FACES of Culpeper, 2023 Edition

Honey,

I’M HOME! K

elly Thornton grew up in a family that respected and supported honey bees, with her parents tending to several hives on the small farm over the years.

While she had gotten away from it in life’s twists and turns, when her mom passed last year and the decision had to be made about what to do with the couple of remaining hives on the farm, Kelly and husband Philip decided to keep the family “tradition” going and continue the care for the apiary.

The enthusiasm about carrying on the small apiary transformed into the idea of introducing new hives at their own home in Culpeper as well.

They’ve since soaked up as much knowledge, community resources and support as possible, and have grown from the initial two hives to six at the farm and have introduced fix hives on their home property. They’re excited about continuing to expand their apiaries and love that it is something that their 10-year-old son also participates in, as he had learned about hive care from his grandmother on the farm and has his own bee suit.

“While we know there will be ups and downs in the journey of beekeeping, the idea of promoting and supporting such an

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important thing in our community and our world is definitely a ‘feel good’ experience,” Kelly said. “Not to mention the thought of the honey that we’ll be able to harvest next year after these hives are a bit more established.”

“It’s been so interesting discovering just how many people in our community are beekeepers, and I’m so appreciative of the mentoring and support I’ve been able to gain from local beekeepers who are much more experienced, and eager to share about and promote beekeeping.”

“Learning about the honey bees has been fascinating,” Philip said. “Their importance in our world for pollination, and how they work together within the hive, with each having different jobs, is just amazing.”

REAL ESTATE RE/MAX Crossroads Kelly & Philip Thornton Housing honey bees goes hand in hand with what the Thorntons do on Philip served as the 2018 GPR President, and has coached their son’s a day to day basis, as they are both REALTORS. soccer team for multiple years. He continues to serve in various capacities with GPR. Both Kelly and Philip are recognized top producers in the industry “Connecting people and property….that’s what we do,” Kelly said. and have been inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. They’re also Kelly and Philip are both licensed Brokers and own/manage RE/MAX Crossroads, Paragon Property Management, LLC and Crossroads Real both major investors in RPAC which promotes and protects the rights of Estate Referral Company, LLC in Culpeper. Their combined 38 years of property owners. They have both played a role in ensuring that Culpeper experience comes into play in each and every real estate sale and purchase continues to have affordable home buying options, with Philip’s advocacy for this during his presidency, and Kelly’s recent national recognition of they help their clients with.

“Experience is so crucial in real estate,” Philip said. “Buying a home is it during a National Association of Realtors pitch battle in Chicago. Kelly one of the biggest events in a person’s life – you have to make sure it’s won first place sharing this advocacy story, earning grant money for the association to put back into the local community! handled properly.”

“I think sometimes people tend to think a Realtor’s role is unneeded “We love our community and always look for ways to support it – whether and/or an easy job, and that’s just not the case. We go the extra mile for that be local youth groups, community events, small businesses, clients, always making sure their needs are met and that we’re looking fundraisers, etc.,” Philip said. out for their best interests.”

“Having grown up here and watched Culpeper blossom into what it is Kelly and Philip both strongly believe in being involved and supporting their now, I’m proud to be a part of it, work here and live here,” Kelly added. real estate association and their community. Kelly is the incoming 2023 President of Greater Piedmont Realtors and sits on the S.A.F.E. Board as If you’d like to reach out to Philip and Kelly and learn more about them, well as the Early Childhood and Head Start Parent Community Council. check out their website at www.yourlocalREpros.com.

810 S. Main St., Culpeper, VA • Philip 540-222-9155 | Kelly 540-718-5763 • www.yourlocalREpros.com 3

INDEX

2023

02 RE/MAX Crossroads 05 Mane Street Hair Salon 06 First County Mortgage

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

07 Pinto Thai Culpeper

Welcome to the fourth edition of FACES of Culpeper!

08 Freedom Street Partners

Once again, the focus remains on many local faces that make up the successful business community throughout Culpeper County.

09 Thompson Auto Repair

This year’s cover features Realtors Kelly and Phillip Thornton and their honey bees. Learn more about how they not only found houses for thousands of bees on their property but continue to find Culpeper residents’ dream homes every day on pages 2-3.

Three years in a row, FACES of Culpeper has won First Place in the Virginia Press Association’s annual competition for newspapers throughout the Commonwealth.

10 Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop 11 Home & Tack Organizing, LLC 12 Miss Minerva’s Tea Room 13 Tropi-Canna 14 Outgoing Portraits 15 Applied Science Fitness Studio 16 Endless Creations 17 Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

The new FACES of Culpeper magazine is also available digitally at culpepertimes.com.

18 Narmada Winery

Thank you to all of the faces inside for being a part of this special 2023 edition.

20 Shelly Tutt Mindset Strategist

We hope you enjoy seeing their faces and reading their stories.

19 Economic Development of Culpeper 21 HTDNET, LLC 22 Eppard Orthodontics 23 REC

Maria Basileo Editor, Culpeper Times

24 Eye Care of Virginia

TOM SPARGUR

JAY FORD

MARIA BASILEO

TIM HICKLING

AUDRA DICKEY

LORI PAYNE

FRAN CECERE

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Editor

Photographer

Account Executive

Project Writer

Project Writer

FACES of Culpeper is a free annual publication of the Culpeper Times. Copyright © 2023 by the Culpeper Times. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this magazine is as correct as possible at press time but is subject to change. Reproduction of any photographs, illustrations or written material without prior consent from the publisher is prohibited.

Culpeper Times, 206 S. Main St., Suite 301, Culpeper, VA 22701 • 540.812.2282 • faces@culpepertimes.com

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HAIR SALON

Mane Street Hair Salon Corrie Gyory Corrie Gyory has seen hair styling come “out of shadows” into its own inspired genius. Her salon, Mane Street Hair, portrays the elegance of a high-class venue with brick accents and painted murals; industrial, yet chic, while it provides clients with beautiful cuts, colors and styles that reflect latest trends.

Gyory works hard to educate herself and her staff on what’s new in the industry. She has traveled the world as an educational representative for Bhave, J Beverly Hills, and Aqua Hair Extensions, on the cutting edge of technique and technology, meeting “very talented and amazing people” in Rome, London, Tokyo and Russia.

handling bills, emails, promotions and online accounts, sometimes working 46 hours a week, she still takes time to work with clients.

“I love being behind the chair,” she said.

Gyory has expanded the salon to offer everything from bridal hair and makeup, to extensions, waxing, spray tans and color to simple cuts.

And as Culpeper did for her, she returned the favor, giving high school students the opportunity to study cosmetology hands-on in a state-approved apprenticeship program at her salon.

“People give 10% to their church,” she explained. “Culpeper is my church.

If I can help someone else get into this career, I’m thrilled to do so.”

