Chesterfield Living Jan/Feb 2015 by Advertising Concepts, Inc.

CONTENTS

January/February 2015

PHOTO: ANNIE TOBEY

A FEW OF THE 6,500 RUNNERS IN NOVEMBER’S RICHMOND MARATHON

First of All

News from Around Town 15

Pat Driscoll

Most Interesting Man 19

Finance

A Down Market 21

Indoor Play

Cold Weather Escapes

Flavor 25

In Search of Healthy Dishes

Tastebudz

Restaurant News 32

Events

Local Happenings COURTESY OF SPORTSBACKERS

Improv

Spots for a Laugh 39

Coffee

Grounds for Discourse

Home

Feature

A CONTAGIOUS PURSUIT

It’s the Forrest Gump factor: once you start running, you just might not stop.

RUNNING WITH KIDS

Harness children’s natural energy and improve their health in fun ways. Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

Garages

Elements of the Perfect Garage

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

A recent medical report supports the wisdom of slow and easy.

Outdoor Furniture

Bon Air Hearth, Porch & Patio 56

Smart & Savvy

Tips for the New Year

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD

Experts share their advice on enhancing your personal appearance and health for the new year.

Travel 60

Australia

Adventures Down Under R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 9

FROM THE EDITOR

Chesterfield Living PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

William J. Davis, Jr. VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Unexpected Benefits

Cheryl T. Davis MANAGING EDITOR

Annie Tobey ASSISTANT EDITORS

Steve Cook, Tammie Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Joseph Wharton GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nora Bollinger ADVERTISING CONSULTANT

Jared Davis CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANT

Colleen MacCabe DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Justin Warner

this issue of Chesterfield Living, I realized that an unintended theme had developed. Though we had achieved our intentional theme, “Look Good & Feel Good,” another thread wove its way through our features: serendipitous benefits! Running, career pursuits, good times, improvisational comedy – there are a multitude of advantages lurking beneath the surface. Gray Gurkin was fleeing from midlife worries when he began running but subsequently stumbled upon other unexpected reasons to continue. The new manager of the Chesterfield County Airport, retired Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, finds fulfillment in his career through pursuit of his passion for flight. Todd Arnett, owner of Williamsburg Coffee and Tea, has made it his life’s work not just to roast the best beans but also to support the farmers who grow the fruit and to train others to serve the classic beverage. And many who have entered Richmond’s improvisational comedy scene, from kids to adults, have learned much more than simply how to be funny. Comedian Tina Fey testifies to the power of this passion in her insightful and humorous book, Bossypants. “Studying improvisation literally changed my life. It set me on a career path toward Saturday Night Live. It changed the way I look at the world, and it’s where I met my husband. What has your cult done for you lately?” Fey goes on to outline a few of the life lessons that come from improv: always agree – start with a YES, see where it takes you, and then add something of your own; and, “there are no mistakes, only opportunities.” Other topics this month also include unanticipated benefits: the perfect garage, charming outdoor living spaces, and a plan for beautifying your house in 2015. We look at how to escape winter’s chill, whether at Richmond’s indoor playgrounds or by traveling “down under” to the Blue Mountains of Australia. In this month’s Flavor focus on local restaurants, we go in search of healthy pleasures (yes, you can find tasty meals that are also good for you!) while our TasteBudz share foodie news from Chesterfield and beyond. After all, the search for fine food and drink are a palate-pleasing source of passion for many. As you live, work and play in Chesterfield, what’s your passion? Where does it take you? And what will the year 2015 add to the delights of your life? S I REVIEWED

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trevor Dickerson, David Hill, Temple Hill, Lauren Serpa, Rick Sleeman, Robert Thomas CONTRIBUTORS

Jennifer Drummond, Jeff Majer, Gary Manneshöhle, Vicki O’Neal, Alan Rudlin, Stephen Sowulewski, Constance Whitney Chesterfield Living Magazine is published bimonthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc., 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 • 804-639-9994

RichmondNavigator.com Facebook.com/RichmondNavigator E-mail Info@RichmondNavigator.com All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

A PUBLICATION OF

A L L A R T I CL E S A N D CO N T EN T S O F T HIS M AG A ZINE A R E N OT NECE SS A R ILY T HE O PINI O NS OR THOUGHTS OF CHESTERFIELD LIVING MAGA ZINE, A DV ER T ISIN G CO N CEP T S, IN C O R T HE PU BL ISHER .

ABOUT OUR COVER Runners in the Patrick Henry Half Marathon. Photo by Jesse Peters

Annie Tobey Annie.Tobey@RichmondNavigator.com Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 1 1

COURTESY OF BOYD HOMES

FIRST OF ALL

MORE NEW LIFE SPRINGING FROM OLD CLOVERLEAF MALL RUMORS AND FOILED PLANS seemed to haunt Cloverleaf Mall as it faded from

its former glory, but the future is looking brighter all the time. The land that holds memories for many Richmond area residents is now home to Kroger’s largest store in the mid-Atlantic region. In addition to the 123,600-square-foot Kroger Marketplace, there will be another 27,000 square feet of retail shops, all under the moniker of Stonebridge. Continuing the march into the future, Boyd Homes has begun construction of the first residential units in the multiuse development. Element at Stonebridge is projected to be a 400-unit, urban-style apartment complex, consisting of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in four buildings. The buildings will feature onsite amenities and balconies overlooking interior courtyards. The residential community integrates into the rest of Stonebridge to allow residents to conveniently walk to the retail, entertainment and office uses of the development. Boyd Homes expects to complete the units by late 2015, and then begin a second phase, with 200 additional apartments. Stonebridge is an 83-acre, 400,000-square-foot, $100 million mixed-

use project in one of Chesterfield’s key retail/business corridors. Besides the businesses in Stonebridge, residents will have access to other nearby businesses and convenient access to Chippenham Parkway, a convenient connector to the rest of the area’s highway system, including I-95, Powhite Expressway, I-195, and I-64. “Boyd’s innovative design is on the cutting edge, which will help differentiate Stonebridge from other mixed and multi-use projects in the marketplace,” says James F. Downs, partner at developers Crosland Southeast. Boyd Homes has been building and developing communities in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond for over 30 years and in the Richmond metropolitan area for almost 15 years. “This residential anchor solidifies the redevelopment of a very strategic gateway into Chesterfield County. A mixed-use development such as this, where residents can ‘live, work, and play,’ fits into our county vision,” says Dan Gecker, Chesterfield County supervisor. “We are very pleased to see both our commercial and residential areas strengthened as we continue to revitalize the Eastern Midlothian corridor.”

If you have news you’d like to share with Chesterfield Living readers, send it to us at info@RichmondNavigator.com. 12 Chesterfield L iving

FIRST AID: IT’S NOT JUST FOR PHYSICAL EMERGENCIES began experiencing a mental-health challenge? Would you know what to do? Chesterf ield County is offering a Mental Health First Aid class, covering risk factors and warning signs of specif ic mental illnesses, like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. The sessions discuss the impact of these illnesses and common avenues of support. The eight-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect those in need to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Mental Health First Aid teaches a f ive-step action plan, ALGEE: A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm. L – Listen nonjudgmentally. WHAT IF SOMEONE YOU KNEW

G – Give reassurance and information. D – Encourage appropriate professional help. E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with the appropriate help. Two separate sessions are available for the two-day class: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 29-30 or Feb. 26-27 at the Community Development Building, 9800 Government Center Pkw y. Training materials are included in the $25 fee. For more information or to register, contact bricklem@chesterf ield.gov or 804-768-7212. You’ll receive a certif icate of completion at the end of the class, but that certif icate will pale beside the assurance that you’ll be better equipped to help someone in need.

by Constance

COURTESY BON AIR ROTARY CLUB

WOMEN CAN & DO FLY! Whitney

WANT TO SEE WHAT flying

is all about? Women Can Fly is coming to the Chesterfield County Airport this spring. Sponsored by the Ninety-Nines, Inc. (Amelia Earhart was the first president!), this event showcases pilots and aviation enthusiasts who know the exhilaration of flight and the joy of discovering new horizons. With a special focus on women and girls, ages 8 and up, the all-female volunteer pilots will give free rides in private planes. Watch the airport website for dates and times at Chesterfield.gov/airport.

Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

SOCCKET TO YA’ THE BON AIR ROTARY CLUB presented a Soccket Ball to ChildFund International on Friday, Dec. 19.

The nonprofit will provide the innovative soccer-style ball, which generates usable electricity as it’s kicked, to a child in Zambia. Funds to purchase the ball were raised by middle school through young adults through Rotary programs. Pictured left to right: Sidney Williams, Kirsten Lewis, Lou Markwith, Susan Wooten, Alex Richie, Stephen Beer, and Cora Huitt.

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LOCAL

During his naval career, Chesterfield's Pat Driscoll clocked more than 5,000 flight hours and 1,200 aircraft carrier landings. Photo courtesy of Constance Whitney.

