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When Dave Matthews penned his lyrics referring to it being hot enough to fry an egg for his hit song “Stay (Wasting Time),” it’s certainly believable that he could have been referring to a steamy day in the Charlottesville area. But while things have been heating up around town, we’ve been doing anything but wasting time in order to bring you our August kids and pets issue!
Starting off, we feature a gorgeous home in Charlottesville with innovative design elements that allow all of that summer sun to shine in. But you won’t want to miss seeing the home’s outdoor space too, with landscaping that would beckon anyone to embrace the heat and sit outside sipping their favorite beverage.
We will hear from the people who provide top-notch care like veterinarians Dr. Scheller and Dr. Sims of Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic and we are also highlighting some favorite spots around the area from Jess Schneiderman, the founder of Sadie’s Rules K9 Training.
For kid-friendly fun, we’re diving into some homemade frozen sweet treats that even little ones can help you whip up. And we just had to include some tips on how to spend long summer days together as a family.
New this month, we also introduce our City Scene section, dedicated to showcasing events all around the area, from festivals and concerts to theater productions, business openings, and other celebrations that make this the place we love to call home. We invite you to not only see what all of our neighbors have been up to around town but to also let us know about happenings in the community by tagging @citylifestylecharlottesville in your Instagram photos. If selected, you may be featured in future issues.
Last but not least, make sure to check out our upcoming events section, highlighting plenty of places to soak up some sun as well as a couple that are fit for cooling off. Whichever you choose, we hope to see you there!
Until next month, friends!
Warmly,
JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLECHARLOTTESVILLE
PUBLISHER
James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Corbett Smithson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
The Charred Cask, Kelsey Crews (KMC Photo and Film), Weining Ding, AB Garrod, Sky Mast, Foreign Playerz, Kori Price, Robert Szabo, David Withers
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Jess Schneiderman
Take
Learn
By Lee Angelo Marraccini
Whether you're looking to remodel your home, install a new deck, or need a general contractor, the experts at Troup Custom Carpentry deliver top-notch service and high-quality craftsmanship. With an eye on collaboration, you can trust that any custom carpentry project will fulfill your vision. Scan to read more
Jamie Waller's passion for providing personalized service for both buyers and sellers has helped her become one of the area's most distinguished real estate agents. Her focus on local collaborations and her distinct hands-on approach makes the process of buying or selling a breeze.
From tree and shrub planting, pruning, trimming, and removal to storm damage preparation and emergency services, the certified professionals at Arboristry (A Davey Tree Expert) can help you care for your landscape and keep your property and family safe. You can count on them to provide high-quality service using science-based methods that create minimal environmental impact.
Jess Schneiderman shares her favorite spots in and around Charlottesville.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY CREWS, ROBERT SZABO, DAVID WITHERS
JESS SCHNEIDERMAN NUMBER 1:
Founder of Sadie’s Rules K9 Training, Jess utilizes her years of experience to implement training that improves dogs’ behavior and well-being.
COUNTRYSIDE PET GROOMING NUMBER 2: Jess’s go-to for grooming.
ROCKFISH VALLEY TRAIL NUMBER 3: Hike this dog-friendly trail then sip cider at Bold Rock.
ADAPT NUMBER 4: "The best gym!"
NOW & ZEN NUMBER 5:
Let the dogs rest at home while you relax over sushi in this ultra-comfy spot.
GET A GLIMPSE OF THIS COZY AND UNIQUE CHARLOTTESVILLE HOME.
"I wake up each morning and want to write a love letter to my house..."
Nestled on a hill in the northern section of downtown Charlottesville is Stasia Greenewalt’s cozy home that radiates comforting old-fashioned feels from the outside while sporting an impressive design inside that blends modern and mid-century style. Just a short walk or bike ride away from the Downtown Mall, Greenewalt’s home is a treasure surrounded by native plants and filled with her own style and art that she has masterfully curated.
In 2021, Greenewalt decided to make the move from an old rural farmhouse where she had lived for years with the intention of settling into an environment that would offer a different experience for her teenage children. Seeking just the right balance between a home that would be welcoming to her growing boys but also a space that would be exactly what she needed when they were eventually off on their own, she set her sights on this beautiful spot on Northwood Avenue. Built in 1958, the newly renovated home that still retained its original charm caught her eye.
