Made for Lifters

Open since June 1, Legendary Strength Gym on Lakeside Drive is already seeing a growing membership. The facility brands itself as the “first and only premiere powerlifting gym in Lynchburg”—and after a quick scroll through their website and social media, you see why. This gym provides access to competition-grade powerlifting equipment and strongman workouts—the best perk, though, is that you will train alongside like-minded lifters to keep you motivated.

Learn more at legendarystrengthgym.com.

YMCA Express Expansion

The YMCA’s “Express” location on Old Forest Road is getting a makeover. The new additions include more parking, additional changing spaces (some with showers), new rooms and studios, and a Child Watch Center. Since opening in early 2011, the Y Express had only been open to those 18 and up and offered no child care. The initial expansion is expected to be completed in July.

Learn more at www.ymcacva.org.

Wanna Dance with Somebody?

You know that sweat you work up when dancing around the living room with your kids? Or the burn you feel the next day after breaking it down at a wedding? Dance isn’t just good for the spirit—it can burn major calories. Two dance-centered workout studios have opened in Central Virginia this year—Dancing With Theo on Main Street and The Vibe Studio of Lynchburg on Timberlake Road.

Learn more about this fun workout trend and these two studios on pages 36.

Take It Outside

The “world’s best little town” is now putting itself on the map for a different reason—a state-of-the-art outdoor gym that’s the first of its kind in Virginia. The National Fitness Campaign “Fitness Court®”, located in Bedford’s Liberty Lake Park, is a bodyweight circuit training facility for people of all ages. Users can also track their training progress, learn new routines and compete in challenges with the free Fitness Court App.

Visit the outdoor gym at Liberty Lake Park, 939 Burks Hill Road, Bedford.

Back and Better Than Ever

Snap Fitness opened on Boonsboro Road 10 years ago and was recently purchased by Billy and Lisa Mays. In May, they celebrated that milestone and the remodeling of the gym with a grand re-opening ceremony. Snap Fitness offers a little bit of everything—circuit training and cardio equipment, free weights, yoga, personal training, and virtual training. It’s open 365 days a year, 24/7.

Learn more at snapfitness.com/us/gyms/lynchburg-va/.

From day camps to outdoor events, check out these 13 family-friendly ideas.

Academy Center of the Arts
Calling all actors and artists (and their awesome parents): The Academy is hosting six youth theatre camps in addition to a summer full of art and pottery camps. Paint a masterpiece, throw on the pottery wheel, act in a play, animate a story, and more in our summer camps! Visit academycenter.org or call (434) 846-8499 to learn more and register.

Endstation Theatre Company
Looking to shake things up this summer? Endstation Theatre Company brings the best of live professional theatre to Lynchburg. Hosted on the Randolph College campus, their productions are chosen specifically for the Central Virginia audience by drawing on the interests, stories, and landscape of our area. Their 2018 season includes the rockin’ musical “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” an outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” and the drama-heavy play “Br’er Cotton” set right here in Lynchburg. Tickets available now at EndstationTheatre.org

Amazement Square
Amazement Square is an award-winning, interactive and family-friendly museum located in historic Riverfront Lynchburg. The museum’s 4 floors of multidisciplinary interactive exhibits are designed for guests of all ages. Whether you are into science, the arts, music, building or pretend play, there is something for all to do and learn! If you have little kids, the museum has exhibitions for kids 5 & under and 3 & under, where you can explore the world of the farmland and the seas. The museum’s Paint Box, where guests can paint the walls to their heart’s desire; James River Gallery, where they can create a rainstorm over downtown Lynchburg; and its new innovative and inquisitive learning Makerspace Lab have become a landmark and destination for visitors to Lynchburg! For more information visit amazementsquare.org or call 434-845-1888.

James River Day School
Summer fun is just around the corner! Take advantage of the many summer camps James River Day School has to offer. Your child will have a great time (and still learn a bit)!

There are camps for children coming into kindergarten through students going into 9th grade. Kids can get outdoors for hiking adventures and searching for geocaches. There’s even a camp-out at the school! With games and pizza!

Kids can create art, including objects made with a 3D printer. Or, they can make their own percussion instruments and learn playing techniques. Want to learn a bit of Spanish? James River has that, too! Kids from all over come to camps at James River Day School and have tons of fun. Sign up at jrds.school/summer-camps.

