Strategies for a Healthier Relationship with Technology

In the fast-paced, tech-centric world we live in, our digital devices have become an integral part of daily life. Social media platforms alone have evolved over the last three years to be so much more than simply a way to stay connected with friends. We shop from social media, are influenced by social media, and, for some, entire careers are based off of the “influencer” status. 

Technology can offer immense convenience and connectivity. However, an overindulgence in these digital realms can often lead to stress, reduced productivity, and a sense of being constantly tethered to the online world. Countless studies and scientific research projects have delved into the impact social media and constant notification pings—from texts to news alerts to social media—can have on our overall mental health. So how do you regain control and foster a healthier relationship with technology? As we begin the new year, here are a few strategies to help you with a digital detox. 

Set Clear Boundaries

Establishing boundaries is vital in detoxing from digital overload. Designate specific times and spaces for technology usage. Implement “no-phone zones” during meals, family time, or before bedtime to promote better relationships and quality sleep.

Prioritize Essential Apps and Notifications

Evaluate and prioritize the apps and notifications that truly add value to your life. Disable or limit notifications for non-essential apps to reduce distractions and regain control over your attention.

Schedule Regular Tech Breaks

Incorporate tech breaks into your daily routine. Take short breaks from screens every hour to stretch, move around, or practice mindfulness. Engage in activities that don’t involve technology, such as reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing a hobby.

Digital Decluttering

Declutter your digital space by organizing files, emails, and apps. Delete unnecessary files, unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read, and tidy up your digital workspace.
A clutter-free digital environment can promote a sense of calm and focus.

Embrace Offline Activities

Rediscover the joy of offline activities. Engage in hobbies, outdoor activities, or social interactions that don’t involve screens. This shift allows for more meaningful connections and a break from the constant digital buzz.

Establish Tech-Free Rituals

Create tech-free rituals as part of your daily routine.
Start your mornings without immediately checking your phone and wind down in the evenings without screens to promote better sleep quality.

By setting boundaries, prioritizing offline activities, decluttering, and practicing mindful tech usage, you can regain control over your digital habits and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.

Remember, the goal of a digital detox isn’t complete elimination of technology but rather fostering a conscious and healthy relationship with it.  

The Apricot House is family and beauty wrapped in a tiny little package

By Megan Williams  |  Photos By Ashlee Glen| Renovation Photos Courtesy of Ann Schoew

In our January/February 2024 issue of Lynchburg Living, the print story incorrectly stated that the Apricot House was abandoned from the 70s until 2020. The home was in fact owned by the Brown family from the late 1980s until 2020. Lynchburg Living deeply regrets the exclusion of their family history from this story. The content that follows has been updated to reflect the correct information.

Tucked at the end of 13th Street in the heart of Diamond Hill is a little mint green house. You might just miss it if you’re exploring the historic neighborhood, but if you let the jigsaw arrangement of scattered cobblestone guide your way, you’ll land right at its front door.

The home has known many lives in its 120 years. When the home was originally built in the early 1900s, it’s estimated that it was built with just one room on top of the other and expanded upon as the family grew.

“Originally likely built just one room over another and then expanded as a family grew and set just outside the mansions of Washington Street in Diamond Hill, I imagine someone in service likely was able to walk to work every day from this home, and maybe even return for lunch each day,” Victoria Bartholomew wrote in her speech when she presented current owners, Ann Schoew and Wade Stewart, and Winkie and Dick Schoew, with the 2023 Merit Award from the Lynchburg Historic Foundation.

While its history of owners is unknown to its full extent, one former resident remembers the home being a place of unending love, incredible meals, and family gatherings.

“I lived there from around 1988 until 1994, a year after my daughter was born,” said Christina Williams, whose mother and stepfather, Eloise and Otis Brown, moved into the home in the late 80s. 

The Browns rented the home on 13th Street until they were given the opportunity to rent-to-own. In November 2005, they officially signed the deed and were the owners.

“My mom was the first person in her family to buy a home,” said Williams. “It was a big deal.”

The Browns spent three decades in the house, building a life and a family. Williams and her sister, Pamela, lived in the home alongside their mother and stepfather and, when Williams’ daughter, niece, and nephew were born, they all came home to 13th Street.