Yet her roots are in Culpeper, and she’s appreciative of the start and support Her apprentices learn on the floor while studying, paired with a permanent she’s found in her adopted home. mentor to walk them through all aspects of the industry. By the time they earn Gyory was born and raised in Southern California, where her cousin taught their license, they have already developed a clientele, unlike in traditional her how to braid, and her “Old Hollywood” style grandmother, as she cosmetology school. fondly remembers her, allowed her to play with her makeup and jewelry Gyory also partners with the Culpeper Technical Education Center to educate when she visited. students about not only how to do hair but how to run the business side Gyory’s love for hair and makeup landed her behind the scenes in high of things. school theater productions, but when her family moved to the Culpeper area at age 16, productions were not as grandiose here, and she looked for other outlets. A stunning opportunity came her way, for which she is thankful: The county launched a new program where high school students could earn a diploma and a cosmetology license at the same time — free of charge. She was one of five students selected out of 20 applicants.

Mane Street Hair Salon was voted Small Business of the Year in 2021 and, since 2016, has been the Best of the Best Salon/Stylist in Culpeper, with mentions in Richmond Bride and Virginia Living magazines.

Gyory is proud to participate in the DressCode Project, a global alliance of salons/shops committed to providing positive, gender-affirming services for LGBTQ2S+ clients. Its motto — “Hair Has No Gender.”

From here she dove right in, graduating, then working as a stylist.

This reflects Gyory’s mission to not only keep hair styling innovative and In 2013, Gyory became manager of what was to become Mane Street up-to-date but inclusive and family-friendly as well.

Hair Salon. In 2016, the business became her own. And while that means “I want EVERYONE to leave feeling beautiful,” she said.

201 Waters PL #101, Culpeper, VA • 540.812.4454 • manestreethairsalon@yahoo.com 5

REAL ESTATE

First County Mortgage Sarah Brown, Katie Blocker & Rachel Scott Tucked away on Main Street in what looks like a home are three ladies – and Blocker began as a real estate agent with CENTURY 21 New Millennium in a team of support people – who will not only help you find a home, finance it, 2016 and took over as Culpeper Branch Leader in March 2020. She pairs and close on it, but, through the entire process, will make you feel “at home.” clients with one of the office’s many top-notch real estate agents who, armed with pre-approval and budget parameters, utilize New Millennium’s powerful Katie Blocker, Rachel Scott and Sarah Brown work for affiliate companies under online tools and system to begin their search. Together, they narrow down likes New Millennium Residential Services, offering expertise in the interwoven and dislikes, tour properties, write purchase offers and negotiate contracts. roles they play in the business.

“I love seeing the joy on folks’ faces when they find that perfect home, Blocker is the Culpeper Branch Leader with CENTURY 21 New Millennium, the especially when they’re first-time homebuyers,” Blocker said. real estate arm of the trio. Scott is a Loan Officer with First County Mortgage Brown — who has been in the industry since birth when her parents carried and Brown is a settlement agent with Bay County Settlements. her around job sites in a sling — takes the ratified contract, initiates title “Having these companies together under one roof takes our clients from searches for liens and judgments and follows the transaction through to closing. Once cleared, Scott processes the loan and Brown brings the start to finish, in one seamless process,” said Blocker. clients in for closing.

“We’re a one-stop shop,” added Scott.

The three ladies work hand in hand and side by side.

CENTURY 21 New Millennium, First County Mortgage, and Bay County “How great is it that if you have a question, you can walk down the hall and Settlements – with over 20 offices in Virginia, Maryland and DC and over 20 get it answered immediately!” said Blocker. years of experience - bring vast resources to the table. Yet the teamwork of the Culpeper branch allows Blocker, Scott and Brown to personalize the process “At closing, if the client doesn’t understand something about the loan, we can ask Rachel to come into the room to clarify it for us,” said Brown. for clients facing one of the most daunting financial decisions of their lives.

NM Management and its subsidiaries have won multiple awards for customer Scott, who started with the company in 2011 and began primarily as a service both office-wide and for individual real estate agents. The Washington transaction coordinator, takes clients under her wing first, discovering what Post has consistently voted them one of the best places to work among mid their needs are, determining what types of loans best suit their budget, even to large companies for the past five years running. offering help if they need to raise their credit score before applying.

Yet the focus of these three ladies is still on a personal level with the clients “My favorite part of working here is educating clients, demystifying the process they serve, utilizing the company’s strengths to tailor a trouble-free experience for them in their quest to feel at home. so that they feel confident making decisions,” said Scott.

601 S Main St, Culpeper, VA • 571.606.8269 • www.firstcountymortgage.com 6

THAI RESTAURANT

Pinto Thai Culpeper Thipphawan Jaipayungton Celebrating its 19th year in Culpeper, moving from Main Street to Davis years. With her expertise and his big sister’s vision and love of small towns, they found a perfect place to open their own restaurant when Street now over five years ago, Pinto Thai is still going strong.

Pinto Thai brings the magic to Culpeper when you enter the restaurant they started in 2004 on Main Street here in Culpeper.

Moving their location to Davis Street was a great shift, and that’s when the Satayaphanitkuls renamed the restaurant Pinto Thai Culpeper. They’ve The award winning, family owned and operated restaurant serves both since expanded with two locations in Winchester and one in Staunton. traditional Thai favorites like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodle, as well as some fusion options, making Thai food more accessible to Culpeper is still their home away from home. Everyone in the family new customers. They also make an amazing Thai Iced Tea and Iced works at the restaurant, cooking with traditions and secret recipes handed down through the generations. Residents and tourists alike Coffee, as well as mixed drinks. have embraced the family and their amazing food by recommending Visitors have the opportunity to make friends and learn some Thai Pinto Thai and by voting them the Best of the Best in 2022. phrases. Regulars have learned to greet “Swasdi (sa-was–dee)” and order in the Thai language, and in turn they have shared local traditions. Pinto Thai has won several Best of awards and takes pride in taking care That’s why Paul Satayaphanitkul’s family loves being here in Culpeper: of customers each day they come in for a wonderful meal. it’s peaceful and calm; people are nice, curious and supportive. This Whether you are dining inside or ordering take-out or delivery, Pinto Thai bond has created a place of cultural exchange, since everyone has is the unpretentious place that offers classic fare and some Japanese more time to learn about each other. options along with outdoor patio seating.

The Satayaphanitkuls have been in the restaurant business for a long Pinto Thai also has a bar inside and serves delicious drinks for any time. Satayaphanitkul’s mother was a chef in Washington, D.C., for 30 occasion. They are open every day at 11 a.m. and hope to see you soon. and feel life you are in Thailand, but experiencing it in Culpeper.

179 E. Davis St, Culpeper, VA • 540.825.0777 • www.pintothaiculpeper.com 7

FINANCIAL PLANNER Freedom Street Partners Ginny Koontz-DeLauder Financial planning turned out to be an ideal career path for Ginny Koontz-DeLauder.

Her role as a financial advisor with Freedom Street Partners enables her to combine her aptitude for numbers and problem solving with her love of helping people, including local farmers and agribusiness professionals, manage their wealth and plan for the future.

Agribusiness is important to Koontz-DeLauder because both sets of her grandparents were raised on farms from the Shenandoah Valley to Norlina, N.C., and all the way to Indiana. Growing up, she developed a love of growing her own food and being close to nature. Supporting rural communities, local farmers, and agribusiness became a natural focus for her.

She has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and applied economics and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner. The designation is the standard for excellence in the financial-planning profession.

