22807 magazine

IT'S WHERE YOU ARE. Winter 2018

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22807 MAGAZINE Malcolm D. Anderson Editor Ian Munro Editor Liza Frazier Editor Malcolm D. Anderson Creative Director Megan Toomy Photo/Video Hannah Abeel

Photo/Video Sarah Melendez Photographer Lindsey Doyle PR/Marketing Sydney Gaines Social Media Manager Alyssa McBeth Senior Editor Victoria Dravis Senior Editor Jamie Simpkins Senior Editor Hannah Long Senior Editor Brad Jenkins Adviser

22807 is published by SMAD 421: Magazine Production, a course in the School of Media Arts and Design at James Madison University. It is named for JMU's zip code.

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ew Brew in Town

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ld Finds, New Life

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A new spin on that whole beer thing.

Downtown Harrisonburg is home to fresh, cheap chic.

tudent Savvy

Dukes duo tackles the art of the accessory.

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Decade of Different

This quiet corner downtown provides more than just paint and brushes.

idden Delight A nocturnal gem provides culture and cuisine to go.

ulture of Kombucha

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Local companies are expanding far beyond their home, and their house.

orn and Raised

Local roots still influence the music of decorated band Old Crow Medicine Show.

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New Brew In Town THE FRIENDLY FERMENTER NANOBREWERY HITS H'BURG WITH HOMEBREWING, AND A HEARTY HANDSHAKE FROM OWNER SHAWN GATESMAN. BY LIZA FRAZIER

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t the corner of South Mason and East Market streets, down a short flight of stairs and through a glass door lies The Friendly Fermenter, a small hole-in-the-wall Nano-brewery. It is the first of its kind in Harrisonburg and although it has been just two months since its opening, the future is inevitably bright.

BY HAND

Gatesman brings a love of the land and a handcrafted technique to his new watering hole.

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ROTATE The list of beers on tap are constantly moving in and out, presenting something new with each visit.

Shawn Gatesman took a leap explained Gatesman. “Everything was of faith when he made the decision to pointing towards ‘this is my opporleave his job as manager of Heartland tunity, this is my chance.’ And on top Veterinary Clinic to pursue his dream of that, way before I ever brewed my of being an entrepreneur and starting first beer, I always felt like I wanted to his own brew shop. The pride and joy be an entrepreneur.

I wanted to be the master that he already has in the brewery is evident in the pristine yet homey and of my own destiny.” Gatesman’s comfortable ambiance that the space approach thus far has been to offer something a little different to the radiates. community. With what is proving

He utilized Facebook as a means to get the word out and hosted a Grand Opening at the end of the summer. “It was awesome. It was packed and there were people from a bunch of downtown businesses which was great,” said Daniel Bellerose, a local customer.

Gatesman has six taps that house a broad selection of varying to be a diverse clientele from JMU beers, such as “The Green Jacket” and students, to local Harrisonburg beer “The Bees Knees,” which is one of his lovers and out-of-towners, it is clear favorites. Although his taste inevthat beer draws people from all walks itably influences the beers that are of life together. This is also what on tap, he is aware that he must be Gatesman has enjoyed the most so far careful to not let it dictate the options in his journey: the people. and instead tries to foster as diverse a “Recent history has shown selection as possible. that there is a big demand for some “I was ready to get out of thing that is a little more, something managing business for other people,” with a personal touch. Something that

IT'S ALL IN WHAT YOU WANT

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is a little unique,” said Gatesman. “The excitement and enthusiasm from other people is honestly what fuels me and what is most enjoyable.”

Bellerose experienced this uniqueness when he stopped by at 11 a.m. and bought a home brewing kit.

“He gave me a whole run down of how to do home brewing and went through the whole process with me,” said Bellerose. “Super cool dude, incredibly kind, just a good guy. I’ve gone back in a couple times with friends to just play poker and hang out, it’s a great atmosphere.”

A “mixed bag” of three employees work here under Gatesman, each of them bringing something different to the table. For employee Mark Pedersen, it is also the interactions with customers that he appreciates the most.

“When Shawn was looking to open, he was looking for someone with bartending experience,” explained Pederson of how he came to be involved with The Friendly Fermenter. Today, Gatesman claims that Pederson is his “people person.”

