Scenic Reminders of Days Gone By

Virginia is home to some of the most fascinating bridges in the world—from modern-day bridges spanning miles over coastal waters to historic covered bridges found in the rolling hills and highlands of the Commonwealth.

Covered bridges became popular in the United States during the 1800s when engineers began developing covered structural systems for increased strength and longevity. Weather conditions generated additional wear and tear, and covered bridges provided some protection from the elements.

Covered bridges were sometimes called “kissing bridges” during the modest era of the late 19th century, as the privacy from passing through a covered bridge would allow passengers in horse and buggy an opportunity to kiss each other unobserved.

While there are seven covered bridges in Virginia, only four are open to the public. These captivating structures are more than just wood and nails—they serve as a glimpse into our country’s history and culture. When you’re ready for a trip down memory lane (or bridge), plan a road trip to visit one or all of these charming covered bridges in Virginia.

Sinking Creek Bridge
The Sinking Creek Bridge was built in 1916 on VA Route 601 leading into the Clover Hollow section of Newport. Part of the Greater Newport Rural Historical District, the bridge was originally used for horse and buggy travel and is one of the few bridges in that area to survive more than a century.

In the fall of 1998, the Newport Village Council organized a restoration project to preserve the historic bridge. “After initial cleanup, new footings were poured to support the bridge, holes were repaired in the side walls, and a local volunteer painted the sides and roof of the bridge,” said Linda Kaiser, a Librarian and Archivist for the Giles County Historical Society. “The deteriorated asphalt walkway was removed, and a 47-foot brick walkway was constructed, including more than 225 engraved bricks to honor those who helped to restore the bridge.”

While you’re in the Newport area, some nearby attractions include the Andrew Johnston House, Cascade Falls, Palisades Cliffs and Restaurant, and Mountain Lake Resort. The Sinking Creek Bridge is also located near access for the Appalachian Trail for those wishing to hike, and canoeing and fishing opportunities are available on the New River.

Meems Bottom Bridge

Just south of the town of Mount Jackson, Meems Bottom Bridge is located on Wissler Road off U.S. Route 11. Originally built in 1894, the bridge is named for the Meem family who owned the Strathmore Estate west of the Shenandoah River where the bridge resides.

At 204 feet in length, Meems Bottom Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Virginia, and the only one that is still open to vehicular traffic. The construction of Meems Bottom Bridge is based on Burr Arch Truss—a design principle in which the arch bears the entire load of the bridge and the truss keeps the bridge rigid. The strength of this design has enabled the bridge to remain in use for more than 120 years.

However, the bridge has certainly seen its challenges over the years. Vandals set fire to it on Halloween in 1976—it was reconstructed after salvaging the original timbers. The bridge has also been damaged by oversized tractor trailers trying to squeeze through its limited clearance. VDOT has closed the bridge on several occasions to make necessary repairs. Shenandoah County is working with VDOT to find a solution and warn tractor trailers and oversized vehicles before it’s too late.

With its adjacent farmland and nearby picnic tables, Meems Bottom Bridge is a popular spot for visitors, especially those seeking a picturesque picnic spot. The bridge also offers public river access to those looking to float the Shenandoah.

“There are several other attractions located near Meems Bottom Bridge,” said Jenna French, Director of Tourism and Economic Development for Shenandoah County. “Bridgemont Farms is located on the property adjacent to the bridge itself. Shenandoah Caverns, Route 11 Potato Chips, Bryce Resort, and several local vineyards are nearby. For history fans, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War is also a short drive in the neighboring town of New Market.”

Woolwine Bridge

Patrick County is home to the 48-foot oak construction Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, also known as the Woolwine Bridge. It was built in 1914 by Charles Vaughan and designed by Walter Weaver. The Patrick County government owns and maintains the bridge which is located on Jack’s Creek Road off State Route 8 just south of the community of Woolwine.

Open to pedestrians, Woolwine Bridge is nestled in the natural beauty of Virginia’s piedmont region. Visitors can sign the guest book located inside the bridge and enjoy the peaceful setting overlooking the Smith River.

The bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and hosts the Covered Bridge Festival in June every year. The festival includes horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, live music, food vendors, and entertainment.