Lynchburg Hillcats Baseball
There’s no better way to spend a summer night than at Lynchburg City Stadium cheering on the Hillcats. The team plays 23 home games throughout May and June, highlighted by several exceptional promotions and giveaways. May 4th is Star Wars Night, along with a Southpaw bobblehead giveaway. Greatefully Dead Christmas Night is on May 19th, presented by My Guitar Shop and Speakertree Records, featuring a pre-game cover band performance, and post-game fireworks presented by Woodforest National Bank. The Hillcats will wear Gratefully Dead Christmas-themed jerseys which will be auctioned off during the game. June 22nd is Jurassic at the Park Night, and fans will receive a Francisco Mejia bobblehead. For tickets and more information visit Lynchburg-Hillcats.com, call (434) 528-1144 or visit the Hillcats Box Office.

Lynchburg City Parks & Recreation
Bring your family, friends, a blanket or chair, and join Lynchburg Parks & Recreation for the third Movies in the Park Summer Season! This summer, we’re hosting four Movies in the Park, where families and friends can catch a free flick under the stars. Screening times start at 8:00pm for each movie. Visit www.lynchburgparksandrec.com for updates and more information.

Lynchburg Museum System
The Lynchburg Museum System is gearing up for some summer fun! Join us for Teacher Recertification Camp June 25-29, Discover Lynchburg Summer Camp for Kids July 9-13, and Afternoon Painting at the Point on August 11th. Please go to Lynchburgmuseum.org to find out more information pertaining to these amazing programs!

National D-Day Memorial
A 1940s HOMEFRONT FESTIVAL
When the teacher asks what they did this summer, your kids will be able to say, “Traveled back in time!” The National D-Day Memorial presents “A 1940s Homefront Festival” on Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. –3 p.m. Kids get in free during the ever-popular family event.

World War II veterans will tell their real-life tales from the front lines. Living historians, dressed in full costume, show what life was like at home and at war. Visitors can hold history in their hands as actual artifacts will be on display. Jive and swing to the music of the day. The annual festival is held rain or shine on Memorial grounds. The National D-Day Memorial is located at 3 Overlord Circle, just off U.S. 460 in Bedford.

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
The beauty of Red Hill and the landscape surrounding it is virtually unchanged from the days when Patrick Henry lived here. The peacefulness in this place Henry called the “garden spot of the world” flourishes.

July 4th at Red Hill is a day full of living history, music, patriotism and fireworks! Events begin at 3:00PM, fireworks at dusk. Open year-round. www.redhill.org

Putt-Putt Fun Center of Lynchburg
Get ready for unforgettable summer memories without leaving town! Putt-Putt Fun Center Lynchburg offers affordable, daily fun for a staycation you can enjoy all summer long. With laser tag, bumper cars, an arcade, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and Putt-Putt Golf, you can sizzle in the sun or beat the heat with our array of outdoor and indoor activities! 8105 Timberlake Road. (434) 237-PUTT. www.puttputt.com/lynchburg

Sluggo’s Sundae Drive
Serving premium, hand-crafted ice cream made fresh several times each week, this family home turned homemade ice cream parlor is open year-round. Indoor seating is complemented by front porch and yard seating when warm enough. Established in 2014, Sluggo’s Sundae Drive has set the Lynchburg area standard with 5 star ratings and customer proclaimed “best ever ice cream.” 177 Elon Road, Madison Heights. www.facebook.com/Sluggos.sundae.drive

Thomas Road Baptist Church
Attention Parents! Don’t miss out on an incredible summer opportunity for your kids at Camp Hydaway! Join us for a fun-filled week of exciting activities, crazy party nights and theme days, new friendships, and awesome worship and Bible study. Camp is a unique place for children to experience and know the love of Jesus Christ. Register today at camphydaway.com

YMCA
For more than 160 years, the YMCA of Central Virginia has been listening to and responding to our community’s needs. Through innovative programming and initiatives, we are developing youth, working to prevent chronic disease, and building a healthier community.

We offer a wide range of programs for the whole family. Swim lessons, child care, youth sports, chronic disease prevention, travel opportunities and classes for active adults, and wellness programs focus on creating a better community for all.

The Y connects people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential. Three convenient locations and donor-supported financial assistance ensure everyone has access to vital life-changing opportunities at the Y. For more information visit ymcacva.org or call Jamerson YMCA (434) 582-1900, Downtown YMCA (434) 847-5597, YMCA Express (434) 455-5996.

Age: 70
Title: Fine Arts Photographer

Take us back to when you moved to Lynchburg after college. This was when you really started focusing on art?
I came to Lynchburg in the early ’70s with my husband and our two small children. I had graduated from Duke University as an English major but didn’t know what to do next. Lynchburg was smaller then, and opportunities at first seemed limited. Then I discovered the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center.

I had always loved to draw, so I started taking classes in the evenings. I knew I had a knack for capturing a likeness, so I concentrated on portraits and actually wound up teaching portrait drawing at the Art Center for a couple of years.