Koontz-DeLauder considers it a privilege to lead clients from where they are now to where they want to be in the future. She views herself as an educator and accountability partner, instilling in clients the confidence to plan for a secure financial future. She also keeps them focused on their goals and vision so they are less likely to make emotional decisions about their money during economic downturns.

“When you help clients understand what they want their money to accomplish for them, it gives them the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions and to feel good about those decisions,” she said.

Koontz-DeLauder began her career in financial services as a junior financial advisor and an associate for The Henderson Group in Staunton. In 2013, she came to Culpeper to work for Piedmont Wealth Management as a financial planner/partner.

In 2020, she accepted the position of Client Relationship Manager with Freedom Street Partners, a financial services practice that is backed by the investment advisory service of Raymond James Financial Services.

Freedom Street uses a proprietary Life Wealth Optimization process to help people increase lifelong financial independence and freedom while reducing stress and enhancing their quality of life. The steps are straightforward. Koontz-DeLauder and

her team help clients envision their future, and then they develop a tailored financial plan, guide clients in implementing the plan, and partner with them in managing the plan as they enjoy the best life possible.

A common hurdle that causes many people to put off financial planning, she said, is that the focus on numbers and the complexity of financial products can seem intimidating. “Before we can lead clients to financial freedom, we first have to help them decode complex and confusing financial topics. The entire process makes a lot more sense when we work on optimizing your life first and your wealth second.”

Koontz-DeLauder appreciates Freedom Street’s vast resources and innovative approach to financial planning. She and her team rely on vision planning, DiSC personality assessments, advanced planning software, and other tools to identify appropriate and effective approaches to tax-efficient investing and charitable giving for clients.

She enjoys the positive team atmosphere at Freedom Street and the company’s focus on serving the community, which she says aligns well with her own personal values. “The group is constantly giving back to the localities we serve through events and volunteering,” she said.

Koontz-DeLauder is an active member and a former Chairman of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce and the Culpeper Business Women. In addition, she has served on the board of Services to Abused Families, Inc. (SAFE) and is a member of Reformation Lutheran Church.

She and her husband, Michael DeLauder, a plumber for Breeden Mechanical, own a farmette on the outskirts of Culpeper. They hope to convey their love and support of agribusiness to their 18-month-old son and to their second child, who will arrive in the spring of 2023.

Her impact continues to grow every day as she continues her family’s agribusiness tradition, guides clients to financial freedom, and supports the Culpeper business community.

“I am thrilled that my life has come full circle,” she said. “I am right where I want to be.”

Disclosure: Any opinions are those of Ginny Koontz-DeLauder and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investments advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Freedom Street Partners is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

317 S. West Street, Culpeper, VA • 540.825.4611 • www.freedomstreetpartners.com 8

AUTO REPAIR Thompson Auto Repair Donald Thompson For someone whose life has revolved around cars from an early age, a five- detailed inspection report via text or email and can see photos of any areas star reviewed auto repair company is something Donny Thompson doesn’t that may have failed at home while their vehicle is still at the shop. The report take lightly. includes tests that have been run, a diagnosis and recommendations for repair.

He is grateful for those who supported him in his journey from apprentice to Thompson also provides another helpful service, courtesy pre-purchase backyard mechanic to owner/operator of Thompson’s Auto Repair, which is inspections for used vehicles. Customers or not, folks may bring vehicles growing by over 400 customers per year. to him for a reassuring check-over before they buy. Thompson feels people Being around his grandfather, who owned several local service stations deserve to know if they’re getting a real deal or if there’s room to negotiate. years ago, was the spark that began Thompson’s love of cars. At age 17, These unique offerings represent Thompson’s commitment to developing Thompson began as an apprentice at Culpeper’s Chrysler dealership. He relationships with customers built on honesty and transparency and consistent learned and honed his craft working on vehicles for the company for over high-quality work.

20 years. In 2017, he started doing on-the-side work for friends in his garage at home and by August 2018, had enough work to leave the dealership and “I never try to sell you something you don’t need,” Thompson said. “We treat you like a part of the family. I want you to feel comfortable bringing hire someone else full time. your vehicle here.”

By March 2020, his business grew too large for his backyard. That’s when Tony Troilo of Rosson & Troilo took him under his wing and helped him Quality has always been number one for Thompson, and he stands by relocate Thompson’s Auto Repair to its current location in Brandy Station. the shop’s workmanship so steadfastly that all maintenance and repairs Thompson’s Auto Repair performs on vehicles comes with its own one-year Today, Thompson services over 1100 customers.

“If it wasn’t for Tony, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Thompson said. “He’s warranty for parts and labor. Thompson’s technicians are all ASE certified, and the shop itself is certified as a NAPA Auto Care Center, which carries been a great mentor and friend.” its own nationwide warranty.

It was a big leap to go from home garage to full-service commercial operation, especially keeping up with the business side of things, but at the new location, Word of mouth keeps business growing. Those who come, leave rave reviews. work kept coming. Thompson was able to hire six employees and expand his The shop received the Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022 from the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. Not bad for an honest young man who always wanted services to include tires, alignments and Virginia state inspections. to work on cars.

Thompson’s Auto Repair is one of only a few auto repair shops in the state to offer digital inspections. With a digital inspection, customers receive a “That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” said Thompson.

15051 Jats Dr, Brandy Station, VA • 540.317.0078 • Thompsonautorepair.com 9

NATURE SHOP Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop Susan Haynes Susan and Bob Haynes have known each other all their lives, and reducing the use of plastics and observing and sharing bird activities in August 2022, opened a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise together to help scientists know where birds are migrating and nesting each year. in Culpeper.

“If we all work together, we can make huge strides to preserving our The store is not just a place to buy bird seed. It is a resource for customers birds and wildlife.” to get in touch with nature. Walking through the Wild Birds store is like In the store, there are special blends of food to attract a wide variety walking through nature with Susan and her family as excellent guides of birds. They have many large or small bird feeders, bird houses to the world of birds. and suet - animal fat easily digested and metabolized by birds like Susan Haynes, who worked as a special education teacher in Orange woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees. “Some of our feed,” Susan County, has a vision to educate her customers about wildlife. Having Haynes explained, “while good for birds, discourages squirrels who homeschooled four of her now-grown children, they now work at the like to steal the bird seed.” store. One of their sons even works as a wildlife educator and utilizes non-releasable birds of prey in educational programs around Virginia. The seed in the store is also regionalized, not nationalized. Seed blends He has shown some of his birds in her store and at various events like are specialty food for birds in this area. It is full of things birds like to eat. Customers can also shop online for products that are available in CulpeperFest. He educates about owls, hawks, falcons and vultures. the store. And for those who need a bit more guidance with what their Given her educational background, Susan Haynes loves to teach about bird friends might enjoy, store staff are able to answer questions with birds and conservation. She wants to help the next generation to love birds excellent advice. as much as she does. She strives to impress upon them conservation Wild Birds Unlimited has a mission to bring people and nature together awareness early in their lives. with education and products designed by experts. The Haynes’s vision “We have lost 2.9 billion birds for various reasons,” Susan Haynes said. is to work with the community to teach about conservation and go to Susan teaches how songbirds can be saved if everyone does their part. schools to teach about what is best for our environment. Wild Birds Some conservation actions include making windows safer to prevent Unlimited will soon be well known as not just a bird feeding store, but window strikes, keeping cats indoors, reducing the size of lawns, growing they will become Culpeper’s local resource for questions and answers native plants and trees, ceasing use of pesticides and herbicides, to backyard birding and wildlife conservation.