“Patrick County has a lot to offer,” said Tourism Director Sandra Belcher. “Fairy Stone State Park is close by with cabins and camping sites with tons of hiking, fishing, swimming and boating. Or you can stay, dine, and enjoy the sights at the 5-star Primland Resort. Plus, Villa Appalachia and Stanburn are excellent local wineries.”

Humpback Bridge

Humpback Bridge is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges of its kind in the United States and the only covered bridge remaining in Alleghany County. Constructed in 1857, the design of the bridge is arched and covered—hence the name “humpback.” This nearly 110-foot structure spans a tributary of the Jackson River known as Dunlap Creek. The humpback feature is four feet higher in the center than at either end.

The bridge was used for vehicular traffic until 1929 when a steel truss bridge was constructed immediately north on Route 60. Humpback Bridge was abandoned, and local farmers began storing hay bales inside of it. In 1953, the Covington Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and area residents rallied together to restore the bridge.

Now a cherished landmark, the bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Residents and visitors alike gather at the bridge for picnics, photos or simply to admire its beauty and craftsmanship. Humpback Bridge is also one of 16 sites across Virginia to display a giant LOVE sculpture.

“Fans of covered bridges come from all over the country to admire the historic Humpback Bridge,” said Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “It has been lovingly preserved and is now part of a five-acre wayside park, easily accessible from I-64 at Exit 10—follow Route 60 east for one mile.”

While you’re in Alleghany County, visit Clifton Forge and Covington for locally-owned shops and restaurants. Visitors also enjoy nearby sites such as Douthat State Park, Falling Spring Falls, the C&O Heritage Center, the Historic Masonic Theatre, the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, the historic Alleghany County Courthouse and the 701 Engine in Downtown Covington. The iconic Homestead Resort is about 40 minutes away in Hot Springs.

St. Paddy’s Day 5K
March 16
Grab your tacky green gear and try your luck at this run for all ages at Percival’s Island, professionally timed by Riverside Runners. All proceeds go to STEAM programming at Holy Cross School. Learn more at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lynchburg/HCStPaddysDay5K.

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 22-31
One of the most iconic books of the 20th century is brought to life on the Liberty Tower Theater stage. Go on an emotional journey with Anne Frank as she and her family hide from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic. Find tickets at www.liberty.edu/academics/art/theatre.Learn about more upcoming shows in our Theater Preview Guide on page 30!

Sedalia Celtic Festival
March 30
Soak up the sights and sounds of Celtic culture—from Highland game demonstrations to Irish cuisine—at the Sedalia Center in Big Island. For advanced ticket sales, visit www.lynchburgtickets.com/celticfestival.

Lynchburg Lyrics
April 26
Calling all songwriters! Lynchburg Parks & Rec is excited to organize this first annual competition to nurture local musicians and promote regional songwriting talent. The official deadline for entries is April 7; the big performance on April 26 will be held at the Miller Center Theater. Learn more at www.lynchburgparksandrec.com.

Lynchburg Garden Day
April 30
Experience 200 years of history on this annual home and garden tour that’s part of the statewide Historic Garden Week. This year’s local event features three properties on the scenic Fox Hill Road, a downtown loft and Sweet Briar College’s President’s home. Find more details at lynchburggardenclub.org.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to a new Fifth and Federal Station menu at Apocalypse Ale Works in Forest

Hello! to Beyond the Surface Permanent Makeup in Wyndhurst

Goodbye to Lorraine Bakery in the Lynchburg Community Market

Hello! to a new location of The Conscious Mercantile on 9th Street

Hello! to The Lounge at Ledo off Old Graves Mill Road

Hello! to Krikelkay Brewing Company in Appomattox

Hello! to TaleTellers Fly Shop on Commerce Street

Goodbye to The Cutting Board in Wyndhurst

Hello! to Crossroads Dentistry in Forest

READER FEEDBACK & COMMENTS

Surprise Success

This is the first year Lynchburg Living decided to surprise a few of the winners of our Top Teachers contest. It took a little bit of planning and legwork but their reactions were worth it!

Beth Woods, math teacher at Altavista Combined School, wrote to editor Shelley Basinger: “Thank you so much for this honor. You basically blew my mind.” Karen Nelson, principal at Perrymont Elementary, emailed: “Thank you so much for coming to PES yesterday to recognize Brooke Andrews—a very special day for her!”