CHESTERFIELD V COUNTY AIRPORT’S NEW LEADER

ERY RARELY DOES ONE get an opportunity to

meet an honest-to-goodness hero, a person with so much character, such distinguished accomplishments, and a portfolio of such impressive feats. I had that chance this month to meet such a person – retired Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll. “He is a combat vet, flying ace, a passionate leader, dedicated husband and caring father,” said Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Cecil Haney at Driscoll’s Blue Angel Flight Leader May Be the Least of His Accomplishments retirement ceremony in 2013. “As a highly decorated naval aviator, his flying career is the stuff of legends. by Constance Whitney Whenever our nation was in need of air warriors, Pat Driscoll answered the call to fly and lead in combat.” Driscoll is now manager of the Chesterfield County Airport. Whether If you come talking about adventures on the carriers, his first time in the Middle East, out here or his brand new amphibious plane (yes, he flies to work!), Pat Driscoll is and watch captivating and enlightening. From his early aviation studies as a student at the University of Illinois to for awhile his retirement at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Driscoll’s naval career has been nothing ... you’ll short of legendary. With more than 5,000 flight hours in three different aircraft understand (S-3 Viking, A-7E Corsair and the F/A-18 Hornet), Driscoll completed more the lure than 1,200 aircraft carrier landings during a career that included air combat missions in the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. of flight. With a career spanning 35 years, several armed conflicts, and postings around the world, his most surprising career moment happened here in the U.S. “I never expected to be the commanding officer of The Blue Angels,” he said. “It was not in my thought process or even something I dreamt about.” During the 1999 and 2000 air show calendar, Driscoll led his team of six pilots in demonstrations of jaw-dropping maneuvers, often flying only 18 inches apart. Thousands of spectators watched, and undoubtedly many future naval aviators were inspired by The Blue Angels under Driscoll’s command. While the stories of his military past could fill volumes, it is his love of flying and drive to inspire the next generation of aviators that, in part, led

Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

COURTESY OF BLUE ANGELS

R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 1 5

pat dri scoll

16 C h e s te r f ie ld L iv i n g

MacBook Pro

COURTESY OF BLUE ANGELS

the retired admiral to Virginia. His main focus these days is on the Chesterfield County Airport (FCI). “The airport is growing and vibrant,” proclaims Driscoll. As the new manager of FCI, one of only eight reliever airports in the Commonwealth, Driscoll pointed out the very direct economic impact the airport has on Chesterfield County development. The airport employs 239 people, has a payroll of $7.9 million and generates over $27 million in economic activity for the county. The airport’s additional advantage to the county is in how it generates secondary income. According to Driscoll, at FCI, you can fly in, park, go to your meetings, sign your contracts, make your deals, have lunch and take off – on your schedule – without paying a fee. And with the proposed expansion of the runway to 6,300 feet, the airport will be able to handle larger corporate jets, further increasing the airport’s appeal to the executive traveler. “This expansion will take care of us for quite some time in terms of what the county needs in order to be a good county airport. We need to focus on what we are good at and this runway expansion will meet 99 percent of those requirements for the time being,” explains Driscoll. As the manager, Driscoll has three short-term goals: to increase capacity for corporate jets; to increase more general aviation flyers by getting the fun back in flying; and to bring a vibrant flight school to the airport to help get young people interested in flying. “Aviation is a great bridge to science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] careers,” he says. “Showing kids that airplanes are cool is a great lever to getting them interested in those kind of studies.” Driscoll’s goal is that the flight school will provide a segue to community outreach by partnering with the local community colleges and high schools in opening the world of aviation to students. As a lifelong aviator, Driscoll is also passionate about bringing back the romance of aviation, especially for private aviators. “If you come out here and watch for awhile and see these beautiful aircraft just taking off and landing, you’ll understand the lure of flight,” Driscoll

says. “The 82 airplanes at FCI are all unique in certain ways. With home-built aircraft and the engineering designs that are being built now, you can see some really neat airplanes on the field. It is fun to just come out and watch.” As we walked around the airfield at the end of our meeting, the admiral’s enthusiasm for all things aviation was evident. He pointed out the Virginia National Guard helicopters and the Virginia State Police and federal agency aircrafts, as well as various privately owned planes that call FCI home. Hearing the attributes and characteristics of each plane from a man who has defended our country for over three decades and has flown some of the most sophisticated machines in the world was a delight. That Rear Adm. Driscoll has chosen the Chesterfield County Airport as his next career post is indeed fortunate for the county and its residents.

HELPFUL LINKS Search for “Patrick Driscoll” on Navy.Mil. For a more in-depth biography of Rear Adm. Driscoll Chesterfield.gov/Airport or RichmondExecutiveAirport.com For more information about the Chesterfield County Airport DominionAviation.com For more information about corporate charters

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Summer 2015 camps will be posted February 1 at www.stewardschool.org/summer.

11600 Gayton Road Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

Richmond, Virginia 23238 R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 1 7

18 C he ste r f ie ld L iv i n g

FINANCE

A DOWN MARKET. OH, THANK GOODNESS! by

G. Carl Mahler, Jr, CFP ®

guiding clients toward and through retirement, I have reminded them for over a year that a correction is overdue. I remind them that the normal cycles of the markets are to be expected, not feared, and to harness them to potentially increase the value of their assets. I write this guidance before the Fed has decided if it will end quantitative easing, before Euro Land has taken definitive steps to keep itself out of recession, and before the next case of Ebola threatens all mankind. I don’t minimize the seriousness of these events, but they are the current problems causing the financial markets to climb “The Wall of Worry.” For much of 2014, the markets experienced much volatility. The media knows consumers fear this, so they feed us a continuous stream of it – and we make bad decisions. Volatility is not new to the markets but it does, in my opinion, seem to occur more frequently and at greater extremes than ever. Most of this has been attributed to computers: information in a nanosecond, and the ability to trade just as quickly. Watch, and you discover the media has become extremely creative in their use of adjectives describing downside volatility, more than with the corresponding upside swings that typically follow. Yes, believe it or not, volatility occurs in both directions. There is something to be learned here: V.O.L.A.T.I.L.I.T.Y. is here forever. If you can’t beat it, use it. Look at Warren Buffett, arguably the most N MY PRACTICE OF

Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

successful investor in America. Buffet embraces it. He waits for it. He harnesses it by buying when markets are down and seemingly headed to the next Depression (media talk), then patiently waits for the market to recover. Then, and only then, he might consider selling. I have been making this observation over the 40-plus years I’ve been involved in investing. Markets go up, then down, then back up. Volatility is our friend when used to our advantage. If I am in the accumulation phase of my life, I invest into it, buying when prices are cheap(er). If I am in retirement, I keep enough in very safe accounts to live on while markets move through down cycles, then replenish those stores when values are back up. So, I ask, if you are able to ignore the temporary volatility that has always plagued the markets, how does it hurt you? It doesn’t! In fact, it enables you to achieve many of the things you dreamed about years ago when retirement was going to be a wonderful place.

T he P i n n acle Grou p A n Indep enden t Wea l th Ma n ag emen t Fir m Your Wealth . Your Life. O ur Fo c u s . 374 8 W i n ter f i eld R o a d M id l o t hi a n , VA 23113 8 0 4 - 378 - 1624 P i n n a cl e Gro u p . n et

G. Carl Mahler, Jr. is a Certified Financial Planner®. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Any opinions are those of G. Carl Mahler, Jr. and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or loss. Like u s on Facebook to receive daily f inancial infor mation on your newsfeed. Search: “The Pinnacle Group, An Independent Wealth Management Fir m, RJ FS”

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Minds that seek. Hearts that serve. www.collegiate-va.org

20 Chesterfield L iving

COMMUNITY

COURTESY OF THUNDERBOLT INDOOR KARTING

A Lightning Round of Fun for Jared Davis at Thunderbolt Indoor Karting For the weekend racer or autocross lover, Thunderbolt Indoor Karting provides the perfect adrenaline f ix. I love racing cars, so to be able to pull 2 g’s in a kart like this is awesome, racing against friends or even in a league. Electric karts with high motor torque give you all the power all the time: quick acceleration to regain speed immediately after turns and stops – perfect for the twists and turns of Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

ThunderBolt’s quarter-mile track. Electric karts also run clean, in a climate-controlled building. With four levels of speed, the karts are great for kids, too. Check out their lunch-hour special and other great deals. Thunderbolt Indoor Karting 1365 Carmia Way 804-378-6066 | ThunderboltKarting.com R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 2 1

indoor play

Colleen McCabe Gets Bowled Away

COURTESY OF KING PIN LANES

I recently went to King Pin Lanes for the all-you-can-bowl special. I was pleasantly surprised at the recent renovation of the 32-lane bowling center. If you need a break from throwing a strike, feel free to have some fun playing a game of pool or Water Pong. Want to channel your inner child? Play some arcade games. When all the fun has left you feeling hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at their full-service restaurant and lounge. Midlo’s Bite offers appetizers, salads, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches as well as a full bar. Whatever you choose to do at King Pin Lanes, you’re sure to have a good time!

COURTESY OF UPTOWN ALLEY

King Pin Lanes 200 N. Otterdale Rd., Midlothian 804-378-7838 | King-Pin-Lanes.com

Jeff Majer & Son Play with Fire

It’s my ultimate adult playground. Last time I went to Uptown Alley, I bowled on one of the 38 hightech bowling lanes, played my favorite of their 60 video and prize games, watched my friends sing karaoke, and enjoyed craft beer while watching football in the “Sports Theater.” Families have fun at Uptown Alley, but the over-21 crowd can escape to the Rotunda lounge: 14 private lanes, billiards, bar, party rooms, DJ space, dance floor, and comfy seating. Food options are plenty here, too: Red Embers Bar & Grill serves American classics, like barbecue, pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

The fire station on 4715 Forest Hill Ave. is a great escape from the house arrest winter weather can sentence us to. They have a 1922 water tower truck and a 1906 steamer truck as well as their modern trucks that kids can climb on. My son loves anything truck related and he doesn’t realize it’s an opportunity for the firefighters to connect with the public and to teach fire safety. It’s not a long-term play session, but it’s a great change of pace and it’s free. They ask that you visit between 9-5ish.