“I learned a lot managing other businesses. Not wanting to make people feel bad, not wanting to deal with confrontation. You can’t settle,” said Gatesman. “I needed to find people who are an extension of me.

You only get so much out of some-

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IN THE NAME Gatesman is striving to create a place where everyone feels welcome, from those who brew and those who just enjoy. one who doesn't own something for so long.”

The casual, “incredibly chill” environment combined with Gatesman’s professionalism is something that Bellerose has found to be ideal for the small brewery. He has spent time with a few of the employees and noted that one also works at JMU in the Wind and Energy Center, which seems to have sparked Gatesman’s interest in opening a sustainable brewery in the future.

“The vibe I’ve gotten has been

it’s going, we certainly haven’t hit our that Shawn has been a really good ceiling. That's for sure.” mentor,” said Bellerose.

“It’s all in what you want.”

Looking toward the future, Gatesman plans to keep The Friendly This is the motto that Gatesman folFermenter just the way it is: “this little lows, something one of his brothers nano-brewing taste room, home-brew used to say. He wanted a piece of him shop, brew-on-premise, and I hope all along for the ride, and has found that of them will be an integral part of the it applies to more instances than he business. Not any one of them has to might have thought.

Whether you are someone make the lion's share. Hopefully they'll just all be able to coexist.” He is happy with $50 or $1,000 to spend, Gateswith where the business is heading so man and his employees will be sure to far, and does not see distribution in find a place for you here. The Friendly Fermenter will also offer a Beer the future.

“I just want to Brewing Pop-Up class, which will go exist here.Whether through the entire process of making it’s just one aspect your own craft beer.

“For this area just for people or a combination of all of them, I’m to walk out of here and say, ‘man that hoping that those place was cool.’ If they say that walkvarious attributes ing out of the door, mission accomwill bring people plished.” in enough to make this viable,” said Gatesman. “Time will tell. The way 6

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Old Finds, New Life THE AGORA MARKET IS ONLY LATEST ADDITION TO THE THRIFT AND VINTAGE CLOTHING CULTURE DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN. BY ALYSSA McBETH

BUDGET BUYS Downtown H'Burg has become a hub for quality finds and unique experiences, each shop bragging personality.

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visitor to their shops.

So, for students looking avvy shoppers are always for a way to express individuality on the hunt for a great deal. And in a world of mass-production, with the recent spike in vintage, these stores bring a unique opporthrift and local consignment tunity to play with your style in a becoming a trend, the market has non-typical way. given way for local shops to make their mark. Heartworn Vintage, The Heartworn Vintage Lady Jane and Whatever Vintage are Nestled in the new AgoHarrisonburg’s hidden gems. From ra Downtown Market lies a blast fashion to home décor, each one is from the past. Heartworn Vintage, sure to have something for every owned by a mother-daughter duo, 7

opened this June. “As a kid, I went to a lot of flea-markets and yard sales,” said Allie Motyka. “My mom has always been collecting and I’ve been doing the same since I was in high school.”

This unique shop sells items ranging from the 1920’s to the late 80’s: clothing, shoes, accessories, housewares, knick-knacks, furniture, artwork, and more.

Prior to their opening, Motyka said they were sourcing items

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for the store from auctions and thrift stores in Virginia and surrounding states.

“Now that we’ve opened, we’re having people bring stuff to us or having us come to their house to look through what they have,” said Motyka.

From Motyka’s favorite Starburst wall clock to a vintage Ouija

WE WRITE THE STORY OF WHO WE ARE Board, each piece in Heartworn is special.

“A lot of the things in here have at one time been mine, or my moms,” said Motyka. “And we have a

hard time letting them go. But it is fun to circulate the items in-and-out.”

Motyka says the diversity of items in the store and the location is attracting a wide array of customers.

“Tourists, locals, students, students with their families, there really is something for everyone,” said Motyka.

Regardless if you find something to take home or you just exit with a heightened curiosity, Heartworn Vintage will leave you feeling nostalgic.

Motyka says nostalgia surrounds the store as people often tell her stories when an item reminds them of a memory from the past.

The Lady Jane

The Lady Jane is located downtown, specializing in vintage goods, home décor, and gifts. Owner 8

and JMU alumna, Sara Christensen (’08), opened the shop in 2011, drawing inspiration from her favorite author, Jane Austen.