In October 2018, a fire heavily damaged the home and, after battling a series of illnesses, Eloise made the difficult decision to sell in 2020.

“Victoria Bartholomew purchased it in 2020 and demoed it with plans to renovate, and we bought it from her in 2021,” said co-owner Ann Schoew. “It had been demoed down to studs at that point.”

Ann purchased the home alongside her husband, Wade, and her parents, Winkie and Dick.

“The four of us and Ben [Jacobs] came over and we could see how special it could be,” Ann said.

Ann and her family spent the next year renovating the home from the ground up, keeping as many original elements as they could and sourcing as many era-appropriate pieces as possible.

“The staircase is original to the home,” explained Winkie. “We kept as much original as we could. A few pieces of extra flooring—which we had to replace because of the fire—came from the Lynchburg City Armory, so it’s still from the right historic era.”

“All windows that were replaced were pulled from a historic house on Rivermont,” Ben Jacobs furthered. The owner of Hill City Homes, Jacobs has a penchant for historic home renovation, making the partnership with the homeowners a natural fit.

As the group began meticulously bringing the home back to life, a name unfurled: The Apricot House.

“Many houses in Diamond Hill have names,” said Ann. “We are not aware of a name for 415 13th Street. We call it ‘Apricot House’, named for the apricot tree growing in the front yard. One of our neighbors introduced themselves with a jar of apricot preserves made from the tree, which she has been making annually for years. We love that connection.”

“My stepfather and niece planted that apricot tree,” Williams remembered.

As renovations continued, The Apricot House began revealing pieces of its history. Coal, large stone slabs, bricks, a large pair of ice tongs, an entire fireplace, and little pieces of fabric have all been excavated from the property. To keep as much original to the home as possible, Dick repurposed the stone slabs for a front walkway and built a fire pit with the old brick. The ice tongs rest against the exposed interior fireplace, both natural conversation starters.

“The fireplace was exposed when we bought the property,” Winkie said.

“All brick is original and we reglazed it to promote stability,” Ann continued. Originally, the fireplace would have been a coal burning fireplace, like all fireplaces in Diamond Hill.

The biggest undertaking in the home was the kitchen. After the fire in 2018, there was virtually no floor left in the kitchen area, so the group had their work cut out for them.

“A lot of the floor [in the kitchen] is reclaimed from upstairs, and we had to add in bracing underneath the floors to accommodate the large kitchen island,” said Jacobs. “The laundry room floor off of the kitchen is old basketball floor from the armory.”

“Mom and I made all of the ceramic tiles for the kitchen backsplash,” said Ann. “That was fun for us to do together.”

Winkie also made all the plates, bowls, and ceramic dishes around the house. 

Walking into the home, you get a sense of how lovingly it has been restored. Touring the home with Ann, her family, Jacobs, and Hill City Homes contractor Pete Jaeckels, the home exudes family in every sense. Laughter reverberates off the walls and the space, just under 1,000 square feet, feels warm and inviting. 

It’s easy to understand why The Apricot House has earned a Merit Award from the Lynchburg Historic Foundation. Ann explained that those awards aren’t sought out or applied for, they are externally nominated and selected.

“415 13th St speaks to the regular people of Lynchburg, the you and I of the day and that’s why the incredible renovation work in bringing this home back to life is so important,” Bartholomew continued in her Merit Award speech. “They took this under–1000-square-foot vernacular home with a burned hole in the roof, falling plaster, and rotted flooring into this century all while preserving the character, love, and personality of this place. They made sure we could see all of ourselves in this neighborhood—and not just ogle at the beauty of the neighborhood but feel the human scale impact of the human spirit here.”

In many cultures, the apricot symbolizes happiness and positive change, and it’s certain that The Apricot House will continue its legacy of beautiful memories.

The Apricot House is currently available for short-term rental as an Airbnb. You can find the listing by following @downtown_apricot_house on Instagram.

The Lynchburg Living Best Of Awards are the result of an online voting contest at lynchburgliving.com, held from July-September 2023.

Voting took place for the entire duration of the contest with write-in nominations accepted for the first few weeks. Readers could vote one time per email address in as many or as few categories that they preferred.

The winners listed inside this section are the ones that received the most votes.

What makes a great lawyer?