Uptown Alley 6101 Brad McNeer Pkwy., Midlothian 804-744-1077 | UptownAlleyRichmond.com

Station #24 7400 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond 804-646-1601

Joey Wharton Goes Uptown

22 Chesterfield L iving

COURTESY OF BRIDGET HAZEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Constance Whitney Gets All Fired Up By far my favorite place to spend a few hours is All Fired Up at Commonwealth Center. I have absolutely no artistic skill whatsoever, but here I can create works of art in either glass or ceramic that are actually pretty – or at least that’s what my family and friends all said when they got their Christmas gifts. It’s also a great place to take the kids – let them paint to their hearts’ content without the clean-up or without the stains on your rug! And they have Ladies Night Out on Thursdays, so grab your friends and a latte! All Fired Up 4668 Commonwealth Centre Pkwy., Midlothian 804-744-5506 | GetAllFiredUp.com

A Skate Date with Stephen Sowulewski

COURTESY OF LASER QUEST

Remember those trips to the roller rink in the 70s and 80s and the meteoric uprising of inline skating in the 90s? Well, what’s old is new again. If it has been awhile since you have balanced on quad wheels, find a skate date and get ready to whip around those corners while listening to some upbeat tunes and burning some calories indoors this winter! If you first learned on quad wheels, recall will be easier; but if you were a roller-blading rebel, not to worry, both types of skate are available for rental. Nora Bollinger Becomes a Kid Again I scoffed when I heard the suggestion. Go to Laser Quest as an adult? That’s just for little kids! But, after making the trek from my downtown residence to their Midlothian location, my opinion took a 180. Not only was the place packed for the night before Thanksgiving, but there was a surprising number of players over the age of 10. My friends and I became 12 years old again as we chose code names, strapped on light-up body armor and entered the black light war zone. Laser Quest prides itself on a “fun for all ages” policy, hosting events from children’s birthday parties to corporate team building exercises. Regular games are an affordable $9 for around 15 minutes of fun, and their hours, while already fairly extensive, are doubled during holiday periods. Laser Quest 889 Research Rd., Chesterfield 804-378-0400 | LaserQuest.com Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

Skate-A-Way 3330 Speeks Dr., Midlothian 804-674-5070 | Sk8away-midlothian.com

Jennifer Drummond is Flying High If you thought jumping up and down on your bed was fun when you were a kid, then Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, without a doubt, will surpass that experience. Toddlers to adults show great enthusiasm as they play dodge ball and basketball or dive in a foam pit. Many keep their activity to jumping up and down inside this huge facility. Each area has friendly monitors ready to assist. Loud party music is abundant, as well as hearty laughter and big smiles. So bring your high energy from the outdoors – you are going to need it! Sky Zone 1345 Carmia Way, Chesterfield 804-379-2500 | SkyZone.com R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 2 3

FLAVOR

spotlights

BOOKBINDER’S Located next to the James River in Tobacco Row, this steak and seafood restaurant creates a memorable dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, Bookbinder’s also offers banquet facilities. 2306 E. Cary St. 804-643-6900 BookbindersRichmond.com

RUTH’S CHRIS Come to Ruth’s Chris for their selection of mouth-watering steaks, but also check out their menus for Sunday brunch, desserts, wines and gluten-free options. Dress is business casual and private dining is an option. 1500 W. Huguenot Rd. 804-378-0600 SizzlingSteak.com

THE GRILL Claiming “American Fare with a Southern, Homemade Attitude,” The Grill at Waterford boasts a menu from breakfast to dinner with items such as fried catfish sandwiches, chicken pot pie and Greek pasta. 13548 Waterford Pl. 804-763-0555 TheGrillAtWaterford.com

DIVINE At Divine, each dish is created to wake your taste buds and pop with flavors every bite. European cuisine meets comfort food with a unique presentation. 13127 Rivers Bend Blvd. 804-571-6383 Divine-RB.com

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IN SEARCH OF HEALTHY DISHES

TASTEBUDZ

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FLAVOR YOUR DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT SOURCE

SPAGHETTI SQUASH

The Boathouse at Sunday Park As part of The Boathouse commitment to healthy options, the menu changes seasonally to take advantage of fresh local produce. An addition to The Boathouse menu for winter 2015 is Chef Robert Nelson’s spaghetti squash. The squash is roasted with local apples, Brussels sprouts and sage, then finished with an apple cider reduction. For extra flavor, Chef adds fresh herbs and a little good-for-you olive oil. The local apples and apple cider provide natural sweetness. The spaghetti squash is a great accompaniment to any of the restaurant’s simply grilled seafood items, such as the fresh salmon. In fact, any of the fresh fish selections can be simply prepared with olive oil and fresh lemon. Other good-for-you simply grilled seafood options include Chesapeake rockfish, sea scallops and wild catfish. 4602 Millridge Pkwy. / 804-744-2545 BoathouseRVA.com

PHOTO: TREVOR DICKERSON

FIND MORE HEALTHY DISHES ON THE NEXT PAGE

CALENDAR OF EV ENTS

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R ICHMOND COMEDY p. 36

TALK ING COFFEE p. 39

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26 Chesterfield L iving

FLAVOR

in search of

In Search of

Healthy Dishes

more on the nex t page

Jan. 17 Life at Lee’s Headquarters Dabbs House Museum Commemorate Lee’s 208th birthday by visiting his 1862 headquarters at Dabbs House Museum. Meet the general and his staff to learn a little more about the man and his relationship with those around him. House tours, reenactors, and children’s activities/crafts are provided. Henrico.us/rec/places/dabbs-house

Feb. 22 Love Rox Half Marathon Greater Richmond Convention Center Returning for its third year, Love Rox offers runners an indoor post-race party, long-sleeve race shirts, finisher medals and the option to purchase discounted tickets to the Wine Expo’s Sunday Grand Tasting Walk Around. RichmondCenter.com

Jan. 28 How To Grow Mushrooms at Home Chesterfield County Public Library Growing mushrooms is unlike other gardening, but you can grow mushrooms at home. Chesterfield Cooperative Extension Services is offering several seminars from January through April that will help residents prepare for spring. These seminars are free and spaces are limited. Library.Chesterfield.gov

Jan. 17 Poe’s Birthday Bash Poe Museum T he Poe Museu m celebrates its namesake’s birthday with 12 straight hours of family fun. PoeMuseum.org Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

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calendar of events

Jan. 24-May 17 Wicked Plants Science Museum of Virginia

Jan. 24 2015 All-County Orchestras Lloyd C. Bird High School

Step into a macabre world where plants hold the power as you discover the biochemical, physical and neurological processes between plants and the human body. Learn about these diabolical botanical plants inside of a decrepit home – including some of the most infamous plants in history. SMV.org

Featuring Chesterfield County Honors Orchestra students, this concert is directed by Debra Lyle, Melissa Jones and Marguerite Alley. Admission is free and the event begins at 2 p.m. MyChesterfieldCountySchools.com

COURTESY OF SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA

Jan. 29-March 7 Those Harvey Girls Swift Creek Mill Theatre The Harvey sisters bring their rare gift to the stage with sounds that transcend gender, race and religion. This all-new show highlights three young girls growing up in rural 1960s Virginia. SwiftCreekMill.com

Jan. 24 Anniversary of The Battle of Trent’s Reach Henricus Historical Park Join Henricus Historical Park for a series of lectures and demonstrations about the last naval fight of the James River Squadron of the Confederate States Navy. Historians will do presentations on the ships, men, and tactics of ironclad navies in the Civil War. Henricus.org

Feb. 13-14 Sister Act Altria Theatre

March 6-8 Richmond Home and Garden Show Richmond Raceway Complex

Featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, this Broadway musical comedy tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look – a convent. AltriaTheatre.com

At the 39th annual Richmond Home & Garden show, you will see everything you need to make your home more beautiful, energy efficient, safe, and comfortable. Find ways to remodel your kitchen, add or rebuild a deck, replace your old heat pump, and much more at this three-day event. RichmondHomeAndGarden.com

Feb. 17-22 Virginia Wine Expo Richmond Convention Center & Other Locations Meet the owners and winemakers behind Virginia’s emergence as a major international wine destination and enjoy dozens of events at the Virginia Wine Expo. VirginiaWineExpo.com 34 Chesterfield L iving

Jan. 15 Southern Community Cooking Chesterfield County Public Library Food writer Sheri Castle is a food lover, expert food taster and a storyteller at heart. The Southern Living Community Cookbook: Celebrating Food and Fellowship in the American South weaves food and stories into a cookbook that is ref lective of our own recipe boxes. Library.Chesterfield.gov

Feb. 26-March 1 Richmond International Film Festival Byrd Theater Richmond International Film Festival brings a thrilling array of more than 60 international cutting-edge films, industry panels, Q&As, live musical performances, and entertainment mixers that usher the spirit of Hollywood into Virginia’s historic Byrd Theater. RVAFilmFestival.com

View our full event calendar online at RichmondNavigator.com.

Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 3 5

comedy

COURTESY OF RICK SLEEMAN

FLAVOR

ComedySportz Improv Theatre

LAUGHING IT UP in Richmond

Annie Tobey

walk into a bar. “We don’t serve comedians here,” says the bartender. “Why not?” ask the comedians. “We don’t have enough seats.” “That’s OK,” reply the comedians, “we do stand-up.” Then there’s the one about the girl whose father was adamantly opposed to the boy she was dating because he was a comedian – until the dad went to see the young man perform. “What changed your mind, Daddy?” the overjoyed daughter asked. “Oh,” the father replied, “he’s no comedian.” Whether or not the fathers of their girlfriends and boyfriends approve, Richmond has a thriving culture of comedians. Some aspire to travel the professional circuit and others simply to perform locally. For some, performing is a treasured pastime. Others know that time on stage, whether in practice or performance, is a great way to hone skills and stay sharp. I began getting a glimpse behind the curtains of local comedy two years ago, when my son Brian signed up for classes at ComedySportz. Yes, classes. No, comedians don’t come out of the womb making wisecracks. “Hey, doc, is that your nose or do you moonlight as Bozo?” “Eighteen hours of labor, huh? I’m going to be hearing about that for the rest of my life.” Comedic aspirations demand both training and – fortunately for the rest of us – an audience, and several local organizations provide that link. ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIVE COMEDIANS

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Many have come to love ComedySportz (CSz) for its short-form improv performances (think Whose Line Is It Anyway?). Two teams compete in a series of humorous games, using audience suggestions as fodder. Take the 185 joke above – audience members tell the performers who walked into the bar, like lawyers or teachers or snails, and the jokes begin. Most CSz performances are family friendly. Though the content isn’t kid-centric, it’s clean. The occasional adult performance is clearly labeled, such as their late-night Overtime Improv, mixing formats and pushing boundaries. This West End improv group offers classes for first graders through retirees. Besides humor, classes improve traits that are no laughing matter: spontaneity, stepping out of the comfort zone, focus, concentration, and teamwork. Students learn to connect with their playful self and with others, to be creative and more self-confident. One class exercise addresses comfort with making mistakes, says Christine Walters, director of education and managing partner at ComedySportz. “We encourage students to make mistakes, to fail, to understand that this is part of the journey. This gives them the freedom to make mistakes and even builds their self-esteem.” In the exercise, she explains, a student says, “I failed, thank you, woop-woop-what” – as in “Yes, I’m accepting that I made a mistake, thank you for not judging me, it really doesn’t matter, let’s move on.” Walters recalls favorite anecdotes of kids who have benefited from their program. She tells of the girl who was so afraid of making mistakes, she wouldn’t even do her homework – the student turned the corner after learning the “woop-woopwhat” technique. Walters tells of introverted Ashley, now in her third year of CSz classes: after Ashley’s fifth day of practice, “We couldn’t keep her off the stage!” And she recalls the boy who said after the nonverbal communication exercise: “‘I just felt so focused because we couldn’t talk but had to listen to what everyone was saying.’” ComedySportz also offers corporate team-building classes and performance for hire. Nearly three years later, my son Brian is still performing. He’s moved up to the Major League, as have his poise and skills.