Learn more about all 10 of this year’s Top Teachers on pages 66-74.

“Best Of” Buzz

We love seeing the winners of our Best Of Lynchburg Awards brag about their accomplishments on social media! We received more than 203,000 votes in the online contest last year—breaking 2017’s record. Congratulations to everyone who made our 2019 list and get ready to start voting again this summer!

Wedding Planning Fever

A crowd of local brides came out to the Kirkley Hotel and Conference Center on Jan. 6 for our 21st Annual Central Virginia Bridal Showcase. More than 200 people spent the afternoon visiting with local venues, photographers, caterers and more. The afternoon ended with a drawing for giveaways, including a honeymoon from Travel Lovers. We also released our 2019 Central Virginia Bridal Guide to all guests!

We Want To hear From You!

Send us an e-mail to shelley@lynchburgmag.com. Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense.

In early 2016, my husband and I had a great idea. It was just GREAT, we thought.

Let’s build our own house. And, to really make things fun, let’s do it right after we have a baby.

Some of you are snickering right now—and it’s likely because you’ve gone through the building process, too. Whether you use a builder or decide to take on the whole thing alone (like we did), the word “stress” doesn’t quite describe the months and months of planning, decisions, and setbacks that are inevitable leading up to the day that you finally get to move in.

Was it worth it? Honestly, it took me a few months after we unpacked to be able to say this but, yes, it absolutely was. And why was it worth it? Because home—building a home and making it feel like home—is very, very important to us. And, I would venture to say, it’s very important to many of you as well.

While we’ve always had local home and garden content featured in every issue, we wanted to put the topics front and center in their very own publication—so, the first annual Lynchburg Living Home and Garden issue is here. From our inspiring Artist Profile (an 87-year-old who makes custom furniture) to handmade, modern home décor (found inside a home of a local celebrity) to growing and cooking with homegrown herbs (including a unique recipe you will want to try), I couldn’t be happier with how this issue has turned out. As always, our pages are filled with local people, original photography and a unique perspective of the Lynchburg area that you’ll only see here.

If this issue inspires you to design, grow, cook or, heck, build (furniture, a house… anything), I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email and let me know the crazy project you’ve plunged yourself into: shelley@lynchburgmag.com.

And, if you are in over your head, we can trade stories.

All my best,

Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com

Brings a Trendy Dining Experience to Timberlake Road
PHOTOS BY Lindsay Carico, Capture Photography

After working as a contractor for 30 years, Ralph Palmisano decided to put all of his focus on what really matters to him: food and family. He began the process of building and branding Carmela’s at the Loft seven years ago and finally celebrated opening night on October 8, 2018.

Since then, the Timberlake Road restaurant has been busy serving up a completely house made menu. The restaurant staff proudly grows their own herbs—such as basil, oregano, parsley, mint, chives, and thyme—to add flavor to the food. Many of their recipes have been passed down through Ralph’s family for generations and are truly original and authentic. A few dishes have started to stand out as customer favorites such as the Bolognese Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Seafood Risotto and Spaghetti with Meatballs.

Unlike many traditional restaurant structures, Carmela’s does not have an executive chef; instead, several experienced chefs share the ownership, responsibility, and outcomes for the executive chef role. Evan Hill, a graduate of Central Virginia Community College’s Culinary Arts program, shares the lead role with Eugene Robinson. Eugene started cooking with his full-blooded Italian grandmother when he was 10 and later attended Johnson and Wales. “I want people to enjoy my food, the atmosphere, and to feel as if they are at home,” said Eugene.

Roger Whorley and Jacob Pribble assist with operations and round out the kitchen team. Katelyn Foster is the restaurant’s pastry chef and Palmisano says she is a magician when it comes to desserts. She is best known for her bourbon-infused, salted caramel glazed, New York Italian–style cheesecake with praline pecans.

A sophisticated Sunday brunch can be hard to come by in the Timberlake area but Carmela’s is steadily building a big brunch business thanks to word of mouth and social media. The goal is to eventually serve brunch on Saturdays and utilize their outdoor patio as the weather warms.