While impeccable communication skills and high intelligence are a part of the equation, truly great lawyers also earn a respect that follows them out of the courtroom and into the community.

Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is the result of a comprehensive peer-to-peer survey, facilitated by DataJoe Research Company. (See methodology and disclaimers on page 142.) 

Read on to see who lawyers themselves recommend in 26 specialties.

A Hidden Gem of Outdoor Adventure and Small-Town Charm

By  Megan Williams  |  Photos courtesy of West Virginia Dept. of Tourism

Tucked away within the scenic embrace of Appalachia lies Mercer County, West Virginia—a haven for those seeking an off-the-grid experience. This quaint locale, nestled at the southeastern fringe of West Virginia, offers a mix of outdoor adventures, a glimpse into history, and the charm of small-town living. The communities of Athens, Bluefield, Bramwell, and Princeton form the tight-knit area that’s rich in history and Appalachian heritage.

Amidst its breathtaking landscapes, Mercer County transitions from the undulating hills of the New River Valley to the craggy precipice of Pinnacle Rock, all against the backdrop of the area’s coal mining roots. As the railroads and coal mining revolutionized southern West Virginia, Mercer County rose to prominence, riding the wave of “smokeless” coal discoveries in its depths. This surge in population over a mere half-century laid the groundwork for the diverse tapestry that today’s travelers can explore.

Historical Lodging Experiences

Mercer County boasts an array of distinctive lodging options, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history and charm. Guests are enticed to step back in time, immersing themselves in the area’s rich history by choosing accommodations such as the meticulously preserved Bluefield Inn. Dating back to 1904, this historic establishment has hosted luminaries including Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy Jr., and John Nash, among other iconic American figures.Guests can stay in the Abraham Lincoln room, with a king-sized bed and luxurious linens; or the Scarlett O’Hara room which exudes Southern elegance with its sateen linens; or they can commandeer the Kennedy Cottage which sits on the upper level of the property, is pet friendly, and endlessly cozy. New pet-friendly rooms cater to furry companions, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the picturesque foothills of the Mountain State.

Year-Round Outdoor Thrills

Mercer County is an adventurer’s playground regardless of the season. 

Visitors can explore twenty-seven mountainous trails and West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park at Winterplace Ski Resort, which is rated the “number one place to learn to ski in the southeast.” Guests can glide down the powdery slopes morning, noon, and night, followed by a warm meal at one of the three on-site restaurants. 

If you’re seeking more speed than what skis can provide, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is the perfect destination. This ATV and off-roading network pays homage to a notorious family feud between two West Virginia/Kentucky families along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. Comprising ten trails, this system traverses the rugged terrain of West Virginia, offering trails that vary from breathtakingly scenic to exhilaratingly intense. Another remarkable trail system, the Pocahontas Trail System in Mercer County, intersects with three Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems—Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, and Warrior—forming the longest continuous trail network east of the Mississippi. Found in Coaldale, just outside the historic town of Bramwell known for its plethora of millionaire homes dating back to the early 20th century, this trailhead provides direct access to gas, food, and accommodations, enhancing the overall experience for riders.

Southern Hospitality at its Finest

Once you’ve worked up a hearty appetite from the slopes or trails, only top-notch food will hit the spot. The RailYard in Bluefield stands out as a beloved local spot. With its sophisticated bar and mouthwatering appetizers (try the duck-bacon wontons), it’s the ideal spot to unwind after a thrilling day of adventure.

If you’re in need of a place to relax your tired bones a bit longer, the Granada Theater radiates historical allure. Hosting renowned entertainers such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Fats Waller, this meticulously restored 1928 vintage theater now showcases films and stages concerts and theatrical performances year-round. A cherished local gem, it offers affordable family entertainment, classic movie screenings, excellent acoustics, and a captivating ambiance. Indulge in their daily selection of sold Italian gelato while immersing yourself in the nostalgic charm of traditional American cinema.

Old Appalachia’s Heartbeat

Mercer County, West Virginia, offers an escape from the usual routine. With its untouched natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and rich historical background, it attracts those looking to unwind. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or exploring history, Mercer County guarantees an authentic experience that sticks with visitors.

For those seeking a break from chaos and a chance to reconnect with nature and small-town life, Mercer County embodies the enduring appeal of Appalachia.  