15311 Monanus Dr, Culpeper, VA • 540.829.9453 • www.culpeper.wbu.com 10

ORGANIZER Home & Tack Organizing, LLC Lindsey Bennington Imagine all the stuff in your basement, garage, or tack room neat and tidy and arranged where you can easily find it. Lindsey Bennington’s dream job is to make your dream come true. Her company, Home & Tack Organizing, specializes in turning messes into peaceful places — and she loves doing it.

The idea for Home & Tack Organizing came from her mother-in-law and the basement she kept putting off sorting for years. She would brush off Lindsey’s offers to help with “you really don’t want to do THAT!” Only when she installed a pool and became frustrated with trying to store pool supplies and toys did she relent and ask Lindsey to sort “just the pool items” in the basement.

“I like to work with my clients,” Lindsey said. “It may take longer, but as we go through everything, I teach them how to organize, and how to maintain the space after it is finished.”

Lindsey finds the hardest part for people is accepting that they need help — and getting over the embarrassment of having a stranger see their disorganized mess. But Lindsey approaches all her jobs with an objective perspective because as she says, “They’re not my things.”

Despite her objective approach to her jobs, she has found herself a counselor of sorts as she listens to stories behind sentimental items and why clients may have a difficult time parting with them. Lindsey can help them gain a The results were so astounding, she allowed Lindsey to organize the rest more realistic view of those articles so that together they can determine of the basement. And Lindsey found that she “really, really liked” organizing what’s worth keeping and what isn’t. it for her.

“I’m not judgmental,” she explained. “I don’t force people to get rid of things Two months later, in August 2021, Lindsey launched Home & Tack Organizing, LLC. And thus, she added to her resume of military spouse, mother of two boys and avid horse rider the title of independent business owner. Since its inception, her company has been transforming stressful areas into functional spaces in Culpeper, Luray, Front Royal, Nokesville – and everywhere in between.

Lindsey begins any project with a consultation to assess a client’s troublesome area, either via Zoom or in person. She asks questions to determine their needs, measures the layout of the space, takes pictures, and generates ideas and provides an estimate. When the client agrees, Lindsey rolls up her sleeves and works side by side with them, separating articles into piles of things to keep, to donate, to trash, and “other” — which means an item in the space belongs to another area of the house.

if they don’t want to.”

It’s a matter of finding a system that will work for the client to find a “home” for the items that will best fit the available space.

Appreciation expressed by clients keeps Lindsey motivated to do what she does. After one organizational job in particular, her client revealed with grateful relief that for the first time in decades she didn’t have to apologize to visitors for the appearance of her home.

Lindsey said it was the most thoughtful compliment she’d ever received.

Not just a job well done but a dream realized.

If you have questions or would like assistance organizing your home, barn, storage unit, moving into a new home, down-sizing or decluttering give Home & Tack Organizing a call.

540.881.0908 • www.homeandtackorganizing.com 11

TEA ROOM & GIFTS

Miss Minerva’s Tea Room Ashleigh Price Ashleigh Price has always loved downtown staple Miss Minerva’s Price has three employees and her husband, Casey Stanley, also helps out on Saturdays and is an integral part of the business whenever Tea Room and Gifts. needed. Customers can choose from the 50 teas they offer.

“I’ve loved this business since I was a young girl when my grandmother Guests are also welcome to use any of the hats that decorate the walls. took me here for a tea party.”

Each time a hat is used, it is sanitized before it is used again. Guests Now as its third owner, she gets to enjoy the business’s magic every day. can also choose from a menu of food items for lunch or tea time.

When she was old enough, she worked there as a waitress. The In the gift shop there are teas for writers, and book lovers. They sell decorations in the room start as soon as you walk in the door. The miniature sets, children’s tea sets, and tea pots with delicate floral first table is dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth of England. There patterns. If a customer is looking for a specific pattern, Price will try is a crown on the table, tea cups and several samples of the Queen’s to find it. favorite teas. Customers are invited to sign one of the condolence She works with “Skirted Soldier,” a company which makes military cards which will be sent to the Royal Family. themed tea blends. A portion of the proceeds go to female veteran Sitting at this table is the original Miss Minerva mannequin, which organizations. Millian Candles Enterprises also use Miss Minerva’s sat outside. After many years of greeting the public outside, she was tea blends in their candles. entitled to an indoor job although he has maintained her lovely smile. The mission is two-fold. One goal is to help children become The tea room is lit by beautiful glass chandeliers. The room can comfortable in a restaurant setting. The other part is to make people accommodate thirty people. The space has been used for bridal or aware of the benefits of tea. baby showers, and adult’s or children’s birthday parties.

Her vision is to become an integral part of downtown Culpeper and Price loves hosting young children so that she can introduce them to to see Culpeper’s other businesses thrive. flavored teas such as chocolate mint tea. She also teaches them about tea room manners. She enjoys seeing them become comfortable in a restaurant setting. Price and her staff are concerned about food allergies and they work to protect their customers.

Price has partnered with staff from Le Monkey House, Vinosity and Ravens Nest for the very popular Harry Potter scavenger hunt day. She hopes to continue to participate in yearly themed events to continue to bring Culpeper residents and alike downtown and into the world of tea.

167 E. Davis St, Culpeper, VA • 540-829-9700 • missminervas@verizon.net 12

CANNABIS Tropi-Canna Shelia & Trevor Cooper Step into Sheila and Trevor Cooper’s place of business and you’ve entered, At this location the store sells a variety of products – Fox Farm, Coast of Maine, not a place of work, but a place of passion: a cozy community where the and Ocean Forest soils, some organic, some with earthworm castings, good for growing not just cannabis but other garden plants. They sell supplies couple is dedicated to meeting their customers’ needs. for hydroponic gardening as well—coco, clay pebbles, and rockwool. Then “When you’re doing something you love, when you’re helping people, it’s not there are liquid fertilizers, insect sprays, CO2 boosters, grow tents, ventilation work, it’s passion,” Sheila Cooper said. “It’s a passion we share with each systems for those tents, and terp teas to boost flavors and smells. of our customers.”

Just like with any other plant, growing cannabis can be “finicky”, according That passion is helping customers grow cannabis. Not only by selling special soils, fertilizers and grow lights, but by offering advice and education on plant types, growth, diseases, etc.

“Growing cannabis is a craft, just like brewing beer or making wine,” Trevor Cooper said. “There’s a lot of science that goes into it.”

The Cooper’s business, Tropi-Canna, LLC, was founded in 2021, after use of both medical and recreational cannabis for adults was legalized in Virginia and households were allowed to grow up to four plants for personal use.

The Coopers credit a Virginia Cannabis Growers Symposium held at Belmont Farm Distillery in August 2021 for giving them the inspiration to launch the new business. Approximately 1,000 people attended the first-ever marijuanathemed grow festival and education event. Lignumhemp farmer Mike Sauer, who organized the symposium, was instrumental in helping the Coopers get Tropi-Canna started. At his encouragement, the two, Sheila a manager at ACE Hardware and Trevor a heavy equipment operator, combined their paychecks to buy a pallet of Ocean Forest and Coast of Maine soils, which they sold at the symposium to fund their budding business’s first inventory.