“When we bring things into our home they say a lot about us, and when you walk into somebody’s home you see so much about who they are,” said Christensen. “I thought that we write the story of who we are and our families are by what we bring and decorate our home with.”

Initially, the shop focused primarily on furniture and home accessories. Christensen said their location at the time allowed them to store more pieces.

“I was going to flea-markets, antique dealers,” said Christensen. “I was doing a lot of collecting, doing some refinishing myself too….finding some pieces that were

22807 22807 in good shape but just needed a little love.”

In 2014, The Lady Jane moved locations. Christensen said this change was great for the store, but she had to change the focus from mainly furniture to diversifying the rest of the inventory.

“We still carry vintage pieces and antique furniture but we also do specialty gifts and a lot of local art,” said Christensen. “I went from collecting everything myself to having 30 vendors and artists who I get to work with individually to produce some items for the shop.”

Christensen says the relationships she has developed over the years has shaped the store’s identity. She gets to order items with specific people in mind, creating an environment where people can come in for inspiration.

“The Lady Jane is, I hope, a place people can come to find things

for people they care about, things that inspire them for their own home, and a place that supports local entrepreneurs.”

Whatever Vintage

Located on South Main Street, Whatever Vintage is a thrift and vintage boutique that opened its doors in March of 2015. Owner Jessica Kyger started thrifting at age 16. After collecting for almost five years, she decided to take her hobby to the next level and share her vintage gems with the Harrisonburg community.

“No matter your age, no matter your style, literally whatever you are looking for I want to be able to provide that,” said Kyger.

Kyger’s shop shares a building with the White Unicorn Hair Salon and is quite a hidden gem; she says you might miss if you don’t pay close enough attention.

Whatever Vintage carries men and women’s clothing and accessories that range from the 1950’s to the 90’s.

“Interest in the clothing spans from children, to older adults and everyone in between,” said Kyger.

Kyger is currently a one-woman show. She runs the shop and does all of the inventory collection as well. Her main goal is to provide people with reliable, long-lasting, and stylish pieces without breaking the bank.

“Not a lot of people have the patience to dig through hundreds of mediocre garments to find that."

“I’m the middle man here,” said Kyger.“I’ll go out into the thrift realm and find the best of the best stuff there is to offer and bring it back.”

FUNKY FRESH Each thrift store, vintage boutique and secondhand store downtown is original, authentic and colorful.

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Student Savvy THARROS, LLC. WAS BORN AND BRED FROM THE DEDICATION OF JOE MOZYEKO AND JACK PITTAS TO THE SUBTLE POWER OF THE OVERLOOKED. BY VICTORIA DRAVIS

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he clock on the microwave in Joe Mozyeko and Jack Pittas’ shared apartment read 9:19 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

Eleven minutes.

The young entreprenuers have big plans for their business as they head into the future.

Flipping off the living room lights, the late April twilight bounced off 10

22807 the walls as Pittas shut the front door and climbed into his black Wrangler.

A package about the size of a cigar box was carefully set down in the passenger seat, containing three particularly purchased items.

Pulling up outside of Taylor Swartz’ apartment building, the clock on Pittas’ radio read 9:28 p.m. Two minutes early. Pittas grabbed the box and walked toward the door. Swartz was expecting him.

The two fraternity brothers had been friends since freshman year and a late night visit was not unusual. This visit, however, was different — more formal.

The package handed to Swartz contained a sleek-looking watch, Ray-Banstyle sunglasses, and a small metal tie clip.

All three items were ordered from Tharros LLC, a company that originated at JMU specializing in “affordable, luxury men’s products,” as Mozyeko, the co-founder and marketing manager, described. Almost every item in stock is offered in an assortment of colors, and everything is less than $20.

“Sixty-nine percent of people our age do not wear tie clips when, you know, you should be,” Pittas had said in our interview, indirectly praising Swartz for his purchase of one. The percentage comes from a survey Mozyeko and Pittas sent out to JMU, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University upon inception of Tharros. Along with the items Swartz purchased, the company also sells a

variety of bow ties.