County Sunrise’s Unique Southern-Jewish Fusion

Photos by ASHLEE GLEN

Good morning, sunshine.” 

The phrase written in bright blue and yellow letters is the first thing guests see when they walk through the doors at County Sunrise. The second? Plates piled high with smoked pastrami, latkes topped with sour cream, and the occasional Portuguese linguica. Smiling servers stream in and out, topping off coffees and bringing tables “nosh baskets” full of biscuits and pastries.

It’s a special type of restaurant—a unique-to-Lynchburg blend of Jewish flavors mixed with Southern staples. Their menu is an odyssey of tastes. The Loaded Grits Bowl, delectably creamy with a fried egg on top, feels like you’ve stepped into grandma’s kitchen on a hot summer morning just as she’s putting breakfast on the table. Their Latkes with Sweet Potato Butter and Herbed Sour Cream—crispy on the outside with pillowy potato in the center—bring to mind a Hanukkah table with friends and family bellied up for a feast. While their Southern “Matzoh Ball” Soup, tantalizingly smoky and herby, lands you somewhere in between the two.

It’s no wonder that County Sunrise has instantly become a local favorite. Stepping into the bright dining room you instantly feel as if you’re stepping into someone’s home, rather than a plaza off Lakeside Drive. Owners Ken and Jessica Hess know a thing or two about hospitality and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. As the owners of nearby County Smoak on Timberlake Road, they’ve had hands-on experience operating and growing a community hub over the last four years.

Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch from Wednesday through Sunday, County Sunrise is also becoming known for its specialty coffee. Unlike many diners where you can be guaranteed a cup of strong black coffee and nothing else, County Sunrise offers an immense drink menu. Spiced apple lattes and marshmallow lattes line their menu, each one as decadent as the next. For the kids, steamers are also available so everyone can get in on the fun. And if a boozy brunch is more to your liking, cocktails, mimosas, lemonades, and alcoholic coffees await your tastebuds.

With a menu as diverse and delicious as theirs, Lynchburg will be noshing well for a long time.  

County Sunrise
2225 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 201-8047 • countysunrise.com
Breakfast served weekdays until 10:30 am, Sat. & Sun. all day

Heather Elizabeth King Builds Worlds and Wonder

By Megan Williams  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

Dark fiction writer Heather Elizabeth King is a builder of worlds. The author of three book series with themes ranging from urban fantasy and horror to paranormal romance, she’s an expert at crafting captivating tales that hook a reader from the first page.

“When I first started my main series, I thought it was a cozy mystery. I’d submit to publishing houses and they’d say they like the characters, but it was too dark for their line. So my editor finally said, ‘I hate to tell you, but you write pretty dark,’” King laughed.

King admits that even her romance novels have a dark element to them.

“There’s typically some kind of supernatural element but, with romance, the goal or the main point of the story is the relationship and falling in love. The subplot, though, is there’s this scary thing happening and in the process they fall in love,” she explained. “With my horror or urban fantasy books, the main point is whatever scary thing is happening.”

King, a Long Island, New York, native relocated to Appomattox County when she was a teenager.

“Manhattan was an hour away,” she remembered. “As a kid, I thought everyone went to Broadway shows. I thought everyone had the ocean. On all levels it was a shock when we moved to Concord.”

After high school, King moved around a bit but returned to the area in 2007.

“It was a lot different then than it was when I moved here originally,” King said. “In the main series that I write, the story takes place in this area. Of course, I created a fake town under a different name, but it’s inspired by downtown Lynchburg. There is so much that inspired that whole series—everyday life at the community market, how much people in this town have joy when something new opens. Everyone feels like they own a little bit of Lynchburg.”

A self-proclaimed “major plotter”, King spends an incredible amount of time planning her books before ever putting pen to paper. 

“I jot down all of the ideas that I get, but when it comes time to develop a story, I’ll come up with a mind map with the idea in the center and the who, what, where, and how around it. I build layers of questions that help me get a good foundation or idea of what’s happening,” she explained. “Then I’ll go and make a fully fleshed out outline. After that, I’ll write three chapters. Once I start writing, I can feel the story more. I can start to understand the characters and motivations better. If I don’t outline, I’ll write myself into a corner.”