“I was really grateful it was recently renovated. The family that was here before did some major renovations all around and then moved out. They re-did the kitchen, opened up the living space, and finished the basement,” Greenewalt said.
Prior to the updates, the spaces were more closed off, but with the help of the previous owners’ renovators, the the floor plan was made more open. Meanwhile, the basement was also finished, making it the perfect space for another bedroom and a bathroom as well.
Since 2021, Greenewalt has made the space her own, lining the oak floors with gorgeous rugs garnered on her travels and creating a comfortable space adorned with artwork that evokes memories and channels the community.
“A lot of the art is made by family or friends and people of Charlottesville. There’s a lot of art by my uncle David
Fincham who passed away in the early 90s… and a painting by Edward Thomas from the day they took down Trax,” Greenewalt said.
She also has pieces of her own artwork and her son’s as well as pieces that feature cows of Charlottesville, the south of France, and an exceptional painting by local artist Lara Call Gastinger that is so intricate it appears to be a drawing.
The house also offers other features like incredible stained glass that Greenewalt has fallen in love with, a gorgeous bay window, and a beautiful upstairs bathroom that boasts natural light and a clean-edge design that’s entirely unique.
The home's bright kitchen is a cozy spot where she often utilizes the raised bar for gathering or dining. Greenewalt says she appreciates that the space also seamlessly flows into her dining area, making it feel completely connected. As an added bonus, the kitchen features exposed shelves that she regularly arranges, making for a pretty presentation.
The living room is a fluid area, with the composure changing seasonally. In the cooler months, Greenewalt considers it a “fireplace-centric” room, with couches and chairs cozily arranged by the decades-old fireplace that emits more than enough warmth to make anyone want to hunker down fireside.
In the warmer seasons, it’s easy to settle in on the house’s back patio. After strolling past the black cohosh and cardinal flowers planted along the side of the house, Greenewalt can settle in under the shade of the large red maple in her serene backyard. Filled with meadow rue and hydrangeas, the planting of which was guided by Michelle Smith of Fine Gardening and Consultation, the backyard is a peaceful retreat. The historic cast iron panels once
"A lot of the art is made by family or friends and people of Charlottesville." “ ”
recovered from a renovation of the Rotunda that are now adorning the exterior of her garage are just another addition that makes the house memorable.
When not relaxing in the back of her house on the patio, Greenewalt often finds herself on her semi-private front porch which overlooks the lawn planted with wood astor, mountain mint, serviceberries, ferns, and Annabelle hydrangeas.
“It sits up on a hill which is really amazing for porch-sitting because it’s wooded -- it feels private
but friendly,” said Greenewalt, also remarking that she enjoys being able to interact with passersby while engaging in work or relaxing.
Greenewalt couldn’t be more grateful for finding this cute, comfortable, and well-designed home when she was looking to move in 2021. From sunshine-filled summers to chilly nights warming up by the fire, she adores the opportunity to call this her home.
“I wake up each morning and want to write a love letter to my house. It’s the perfect place for me.”
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SKY MAST
TWO LOCAL VETERINARIANS ARE COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY
“The two say that their dream is for people to feel proud to have Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic as part of their community.
Doctors Kristen Scheller and Anna Sims of Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic come from a long background of loving animals as much as they adore giving back to the community. Even before serving at their clinic, they've also contributed to their communities.
While Dr. Scheller enjoyed her family’s fostering of dogs as she grew up, it wasn’t until college that she found herself engaged in the concept of caring for pets as a career. She then pursued a veterinary degree and ultimately took on the role of Director of Veterinary Services at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA before moving on to private practices and house calls.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sims spent much of her early years after college dedicating her time to mastering the skill of high-quality high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) and working in animal shelters. She is still currently doing crucial work for the Madison-Greene Humane Society.
Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic is passionate about caring for pets. The clinic’s dedicated team of veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians can provide preventative, diagnostic, and dental care as well as perform surgeries and other services. Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic is located at 32 Mill Creek Drive, Suite 110, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902.