After catching up with Pittas on his doorstep, Swartz retreated back into his own apartment, eager to escape the rapidly dropping temperature and to admire the items he purchased from his friend. Swartz had seen the company grow since it began in January of 2017 when Pittas and Mozyeko showed interest in beginning a business focused on men’s fashion. Now that products were being released by Tharros, Swartz

midnight of this evening.

11:45 p.m.

Mozyeko entered the apartment and immediately headed toward the kitchen for a snack before his informal meeting with his business partner and roommate.

The two extensively discussed future plans for the company, including placing Tharros’ logo on the face of the watch along with an engraved backing, constructing a professional website, and filing to become a lim-

was one of many who were intrigued by the company.

Pittas, the financial manager and co-founder, arrived back at his apartment with Mozyeko nowhere to be found -- most likely still in Showker studying. The pair never made deliveries together due in part to their busy class schedules. Studies come before sales for the pair, who run the business out of their apartment and fund the venture out of their own pockets, which was why a business meeting was planned for

ited liability company (Tharros LLC was originally founded as Tharros Co.).

Since that meeting in April, Pittas and Mozyeko, both juniors at JMU, have accomplished their plans.

The branded watch launched in June, the LLC was verified in September, and the company website went live in October.

Business has picked up since the start of the new school year.

Tharros is being recognized by students throughout Virginia, and

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by Mozyeko, has changed operations greatly, allowing the partners to rely solely on online payments and easier shipping options. While Tharros has made a profit, the revenue is immediately reinvested back into the company.

“We haven’t taken a dime out for ourselves since we started,” Pittas said.

69 PERCENT OF PEOPLE OUR AGE DO NOT WEAR TIE CLIPS

During a sunny October tailgate, the roommates noticed just how much Tharros LLC has grown in only a few short months. Looking past the sea of purple overwhelming Upper Convo, Pittas and Mozyeko would instead focus their attention on familiar looking sunglasses shielding the eyes of unfamiliar people.

“Like, ‘Those look phenomenal,’” Pittas joked, wishing to say it to the purchaser of the glasses on which he and Mozyeko had worked tirelessly. “‘They look lovely.’”

And for the duo’s bright future ahead, a pair of cool shades are essential.

BRANDED The pair design products to provide quality and class without such a hefty price tag.

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A Decade of Different LARKIN ARTS PROVIDES THE ARTISTIC COMMUNITY OF THE VALLEY WITH GOODS, SPACE, AND SUPPORT. BY JAMIE SIMPKINS & JULIA MOORE

CREATIVE HUB Larkin Arts has established itslef as the go-to art stop fro beginnners and masters alike.

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In addition to the supucked away in a corner ply store, Larkin Arts is a utopia of downtown Harrisonburg that houses studio spaces for local is the funky world of Larkin artists, exhibition galleries and Arts. A typical brick-andeven offers art classes for kids and mortar building in between law beginners. offices and the courthouse, the

For Valerie Smith, one of interior is coated with color. Step- the co-owners of Larkin Arts, art ping inside, customers are greeted isn’t just a hobby or career—it’s a with a gentle stream of indie music life-saver. and oil paints lined up like military “It allowed me to take all men on shelves. of the negative experiences and 13

all of the negativity that was curling around inside of me and I just got it all out,” Smith says. “And when all that nastiness doesn’t live inside of you, you make room for all of the positive influences and positive feelings.”

Despite a passion for drawing beginning at a young age, Smith’s journey to earn a degree in studio art from JMU was anything but picturesque.

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“I lived a very sheltered child hood. I was not allowed to go to college actually,” Smith said. “My parents were Jehovah’s Witnesses and at that time, it was not allowed. I definitely was doing something the church did not approve of by going to college.”

Without her high school art teacher, Smith would never have known anything about JMU. Year after year, Smith was selected as one of eight students from her high school to come to the university to take art classes.

Several years and one art education degree later, Smith was teaching art in public schools — but she wanted something more. Traversing the highways in her blue 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Smith filled the silence with her dreams.

“Lots of time to think and one thing I liked thinking about...and I would encourage every single human

Inside the last studio on the right sits piles of wood: pine, birch, driftwood and other treasures from the side of the road or deep in the Shenandoah woods, Loring Gibson’s studio looks more like a woodshop than anything else.

Gibson’s studio is overflowing with wood-burnt and carved pieces.