Perhaps inspired by her older brother, my daughter, Rachel, became involved at Coalition Theater in early 2014. Comedy is serious stuff at Coalition Theater in downtown Richmond. Founded in 2009, the organization has brought together a gaggle of comedians dedicated to performing and to training the next crop of comedians in advanced skills like scene work or patterns, or simply to training everyday people who want to do funny stuff, find a creative outlet, or build skills in public speaking, communications, and collaboration. “The program has evolved to draw in and meet these different needs of folks,” explains Matt Newman, managing director of Coalition Theater, and adds, “We’re getting more into the corporate training world.” Coalition Theater shows aren’t for all ages. Performances include traditional and experimental forms of comedy, especially long-form improv: a basic storyline is established at the beginning, then performers build upon that tale through a series of scenes in, of course, humorous ways. Riffs on long-form at Coalition Theater include Richmond Famous, featuring local celebs, and Laughtrack, using an audience member’s mobile playlist to improvise an extended story based on the heretofore-unknown soundtrack. Thursdays features a pay-what-you-can open mic show with improv and sketch (think SNL skits). Saturday presents house teams performing long-form improv. A popular new feature is RVA Tonight, a live late-night talk show. “Some of my favorite shows are the student shows, seeing people getting on stage and confronting their fears – facing down stage fright, getting up and really challenging themselves to do improv on stage,” says Newman. “The success that they see in front of that audience is so rewarding to watch.”

West End Comedy Now in their fifth season, West End Comedy performs a variety of comedic formats: short-form improv, unscripted games based on audience suggestions; long-form stories; and sketch work. The group has also done short films and training videos. Friday performances are for all ages, but Saturday shows are for mature audiences only (or for those above a certain chronological age, as the case may be). Ten active members make up West End Comedy, varying in age, background, and experience, some having received improv training in Chicago, Orlando, New York, and L.A. “We do open practices, like a workshop, for ages 16 and up,” says James Wasilewski, managing artistic director of West End Comedy. “Come be a member of the troupe for the night.” Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

COURTESY OF LAUREN SERPA

Coalition Theater

More than Just Laughter “The community that exists around this space is absolutely the strength of it,” says Matt Newman. He points to the talent and dedication of the coaches, teachers, house team performers, and the students. “All are really dedicated and committed to the ideas of support and mutual respect for each other’s ideas – these things that arise when you study improv for a while.” Newman recalls a recent evening, as students warmed up for their shows, hearing groups of grown adults making loud silly noises. “It’s those kinds of moments in this space that I really try to hold on to,” he says. “If there’s any magic to what we do, that’s it – that kind of outlet, that kind of ability to explore those kinds of things.” At my request, Wasilewski asked his troupe what they got out of being improv performers. Besides repeating refrains of camaraderie, self-confidence, the exhilaration of challenge, personal growth, and improved workplace performance, the enthusiastic responses were enlightening and effusive: • Alex Eliades: “The thrill of diving into the maw of our group’s connected subconscious and coming up with creative works.” • Eric Vinyard: “Being more quick-witted and reflexively entertaining when the opportunity presents itself, … [in] performances [and] social situations, especially ones that involve members of the opposite sex who are easily impressed by that kind of thing.” • George Herring: “Making amazingly ephemeral moments of awesomeness with an audience.” • Mike Dunn: “The sheer enjoyment of laughing.” • Jenny Sappington: “Placing implicit and unequivocal trust in each one of my troupe mates that they will be right there with me regardless of what happens. And I know they give me the same in return… It is absolutely liberating. I accept everything and play with complete abandon.” • Olivia Acree: Being “a part of something that brings a lighthearted joy to an audience, fellow performers, and me.” One hundred eighty-five bartenders walk into an improv theater. “We don’t entertain bartenders here,” say the comedians, “since you wouldn’t serve us at your bar.” “Yes,” reply the bartenders, “we see your pint and we won’t wine about it, but we just want a little crock tale.” Richmond dishes up plenty of those crock tales.

Coalition Theater 8 W. Broad St., Richmond 804-332-5857 RVAComedy.com

ComedySportz Improv Theatre 8906-H W. Broad St., in the Gold’s Gym Plaza 804-266-9377 CSZRVA.com

West End Comedy Performance and practice locations vary 804-496-1714 WEComedy.com

38 Chesterfield L iving

FLAVOR

Cof fee

TALKING COFFEE

grounds for discourse BY ST E V E COOK

WILLIAMSBURG COFFEE “T

HERE’S A LOT OF SCIENCE that goes into making your water go from clear to black,” says Todd Arnett, owner of sustainable, direct-trade Williamsburg Coffee and Tea. Arnett is discussing the science involved in producing that perfect cup of coffee. He should know. He certainly knows more about coffee than anyone I’ve ever met. When my editor, Annie Tobey, told me that she had arranged for the two of us to meet with Arnett for a cupping experience at his facility in Williamsburg, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was probably thinking more of a wine-type tasting event. But, if it meant spending the afternoon drinking coffee, I was definitely up for it. A cupping is primarily for professionals, including everyone from the grower to the barista in your local coffee shop. “If the nonprofessional does this,” Arnett says, “he’d be way out on the geeky edge.” Before we even began our cupping process, he explained quite a bit about specialty coffees (his specialty) and cleared up a few misunderstandings. For instance, did you know that the coffee bean is more like a cherry pit than a bean? The fruit is often called a “cherry.” Arnett, who has a knack for taking a very complex subject and explain-

Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

ing it in a way that even someone as simple as I can understand it, puts it this way: “The cherry tree doesn’t realize we’re about to play a trick on it. It’s about to make this great fruit and we pluck it, and say, ‘Thank you. I’m going to put this in my coffee.’” Of course, it’s much more complex than that, but you get the drift. For the bean to truly produce a great coffee, it has to contain the sweetness of the fruit. And just where that fruit grows is vitally important in determining that sweetness. It’s a taste that is only achieved in a climate that provides warm days and cool nights. Warm days are no problem in the tropics, but for a cool night, you have to go up into the mountains – above 3,000 feet. The arabica, one of two species of coffee-producing cherry trees, grows at that altitude. Below that, one can find the only other species of coffee, the robusta. While all specialty coffee is arabica, not all arabica is specialty coffee. In fact, only about 15% of all arabica coffee is good enough to be considered as such. And, when I say “good enough,” I’m not speaking subjectively. The beans in that 15-percent class have passed the test by meeting certain standards

R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 3 9

PHOTO BY ANNIE TOBEY

as established by such organizations as the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). That’s where the cupping process comes in. Experts, such as Arnett, who have been certified by the SCAA, use a grading form to give each lot of coffee, from coffee growers around the world, the true taste-test and smell-test. Coffees must receive a score of 80 or higher in order to qualify as a specialty coffee. So, with that in mind, let the cupping begin! Arnett first ground the coffee. “A cupping roast is a light roast,” he explains. “The more the bean is cooked, the more narrow the band of flavors.” We were instructed to put our noses over our cup and take in the fragrance. It’s a fragrance when the coffee is dry and an aroma when it’s wet, he told us. We were then to take a moment and analyze what we had discovered from that whiff. While the entire procedure is much more intricate than I’ll explain here, the cupping continued with hot water being poured over the ground coffee. We then took another whiff, this time of the aroma. Next, we took our spoon and broke through the crust that had formed on the top of the coffee. Even the way one “breaks” the coffee can impact the taste. We again used our senses of smell to analyze the brew. Finally, we tasted the coffee. For our lesson, we had three cups each of the three beans being tasted, one from Ecuador, one from Costa Rica, and one from Guatemala – the same variety of bean grown in different locations. In the true (professional) cupping experience, five cups of the same roast are used. Uniformity in each cup is a vital element in the grading process. Uniformity, sweetness, and cleanness are the most important criteria on the standard SCAA grading form, although other factors are also considered in determining a final score. As for the tastes, the results were somewhat astounding. As Annie and I tasted 40 Chesterfield L iving

the three different coffees, we were somewhat amazed with our findings. Between the two of us, we tasted grapefruit, baked beans, chocolate, vanilla, and pepper. Why had I never tasted anything like this in my previous coffee experiences? “The problem with many of us,” says Arnett, “is that we spend so much time shoving things in our mouth and so little time considering what we’ve shoved in.” As a purveyor of specialty coffees, Arnett spends a lot of time considering such things as well as teaching others. He has traveled the world doing so and this month will be conducting certification classes for a group of about 20 coming from China to Williamsburg. But he is especially focused on his own customers, who are coffee shop owners and restaurateurs who brew Williamsburg Coffee in their own establishments, many of whom are right here in the Richmond area.* Arnett encourages them to have their baristas take advantage of the education he offers. A barista, he says, is a true professional. “He should be trained and compensated accordingly. A true barista should be able to accurately describe just what you can expect to taste in your coffee. And armed with that knowledge, one can gain so much more enjoyment.” Our experience has indeed helped to enhance my appreciation for the beverage I thought I had known for so many years. You won’t hear me describing a cup of really good coffee as just tasting like coffee again. As Todd Arnett says, it does indeed take a lot of science to turn your water from clear to black. And the more you know about that science, the more you’re gonna enjoy your next cup of joe.

*Williamsburg Coffee is available at many of Richmond’s finest retailers and restaurants, including Whole Foods Market, Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe, Harrison Street Café, Palani Drive Restaurant, Urban Farmhouse Market & Café, 10 Italian Café, Caffespresso, Ashland Coffee and Tea, and The Caboose Wine and Cheese of Ashland.