Now, the two say that their dream is for people to feel proud to have Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic as part of their community. They’ve been making that possible by welcoming visits from pet parents with their dogs without scheduled appointments to create lower-stress environments, donating to Madison-Greene Humane Society, and potentially hosting a children’s summer camp next summer.
"In addition to providing excellent, ethical veterinary care to the pets in Charlottesville, [we] would love to serve as a hub of knowledge about animals as well as an inviting, friendly place to visit."
C u r a t e d c o l l e c t i o n o f l o c a l a n d
i n t e r n a t i o n a l o r i g i n a l a r t w o r k s
D e s i g n e r M i d C e n t u r y M o d e r n D é c o r
W i d e s e l e c t i o n o f v i n t a g e g o l d a n d s i l v e r j e w e l r y
P e r s i a n & o t h e r h a n d w o v e n r u g s
1 2 1 W M a i n S t , D o w n t o w n M a l l , C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e w w w . c
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
The days are long, but the years go fast. So they say with raising children. I have to agree with that sentiment. Each year as summer ends I find myself looking at my kids and reminding myself to “Watch them grow!” Both as a reminder to not miss the growth (with all the distractions and responsibilities that adult life brings) but also as reflection on how far they’ve come since the last time we turned the calendar page to August. Whether there are children in your life or not, I’m sure we can all agree that childhood is fleeting. Instead of stopping to smell the roses, I need to remind myself to “stop and watch them grow”—you can’t see it if you stare, but you’ll surely miss it if you blink! It helps me to set aside intentional time to be present with these fast little growers.
For us that looks like setting a special table to spend time sharing (or drawing) how we’ve seen them grow over the summer before jumping back into school routines. Making DIY game boards together and then having a family game night. Making snow cones for an after-dinner treat or, for a bigger wow factor, for breakfast! They will never forget that one, I promise. (Psst! my snow cones are made with fruit juice so it’s Mommy approved too!)
As August rolls in and the calendar tells us that it’s time for back-to-school shopping, the weather does not usually agree that the times are changing. I find that it’s such
a weird dance between what looks like the change of seasons when I open my calendar but not when I walk out my back door (heat wave!). On one hand, we’re still in full throttle of blazing temperatures in the Midwest and with no end in sight. At the same time, being thrown into back-to-school shopping, Meet-the-Teacher nights, resuming the regiment of packing school lunches, and if you’re a homeschool parent, all the to-do lists and lesson plans in order to launch into another school year. As we find ourselves
with one foot in summer and the other in a classroom, how do we embrace and (dare I say) celebrate this month? Instead of feeling ungrounded in the juxtaposition of August, I am inviting myself, and anyone who would join me, to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the in-between seasons that this month brings. My hope is that these ideas help spark your imagination on how to keep you cool in the heat, launch your kiddos into a new school year, and to set aside time to watch them grow.
Welcome more play into your life with this little DIY project. At our house we like to keep outdoor game boards around for short moments together as well as full blown game nights. These game boards are meant to be kept outside but could also be brought indoors as well.
Materials
• Pebbles for Checkers, 24 similar sized
• Small stones for Tic-Tac-Toe, 8 similar sized
• Acrylic paints (black, red, yellow and white)
• Paint brush
• Raw wooden boards + black paint marker
• Reclaimed wood + black acrylic paint
• Polycrylic spray
Instructions
1. Game Pieces: Paint your rocks with acrylic paint. For Tic-Tac-Toe you’ll need a total of 8 rocks, 4 of each type (here I’ve painted 4 lady bugs and 4 bumble bees). For Checkers you’ll need a total of 24 rocks, 12 of each color (here I’ve used black stones, painting half of them red).
2. Game Board: For raw wood (such as our TicTac-Toe board), use a ruler and black paint marker to create board lines. For reclaimed or treated wood, use paint. Let game pieces and game boards fully dry. Seal with a polycrylic spray for protection from heat and moisture.
We adore snow cones at our house! If you’ve been to our house then we’ve probably served them to you. A shaved ice machine makes it oh-so-easy! You can purchase premade snow cone syrup flavors or make your own healthier version by using fruit juice concentrates. Simply thaw the frozen fruit juice concentrate and put the liquid into squeezy bottles for an easy way to pour over shaved ice.