King is a self-published author with books available for purchase online at Apple Books and Amazon, but also available at our local libraries.

“Initially when I was writing exclusively romance, it was such a different experience in terms of getting published,” she said.

“It’s a lot easier to be published as a romance author, even as a Black romance author.
But publishing horror fiction, you start hearing back from editors saying that, while they thought characters were good, they didn’t see a market for a Black heroine or for a lot of Black characters. That was really frustrating, which is why I decided to go independent.”

King admits that it is more work publishing independently. Where publishing houses will often take care of hiring editors and cover designers, King has to manage all of that work herself, on top of her full-time technical writing job. But at the end of the day, the process is worth it so she can write the stories she and other readers ultimately want to read.

“Before I’m an author, I’m a reader,” King concluded. “There are books I’d love to see more of. Now it’s gratifying to make sales and see that people are enjoying those stories and there is in fact a market for those stories.”  

Foster Fuels Does More Than Heat Homes This Winter

By Rachel Dalton  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

In 2019, Jennifer Bryant-Foster saw a need. On a visit to a local elementary school, she noticed that several children were playing on a chilly playground without coats. So she sent a plea for outgrown coats to friends and neighbors. That very night, around 20 coats appeared on her doorstep. The “Spread the Warmth” campaign was born. 

By the end of 2019, the campaign had gathered, cleaned, and donated more than 400 coats, setting in motion a heartwarming success story that has since evolved into a full-fledged annual operation under the Watt Foster Family Foundation banner.

The foundation’s offices are now equipped with a bank of commercial washers and dryers, symbolizing Foster Fuels’ deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. 

Collection containers for coats found their way into all Foster Fuels showrooms and local community business partners. Even during the challenging year of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation managed to amass an impressive 900 coats. 

In 2022, the “Spread the Warmth” campaign reached a remarkable milestone by donating over 3,500 coats to school students and local community foundations, providing much-needed warmth, comfort, and safety to adults and families facing cold weather hardships. These coats have become a source of confidence for countless individuals in communities served by Foster Fuels. 

Community involvement and giving has always been close to the heart of the Foster family, with Watt Foster, President and CEO of Foster Fuels, at the helm. The words “it is more blessed to give than receive” bred Watt’s desire to further the legacy of giving instilled in him from a young age. His desire to give combined with Jennifer’s passion for serving women and children of the community led to the rapid growth of this annual coat drive.  

What started as a grassroots effort has flourished into a mission with more than 70 local businesses, public and private schools, and even several nursing homes as community partners collecting coats across four counties. With over 3,500 coats collected last year and over 1,200 collected in the first 2 weeks of this year’s campaign, Watt saw a need for more efficient coat transport and surprised Jennifer with a truck he found at auction. The Foster marketing team worked on a full wrap design to serve as a mobile billboard for the foundation’s mission and they even rolled out a Spread the Warmth Truck tour date calendar for 2023. 

“I just want to help lead the community in an effort to help others with something so many of us take for granted,” said Jennifer. “A coat is something we should all have—young to old—and if we can work together to make it happen, let’s do it!” 

“I’ve been privileged to witness Jennifer in action at different meetings and events throughout the community,” explained Cameron Anctil, Vice President of Marketing at Foster Fuels. “It’s incredible to think back to the beginning when we had to approach businesses and ask them to place coat collection boxes in their lobbies. Now, the tables have turned, and local businesses are approaching us, eager to partner and support the Spread the Warmth campaign.” 

Looking ahead with unwavering determination, the campaign had an ambitious goal for the 2023-24 cold winter season: to collect, clean, and distribute 5,000 coats within the community. Each coat undergoes meticulous inspection before and after washing to ensure that zippers remain intact and pockets are free of debris. Coats with irreparable damage find a new purpose at Mission Thrift, a non-profit thrift store operated by Freedom 424, where they contribute to fundraising efforts. 

If you are a business who wants to get involved, Foster Fuels makes it easy for you. They will arrange to get your business a box, flyer, and yard sign to use for collection. When the box fills, the business gives Foster Fuels a call, they schedule pickup, and take the coats to be cleaned and processed. From there, the coats go right back out into the community. Some businesses have them pick up on a weekly basis, others monthly. They also take coat donations year-round at all Foster Fuels Hearth & Home showroom locations. 