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R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 4 1

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

F E AT U R E

Annie Tobey Sports Backers

photos courtesy of

(unless otherwise noted)

– now it’s splattered with stickers. I used to stay out late on Fridays – now I get to bed early to prepare for Saturday morning group runs. I used to be content with just enough exercise – now I’m hyped about distances. I blame the Richmond Sports Backers for setting me on the road to obsession. Their YMCA 10k Training Team was my threshold drug, opening up the gates to all sorts of aberrant behaviors. I met a whole new group of people, and the chance to run became a social event enhanced by an infusion of adrenaline. These friends introduced me to new

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USED TO HAVE AN IMMACULATE BUMPER

running opportunities. I’d feared the tedium of long runs, but discovered that training with others plus the sheer zen of running made time stand still. I felt stronger, healthier, and more energetic. During the recent Richmond marathon, I began chatting with a fellow runner about this very topic. As we made our way down River Road, Gray Gurkin explained how running had helped him grow up. “What got me into running,” he elaborated later, “was a typical reason. I was 40 and those midlife worries were filling my head. Maybe running could help me hang on to my youth.”

He signed up for the Monument Avenue 10k in 2009, and soon conquered a half marathon. With growing confidence, he set his eyes on a marathon. “The feeling of accomplishing something was amazing,’’ he says. “My wife and kids were there and I was overwhelmed with emotions at the end as tears streamed down my face. It seemed impossible that this asthmatic kid growing up had just finished 26.2 miles. Awesome!” Then came the question that every runner asks: what’s next? “The answer was simple as I looked at my daily life of uncertainty being a freelance graphic Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

“

designer and singer-songwriter. I was living day by day with a mortgage and car payment, with a wife and kids,’’ Gurkin adds. “I needed running and it had little to do with trying to stay young. In fact, it has everything to do with how to become old, at least in the fact of wisdom, responsibilities, and understanding community.” Gurkin joined the Richmond Road Runners and training teams. “These running groups set a regimen in my life that was needed and I respected,” he explains. “What started out as a way to stay young ended up being a way for me to grow up. I had gained the ability to set a goal and

I WAS 40 AND THOSE MIDLIFE WORRIES WERE FILLING MY HEAD. MAYBE RUNNING COULD HELP ME HANG ON TO MY YOUTH.

”

complete it no matter what the obstacles. I learned time management as I ensured all my training runs were completed. I now understand the power and importance of community as the local R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 4 3

Gray Gurkin at the Crawlin’ Crab race in Hampton, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Gray Gurkin.

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running community comes together to help in so many causes that help others.” Locally, the Richmond Sports Backers has been instrumental in introducing many to the benef its of running and of an active lifestyle. When the Sports Backers began organizing the Monument Avenue 10k in 2000, nearly 2,500 people participated; in 2014, over 36,000 took part. The 1978 fall race – combining a marathon, half marathon, and 8k – drew approximately 2,700 participants; this number rose to nearly 22,000 in 2014. A rainbow of events have sprung up from the increased popularity of running: benefit runs; obstacle races and mud runs for all levels; novelty races with colored paint, spray foam, and glow-inthe-dark elements; trail races; 24-hour, 200-mile relay races; and ultramarathons (over 26.2 miles). As a relatively new competitive runner, I value both the races and the teams. (I use the words “competitive” and “races” loosely: I participate in organized events, but I don’t have to come in first to be successful.) Having a race on the calendar provides extra motivation on those days when exercise doesn’t otherwise seem appealing. It’s something to look forward to, especially when friends are also signed up. Race day is enjoyable, too. The Richmond marathon boasts of its title as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” so the crowds, party zones, and volunteers provide both distraction and support. Scenery can help make a race worthwhile. I’ve experienced the Richmond marathon’s route beside the James River; the Blue Ridge Relay’s mountain roads, with expansive views and quiet

country lanes; Ragnar West Virginia trail relay through waist-high fern thickets; and Ragnar Cape Cod’s views of beaches, the bay, and quaint New England homes. Yes, the physical experience is sometimes challenging but, as the saying goes, “Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.” Probably the most important element that has kept me involved, however, is the people – training teams, informal groups that run regularly, and ongoing relationships. “The training teams continue to be great ways for people to get into running or to keep building towards more fitness goals,” says Pete Woody, PR and communications manager for Sports Backers. “They think they can’t do it, but when they get to run with groups of people, it gets them more motivated and accountable. They make friends, whether they’re new to Richmond or just meeting new people.” The insights and wisdom from fellow runners and coaches is invaluable, too. On a typical Saturday morning in Richmond, thousands of people are out running the roads and trails, at all levels and various distances, including organized Sports Backers teams, Team in Training, Black Girls RUN!, Richmond Road Runners Club groups, or just random individuals. “There are so many uncertainties in life and that will never change,” Gray Gurkin comments. “You can go to college and get five degrees but that doesn’t mean you will land a great job and make a ton of money. In this crazy world of uncertainties, I have found running can still give you a feeling of accomplishment if you stick to your training plan.” Acknowledging that there are many different reasons for running, he adds, “For me, it was a way to stay on task, stay focused, set goals and accomplish them while acting like a kid, cracking jokes on long runs with friends. …Try running – you’ll have something to talk about while getting in shape.”

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

RUNNING WITH KIDS

F E AT U R E

RESOURCES

By Stephen P. Sowulewski

WITH A LITTLE CREATIVITY, parents can harness a child’s natural affinity for running and frolicking

and use it to improve his or her health in ways that are fun for all. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA’S VARIETY OF SHORT RUNS ,

such as a “tot trot” or a

“fun run.” MAKE RUNNING A LIGHT, INFORMAL COMPETITION. Encouraging kids to run ahead, with parents

trailing behind, could give the sense of besting mom or dad. to help kids keep track of their progress. Using a large map of the city can give them a concrete idea of how far they’ve actually traveled as well as a sense of accomplishment. Use thumbtacks or pins to emphasize landmarks. USE COLORFUL CHARTS

DESIGN A SCAVENGER HUNT

where kids have to run around in order to find hidden toys.

ENJOY A RUNBIKE. Remember how Fred Flintstone propelled his stone-age car? Runbikes work

on a similar principle. Although seated, kids have no pedals and must rely on balance and coordination to keep upright as their feet are in constant contact with the ground. INFUSE RUNNING INTO GAMES. GO FOR GOOD OL’ AMERICAN CHILDHOOD FAVORITES

like red rover, red light/green light,

and duck-duck-goose. PLAY CROSS-CULTURAL GAMES. PILOLO FROM GHANA: Choose a leader, a timekeeper and a finish line. Someone hides pennies (one for each player). When the leader calls “pilolo,” players run to find a penny and try to be the first to take it across the finish line. OONCH NEECH FROM PAKISTAN: Like tag, but with obstacles added, such as stumps, rocks and benches. “Neech” means the ground is safe and runners can be tagged unless they are on an obstacle (“oonch”) and vice versa.

SPORTSBACKERS.ORG Sports Backers currently produce 15 diverse annual events, including the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, Dominion Riverrock outdoor and extreme sports events, Anthem Moonlight Ride for bikers, Henricus Mudstock obstacle race, International Dragon Boat Festival, RVA Streets Alive, and CarMax Tacky Light Run. The website includes information on 2015 teams and events, including the training teams for the spring 10k and the fall marathon, half marathon, and 8k.

RRRC.ORG The Richmond Road Runners Club organizes events and training teams and provides support to community race events. Each January, the RRRC sponsors an advanced 10k training team for those wishing to reach a challenging personal record and winter training teams for half marathon and marathon. Other informal groups meet throughout the year at a variety of locations and for various levels of runners.

TEAMINTRAINING.ORG/VA The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training is a charity endurance sport training program. The program raises money for blood cancer research and direct services to patients and their families while training people ranging from first timers to seasoned athletes for running and cycling events and triathlons.

BLACKGIRLSRUN.COM AND BLACK GIRLS RUN! RICHMOND ON FACEBOOK The organization was launched in 2009 to combat growing obesity among African Americans and to encourage and support new and veteran runners. Richmond’s chapter is among the 70+ groups across the nation. Weekly runs are in East End Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Northside Richmond, and Downtown Richmond. Runs and training schedules are listed on the website and Facebook group or e-mail blackgirlsrunrva@gmail.com for details.

For a list of some of the area’s top upcoming races, visit RichmondNavigator.com. Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 4 5

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

SENIORS

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE by Alan Rudlin

OUR EXCUSES FOR NOT JOGGING have now been elimi-

nated. No longer valid are your notions of not having time, or the complete lack of similarity between you and the buff bodies on the cover of Runner’s World or Health, or that you can’t do the 30 to 45 minutes that was supposedly the minimum required to get anything out of it. Why? Because a recent medical report provides great news on how your life can easily get better and fixes the problematic health impact of being sedentary.

This landmark study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shows that running, no matter how slowly, for as little as five minutes, will significantly cut your risk of dying. The study compiled data collected by the well-regarded Cooper Clinic in Dallas for 15 years from over 55,000 men and women, runners and non-runners, on people of varying body types and ages. The results conclude that even if you slog along at a snail’s pace, or jog for as little as five to 10 minutes a day, you’ll get a major benefit: the risk of dying from all causes goes down by 30 percent, and of dying from heart disease by 45 percent. In the world of exercise cost benefit, that ain’t small beer. This is a quality study, not likely to be one of those medical news items du jour that will be contradicted in another month. The study’s striking news about the reduction 46 Chesterfield L iving

in heart disease risk is especially valuable. Cardiovascular disease remains this country’s number one cause of death, and despite all the medical advances in the field, the science of what causes it remains unclear. More importantly, there is no “cure.” Once you have it, the treatment is largely the same medical prescription you get for prevention: exercise and be mindful of diet and weight. Doctors continue to weigh the value of stents versus medication and lifestyle change. Statins and other pills may help, but have limited benefits. By contrast, this new study shows that a remarkable health benefit can be obtained for a modest investment of time and effort. So, even if your body type is not like the human greyhounds observed winning marathons, or you’re disinterested in competing, this study should get you on your feet and out the door. Jogging at

a slow speed and for short to medium distances can cut your cardiovascular risk almost in half, if you’ll just make the small effort. And medical

BY CONTRAST, THIS NEW STUDY SHOWS THAT A REMARKABLE HEALTH BENEFIT CAN BE OBTAINED FOR A MODEST INVESTMENT OF TIME AND EFFORT. studies show that running is not orthopedically bad for your knees. In short, getting into jogging (or walking) is the easiest kind of exercise, and here are four simple steps for an optimal outcome:

GOOD SHOES. There is a mind-numbing proliferation of choices on the market, of all styles and hues, and the marketing pitches can be overcomplicated. Go to a good running shoe store and try several pair. Once you hit age 45 or so, your feet have probably flattened, so you should avoid a tight-fitting shoe. Expect to go up a half to one size from your regular shoes, and maybe a bigger width. Brooks, an American company (and one that doesn’t squander money on meaningless celebrity athlete endorsements), offers well-made and reasonably priced choices. The Brooks Glycerin and Dyad models are ideal for the casual jogger who may be “well nourished” and enjoys full cushioning and support.