They first sold their wares at ACE Hardware. As customers and the business grew, they expanded into their current location on South East Street.

to Sheila. “You have to know what conditions are favorable to avoid stressing the plant,” she said.

There are many strains of cannabis, each with their own unique combinations of taste, look, levels of THC and CBD, and effect or application.

The Coopers hear testimonies of how using cannabis has helped their customers — how it eased the pain of terminal lung cancer for one and diminished the epileptic seizures of another. The couple themselves can attest to the plant’s benefits. It relieves health issues of their own like anxiety, restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia — without the need for harmful opioids and prescription drugs with dangerous side effects. issues of their own like anxiety, restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia – without the need for harmful opioids and prescription drugs with dangerous side effects.

The ability to grow cannabis at home makes that relief more accessible and affordable, and customers appreciate the local, friendly help the Coopers provide in that venture.

The store also extends its support to local artisans by selling hand crafts such as tie-dye t-shirts and homemade jewelry and has participated in neighborhood school supply and food drives.

“Tropi-Canna is a community, not a business,” Sheila said. “People come here not just for our products but because we’re down to earth and personal.”

125 S East St, Culpeper, VA • 540.717.7277 • tropi-cannallc.com 13

PHOTOGRAPHY

Outgoing Portraits Susan Bittner Her smile is infectious.

“I grow on you...like mold,” joked photographer Susan Bittner.

The COVID-19 pandemic gave Susan the final push she needed to pursue photography full time. In 2020, Food Lion corporate offices went all-virtual and continued so for almost two years.

Her personality is welcoming, fun and bubbly – “the good kind of crazy,” she Originally from Virginia and traveling there often to visit family and friends, described. A crazy that encourages other people to smile, have fun and relax Susan came to the realization that she could now work-from-home anywhere. when having their photos taken.

In December 2021, she put her North Carolina house on the market to move back home. However, just as the house sold, Food Lion announced it was Empowering people to love who they are is Susan’s life’s mission. going back to in-person work beginning February 2022. She faced a dilemma “I see beauty in others where they can’t – it’s my superpower,” she said. of what to do next.

“Being me, being transparent, gives people the freedom to open up, to be “They always say if you’re doing something you love, it’s not work,” she said. themselves, so I can capture that on film.”

“But I wondered, ‘If I make this my career, will I still love it?’”

Taking photos was nothing new for her. In high school, Susan captured The answer has been a resounding yes. pictures and created photo albums for her own enjoyment. When she and a high school friend perused those photos one day on a trip down memory “Once it was a necessity, it opened my mind, freed my creative juices,” she said. “Once I decided to do this full time, you couldn’t stop me.” lane, the friend noticed Susan had even written on the backs of the pictures to document the occasions, prompting the friend to remark, “you were meant In August 2022, Outgoing Portraits was born in Virginia. Susan has been full speed ahead, working freelance for local publications, photographing for this even then!” brides and weddings, taking senior class portraits, involving herself in local In 2004, Susan was gifted a 35mm Canon film camera and began taking school sports photography and attracting new clients through enthusiastic photos of her then 4-year-old daughter, learning about the different lenses word of mouth. and their effects, experimenting with different angles and creative settings.

In construction is a full-service photography, boudoir and outdoor studio at Coworkers and friends noticed the portraits framed on her desk and were her home in Lignum. She plans to partner with area businesses for hair and amazed she had taken them, and, of course, asked her to take their photos. makeup, costumes, lighting, props, wine — even massage — to give clients Everything snowballed from there. She photographed people, weddings, and an immersive, fun, and comfortable photoshoot experience. She envisions groups, businesses, bridal parties, families, enjoying time together there. then high school activities and sports as her daughter grew.

Her “real job” at the time was working for Food Lion’s corporate office in “I love making people smile, making them feel comfortable,” she said.

North Carolina as an analyst. She soon discovered that her photography It shows through her work. Susan’s personality behind the camera brings out the creativity she captures in front of it. hobby made nearly as much income. And it was fun!

704.796.7282 • outgoingportraits.mypixieset.com 14

FITNESS STUDIO

Applied Science Fitness Studio Mike Duby With 19 different workout machines in the studio in conjunction with Duby’s guidance, clients find solutions to improve muscle tone and strength in targeted parts of the body. Potential clients can make an appointment by calling his office and scheduling the day and time.

There are no binding contracts involved in Mike’s services.

During the first appointment in his studio, perspective clients will be interviewed for any health and safety concerns and to determine a realistic game plan for their exercise sessions. The client may want to increase muscle strength, lose weight or perhaps both. They may also even have pain issues which they feel may improve with Duby’s expertise. They can share any other treatments they have used and how long they had the problem. After all the information is gathered, Duby works with the client to write an individual plan for them.

Mike’s goal is for them to see results as soon as possible.

The success of the progress the client makes is dependent on the amount of time and energy they put into their program.

What’s Duby’s motto? “Applied Science Fitness Studio...where we specialize in RESULTS, not empty promises.”

Most of Duby’s clientele are adults and they are usually referred to Duby by other clients. Anyone under 18-years-old must be accompanied by a parent.

Duby’s office hours are 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. Closing hours differ depending on the flexibility and schedule of clients.

When he’s not changing lives one pound at a time, Duby keeps busy with other hobbies.

Duby and his wife Karen have two booths in the Minuteman Mini Mall, concentrating on antiques and vintage articles from the 1940s to the 1950s.

All of the exercise machines are weight based and are adjustable according to the clients’ abilities and needs. Most clients begin to see Mike is also a published author. His book, “The Unexpected New Best improvements within a week. The amount of time needed to correct a Friend: If there is a broken one on the shelf, I will be the one to end up with it.” is a memoir of a man’s life and lessons learned told through funny specific problem varies from person to person. anecdotes and slightly fictionalized stories. The book was published The average male will lose 40 pounds net weight in six weeks. For in June 2022. It is available through Amazon in hardback, paperback, females, the average net weight loss is 20 pounds in a six week period. large print and Kindle.

217 E. Culpeper St, Culpeper, VA • 540.812.5532 • mike@appliedsciencefitnessstudio.com 15

FLORIST

Endless Creations Chris & Steve Cone Steve Cone grew up on a cattle farm and planned to go into the family Did you know they have a full service floral and gift shop right here in business, but when the family sold it, he realized he needed another plan. Downtown Culpeper? Endless Creations provides floral services for His grandmother suggested he learn about plants and greenhouses, weddings, funerals, birthdays and banquets but it’s also a beautiful which led to Cone joining the FFA, studying horticulture and later, shop with décor, candles, and chocolates from local artisans. All the meeting his wife, Christina. Since college, the pair have always worked plants and flowers used are from local distributors and farms keeping together in local greenhouses and later started their own landscape money in the state. design and installation company.