And working with clients on portraits is what opened the door to photography?
I soon realized I needed to take my own photographs of children in order to have the right information for portraits, so I signed up for a photography course at Central Virginia Community College. I remember how nervous I was the first time I developed film! But I soon fell hopelessly in love with the medium. I took all the photography classes, then printmaking, drawing, design, computer graphics—and before I knew it, I was finishing the commercial art degree.

Where did your career take you next?
While finishing that degree, I took on an internship at Lovern Advertising, Inc. I managed to progress from accidentally dropping phone calls in the early days to ultimately doing most of the design work. Eventually I became the agency’s art director and did photography as well. Later on, I took a job as coordinator of marketing and public relations at CVCC. I also served as curator for what was then the CVCC Merritt Hall Gallery and continued to do some part-time work for the agency.

How would you define yourself as an artist now?
I definitely consider myself a street photographer. I enjoy venturing out into the large, visually chaotic world and selecting elements that cohere into a pleasing or compelling composition. I am interested in a photograph’s ability to freeze a moment in time and remove it from context, and I prefer photographs with people or evidence of people in them. Street photography suggests a narrative, and I leave the interpretation of that story up to the viewer. I always hope for a little bit of mystery in the image.

When did you start becoming interested in this niche of photography?
For a few years I was doing photographic silkscreens, a complicated process, and my subjects stayed still: architecture and objects. Then, around 2000, some photographers had rented a studio in town and wanted a number of us to join them in a larger organization—which became the Blue Ridge Photographic Arts Society. The great bonding moment for some of us came when we roamed the streets of New York City soon after 9/11. That’s when I realized I could do street photography—and that it was terribly exciting! Since then I’ve done a great deal of traveling, and I love getting out on the streets of some major cities with my camera.

Since taking classes at CVCC, you’ve seen a lot of changes in the photography world. Has it ever been difficult to adapt?
I know some people regret the transition from film to digital—after all, the darkroom was a magical place!—but I’ve wholly embraced digital photography. Most everything you can do in a darkroom you can do on a computer. However, I’m not interested in morphing a photograph into something entirely different from the original, although there are fine artists who do very creative digital work.

With smartphones and social media sites such as Instagram, anyone can be an amateur photographer these days. Do you think that is making artistic photography any less special?
Oh, you can always spot the artist who has a sense of composition, who knows the elements of design—someone with depth of feeling, understanding, self-expression—that doesn’t change. I know a photographer who works strictly with cellphone apps. In the hands of the right person, it is brilliant. I even tried my own hand at it with an exhibit of iPhone tintypes at Magnolia Foods not long ago.

“An Afternoon with Madame X”

One of your photographs really caught some attention in Lynchburg recently.
I won first place in the Georgia Morgan Show at the Lynchburg Art Club. I was surprised because I think of it as a painter’s show, and there was some lovely work. My piece was titled “An Afternoon with Madame X,” and it was a large color image of a young family in a gallery with John Singer Sargent’s portrait of “Madame X.”

In March, I had a two-person show with John Shuptrine at the Lynchburg Art Club. John’s work was color, and mine was black and white, so we called it “Seeing Differently.”

Did you choose black and white photos for any particular reason?
I’ve always loved the black and white photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Walker Evans, Helen Levitt, to name only a few. So much of the exciting history of photography is in black and white. So, although I have been moving to color in recent years, this show was a wonderful opportunity to revisit black and white as an interesting contrast to John’s fine color work.

Where are some of your favorite places to get photographs in Lynchburg?
Downtown Lynchburg provides excellent opportunities for street photography, and wandering down Main Street at night is especially good. The estate stores are a lot of fun for photographers, and our BRPAS group enjoys forays to Old City Cemetery and Kemper Street Station.

What types of scenes or people inspire you?
I often like to capture the single figure in a setting, standing alone in a composition that appeals to me, especially if there are strong tones, strong shapes and shadows.

I like humor. If there is an amusing interaction, I am thrilled! I like repetition, echoes: someone accidentally adopts the pose of a nearby statue, or two figures provide counterpoint to one another without realizing it. I also like lights, mystery, and any unanticipated magic.

You’ve been a part of the Lynchburg arts scene for a while now. What would you like to see in the area moving forward?
We have a number of wonderful arts organizations and a lot of very talented artists in this area. I would like to see the organizations thrive and grow, of course. I would like to see increased connection, more awareness. I’m a docent at the Maier Museum, and I think every artist in town should be visiting the Maier’s wonderful annual show of contemporary art. It is too easy to be limited to one organization, to stay rooted in one spot. I also think First Friday, which encourages people to visit a number of venues in one night, is fabulous.

What advice do you have for aspiring street photographers and other artists?
Probably the same advice everyone gives them: Do the work! Don’t sit around and think about it. Don’t wait for grand inspiration. Just do what you love—get moving. And while you are at it, notice what others are doing and know the history of your medium.