STAY WITH SYNTHETICS. For your shorts, tops, socks, jacket, hat etc., avoid any cotton fabrics. Instead, go with the comfortable and lightweight array of sweatwicking fabrics that keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. These items have revolutionized the comfort factor in running clothes.

FIND YOUR ROUTES. The Richmond area is rich in its array of bucolic places to jog, with scenery that will motivate you to be out there. You may prefer to run the same routes, or you may prefer the variety of great jogging routes to be had in the metro Richmond area. Mixing in some route variety will keep the experience fresh, and a not-to-be-missed option is the route along the Kanawha Canal downtown and across the pedestrian bridge to and around Belle Isle.

FOCUS ON THE TIME OF DAY THAT FEELS RIGHT, not the timing of your pace. Start with shorter distances and add to them gradually. Don’t initially put yourself on the clock – just go at a pace that feels right. Experiment with jogging at different times of day, seeing how it fits your schedule and how it makes you feel and enjoying the scenery around you. Jogging after sunset or before sunrise has its own beauty and can be the solution to fitting your exercise into a hectically busy schedule. If you do run after dark, jog on well-lit streets if possible, wear reflective clothes, and use lights that keep you visible to drivers.

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Apply this remarkably easy-to-use breakthrough medical news to your life. The scientific data says you’ll live both longer and better. Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

R i c h m o n d N av i g a t o r. c o m 4 7

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

THE EXPERTS

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD Healthy is beautiful! By taking great care of yourself, you enhance your beauty, both inside and out. A beautiful smile, strength and fitness, vibrancy and self-confidence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are reflected in the way you present yourself, while bringing you more joy in everyday life. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experts can help you look better and feel better. Their knowledge and insights can help enhance your life!

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Before

After

Deborah Keller

acac

joe niamtu, III, DMD

How To Stick With A Beginning Exercise Program

This Is Not Your Mother’s Facelift

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO gain real benefits from working out, no matter when

acac Amenities : • Cardio & strength-training equipment • Functional training space • Indoor aquatics, including warm water • Supervised exercise circuit • Tennis and squash • Fully equipped locker rooms • Outdoor pools • Access to personal trainers and nutritionist • Group exercise, water exercise, and mind-body classes • Indoor track • On-site childcare

THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT I hear from patients in their late forties and older is about excess skin around their neck and jowls. Through the combination of lifest yle, genetics, and gravit y, we all eventually develop f loppy, excess skin and fat under our chin and jawline – the dreaded “turkey neck.” As much as some patients don’t like to hear it, the ONLY way to correct this with natural and long-lasting results is a facelift. But the good news is – this is not your mother’s facelift. Today’s procedures are vastly improved from the aggressive “old school ” operations that required a three-day stay in the hospital and produced a tight, unnatural look. Today, we have much more advanced technology and a better understanding of facial aging. We now realize that in addition to cutting out sagging skin, it’s important to “put something back.” Modern cosmetic surgeons will add volume and contour to the facelift through facial implants, the patient’s own fat, or injectable fillers to create a more natural result. Advances in medications and anesthesia have also made the entire procedure much easier. When performed correctly, a facelift is still a signif icant operation and requires at least two weeks for recovery at home. It is not a casual decision, but there is no other procedure that can produce the same results. “This is the best thing I have ever done for myself,” says my patient Deborah Keller. “I used to hate looking in the mirror and now I love it. It has really boosted my selfDr. Joe Niamtu is a conf idence and attitude! ” Board Certified oral Face and neck lifts are one of my favorite and maxillofacial operations and I have performed nearly 1,000 surgeon who specialof them in my fully accredited off ice surgery izes in cosmetic facial suite. I love it when I can take a patient who surgery. He has been in walked in with a “turkey neck ” and give them practice in Richmond for over 30 years and is back the neck they had in high school. It’s consistently voted “Best easier than you think!

11621 Robious Rd. | Midlothian | 804-378-1600 ACAC.com

11319 Polo Place | Midlothian | 804-934-3223 LoveThatFace.com

you start. Countless research studies over the past two decades confirm the indisputable benefits of exercise, and more keep coming. The most significant and prevalent findings of recent research into aging is that it is never too late to start an exercise program. Major health benefits will result, regardless of your age when you start. But getting started is the real challenge for many people. Finding the right place and program is the key to both sticking with it and finding something that gives you the results you desire. If you are new to exercise or it’s been a long time since you last exercised, consider finding a place that will help you gauge what you should be doing as well as direct you in how to get started. The Physician Referred Exercise Program, or p.r.e.p®, at acac Fitness & Wellness Center connects new exercisers to fitness professionals, an on-site nurse, and the prescribing physician to create a team of people that will guide them through the first 60 days of an exercise program. Participants commit to two 30-minute weekly sessions. In addition, they have access to a free personal training session and nutrition consultations, plus use of the fitness center for the entire 60 days. p.r.e.p.® costs only $60, and there is no commitment beyond the 60 days. However, many participants find it’s something they can stick with because the benefits are so great. “We see participants get off their high blood pressure and cholesterol meds, lose weight, and just be generally happier with life,” says nurse Cathy Adams. Prescribing physicians can receive regular updates on their patients’ progress in the program. To learn more about how to achieve your fitness goals, p.r.e.p.®, or acac Fitness and Wellness Centers, go on the web to www.acac.com or call acac Short Pump at 804-464-0990 or acac Midlothian at 804-378-1600.

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Cosmetic Surgeon” by local magazine readers.

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virginia family dentistry: New Year, New Smile, New You! by

Dr. Melanie Wexel Spears

treat yourself this New Year! Is there anything about your smile that bothers you? Often orthodontics is a solution for many aesthetic dental issues, such as crowding, spacing, or teeth sticking out. An improved appearance of the smile is only one of the benef its of orthodontics; there are also many health benef its. Aligning the teeth makes them easier to clean, therefore reducing the risk for cavities and gum disease. Orthodontics can also provide a more balanced bite for improved function. Last but not least, orthodontics can enhance your overall well-being. Adults report that life is more stressful when you are embarrassed to smile for fear of judgment. Having an attractive smile can help you face your career and your personal relationships with confidence! “What will others think? ” “How will I look? ” “Am I too old? ” These are the questions adults often ask themselves when they think about traditional orthodontic treatment. Set your preconceived notions aside – it’s never too late! There are more alternatives to traditional braces than ever before. Clear brackets and Invisalign® are less noticeable but effective options to meet your orthodontic treatment needs. Invisalign® aligners are clear, making it diff icult to tell that you are wearing them. The aligners are smooth and comfortable, and have no food restrictions, as you can take your aligners out to eat. Invisalign® f its conveniently into your busy lifestyle since treatment time is often shorter and IT'S 2015: TIME TO

12712 Jeff Davis Hwy. | Chester | 804-751-0300 VADentist.com 50 Chesterfield L iving

fewer visits are needed. Although people may not notice your aligners, they will notice that your teeth are looking nicer and you are smiling more! Our Virginia Family Dentistry orthodontists are in the top one percent of all North American providers. Being among the most experienced providers, we can bring you the newest innovations in Invisalign®, including the iTero digital scanning system. Itero scanners take a 3-D digital scan of your teeth, eliminating the need for messy impressions. The scanner offers a fast and comfortable record-taking experience that also gives a more precise f it of your Invisalign® aligner. Are you an Invisalign® candidate? It is true that not everyone can be treated optimally with Invisalign®. You may have been told in the past that you aren’t a candidate, but with the latest advances with Invisalign® materials and methods, you may now be eligible. Your orthodontist will discuss your treatment options at your complementary consultation. Call our off ice for your complementary orthodontic evaluation today. Virginia Family Dentistry is a group practice of 50 doctors specializing in Orthodontics, Dental Implants, Prostodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Cosmetic and General Dentistry. With 11 convenient locations in the Richmond Metro Area, we can assist you in creating your youthful smile. For a location near you, visit VADentist.com.

A native of Virginia, Dr. Melanie Wexel Spears is a magna cum laude graduate of James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. She received her orthodontic specialty training and master’s degree at the University of Florida. Melanie W. Spears practices orthodontics with Virginia Family Dentistry in the TriCities location. She will be practicing in an additional location in Chester starting summer 2015.

THE EXPERTS

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

corner barre Tone and Strengthen Your Body: Low Impact, High Results lifts, tones, and sculpts your entire body, that improves flexibility, posture, and core strength, and that achieves all this while still being low impact? There’s a class for that! Corner Barre classes are the only form of exercise that safely and simultaneously strengthens all of the larger as well as smaller supporting muscle groups in one workout. This exercise technique allows participants to literally feel their muscles changing shape by working to the point of fatigue known as shaking! Core strength is quickly built when participants learn to hold and maintain a specific tucked core position while performing micro-movements. Stretching follows each strengthening series to lengthen the muscles, resulting in a lean, toned physique. Classes at Corner Barre are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels because individuals can tailor the workout to meet their needs. Instructors encourage participants to utilize guided modifications for more or less intensity or to take breaks as needed. The instructors at Corner Barre provide constant verbal cues along with hands-on corrections to provide proper form throughout the entire workout. Since Corner Barre is open seven days a week, you can take classes at your convenience. You can benefit from personal and small group training as wells as private weight loss counseling from a certified nutritionist. Many people have enjoyed these additional offerings for fun, healthy group social events and individualized weight loss success. Corner Barre is a relaxed, comfortable environment that welcomes and encourages people of all ages and sizes to participate in this oneof-a-kind workout that will provide noticeable results in as little as eight to ten sessions. The first class is always free for new participants and no experience is needed. WOULD YOU BENEFIT FROM AN EXERCISE CLASS THAT

13827 Village Place Dr. | Midlothian | 804-794-0710 CornerBarre.com Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

dominion dermatology Brown Spots Begone!