Stop in and say hi, bring in 5 boxes or 5 cans of food and receive a $5 Endless Creations has existed for 36 years. It first started as a hobby selling high-end fresh holiday centerpieces, traveling to larger towns to sell fresh florals at craft shows with two kids in the back of the car underneath all of the plants. Cone and partner Chris Cone opened their first retail floral shop on Sunset Lane in 2014. Just a little over a year later, Endless Creations purchased Randy’s Flower and moved the location on West Evans Street when Randy Jones retired. Five years passed, when they realized they outgrew that location and moved to their current location at 261 Southgate Shopping Center beside the Culpeper County Library.

bouquet of flowers. Don’t want the flowers? Donate them to a local nursing home resident. All food collected stays here in Culpeper.

The Cones appreciate their deep roots in the area. They can name several generations of families they have serviced over the years.

“We’ll create floral birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals for the same family. Then it repeats with kids and grandkids,” Steve Cone said.

This local florist supports the community and the community supports them. Their commitment is Endless and they will do whatever it takes to make your vision a reality.

261 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA • 540.825.4440 • ecflowersandgifts.com 16

COMMUNITY

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is active and visible in our community, Ron Warner is a Loan Officer with Farm Credit in Culpeper. He joined the and the 108-year-old organization couldn’t do it without the help of its Culpeper Chamber 10 years ago and is on the Finance Committee. He was an integral part of the CulpeperFest team. many volunteers.

At the forefront of that effort is the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Twenty individuals work diligently to promote the vision of the Chamber and its goal to be the voice of the business community. They work to promote, build and support the most effective climate for economic development in our community.

He volunteers for the Young Professionals Lunches, Culpeper Fest and BIE. He feels that the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Board members work together as a family.

“All the members are here to support one another,” Warner said, with the mission of helping the Culpeper Community thrive in a positive direction.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors is a diverse group of community members representing small business, large industry, nonprofit and local government agencies.

Part of that mission involves the Chamber’s annual scholarships to educational foundations in the community and the work of the Chamber’s many committees and councils to provide a platform for sharing ideas, Deb Manzari is the incoming board chair. She moved to Culpeper five making connections, and advocating for organizations. years ago, found the residents very welcoming, and became a member Stephen King, a personal insurance agent, Comparison Insurance, was of the Chamber of Commerce. She is a Realtor with REMAX and finds introduced to the Chamber of Commerce in 2018 when he attended his it easy to recommend Culpeper to others. She meets other members first Young Professional Meeting. He was Chair of the Young Professionals through volunteering for events. for two years and has remained interested in all the events they present.

Her mission is “to find ways to move Culpeper forward.” She believes in Last year he was elected as the Chair of the Chamber Board.

giving back to the Community and is excited about the new Diversity, His mission is “to find ways for different businesses to come together to Equity and Inclusion Council initiated by the Board. support each other. This will benefit Culpeper and the surrounding areas.”

“The Board always works for the common good of the community,” she said. This year the Young Professionals raised more than $3,500 to donate to The Chamber’s signature events such as CulpeperFest, Women’s LIFT, SAFE through their charity car wash and the annual Crabfeast.

Appreciation and Valor Awards, and the Annual Meeting and Awards The Chamber is visible through ribbon cutting events throughout the year, Banquet are planned and executed by a committee of volunteers and their multiple social media posts and their outreach in the community.

Volunteers and board members help make that all possible. board members.

629 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper • 540.825.8628 • culpeperchamber.com 17

WINERY

Narmada Winery Sudha & Pandit Patil In 1999, Sudha Patil and her husband Pandit bought a fifty-one acre hayfield. They added a pond to the land. They planted twenty acres of grapes for red wine only. They built the tasting room and a pavilion by the pond. Narmada Winery was officially established in 2009 in Rappahannock County. Pandit was the business manager and Sudha has always been the winemaker.

Winery also features live music and has had a theater play performed in the tasting room.

Narmada serves Indian food. Children are welcome in the tasting room under the supervision of their parents. Soft drinks are available for young visitors. Sudha states that she is pleased to see children enjoy the Indian food, especially the butter chicken.

and be recognized internationally. Most recently Narmada’s Cabernet Franc Reserve 2019 received 97 points at the International Women’s Wine Competition.

Narmada also offers opportunities for local arts and craft teachers to hold classes. These are well attended. They have featured glass painting, calligraphy, knitting, and crocheting classes. They have also had a class for people to “Be a Winemaker for a Day,” in the barrel room. Information Events such as weddings, anniversaries, showers, picnics, and corporate about classes is available on their website. Sudha says, “Our guests are meetings can be held in the tasting room, on the covered patio, the here to enjoy themselves, and we enjoy helping them.” basement room, the barrel room, or outside in designated areas. They The mission for the winery is to provide the best Virginia wines to the also have a one-bedroom AirBnB area on their property. local area and throughout the United States. They want Virginia to “shine”

Two of the full-time employees are Jeremy Levey, the winery manager, and Alex Dias, the tasting room manager. There are also two full-time employees in the vineyard. On busy weekends they have six part-time staff members.

Every industry can be affected by the weather. This year spring started early, and then cold weather stopped the growth in the vines. Then the weather heated up and the vines took off again.

Narmada has nineteen different wines. If the growing season permits, they can also offer some specialty wines that are sweeter and usually in For many years, artists have been allowed to display and sell their big demand. Sudha is proud to be able to offer “estate wines,” meaning paintings which are hung on the walls in the tasting room. Narmada they are grown and made 100% in their vineyard.

43 Narmada Lane, Amissville, VA • 540.937.8215 • narmadawinery.com 18

DOING BUSINESS IN CULPEPER Economic Development of Culpeper Winona Pritts Winona Pritts enthusiasm for joining Culpeper County’s Department of new recognition to participating farms, and found fun ways for visitors to Economic Development in 2020 is abundantly clear. interact with the tour.

A native of Virginia, Pritts was drawn to Culpeper’s great sense of community. As a graduate of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, Pritts was interested in utilizing her management and marketing background to make a big impact in a community where she could see how her work benefited individuals, students and businesses.

Through the Be A Culpeper Local program, Pritts helps educate residents on the importance of shopping locally and the benefits it has for the community. To assist residents in shopping locally, she created a comprehensive directory of Culpeper businesses available on the program’s website. To bring further recognition to businesses and provide Giving back to the community is a top priority for Pritts, who eagerly a fun experience for shoppers, Pritts created Be A Culpeper Local Week, became involved in Culpeper’s Career Partners through volunteering an event that debuted in 2022, during back to school shopping and tax free at Eastern View and Culpeper High Schools. With myriad volunteering weekend. Throughout the week Pritts highlighted Culpeper businesses, experience, Pritts was selected for a unique mentorship role as part of their owners, and more, on the department’s Facebook page. the new Culpeper Technical Education Center program in 2021 and As part of Pritts’ marketing efforts, she promotes Culpeper businesses, returned to mentor two students during the 2022 school year. Providing farms, workforce and department goals through various social media job shadowing opportunities, networking, and a chance to work through platforms. She continues to introduce new ways consumers can interact career goals, mentees from CTEC’s newest program earn credit while with Culpeper businesses and show community support. graduating prepared for the workplace.