The restaurant’s wine list nicely complements the menu with a variety of California wines in addition to Italian wines. Carmela’s also is stocked with a variety of craft beers and popular generic beers—the beer selection is growing as a result of customer feedback. Customers can also enjoy a specialty cocktail from the restaurant’s full bar.

Carmela’s is a dream that’s been decades in the making for Ralph. Now, as he starts to see his hard work pay off, he thanks those in the community who eagerly awaited the opening of the restaurant and have become regular customers.

“I am so appreciative for their loyal support and following. Their feedback is what I depend on for continuous improvement,” he said. “I want this restaurant to be a unique dining experience where customers are wowed with exceptional service, wowed with the quality of the food, and wowed with the overall experience.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

This issue’s Artist Profile, 87-year-old Norman Ogden, opened his home to the Lynchburg Living team the end of January. After a sit-down interview with editor Shelley Basinger, he took everyone downstairs to see a room full of his woodworking masterpieces and later to his shop in the garage.

Norman wasn’t used to all of the lights and contraptions used for a feature photo shoot, but he was a great sport, even joking with photographer Ashlee Glen that he “would make a great scarecrow.” He also showed off his “Pawpaw” skills when holding Shelley’s 6-month-old son, Brooks.

On pages 22-23, read a Q&A with Norman that includes his take on the farmhouse craze and even why he’s thankful for his fingers!

Destination: Appomattox, VA

It’s no secret that our beautiful state of Virginia is rich with history, and nestled right in the “heart” of it—just a hop, skip, and jump away from us—lies the cozy and historically significant town of Appomattox. The quaint, little town full of Southern charm claims a total area of just 2.2 square miles, but is jam-packed with things to do. Complete with Civil War museums, multiple state parks, unique shops, and delicious places to eat, Appomattox is the perfect place to venture for the day with your family, best friends, or significant other.

What to See

Calling all history buffs! At the time of the Civil War, Appomattox was the site of a railroad depot on the line between Petersburg and Lynchburg and is perhaps most famously known as being the site of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, which helped end the Civil War. All of this to say, the small town has its fair share of museums and other historical sites to offer.

Start with a tour of the Appomattox Court House, preserved as a National Historical Park, and where Lee surrendered. Just down the road, you’ll find the American Civil War Museum that contains an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and more. The Appomattox County Historical Society Museum and Library is located in Courthouse Square and also houses many historic relics. The building actually served as the county jail beginning in 1897. Enjoy a glimpse into 19th-century life at Clover Hill Village, where you can browse through numerous historical buildings such as log cabins, a schoolhouse, working blacksmith shop, general store, and more. Other Civil War–related spots worth taking a peek at include the Carver-Price Legacy Museum and the Joel Sweeney Birthplace and Gravesite.

Nature lovers can spend time reveling in the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking or biking in one of the three state parks nearby (James River State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, and High Bridge Trail State Park), or unwinding on Falling River Country Club’s unique 18-hole golf course complete with snack bar and driving range, as well as a swimming pool.

“Falling River is a player-friendly country club that offers many amenities,” says Faber Jamerson, PGA member, who heads up the course. “The club has multiple sets of tee boxes that will suit any and all skill levels, whether it be a beginner just learning to play or a player with many years of experience.”

Jamerson is originally from Appomattox and grew up at Falling River Country Club, which opened in 1965.

“Falling River has some of the best playing surfaces in Central Virginia while also being very affordable,” he says.

Take a seat at Wolfbane Productions’ Wolf P.A.C., a Broadway-style outdoor venue featuring matinees, interactive dinner theater, and more. Check out their website (wolfbane.org) for a calendar of events as well as ticket information. If theater is your thing, the Appomattox Courthouse Players at Courthouse Square also offer varied dramatic productions including musicals, mysteries and comedies, as well as original productions relating to historical events.

Where to Shop

Take a break from sight-seeing and peruse downtown’s charming shops. That’s Too Cute Boutique, owned by Penny and George Welch, offers a variety of items available to be personalized, including shirts, jackets, towels, pillow cases, baby blankets, and baby clothing. Country Charm is a family-run and -owned business and carries a large mix of seasonal products ranging from home décor to gifts to wreaths.