Dr. Jean K. Calhoun

become merely a memory. The FDA has approved a new laser that is safe and very effective in removing brown spots from the face, hands, arms, chest, and any other body areas. It can be used on all skin types, and there is very little down time. The results are very impressive! A list of conditions that can be treated by the new Fraxel Thulium Laser 1927nm include brown spots, age spots, sun spots, skin discoloration, dull skin tone, textured surface irregularities, and even precancerous skin cells. Although insurance does not cover these procedures, the price is affordable for your skin rejuvenation. Some patients even get improvement in pore size, but this is not guaranteed. This laser is less invasive than older laser types. It’s considered the gold standard for aesthetic skin resurfacing. With any procedure, there are risks and side effects that patients may experience. The main negative with the Fraxel Thulium is discomfort. We strongly recommend that patients use a strong topical aesthetic prior to having this procedure done, and we provide the prescription. Other patients experience a “sunburn” tight feeling after the procedure as well. There may be some redness and swelling for a few days, followed by dead skin cells exfoliating in three to 10 days post treatment. Unlike with some other laser treatments such as the IPL, there appears to be no risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (areas of darker or lighter skin color). The side effects and number of treatments Dr. Calhoun graduated may vary depending upon the patient and condition. from JMU and received There is also a second laser, the Fraxel Erbium her M.D. from MCV. 1550nm, that can penetrate deeper into the skin. She moved to Richmond It can help with fine lines, superficial wrinkles, and in 2011 after working for Harvard Vanguard certain acne scars. If desired, the treatments can Medical Associates. Her be done together, with the patient experiencing a interests include skin slightly longer downtime. cancer prevention and BOTHERSOME BROWN SPOTS CAN

5201-A Hickory Park Dr. | Glen Allen 804-262-6060 DominionDermatology.org

treatment, surgery, and cosmetic dermatology, including facial rejuvenation, chemical peels, and lasers.

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COURTESTY OF RACEDECK

HOME

10 Elements of the Perfect Garage I RECENTLY

10 Organization

stumbled upon the blueprint of the perfect house: 1,800 square feet of garage plus 200 square feet for a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Knowing that my wife would not agree to such living arrangements, however, I must settle for less, so I’ll plan a garage that nonetheless provides all that I need.

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It’s inevitable that I must share my garage with the other family members as well as with yard tools: bicycles, sports equipment, yoga mats, ladder, lawnmower, weed eater – the list is endless, but a welldesigned organizational system can keep my space neat, storing these extraneous items out of my way till needed. 99 Workshop My wife would dispute my talent, but I persevere in my attempts to tackle woodworking projects, basic electrical and plumbing repairs, and even masonry. Whatever my pursuit du jour is, I need a sturdy workbench with adequate lighting and electrical outlets, plus storage for my tools. 88 Tailored flooring To protect my garage floor from the inevitable grease drips without detracting from the aesthetics, I’ll put in my own RaceDeck sturdy modular flooring tiles. I lean toward the classic, black-and-white checkerboard look, bordered by bright red tiles to complement the red Lamborghini that’s also a part of my dream garage. Perhaps I’ll let someone else do the work, professionally applying an epoxy or urethane surface or even a classy granite-like finish.

by Gary

77 Garage doors I need garage doors that match the house exterior, but they also need to be strong and insulated. Since we’re dreaming here, I’ll add the MyQ Garage remote door control, enabling me to open or close the door remotely using my smartphone. As my wife reminds me, I do tend to forget to close it at times. I can even install the system myself, further fulfilling my DIY desires. 66 Lighting Ideally, my garage will have windows for a bit of natural light, but of course I’ll need to supplement this with the best lighting. Besides fluorescent lighting above my workbench – at various angles to illuminate my task – I’ll need some portable lighting to angle over or under my auto repair work. 55 Plumbing Besides the utility sink that my work will require, I envision a bathroom in my perfect garage. After all, I’m sure my wife won’t want me wandering through the house with grease on my hands and feet. 44 Sound system Bose speakers attached to satellite radio are a must. Not only do some tedious tasks call for background entertainment, I want to make sure I don’t miss any important games.

Manneshöhle 33 Flat screen TV This ideal garage is, of course, more than just a workspace. My wife would heartily agree that I should have my own place to watch the games and races, where I can curse the umps and jeer at the opposing team. 22 A fridge We don’t want to have to leave the comfort of the man cave to go inside for a beer now, do we? In fact, we might just want to add a kegerator system to this vision. 1 Comfortable seating Given the flat screen TV, beer fridge, kegerator, and other amenities in my garage, my buddies will undoubtedly be joining me for the big game. I’ll need space and comfortable seating – though perhaps not too comfortable. For my own use, I’ll get a very comfortable recliner. Come to think of it, I want it to be one of those extra wide recliners, but not a double recliner. After all, you know, my wife just might join me out there occasionally. And if she does, the size should be just right. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?

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54 Chesterfield L iving

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THINK SPRING & OUTDOOR FURNITURE Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio

The patio industry has stepped up their game, for nearly limitless designs and styles.

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OR ALL OF THE DAYS WHEN VIRGINIA throws

frigid temps and frozen precipitation at us, there are “bonus days” when the weather is gorgeous, mild enough to hint at spring and send us scrambling outside. This is the time your patio should be prepared – or at least in planning – so you can soak in the sunshine, entertain, and relax. Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio has guided many customers in creating an attractive space that expands their living area outdoors. Seating and table sets, umbrellas and awnings, outdoor floor coverings, grills, patio heaters and firepits, cabinetry, and accessories – the store can meet all of your patio needs. Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio boasts one of the region’s largest selections of custom patio furnishings: solid cast and extruded aluminum, steel, teak and eucalyptus woods, marine polymers, wickers, and recycled plastics. Having so many choices can be overwhelming, but the staff at Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio is well-educated to help customers choose the right product and the right style to complement their porch, sunroom, or outdoor entertainment space. By purchasing “investment” quality furniture, designed to get wet and withstand inclement weather, clients don’t have to worry about maintenance and upkeep. They not only purchase the best furniture – they purchase peace of mind. Cushions and fabrics are always a primary customer concern. Newer technology in cushion manufacturing and fabric has enabled the patio industry to deliver indoor-grade cushions for the

outdoor market that are specifically designed to endure bad weather, dirt, and spills. With hundreds of fabric choices for color, pattern, texture, and durability, customers gain many years of comfort and resiliency. As you plan the perfect patio or social space, first consider the size of the area – how many people you want to accommodate – and how you want to use that space. Whether you are socializing around a firepit or in a dining area, Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio can help plan the entire outdoor living space. With more homeowners extending their living space to the outdoors, the desire has increased for products with improved variety and durability. The patio industry offers nearly limitless designs and styles. Options now include comfortable, living-room-like furniture sets that blend with the indoors, sectional seating that can easily be rearranged, comfortable easy-care cushions, and extensive fabric choices. If your time outdoors is spent grilling and partaking of the charbroiled delights, you’ll find grills, outdoor kitchens, and dining furniture at Bon Air Hearth, Porch and Patio. The furniture ranges from casual to more formal: like the cheery bar-height table and chairs or the classy eight-person cast iron dining set. One four-season set features a firepit table, which converts to hold an umbrella in the summer. Spring isn’t far off, and mild winter “bonus days” give us glimpses of the warmth to come. Be sure you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your own backyard. 8801 Forest Hill Ave. / 804-320-3600 / BonAirHearthPorchAndPatio.com

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SMART & SAVVY in 2015 By Vicki O’Neal, ASID, CID, VSLD

V ick i O ' Neal , ow ner of FOR M & F U NCTION , prov ides c ommerc ia l a nd res iden t ia l i n ter ior a nd la nd s ca p e des ig n . She i s a profes s ion a l memb er of A SID , VA Cer t if ie d In ter ior D e s ig ner ( CID ) , Ma s ter Gardener , a nd a VA Cer t if ie d La nd s ca p e D es ig ner ( V SLD ) a nd a Hor t ic u l t ur i s t . 804-897-8558 FormAndFunctionLLC.com

OPPOSITE PAGE Furniture and kitchen appliances are some of the higher-priced items in your home. It pays to take your time, investigate, and know what you’re buying. THIS PAGE Furnishings come in varying qualities and nearly endless styles. I took this image at the fall 2014 furniture market in High Point.

AKING MAJOR PURCHASES for your house or tackling a home improvement project can be daunting, so it’s good to consider your options before starting the search for products and services that best suit your needs. Before hitting the stores – either virtual or bricks and mortar – you need a plan of attack that takes into consideration quality, timing, options, and pricing. SHOP SMART − PRODUCTS For every conceivable need there is a specialized product, and perhaps several, to choose from. Sources for equipping your home include conventional retail stores, online, vintage, and consignment, each having pluses and minuses. Conventional retail is by far the most common resource. Products, in contrast to services, are fixed commodities. A SKU number (a store or catalog’s product identification code) is not subject to negotiation, and typically the price is the price. What may be different are

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delivery charges, installation options, warranties, and other specifics offered by various resellers. Therefore, the best price may not be the smartest choice. Stiff and ongoing retail competition is producing aggressive marketing and pricing strategies that benefit the consumer’s wallet. While those policies have dramatically changed the climate of retail, there are still predictable, repetitive, and seasonal cycles throughout the calendar that can offer optimal buying opportunities. On the other hand, retail events like

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday (now Cyber Week), for example, are not necessarily the advantageous shopping days they once were. In the current retail environment, you can stretch your dollars further by making use of these savvy shopping strategies:

THE INTERNET IS YOUR FRIEND In some cases, the retail climate has become quite the self-service atmosphere. Products are continually becoming more complex and so sophisticated that it can be challenging to get all the information needed to make an informed decision. Input from sales staff may be limited, so your own research or professional advice will be especially productive. Nothing beats the Internet for identifying and comparing products and services and for evaluating consumer reviews. It is a powerful tool. Consumer Reports and similar reviews are rich sources of information, but changes happen at great speed, and sometimes the reviewed product may not be the latest model or the specific one you’re considering. Design websites offer great tools for searching ideas and identifying likes and dislikes. Some manufacturers even offer planning and visualization software to allow the consumer to experiment.