“I’ve always loved Tiki culture, anything from the Polynesian stuff to post World War II,” said Gibson.

Following his 9-to-5 job, Gibson seeks refuge in the wood he finds. Each piece is sanded, burnt, she would invest in her passion for art. Larkin Arts was born in 2006 as a cut and carved with its own story to one-room operation that offered art tell.

“I like to carve what’s in the enrichment classes.

Larkin has since grown and wood, I just follow the way it goes,” said Gibson. “I’ve carved everything now houses five in-house artists as well as Meridian, a comic book and from old telephone poles to trees that have fallen.” board game shop. to have the same thought process... truly think about what you would do if you won the lottery,” Smith said.

Dismissing her initial thoughts of buying houses abroad, Smith knew

WE REALLY WANTED OUR STORE TO BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

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THE VALLEY'S OWN Larkin Arts is more than a place to buy supplies. It has become part of the culture.

Depending on what moves him, Gibson can spend anywhere from a couple hours to a couple months on a piece.

While deadlines and commissioned pieces keep him on track, Gibson is still exploring the fairly recent techniques.

“I kept seeing wine corks as a new kind of material,” said Gibson. “And then it occurred to me to use a wood burner and then I saw a log in the woods and it all started.”

Hoping to make art his sole 9-to5, Gibson knew he needed more space.

Knowing both owners of Larkin, Val and Scott, his new home practically fell into his lap.

“There was this really cool synchronicity because I love those two and I love this spot,” said Gibson. “...it was a match.”

In the first room, bookshelves replace easels. On these shelves, you’ll find books that contain visual scenes rather than words. Meridian is home to more than just these graphic novels; they also sells art books and board games. The owners of Meridian Books and Games, Vince and Morgan Paixão, 15

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opened the store the same year they While this may turn away got engaged and married. some customers, the Paixãos see new “We wanted to open up a business and faces everyday. we thought it would be a nice addition “We really wanted our store to downtown, there’s not a whole of to be something for everyone,” said retail spaces right now,” said Vince. Morgan. “We wanted it to be this

Having only been in business inviting space that wasn’t so genred it for six months, the Paixãos hope to made people feel left out.” become a permanent fixture in the

While Morgan and Vince are Harrisonburg art culture. relatively new faces in Larkin Arts,

“[We want] to continue to be they have already seen the mark that a part of the downtown community the organization has painted on Harand continue to offer something dif- risonburg. ferent,” Vince said.

“They’re [Larkin Arts] a The overflowing shelves are missing central hub for a lot of local artists,” one specific item.

Vince said. “I would definitely say

“We don’t have any video they’ve had a big impact on the local games,” said Morgan. “We were very community.” firm about that. We’re more interested in interactions where people were away from screens.”

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Hidden Delight THE DUMPLING TRUCK SITS QUIETLY BEHIND RUBY'S PATIO, COOKING UP TANGI FOR THOSE ON THE LATE SHIFT BY HANNAH LONG

WELCOME SIGHT

Late hours mean warm dumplings emerge for the hungry masses of downtown nightlife.

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The twinkling lights of downtown Harrisonburg can draw anyone hen leaving class late in, but the aroma of cooked pork and at night, almost every restaurant steamed vegetables convinces them to in town is getting to their last stay. customers of the night. The usual

Right outside the patio at Number One combo at McDonald's Ruby's Arcade sits a 1983 short bus, doesn’t sound all that appealing and decorated with red and yellow graffiti, the line for Taco Bell is wrapped owned and operated by local, Luke around the building. Suddenly, the Watson. With help from his brother, answer seems simple: hot and fresh they specialize in late night food for a fried dumplings. reasonable price.

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Yucca fries cost $3 and the dumplings are $1. With prices like that, customers could easily get their fill for very little. This is perfect for college students who are struggling with funds and for anyone who doesn't want to spend too much on a good meal.

Watson grew up eating Japanese cuisine, so choosing dumplings as the truck’s main dish was a no brainer. After testing samples at

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HOMEGROWN Watson and his brothers put their passion out to the people with straightforward setup--and free tea.

dinner parties, art galleries and breweries, he realized quickly that "people just love the dumplings."

Watson explained that the name “tangi” meaning “tongue justice” came from a comic book he once read.