Do you have any big plans for the future?
I am going to France again in May. I’ve photographed in Paris a number of times, but this time I will visit the Dordogne for the very first time with some wonderful friends.

How can readers get in touch with you?
I’m very easy to contact. I’m on Facebook, which is a good place to message me, and my email address is ridiculously easy: kcudlin@aol.com.

Typically, when you need a lawyer, it’s not for something good. From divorce to bankruptcy, lawyers help individuals and businesses through some of their most difficult times. If the time comes for you—who do you call?

Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is a comprehensive list that is a service to readers, giving them a lawyer’s perspective regarding the top lawyers in over 30 specialty areas. Using an online ballot, DataJoe Research surveyed 140 lawyers directly; each lawyer could vote for up to three lawyers in each category. Then, DataJoe reviewed and processed all ballots, checking for signs indicative of cheating. A total of 337 lawyers were nominated. Lawyers with the most votes in each category made the list.

On the following pages, learn more about the top three adoption/marital/family lawyers along with an in-depth look at the challenges in the adoption process. You will also find the complete Top Lawyers listings and informative profiles about lawyers in the region.

Are you the next bride of the year?

DATE: TBD
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: TBD

We invite you to Central Virginia Bridal Guide’s exclusive Bride of the Year Luncheon, where we will select the 2018/2019 “Bride of the Year”!

Come enjoy a photo booth, lunch provided by four unique caterers, delicious wedding cakes, floral designs, and tons of giveaways! Every Bride in attendance will be eligible to win incredible prizes, including the title of “Bride of the Year”. Best of all, the “Bride of the Year” will be featured in an upcoming issue of Central Virginia Bridal Guide and will win a gift package including a Honeymoon from Travel Lovers.

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Pre-registration is required as limited seating is available.

Tickets are $15 per person. Ticket sales end at 4pm on January 27, 2017. To purchase tickets later than this time, contact Kelly Miller at 434-662-4150.
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Make sure to find us on Facebook – @CentralVABridal – and on Instagram – @VaBridalGuide – for more details to come!

Central Virginia Bridal Guide loves to help brides connect with the area’s most-valued vendors. We look forward to meeting all of you!

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Call 434-660-4150 for more details.

Check out photos from last year’s events: Bride of the Year Luncheon

New Record for “Best Of” Contest
Lynchburg Living began promoting the annual “Best of Lynchburg Readers’ Choice Contest” in July. By the end of September, our readers cast a record number of votes—282,342 to be exact. Look for the winners in the January/February issue!

Play at Linkhorne
The goal of Lynchburg Living is to spread the word about the great places and people of Central Virginia. Stacey Felmlee, a mom featured in the article “A Safe Place to Play” (September/October), praised the coverage about the new Linkhorne Elementary School playground. “Thank you so much for the article. The coverage of the playground is wonderful and invites more families to enjoy it!”

Bridal Showcase Success
It was another successful year for the Central Virginia Bridal Showcase, now in its 19th year.

Vendors gave positive feedback about the show on Facebook. Christina Long with Favored Flavors wrote, “Thank YOU for all your hard [work] in making this wonderful event possible!” Coria RVA also commented, saying “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this year’s showcase. We look forward to future shows.”

We Want To hear From You!

Write to Feedback, Lynchburg Living magazine, 1035 Avalon Dr., Forest, VA 24551. Send e-mail to feedback@lynchburgmag.com.
Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense letters.

Enjoy Fun and Festive Drinks at Bean Tree Café

Since their grand opening in the up-and-coming Cornerstone community in 2014, Bean Tree Café has catered to a steady stream of customers. A big proof of their success? In September, the coffee shop moved to a location just down the street that is three times larger.

Each season (winter, fall, spring, summer) features its own lineup of specialty drinks. I loved getting a chance to sip on the Peppermint Mocha (the espresso, chocolate and mint flavors had me wondering if I had all of my Christmas shopping finished!). And the Gingerbread Latte is another Bean Tree favorite during the holiday season, topped with lots of whipped cream and crushed cookies (right). Enjoy both drinks around a fire pit that’s outside the coffee shop; they are also prepared if you want to make s’mores!

Even better than a caffeinated drink that doubles as a dessert—Bean Tree serves locally-roasted coffee and espresso from Rosetta Coffee Company located on Kemper Street. Supporting local businesses should make you feel all warm inside too!

Bean Tree Café
105 Cornerstone Street
Suite 106, Lynchburg
(434) 534-3210
www.thebeantreecafe.com
www.facebook.com/mybeantreecafe

By Shelley Basinger
Photos by Jim Pile