, agrees that getting outside is a great way to kick off wedded bliss. He recalled, “My buddies know me well. They know I love being outdoors and am usually up for anything, so they thought zip lining would be a good time. They were right!” You can also enjoy a day on the water with a canoe tour of the James, Banister or Staunton Rivers. Tri Rivers Canoe Rental is affordable and a great way to enjoy Central Virginia’s natural beauty.

Similarly, an all-in weekend at a cabin allows a group of guys to explore nature. Mack Lloyd’s bachelor party took him out of Lynchburg and up to Appomattox where they were able to rent a cabin. Located near High Bridge Trail State park, the cabin was remote yet comfortable with several sleep spaces, televisions, a hot tub and WiFi.

For the busy bachelor, a morning at The Parlor combines gentleman’s fun with a great hot shave. With hot shaves, mugs of frosty beer, shoeshine chairs and chessboards hedged by leather chairs, the experience is special. Ralph “Chopper” Wilson, Owner and Master Barber, recommends scheduling the party for the morning of the wedding. They can host up to 15 groomsmen, and photographers are always welcome.

For the micro-brew enthusiast, an afternoon at a local brewery is an authentic experience. For example, Apocalypse Ale Works specializes in serving craft beer. You can sit inside, with a view of the tap room, or take over the back porch bringing your own food and entertainment.

From active to artistic to adventurous, personality is key to hosting a pre-wedding celebration. Just start with the bride’s or groom’s interests to plan a perfect party!

By Danielle Verderame