“We offer everything from garden flags to delicious dips and soups to handcrafted jewelry to local lavender products,” says Beth Turner, who runs the shop with her mother. “Pop in and see always friendly faces, or possibly an old friend, and end your shopping day with a hand-dipped ice cream while sitting on our porch and watching the train roll through.”

Nina Bell’s Cottage also has cute gift items, unique jewelry, signs, and clothing. In addition, they will redo just about any type of furniture. The store recently received Lynchburg’s Best of Business Awards gold medal for best gifts. Antique lovers must check out It’s All Good, which has a wide variety of antiques and home furnishings and claims to have something for everyone, as well as Antiques and Treasures. Give your legs a breather and be sure to visit Baine’s Books and Coffee, an independent, locally-owned, community bookstore and coffee shop. This unique hangout spot offers so much more than its title suggests, including vinyl records, pottery, and live music.

Places to Dine

Looking for a quick bite to eat? Make a pit stop at The Taco Wagon, a food truck that serves authentic Mexican food including tacos (of course), burritos, quesadillas, and more. Or, grab a giant slice at Mamma Terezinha’s, a hidden gem that boasts excellent, New York-style pizza complete with homemade sauce and fresh fixings. For good ol’ Southern comfort food, look no further than Granny Bee’s, THE down-home diner on Main Street, serving food items like country ham, green beans, corn pudding, and chocolate meringue pies. And, last but definitely not least, if you want to truly indulge, be sure to check out The Babcock House, which features a changing, seasonal menu in an effort to work with only the freshest ingredients. Located in a cozy inn, this highly-rated farm-to-table restaurant offers lunch and supper Wednesday through Saturday as well as brunch on Sunday. They also offer homemade desserts, house-crafted specialty cocktails, and a variety of Virginia wines and beers.

“We strive for the highest quality food by making everything from scratch—from desserts to dressings and sauces,” says Talia Clusman, Owner/Innkeeper of The Babcock House.

Chef Charles has even been voted top local chef by “The Burg” two years in a row. The bed and breakfast also partners frequently with Wolfbane Productions.

“[We] have several special events planned for the year from holiday buffets to five-course wine and beer dinners,” Clusman says. Details can be found on their website (babcockhouse.com).

Also, be on the lookout for a brand new microbrewery coming to Appomattox in April. Krikelkay Brewing Company is set to open in the Triangle Plaza on Old Courthouse Road and will feature a variety of craft beers. Owners and founders Keith and Lori Vogt named the brewery after their three daughters, Kristen, Kelly, and Kayla.

So, whether you’re searching for a cozy spot to get your grub on, wanting to go antiquing in a quaint, Southern town, or anxious to dive into loads of history, Appomattox holds the perfect smorgasbord of activities with something for everyone to experience, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Fresh Rx program helps more people get access to nutrition education and fresh produce

If “food is medicine,” as Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Family Nutrition Program Assistant Nakesha Moore says, then it certainly makes sense that food could be prescribed as such. Thanks to a blossoming program spearheaded by nonprofit Lynchburg Grows, qualifying Hill City residents are able to receive just that.

Now in its second year, Fresh Rx, inspired by similar programs nationwide, was started by Lynchburg Grows to help people struggling with diet-related illnesses. Doctors prescribe the program, which is free (the program is funded by the Centra Foundation), and participants are then invited to a seven-week class series held at the Miller Center, taught by nutrition experts. At the end of each class (there are two opportunities per week to attend a class), participants are given a box of produce to take home.

“The goal is to give people the knowledge they need to feel empowered to make healthy decisions, for themselves and their families,” explained Shelley Blades, Lynchburg Grows Executive Director and Farm Manager. “We are just giving people what they need to make healthier decisions if they choose to—we are not here to tell them what they are doing is wrong.”

Blades said patients from low-income families, typically under or uninsured, who could benefit from a diet change are prescribed Fresh Rx by their doctors. “The doctors do write an actual prescription and to fill it they come to us,” she said. About 10-15 people go through the program in each of its three cycles per year.

At the Miller Center, Moore and Jeanell Smith—Lynchburg’s VCE Senior Family Nutrition Program Assistant, Adult SNAP-Ed—teach nutrition curriculum and offer cooking demonstrations showing participants tasty ways to utilize what they are taking home.