According to Watson, he chose Tangi because it not only deals with the palette, but also with being honest and sincere in one's daily life, a notion he likes to live by.

This passion for the culinary arts has stuck with Watson since high school and decided to pursue working with food shortly after graduating from JMU in 2005. "I love the pace of it, the social aspect of it and I care for the food."

He started working in downtown Harrisonburg in 2007 and aimed to get all of his ingredients from local sources. Supporting the local community is important to him because of a genuine love for the area.

Tangi is known for it’s meat and veggie dumplings, yucca fries and dessert dumplings. The meat dumplings are usually pork, but have been substituted with chicken or beef on

Monday nights when they serve specials. The veggie dumplings consist of sweet potato, yucca, broccoli and carrot.

"We put a lot of thought into our food and try to keep it relatively healthy,” Watson said. “But at the end of the day, they're fried dumplings."

Tangi opens at 9 p.m. and closes around 2 a.m. everyday except Sunday and Tuesday.

As of now, the truck is under what Watson calls "the Clementine umbrella." As an employee of Clementine, Watson gained help to start his food truck from the owner.

The best nights to go? According to Watson, Mondays and Wednesdays.

"It's not too busy, but it's consistent...a steady flow.”

Tangi gets many random passer-bys gets in their late night food rush, but they have several regulars that make a habit out of coming.

Caleb Townsend, a recent graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, is one of those regulars. When asked what 18

his favorite part of the food truck is, he said without hesitation that it’s the owners.

"The way that they've integrated themselves into a staple of downtown helps add to the social life. It feels like I'm popping in to hang with friends and the dumplings are just a bonus," Townsend said.

Townsend, like many twenty-year-olds, enjoys going to Tangi because of their late hours.

"I generally try to hit it up at least once a week, but often I end up there on late nights out because it's one of the only cheap food places open," Townsend said.

As for now, Tangi is staying stationary outside of Ruby's. Watson looks forward to owning a business license to be able to move around to busy lunch spots, cater big events and festivals and meet new people around the Harrisonburg area, and make Tangi available for all.

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Culture of Kombucha THE KOMBUCHA CRAZE IS BEGINNING TO TAKE HOLD, AND THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS HAVE PRODUCED TWO VERY TASTY CONTENDERS. BY LINDSEY DOYLE

BREAKING OUT

Household operations are beginning to outgrow their quarters in the wake of success.

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The drink is said to have various health benefits, including improved ombucha is fermented, gut health. carbonated and brewed in Although kombucha has bright tanks. It can be infused been brewed for over 2,000 years, with many flavors and has been the tea made its commercial debut in around for thousands of years. It the Shenandoah Valley back in 2010, sounds a lot like beer, but it’s actuwhen a local business, Blue Ridge ally quite different. Kombucha is a Bucha, decided to take their at-home fermented black or green tea that is operation public. mixed with sugar and SCOBY, a sym Driving up to their future biotic colony of bacteria and yeast. commercial space, visitors might be 19

a little confused. Located in Waynesboro, the modest green building boasts a “Pepsi” sign, which their co-founder Kate Zuckerman finds to be a little ironic. Inside, the other co-founder, Ethan Zuckerman winds through stacks of plywood and other carpentry materials, but is eager to explain how every part of their new brewery will pan out.

After Blue Ridge Bucha began their quest selling what Kate,

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NATIVE Blue Ridge Bucha and Mountain Culture Kombucha are finding a promising market to grow their modest roots.

calls “community supported kombucha” each week around 100 customers would receive a six-pack of their refillable kombucha bottles. Since then, they’ve sold their product in over 50 locations in the Mid-Atlantic; including stores like Midtowne Market right here in Harrisonburg.

Most recently, they made their debut in the Student Success Center at JMU, where the kiosk called “Food Local” brings locally grown and produced food to students.

“What’s really cool is that JMU is providing opportunity for production and consumption. Since comes to eating on campus. local food producers to connect with their first partnership with Friendly

“JMU is really good in that students,” says Kate, proud of the new they offer healthy options on campus, City Food Co-Op, a local, organic partnership. cause a lot of schools don’t have that,” grocery store located downtown, they

Local businesses are not the have seen an increasing amount of Senior, Catie Symalla, said. only ones excited about the collabbusiness in Harrisonburg.