“My goal is to educate the public on what makes Culpeper so special, At the Department of Economic Development, Pritts assists businesses while continuing to support the individual people and businesses that with initial business plans, workforce issues and marketing among call it home,” Pritts said. other things. Working with Director Bryan Rothamel, the duo has brought new programming to Culpeper businesses through the Small Becoming involved in the community is fundamental in life for Pritts, who has passed the importance on to her children. Her two sons, students Business Development Center. at A.G. Richardson, are both SCA class representatives and involved in The office hosts various workshops and seminars, free for Culpeper businesses. Pritts works directly with Culpeper small businesses, including several school clubs, in addition to youth sports and volunteering. farms, through the administration of the Be A Culpeper Local program - Fostering great working relationships with community partners is essential Culpeper’s shop local campaign, and through the Culpeper Farm Tour. to Pritts, who serves on Culpeper Renaissance Inc.’s Economic Vitality Since taking over the Farm Tour, Pritts has grown the event, brought Group and received CRI’s Partner of the Year Award in 2022.

803 S. Main St. Culpeper, VA • 540.727.3410 • culpeperva.org 19

LIFE COACH

Shelly Tutt Mindset Strategist Shelly Tutt Growing up in Culpeper, Shelly Tutt had loving parents and one brother.

Her parents were active in the community, so Shelly learned the value of community at an early age. Her parents were also entrepreneurs and instilled those values and work ethic in her. So, after college, she started her entrepreneurial journey, when her father passed, and she moved back home to run his business. She was very close to her father, and he taught her the power of determination.

Shelly spent most of her career owning and operating an Allstate Insurance agency, for almost 19 years, until she became ill and almost died. After recuperating, she opened “Praise the Lord Bookstore,” which was a longtime passion of hers to be able to just focus on the things of GOD. In 2007, He called her into ministry. She ministered and spoke as the Lord guided her. Then He called her to minister to the incarcerated. She preached the word, coached inmates, taught classes and occasionally filled in for the chaplain in his absence for ten years. She helped them navigate through their deeper struggles to break free from situations that were keeping them stuck. Some have become pastors and entrepreneurs, but all have had a substantial level of breakthrough.

Tutt experienced a frightening and hurtful encounter early in life and with the help of her GOD, she persevered. As He guided her through her healing process, she uses her experience to help guide others to their healing and life goals. She begins and ends her coaching meetings with prayer and allows the Holy Spirit to minister through her.

Her mission is to help people to recover from debilitating life situations, as well as help individuals progress to the next stage of their journey toward fulfillment.

Wanting to broaden her service, in 2014, while caring for her mother, she received a coaching certification from John Maxwell in Leadership and Personal Development and has since formed “Empowered Builders, LLC. She is also the inspiration editor and a writer of a Lifestyle magazine called “InfluencHer,” as well as co-author of a book called “Anointed But Sick: Our Journey To Healing.”

After having been off the scene for a while, she is now launching an online coaching business. The online world is definitely different, but Zoom has become her best friend. She says, “Even though learning the technology has been a challenge, it’s a better fit for me now.”

If you’d like to inquire about her individual or group coaching programs or speaking engagements, she can be contacted at empoweredbuilders.com.

You’re also invited to join the Facebook group: Fresh Start: Letting Go of Overwhelm and Taking Charge of The Path Ahead.

Her goal is for others to heal debilitating wounds that have kept them stuck.

Her goal is for all to find peace of mind and to walk in their GOD given power and break free from limiting mindsets so they can push past obstacles.

She helps them to release what is not serving them and go from a place of dysfunction, disillusionment, and emotional pain to a state of healing and When her mother became ill and required full time care, she closed her business to care for her mother. After her mother passed, she had another wholesomeness. Of course, situations vary depending on individual needs life-threatening illness with cancer. However, her faith in GOD kept her and personal commitment. steadfast. She still ministered when she could.

Tutt advises to watch for announcements about her podcasts in the future.

540.522.3109 • info@shellytutt.com 20

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TECHNOLOGY HTDNET, LLC Matt Demaree Matthew Demaree learned about computers from his father and older some of the features. His services also include PC/Mac repair; Printing brother before taking over the reins and becoming mostly self-taught.

Marketing, Wired and Wireless Networking, Web Design/Hosting, and even At the age of 14 in 1994, he started his business, “Hypertext Design Network.” Cellular Internet Access. His company is also able to assist with graphics design. HTDNET has become a single source of technology solutions for Initially, he focused on web page design before enlisting in the United States the customers they serve. This allows their customers to focus on what’s Army in 1999 to serve with the US Army Ranger Regiment in Savannah, important while HTDNET has full responsibility toward all the tech that Georgia, as well as with the Calvary in Texas. drives their business. No more having a list of companies and contacts to After being honorably discharged in 2003, he jumped back into his business call for various business needs. and added many more services to his business. He was subsequently recalled to serve in Iraq from 2005 to 2007, but was still able to serve his Demarree stressed that it is very important for companies have safe access customers during down time via the internet. Demaree continues to serve to their computer information at all times. He assists them with onsite and if his community by being a volunteer with the New Baltimore Volunteer Fire needed off site backing up of their information so that they do not experience Company and assisting other non-profits. interruptions in the flow of their business.

Now known as HTDNET, a full service technology company and VoIP telephone service provider, its mission is “Focus on your business, we have your technology.”

Most of his business is from personal references from his customers. It is very important to Demaree that he keeps up with all the changes that happen so quickly in the internet and hardware arena. He believes that Demaree wants small businesses to have the same advantages as large when his customers are successful his company will also be successful.

His vision is to think out of the box when solving problems. businesses have in regards to technology and services.

“I do not want my customers to have long down times because I know how that impacts their business,” Demaree said.

HTDNET is located in Catlett, but Demaree works with companies in Culpeper, Fauquier and Prince William, as well as clients nationwide. His Demaree and his team serve the role as “Help Desk” technicians and company monitors how satisfied businesses are with his service by listening are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week, but that is not all his to their feedback, reading reviews, personal interactions with his customers and staff and following the referrals he receives. company does.

HTDNET also is a telephone company for VolP phone solutions, complete Demaree stated eventually he would like to have a store front office in the with mobile apps, music on hold, call routing, and auto attendants among Vint Hill community. ​4​712 Dumfries Rd. ​Ca ​ tlett, VA • 540.905.8111 • mdemaree@htd.net 21

ORTHODONTIST

Eppard Orthodontics Holly Eppard DDS, MS For orthodontist Dr. Holly Eppard, making clients feel welcome and comfortable while visiting her office reigns paramount.

“It is important that we provide quality treatment in a family friendly atmosphere,” Eppard said.

areas, such as Rappahannock, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Greene Counties. She and her amazing team of eleven employees focus on providing customer service and patient care.

Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and correcting alignment.

This may require orthopedic devices for growing patients or jaw surgery for adult patients.

The waiting room has child appropriate video games that patients can play.

Eppard has a reward program for patients who follow good oral hygiene and wear their Eppard Ortho tee shirts. They earn pogs, which are tokens to Treatment time to correct orthodontic problems varies with each patient. It buy prizes on display in the waiting room. The wall of fame room is covered could be from months to years depending on the complexity of the problem. with signatures of people who finished their treatment.