“This particular program is exciting because we are introducing different vegetables that people don’t normally buy,” Smith said, noting she herself gained an appreciation for Hakurei turnips through teaching the class. “We cover topics varying from how to make a menu and a grocery list, to how to read food labels or how to incorporate more activity—the expectation isn’t that everyone run a marathon but that they are a little more active than they were last week and then build on that.

“The thing that we emphasize in our classes is small, gradual changes,” Smith continued. “Making these small, incremental changes to your lives instead of thinking of this as a diet—that screams temporary. Make these small changes and they become habits and then it just becomes how you live your life.”

Physicians, often ones who have patients in the class, also show up to give presentations, which Blades said means a lot to the participants.

Joyce Booker was prescribed the program last year while on a quest to lose weight in order to have a knee replacement.

“It was great,” Booker said of Fresh Rx. “I had a wonderful doctor that helped counsel me on my weight loss. [Then, the program] opened me up to a lot of different things: of preparing food and cooking things and sharing with the other people in the class. It gave you a different perspective.”

Booker had a successful surgery in January. “I lost the weight that I needed to lose. I’m cooking right and exercising.”

Fixing fresh vegetables became easy for her through Fresh Rx.

“The way Jeanell took them and cut them up and fixed them, it gave me a different perspective on how they taste,” Booker said. “She also gave us a lot of recipes which really helped make the program work for me.”

Before Moore was teaching nutrition classes, she was in one of them (through a different program, not Fresh Rx).

“Everything that I learned in class I was excited to come home and share with my children,” Moore said. “It was not only my health habits that changed—I was also directly impacting the lives of my children through their nutrition. The improvements went way beyond nutrition—and that meant added family time … together and eating, talking about our day, away from the television.”

Blades said that this aspect of “creating community,” starting in the classes, can bring more “voices for healthy food” in area neighborhoods.

The program serves a vital role in Lynchburg’s community, both in terms of education and access. The education is important because people need to know how significantly what they eat matters.

“There is sufficient data now to show that the biggest part of our health is nutrition, what we eat,” Moore said.

A big part of your diet, she says, should come in the form of fruits and vegetables.

“You always want your plate to be colorful,” Smith said. “Fruits and vegetables bring tons of fiber to your diet, lots of antioxidants, which help prevent chronic illness, and certainly lots of vitamins.”

If fresh produce is not feasible, frozen is a suitable alternative, she added.

People with certain conditions or illnesses, like the ones prescribed into the program, can drastically improve their lives by eating properly.

“Improving your health can be directly correlated to the amount of fruits and vegetables that you eat,” Smith said. “A high fiber diet is a natural way to decrease your cholesterol. … When you think about diabetes or think about any heart condition or someone who has any kind of inflammatory issue or condition, decreasing processed sugar, which can cause inflammation, you are going to see a reduction if you can cut it out.”

These diet changes can lead to life-changing success stories, just like Booker’s. Smith and Moore have seen a number of transformations.

“I have had clients who have had their medication lowered or have been taken off of it because their diet is better,” Moore said.

Free is the key with Fresh Rx, because it allows lower income individuals to not only get the nutrition education they need, it also provides them with free produce, as well as cutting boards, veggie scrubbers, measuring cups and spoons, food thermometers and, when they graduate, a cookbook of simple, affordable recipes. The take-home box features a diverse range of vegetables, harvested at Lynchburg Grows, which varies by season but could include lettuce, beets, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes and more.

“Food in general is a basic human need—it shouldn’t be based off of your socioeconomic status,” Blades said. “Hopefully that confidence of knowing what to do, of being in control of this [health] aspect of their lives, can trickle into other aspects of their lives.”

Grow it Yourself

Starting a home garden is a great way to have easy access to affordable, fresh vegetables.

Blades recommends starting small: “Experiment and have fun.”

Start with tomatoes in a bucket and expand to herbs and lettuce. “You can grow a whole salad all on the back porch.” Radishes grow quickly and Blades said watching them progress can be encouraging for novice gardeners.

It’s a process of trial and error; don’t get discouraged and don’t expect to cultivate a massive, flourishing garden overnight.