Blue Ridge Bucha isn’t the oration with the university. Stu“People seem to actually care only local company to represent the dents know that locally grown and about where their food comes from,” growing trend. Mountain Culture produced products may be a more says their founder, Peter Roderick.

Kombucha, founded in 2012, also health-conscious decision when it While kombucha may have values the importance of local food 20

22807 first catered to those who sought the health benefits, recently more breweries have started to catch on. Pale Fire Brewing and Brothers Craft Brewing are now selling Blue Ridge Bucha, while Mountain Culture Kombucha can be found in Three Notch’d Brewing.

According to Kate, selling kombucha brings more customers to these venues, allowing everyone to have a craft experience.

“More and more people are getting tuned in to going out to breweries in

HOUSE HELD Each business is rapidly filling the walls of their facilities with Kombucha, charging forward to keep up with the expansion.

groups, but not everybody drinks,” she says. Kate sees the drink’s presence in breweries sustaining their industry in the long run. Roderick also attests to the growing industry, explaining how it’s now much easier to convince breweries to buy kombucha by the keg, a departure from only a few years ago.

Mountain Culture Kombucha ies, and even to college campuses, is also in the process of moving their they will, according to Roderick, production from a residence to a com- continue “creating revenues that are mercial space. he Kombucha industry local and stay local.” is quickly growing and changing from its homegrown roots and residence to a more commercial setting.

And while these two companies may be expanding to new stores, brewer21

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Born and Raised OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW HAS MADE A NAME FOR

ITSLEF IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC, BUT THE ROAD ALWAYS LEADS BACK TO THE 'BURG. BY MEGAN TOOMY

LOCAL BOYS

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ince 1998, Old Crow Medicine Show has been a staple in Folk and Bluegrass music.

They've had numerous platinum hits such as "Wagon Wheel," and “Sweet Amarillo,” have been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and have won two Grammy Music Awards.

Although this old-timey band has received dozens of accolades throughout the years, they still stick to their small-town roots.

Ketch Secor, a vocalist,

The old-time, folk-country feel of their music is remeniscent of the music in the valley. fiddler, banjo-player, and harmonica-player, for the band said, “Harrisonburg memories float through all the songs I write. I have a wellspring of inspiration associated with my childhood and adolescence in Harrisonburg that never seems to run out.” Secor was born and raised in Harrisonburg, and learned to play in the Valley.

“With the money I saved I bought a banjo and played the hell out of it at the Little Grill every Sunday night during open mic. I also 22

played the Artful Dodger, Jim's DriveIn, The Mary Gil Diner, the street corner, and just about anywhere that would have me.”

Another founding member of the band, Critter Fuqua, is from Harrisonburg as well. Secor and Fuqua met each other 25 years ago in Mr. Smith’s 7th grade history class and have been friends ever since.

Fuqua also has a special relationship with the ‘burg.

“Growing up in Harrisonburg was magical. Looking back, it was like

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something out of a Ray Bradbury story.” said Fuqua. “Riding bikes to Glen’s Fair Price store and getting bubble gum cards when I was ten, eating chili dogs at Jess’ Quick Lunch, exploring graveyards and abandoned houses on Halloween as the leaves fell and the air grew crisp in the fall.”

Harrisonburg, not only has helped to shape the music the band creates, but also has shaped them as people.

“Most of my dreams take place in the Valley and the ‘Burg,” said Fuqua.

However, these small-town roots have taken these two to largerthan-life places. They have toured around the world, singing songs about their home, and the trials most

people can relate to.

“Country music is here to champion the cause of the hardest

HARRISONBURG MEMORIES FLOAT THROUGH ALL THE SONGS I WRITE. working Americans. Coal miners, truck drivers, soldiers, and the like,” said Secor. Hard-working people is a theme universally known and understood.

But when you get down to 23

it, these famous country singers are just two friends from the Valley, singing the struggles of the common man, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Two kids hanging out by the banks of Blacks Run, now still making music with each other in the present day.” Fuqua said. “I couldn’t ask for more.”

22807

Ronald Carrier,

president of JMU from 1971-1998, died at the end of 2017. His presidency marked great change for JMU, which was Madison College when he arrived.

His imprint is felt all throughout the 22807 zip code.

This edition is dedicated to "Uncle Ron."