Eppard is dedicated to continuing education to learn new techniques and Most of the patients are children and teenagers, but many adults also may provide efficient procedures and ideal treatment outcomes for all patients. require adjustment of their teeth. Eppard treats people of all ages, ranging Eppard Orthodontics is committed to providing affordable treatments and from ages 7 to 83. Teeth can shift throughout a lifetime. Retainers keep flexible financing options to patients. People may have insurance with them in place. Once treatment is complete, retainers must be worn for life. a dental plan, but coverage for orthodontics is often limited to a lifetime Eppard Orthodontics is a fully digital office. They utilize the iTero intraoral maximum. Eppard offers no interest payment plans. scanner to safely scan the patient’s mouth and create a digital mold instead The staff help patients to find payment options within their budgets. of goopy impressions that make patients uncomfortable.

She has an in-office 3D printer used to make customized clear aligners and Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m. An on-call retainers. Eppard provides customized treatment options, including clear assistant helps troubleshoot after hours orthodontic concerns. aligners, such as Invisalign, clear and metal braces.

Dr. Eppard graduated from West Virginia University in 2012 with her masters of science in Orthodontics, Certificate in Orthodontics and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She began practicing orthodontics with Dr. Robert Miller. In 2014, she purchased his Culpeper practice and established Eppard Orthodontics. The practice serves patients from Culpeper and surrounding

Dr. Eppard and her husband Scott live in Culpeper. Scott is a mortgage loan officer and branch manager at Ross Mortgage of Culpeper. They have identical twin girls, Charli and Mila, and a son Colton. Eppard grew up in Greene County and has supportive family and friends. She enjoys the Culpeper area and makes it a goal to give back to the community, supporting youth sports teams, high school projects and other local charities.

1100 Sunset Lane, Suite 1110 • 540.825.6064 • eppardortho.com 22

ELECTRIC COMPANY Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Jeff Henry One of Jeff Henry’s favorite things to do is to meet people and hear Traveling around the service area also enables Henry to enjoy the their stories, so it was a perfect fit to become Rappahannock Electric mountains and scenery he loves so much. Born and raised in Spotsylvania, Cooperative’s new Director of Member Services and Community Relations. he’d always been drawn to the Culpeper area. He began working for REC The position puts Henry in daily contact with people, and his smiling, in Fredericksburg as Supervisor of Billing and Metering, which, though he loved the job, automation made it very impersonal. When the opportunity bubbly demeanor naturally puts them at ease. arose to become Director of Member Services and Community Relations As the title suggests, Henry’s role for REC is two-fold: member services in the Culpeper office six months ago, he embraced the chance not only to and community relations. interact with people but to move closer to the mountains where he finds joy.

The Member Services role enables him to help REC members when they come to the office to pay their bill or to ask a question. He can personally Connecting REC with youth is another joy Henry finds in attending resolve payment issues and connect them with field reps to diagnose community events. At Eastern View High School’s 2022 BIE Day, a problems they may be having with their electricity or send someone out teacher mentioned two students in class who were interested in becoming linemen. REC arranged for someone to come speak to the class and to help connect solar panels or backup generators to their meters. speak to those students individually.

The Community Relations part takes Henry all over the REC service area, which covers parts of Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Fauquier, Greene, REC awards scholarships and supports worthwhile nonprofit community Rappahannock and Albemarle counties, attending events and activities. organizations. One organization that REC supports is especially near and REC is present at county parades, 4th of July celebrations, National Nights dear to Henry’s heart. TACO (Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange) serves special needs youths with activities such as horseback riding, Out and Trunk or Treat events.

“Where else can you stuff candy into REC branded bags and give it away?” music, and recreation. Henry’s 16-year-old son is autistic and benefits greatly from these outings. Henry feels a personal connection to the good he laughed.

REC is doing in the local area for local people.

Attending over 50 events throughout the course of the year brings him in contact with people from all walks of life. He portrays the helpful, smiling “I’m proud to work for a company that helps our community in this way,” face of REC to the public, offering support and hearing customer feedback. Henry said.

“Usually, what people have to say is positive,” Henry said. “It’s gratifying That pride and enthusiasm shows in Henry’s personable manner. to hear, but it’s just as gratifying to me when we hear about a problem Performing the duties of Director of Member Services and Community Relations for him is not a job but a joy that “never grows old.” and then get it solved for them.”

13252 Cedar Run Church Rd., Culpeper, VA • 540.825.8373 • www.myrec.coop 23

EYE CARE

Eye Care of Virginia Dr. Miles Press In his 51 years of experience, optometrist Dr. Miles Press has probably seen, jets over to Vietnam. He also saw over 10,000 dependents of active duty personnel at both bases. diagnosed or treated every kind of eye disorder there is.

“Every week, every day I see patients with unique problems,” Press said. After the military, he worked with opticians throughout Virginia, staying up “The key is, I work with my patients to solve those problems, sometimes to date on the newest advancements in eye care. He developed his own FDA-approved tinted soft contact lens in 1980 for which he sold the rights finding issues other doctors haven’t found.” to Ciba Vision in 1986.

Press, of Eye Care of Virginia, has a keen fascination with eye health that was sparked as a youngster in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His family’s optometrist, In 2013, he partnered with Walmart to open offices in King George Dr. Robert Morrison, noticed that Press was interested in what he was doing and Culpeper, where he continues to apply up-to-date procedures and technology to help his patients. during an annual eye exam.

“He took me downstairs and showed me around his contact lens Press offers a new product called MiSight©, a contact lens for children manufacturing company,” Press said. “He told me, ‘When you’re 16, I’ll put that slows the progression of nearsightedness by 59%. He said sadly more time spent on screens, virtual learning, and less time outdoors has fueled you to work for me.’” an increase in myopia among children aged 8-12 over the past five years.

And so, at age 16, he worked part-time for him after school.

“It’s so rewarding to see the improvements in vision MiSight© can make,” Press became immersed in the design and manufacture of soft contact Press said. lenses, brand new in the late 1960s and a boon to eye health. At that time, Morrison traveled to England on behest of the prince and princess and His concern for people’s eyesight expanded overseas from 2009 to 2011 was gifted a Rolls Royce by them for saving their daughter’s eyesight with when Press joined three medical mission trips to Peru. The only optometrist in a group of over 20 doctors, he was able to see 3,000 patients during a week’s revolutionary contact lenses. stay and help many there by providing eye exams and corrective lenses.

“When he brought back the prescription, I was the one who cut the curves Closer to home, Press saved a child’s vision by identifying an issue no one on those lenses,” Press recalled. else discovered and referring him to a specialist for treatment. He diagnosed Following pre-optometry courses at the local community college, Press, cancer in a patient during her eye exam, which she hadn’t known she had. armed with a letter of referral by Morrison, enrolled in the New England He has brought diabetic patients’ vision back to 20/20.

College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1971.

Fifty-one years of success in treating eye health concerns such as these Press then joined the Air Force as an optometrist and captain. He worked has earned Press a reputation among patients that awarded him Culpeper’s in the flight surgeon’s offices at Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field and Best of the Best seven years straight and continues to spur him on in his was held responsible for all the flight officers who flew the gunships and mission for excellence in eye care.

801 James Madison Hwy, Culpeper, VA • 540.825.3937 • eyecareofva@aol.com 24