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