Foster Fuels has relationships with several community organizations as well as the local schools who know about the program and can reach out when they have a need. They process the coats by size and gender, so the team can go into their inventory to pull exactly what is requested, when it is requested. This year specifically, they had many requests for pre-k and smaller sized coats, so they are asking for people to check their closets for all coats, but especially smaller sizes. They also collect hats, gloves, and scarves. 

“A donated coat for our neighbors, whether homeless or don’t have inadequate heating, could be the difference between life and death,” said Todd Blake, Executive Director of Park View Community Mission, a local nonprofit that Spread the Warmth donates coats to on a bi-weekly basis.  

If you are a family in need of coats this winter, you are encouraged to call Foster Fuels directly by phone or email, or families are welcome to request coats through their student’s school office or community resource of their choice.  

Simple, No Cook Recipes

Recipes & Photos by Laura Miner

Is there anything to snack on?”

It’s a question you’ve likely heard time and time again—or even thought for yourself. You find yourself raiding the fridge or pantry in between meals, hoping for something to tide you over until mealtime. You don’t want a snack that’s too heavy, you don’t want to mindlessly munch on potato chips, so what do you do? Enter these three simple no cook recipes that can be prepped in advance, so you always have something healthy on-hand.

Salami & Cheese Bites (photo above)
This no-cook, 4 ingredient snack is wonderful when you’re craving something special but only have a few minutes to prep. Creamy, smokey gouda is stacked on a toothpick with savory salami, marinated artichoke hearts, and just a bit of fresh, herbaceous basil. This recipe is great sharing with friends, or for an impromptu cocktail hour served with your favorite fancy drink!
Makes: 12 bites

Ingredients
8 oz. smoked gouda cheese
6 oz. (about 1/2 cup) quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained 
12 slices thinly sliced salami
Fresh basil leaves
Black pepper

Instructions
Cut away any wax rind on the cheese, and cut the block into bite-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch each. 

Skewer a basil leaf and artichoke heart on a toothpick. Fold a piece of salami twice, then skewer the salami onto the toothpick. Last, skewer the cheese on the toothpick. Repeat until all the ingredients are used. 

Sprinkle lightly with black pepper and serve. 

Notes:
For even more flavor in each bite, add a small slice of sun-dried tomato. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

Goat Cheese & Pistachio Stuffed Dates
Elevate your snacking game with these little bites of heaven! Sweet dates are stuffed with creamy, tangy goat cheese, then topped with crunchy pistachios and a drizzle of spicy honey. The combination of flavors and textures in every bite is simply incredible!
Makes: 15-18 dates

Ingredients
2 oz. goat cheese
1/3 cup shelled pistachios
15-18 medjool or noor dates
2 tbsp. spicy honey 

Instructions
Remove the pits from the dates. Roughly chop the pistachios. 

Use a small spoon to add a few pieces of chopped pistachios to the cavity of each date, then fill each one with about 1/2 teaspoon of goat cheese.

Drizzle the stuffed dates with the spicy honey and sprinkle with more chopped pistachios.

Notes:
Make your own hot honey by stirring the honey and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper together in a small bowl. Microwave for 30-40 seconds, until it begins to simmer. Allow it to cool.

To save time, buy pre-pitted dates!

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

5 Minute Sweet & Salty Snack Mix
This delicious and nutritious snack mix is made with lots of different, ultra-satisfying, crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet goodies. It’s great by the handful for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or movie nights at home, and it’s perfectly portable for snacking on the go. To make this recipe, simply toss nuts, seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, and chocolate together in a bowl. It doesn’t get any easier than that! Serves: 6

Ingredients
1 cup total mixed nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, & pistachios are great choices)
1/2 cup dried coconut flakes
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 cups popcorn, cooled
1/2 cup chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chips

Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well and serve immediately!

Notes:
Use unsalted nuts, seeds, and popcorn for a lower sodium snack.

Use unsweetened dried fruit and dark chocolate for a lower sugar option.

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the popcorn from becoming stale. 

One Generational Farm’s Shift into Hemp

By Olivia Carter  |  Photos courtesy OF HOLLOW OAK HEMP FARM

On one farm in Gladys, the soil has witnessed generations of farming—today with a young married couple and their four-year-old son, Elijah, growing hemp.