Assemble
• Ice, lots of ice!
• Snow Cone Machine
• Snow Cone Cups
• Snow Cone Straws
• Snow Cone Syrups (or frozen juice concentrates, thawed)
Use a snow cone machine to shave ice into snow cone cups. Top with your favorite flavor—either store bought snow cone syrups, homemade syrups, or our favorite—fruit concentrates. Stay cool and celebrate the last days of summer heat! CONTINUED >
To recreate this tablescape, see the list of items below. This list is meant to be used as a guide and not a rule book. Using items that you already own not only saves you a shopping trip but also encourages (often forces) creativity! All it takes to make a tablescape beautiful is by using LAYERS both vertically and horizontally. For layering vertically, create a centerpiece with three different heights. On this tablescape I used:
1) a plant for the highest layer
2) outdoor spheres as a midsized layer
3) wooden items such as game pieces and game boards for the lower layer
For layering horizontally, layer your place settings by using 1) terracotta plant saucers, 2) green plates, and 3) mini cupcake stands topped with a small terracotta pot and flower.
Centerpiece Items {Layer Vertically}
• Large plant (I used my Pothos)
• Game pieces (yard dice shown here)
• DIY game boards (see instructions above)
Place Setting Items {Layer Horizontally}
You will need one of each item per guest at your table:
• Small terracotta pot
• Small wooden coaster
• Mini cupcake stand
• Green plate
• Tea towel (instead of napkins)
• 12.2 inch terracotta plant saucer (as plate chargers)
• Flowers (faux or real)
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
ARTICLE
BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA
BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
CONTINUED >
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
“Grier brings a wealth of resources and a strong market understanding to the table, along with reliable intuition and responsiveness. We greatly appreciate her attentive listening and clear communication.” Melina D., Buyer & Seller in Charlottesville
GRIER MURPHY
Associate Broker, GRI 434.466.5850 | griermurphy.com | griermurphy@nestrealty.com
SATURDAYS
Storytime
New Dominion Bookshop | 11:00 AM
Spend an hour on Saturday mornings at New Dominion Bookshop's all-age Storytime event. Settle in to listen to tales that range from beloved classics to new books that are bound to become favorites, all read by the shop's own Storytime Leader. NDBookshop.com
MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS THROUGH AUGUST 27TH
Cultivating Curiosity
Carter Mountain Orchard | 10:30 AM
Throughout summer, Carter Mountain Orchard hosts this educational program for children with various themes that range from fruits and flowers to pollinators. During the event, children can engage in storytime, pick fruit, make a craft, and enjoy a snack. Adults must remain present with children throughout their time at the orchard. ChilesFamilyOrchards.com
AUGUST 10TH
Starry Nights All Day Festival
Veritas Winery | 1:00 PM
Veritas Vineyard and Winery's all-day family-friendly event will feature music from Beatles cover band AbbeyRoad, local favorites Chamomile and Whiskey, and 80s tribute band The Legwarmers. Food trucks will be onsite or purchasers of higher-tiered tickets can enjoy meals prepared at the winery. Tickets are available at: VeritasWines.com
AUGUST 16TH
Supper Series with Jean-Paul
Veritas Winery | 6:30 PM
Veritas Winery will continue its monthly supper series in August with Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois. The wine-paired meal will feature the chef's Southern-inspired cuisine with the backdrop of the winery's impressive landscape. For tickets and to see future Supper Series dates, go to VeritasWines.com
AUGUST 28TH
Let's Talk Tomatoes Cooking Class
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards | 6:00 PM
Visit this vineyard for an evening of wine-sipping and learning with Chef Victoria. The interactive lesson that demonstrates how to make tarts and vinaigrette will be followed by a family-style meal in Pippin Hill's tasting room. PippinHillFarm.com
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Claudius Crozet Dog Park | 10:00 AM
Benefitting Crozet Park and the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, the Sit, Stay Crozet Dog Fest will showcase dog-friendly businesses and organizations as well as opportunities for pet adoption. The festival will also feature family-friendly activities, food, beer and wine, and a live DJ. Purchase tickets at CrozetDogFest.com
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