Be aware that prices may be marked up and then marked down to look more enticing.

Inquire about price matching. For a specific period of time after purchase, many retailers will match prices found elsewhere or match a price at the time of purchase.

Ask if a price credit is offered should an item go on sale after purchase.

Double-check return and cancellation policies. Many companies have changed policies in recent years.

Avoid impulse decisions or pressure to buy.

Use gift cards or store credits as soon as possible. Some expire, companies go out of business … you get the picture.

Beware of the deepest discounts, important consideration in outfitting your home. Offerings mimic many of the such as a huge percent off in creature comforts found inside. bold, orange letters! There is no proof I’m aware of, but gut instinct tells me there may be a reason. SHOP SMART − SERVICES

Take advantage of tax-free sources or days.

Outdoor living is an increasingly

Don’t hesitate to question a price. Although marked as the final word, prices on bigger-ticket items are sometimes negotiable. THE LATEST, GREATEST, BIGGEST, BEST Advances in technology and turnover in manufacturing create the potential for rapid product obsolescence. Consider televisions. It’s not all that many years ago that flat screens replaced our massive, heavy, and bulky boxes. There has been continuing evolution in just that one category. Not only did TVs change, but, by necessity, the furniture to accommodate them changed as well. This phenomenon raises a point: is it important to own the latest thing that comes on the market? Of course, sometimes the answer will be yes. But if you’re not sure or not completely sold on a product, perhaps pausing for more definitive information or a refinement in offerings may help the best choice become clear. Furniture and appliances are among the highest-priced items in your home. Because of the price tag, it pays to know exactly what you’re buying. Looks can be very deceiving. Materials, construction methods, and even finishing techniques will affect the life span. Expensive and high-end items sometimes carry a substantial warranty and have other compelling selling features. Although it’s important for furniture to hold up, consider how long you would really like to keep a particular piece. Buying the best may, or may not, be the best choice.

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Companies and sources for home services vary as greatly as the projects themselves. Projects involving design, construction, and home improvement run the gamut of complexity, from basic upgrades and fixes to full-blown renovations and construction projects. With so many companies providing so many different types of services, sorting and comparing expertise, competence, credentials, and specialization have never been more important. Frequently, once a project is identified, there is a sense of urgency to jump in and get it done. Although there may be a little resistance to spending time and dollars on the front end of a project in planning and strategizing, focus and quality of effort in the early planning process is always reflected in the final outcome. That principle applies to any service. Because my specialty is design, I am keenly focused on the fact that what is designed is what gets built. Quality design takes effort and expertise, using creative skills that are honed through knowledge and experience. Chemistry between service provider and client is a major factor as well. DECISION TIME! The moment does come when it’s time to make a decision and get moving. If you’ve done thorough exploration and preparation, you can move forward with confidence. Be a savvy consumer and enjoy the fruits of making informed choices! Visit the FORM & FUNCTION Lifestyle blog by Vicki O’Neal for more information on entertaining, interior design, and landscape design at FormAndFunctionLLC.com.

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TRAVEL

au stralia

by Annie Tobey photos courtesy of

David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (unless otherwise noted)

my bucket list until I read Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country. In typical Bryson style, the book was humorous while informative. But alas, his humor emphasized the dangers of the land down under rather than minimizing them. “It has more things that will kill you than anywhere else,” Bryson says of this massive island. He catalogs the dangers, and adds later that Australians “spend half of any conversation insisting that the country’s dangers are vastly overrated and that there’s nothing to worry about, and the other half telling you how six months ago their Uncle Bob was driving to Mudgee when a tiger snake slid out from under the dashboard and bit him on the groin, but that it’s okay now because he’s off the life support machine and they’ve discovered he can communicate with eye blinks.” I finished the book and crossed Australia off my list. And then my daughter, Rachel, decided to spend a year there, and I had to scribble it back on. Of course, the obvious choices for Australian travel, given my concerns, would be the safer ones. But I often fail to choose the obvious. Rachel had survived the country for USTRALIA WAS ON

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Like the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Australia’s Blue Mountains were named for a bluish haze that sometimes emanates from the breath of the trees.

PHOTOS: Scenic views of Australia's Blue Mountains.

11 months, so we might as well tempt fate for another three weeks. And that’s how I ended up bushwalking, canyoning, and abseiling in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales; driving a twisty, oneand-a-half-lane road along mountain cliffs, never knowing what to expect around the bend; crawling through the world’s oldest cave system; handling wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, koalas, and snakes; and driving on the wrong side of the road. Before you become too wide-eyed in respect (or aghast at my stupidity), I must point out that these activities were not as extreme as they sound. Like the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Australia’s Blue Mountains were named for a bluish haze that sometimes emanates from the breath of the trees. This World Heritage wilderness area covers over one million hectares (that’s nearly 2.5 million acres to us Americans) just west of Sydney. Rachel and I began our explorations outside Katoomba, bushwalking (hiking) along a trail to Echo Point lookout. The pathway skirted the mountainside, which plunged to the deep valley below, looking out onto an undulating green blanket of mountains and valleys stretching into the distance, punctuated by gray-brown rock cliffs and extensive plateaux. Our hike ended overlooking the Three Sisters massive

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rock formation. “When I reached the lookout at Echo Point,” a stone monument there proclaims, “the light was thick and golden, as if it had passed all day through a butterfly’s dusty wing.” The Echo Point overlook is part of Katoomba, a quiet, quaint little town with motor inns and luxury rooms, casual dining and haute cuisine – hardly a land of dangers. Southwest of the town is Scenic World, with the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the steepest funicular railway in the world (a cable railway on a cliff ), as well as a cable car, affording views of Katoomba Falls and Orphan Rock. The next morning, we ventured further outside our safety zone with a full day of canyoning – exploring a canyon by any means necessary to reach the bottom. Led by an experienced and well-trained guide from Blue Mountains Adventure Company, we descended Juggler Canyon by abseiling (aka rappelling) down waterfalls, scrambling over rocks, hopping across streams, and jumping between cliff outcrops. Not counting the practice abseiling session, we tackled five abseil drops of varying heights, with plenty of challenges in negotiating the downward trek. Most unnerving were the drops where you simply could not see what lay below until af-

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The world’s oldest cave system offers 10 developed show caves, adventure caving, and underground events, like concerts and theater.

PHOTOS: Exploring the underground landscapes of Jenolan Caves.

ter you had committed to going over the edge. Fortunately, my one minor slip resulted only in a wet shoe. After each abseil, I gained confidence and was able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings more; but by the end, I was also pleased it was over. As we descended, it was clear why these mountains are a World Heritage area. The flora was lush and diverse, with dark, moss-covered gorges, grand ferns, thick undergrowth, and towering trees. Our next adventure was to and through Jenolan Caves. The drive there was the most nervewracking part of the trip, along a narrow road that is one-way from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. to accommodate buses – the transportation I’ll use next time. The world’s oldest cave system offers 10 developed show caves, adventure caving, and underground events, like concerts and theater. The fossils in the limestone cave system demonstrate that the caves once lay below a warm, shallow sea. Cracks show how the earth’s continental plates once shifted. The wondrous underground landscape is a breathtaking array of otherworldly karst and speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, canopies, shawls, flowstone, and curly helictites that look like whiskers and snakes. In keeping with the quasi-adventurous nature of our trip, Rachel and I sampled one of the adventure tours, spelunking through undeveloped, winding ancient passageways, abseiling, climbing, and squeezing with only headlamps for illumination. Knowledgeable guides led the way, but I was also accompanied by the realization that I had no sense of direction in the pervasive underground darkness, as we twisted through tubes, crawled under low ceilings, and entered expansive cathedrals. Though we saw and heard many new-to-us animals, birds, and frogs in New South Wales, our most memorable wildlife encounters were at Featherdale Wildlife Park, between the Blue Mountains and Sydney. This small interactive zoo highlights Australia’s unique wildlife, providing a wide selection of animals to see up close. While I often feel saddened by the unnatural lifestyle of animals in captivity, these animals seemed content. Though certainly not in their natural habitat, they seemed merely transplanted, like country folk who had adapted to life in the city. The wallabies had the freedom to hop around the park grounds, receptive to pats from visitors, yet there was a roped-off area where they could retreat. The wallaby and red kangaroo feeding areas pleased both visitors and a n d

LUXURY AND ADVENTURE exist side by side in the Blue Mountains. The region is dotted with towns, for easy access to lodging and dining, entertainment, and heritage sites. Here are options that Rachel and I wholeheartedly recommend.

Lavender Majestic, Katoomba An 1890 restored sandstone home with sleeping quarters, hot tub, spa services, and afternoon tea, rented to families and groups. Silk’s Brasserie, Leura Sumptuous, modern Australian food with a French influence in a 100-year-old building with high ceilings and a black-and-white “chequerboard” floor. Lilianfels, Katoomba A historic resort that pampers its guests. Darley’s Restaurant menu features fresh regional ingredients, and the accoutrements for lodging guests are extensive. The Carrington, Katoomba An 1882 hotel established to welcome international visitors and Sydney’s elite for lodging and dining.

animals alike. Petting the koalas and having a photo taken with them was allowed and included in cost of admission, yet still controlled for koala safety. Visitors who truly wish to flirt with danger can find more rugged pursuits throughout the Blue Mountains. An abundance of guides are available to help visitors navigate the Australian wilderness: bushwalking, mountain biking, mountaineering, canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing, fossicking (prospecting, as for gemstones), camping, and horseback riding. I’ve been to Australia, but it’s still on my bucket list. There’s so much more to explore.

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Jenolan Village A variety of dining and lodging options for visitors to the caves. For lodging, choose from the historic, Victorian-era Caves House; motel rooms; cottages and apartments; and budget backpacker accommodations.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Scenic World, providing views of the Blue Mountains; feeding the wallabies in Featherdale Wildlife Park (photo by Annie Tobey); abseiling in Juggler Canyon

Bygone Beautys, Wentworth Falls and Bullaburra Self-contained cottages that are ideal for romantic weekends, family holidays, or groups.

VisitBlueMountains.com.au LavenderBlueMountains.com TheCarrington.com.au JenolanCaves.org.au Lilianfels.com.au BygoneBeautys.com.au/frmCottages.aspx

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