At Hollow Oak Hemp Farm, Dane and Carrie Harrison are not only keeping alive a generational legacy but also redefining the agricultural landscape with its embrace of hemp, particularly CBD (Cannabidiol), a natural remedy with a growing reputation for its health benefits.

The Harrison family has owned the 175 acre farm land since 1917 when it was primarily used for tobacco farming. 

“It’s been passed down throughout the years and now belongs to Dane’s parents,” Carrie said. “When Dane was growing up it was used for tobacco farming.”

Hemp is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. It can be used to make a wide range of products. Along with bamboo, hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth.

Its usage in the United States dates back to the first American settlements in Jamestown in 1616 when it was used to produce clothing, rope, and sails. In 1631 it became a legal form of currency and could be used to pay taxes, the Harrisons said.

After centuries of being grown in North America for its fibers, hemp was banned in the United States because it is made from one of the same plant species as marijuana. 

The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill created an opportunity for the Harrisons to begin farming hemp, opening the door to a new era of farming that focuses on the cultivation of industrial hemp, or hemp for medicinal and industrial purposes.

Both Dane and Carrie studied at Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg) and have degrees in business marketing and graphic design and they had always wanted to go into business together.

 “We had kind of been watching hemp for several years and we’d always been natural-minded and dependent on natural remedies,” Carrie said.

She said this decision was spurred on by personal experience, an appreciation for nature’s gifts, and a strong desire to provide a holistic alternative to traditional healthcare. 

“CBD is really known for its anti-inflammatory effects and it’s good for pain and anxiety,” Carrie said. “We started using it before we started growing it.”

Their journey with hemp started when they began using CBD on their dog’s arthritis.

In 2019 they planted 12,000 hemp plants on the farm, with their 17-day-old son, Elijah, alongside them. These first years were a learning curve, teaching them the intricacies of hemp cultivation, the impacts of weather, and farming life, Dane said. Dane’s brothers and father worked alongside Dane and Carrie during those first few years—the whole family learning the intricacies of hemp farming.

In 2020, they invested in a greenhouse, which allowed them to start their own hemp plants from seeds, providing a more controlled environment and a better start to the growing season.

“It’s a lot of work,” Carrie said. “So we’re always taking care of plants during the growing season, harvesting and drying plants, making products, creating labels.”

Their product line includes CBD tinctures as well as a range of CBD-infused offerings such as hand and body creams, sugar scrubs, roll-ons, bath bombs, bath salts, wellness gummies, lip balms, and slow-cured hemp flowers.

The Harrisons said it’s important to know that hemp, although related to marijuana, does not have the psychoactive properties associated with its cousin. Hemp contains high CBD and low THC—the psychoactive compound—whereas marijuana contains high THC and low CBD. This means that CBD, the active ingredient in hemp, does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana.

“It’s non-psychoactive and so a lot of people do get confused with that and automatically think it’s marijuana,” Dane said. “Things are changing all the time and people are starting to realize but there are still a lot of people that still see it like that.”

They said there is a common misconception that hemp and marijuana are one and the same. Hemp is primarily cultivated for its industrial and medicinal uses, while marijuana is primarily used for recreational and psychoactive purposes. Hemp’s CBD-rich content has been found to offer various health benefits, including relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, seizures, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Hollow Oak Hemp Farm sells its products at the Lynchburg Community Market, the Appomattox Farmers Market, and the Rustburg Farmers Market. 

The Harrisons are continually exploring new offerings based on community needs and feedback.

“We’re always looking to make new products,” Carrie said. “We really keep an eye out for what people are looking for and are always taking that into account and trying to grow based on what people’s needs are.”

Dane said many customers have shifted toward natural remedies for a variety of ailments, finding relief from inflammatory issues, pain, anxiety, and sleep problems.

“It’s really rewarding,” he said. “So many people are getting help and healing and are really getting a lot of relief from products they didn’t realize were there.”

He said coming back to the farm has given his family flexibility to spend time together even through the hard work.

“Our son is a big part of what we do,” Dane said. “He’s the driving force for us and is included in everything we’ve done. He’s grown up on the farm and has been here through it all.”