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Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER

Feather Wright | feather.wright@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Doc Ashby | doc.ashby@lifestylepubs.com

Humbled To Be Home HELLO WILLIAMSBURG!

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

I am Christopher Ashby, the editorial coordinator for Williamsburg Lifestyle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Magazine. I had the fortunate opportunity to serve as an Army Medic, so my friends

Doc Ashby

call me “Doc.” While I enjoyed my time in uniform, I am thrilled to be able to tell the stories behind the businesses and individuals who make up my hometown. Williamsburg has been my home for more than thirty years, and I look forward to

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindsey Lyons

sharing the stories that make this area so special. This issue is the men’s issue to coincide with Father’s Day. In addition to the fatherly focus, we take a look at the entrepreneurial spirit of Williamsburg with the expansion of a local food trucking hero and other small business spotlights. We take a behind the scenes look at the motivators and lessons behind area leaders, and the inner workings of a brewery producing world-renown beers. Our features focus is on a Veteran nonprofit taking our nation’s heroes to new heights through empowering forms of Veteran Adventure Therapy ™. United States Marine Corps veteran, Robbie Hill, shares how skydiving is changing the lives of warriors after their time in service.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Our backstage feature highlights the roots and rise of two local musicians chas-

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

ing their dreams. Sammy Lee returned home from Nashville, Tennessee with fresh

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

sounds and opportunities for other local artists to collaborate. Country music

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

sensation, Canaan Smith, discusses his time with Florida Georgia Line and his

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Williamsburg roots. Smith talks about his vision for what’s to come in this senti-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Doc Ashby, Editorial Coordinator 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg ON THE COVER Canaan Smith PHOTOGRAPHY BY KURT OZAN 4

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 Williamsburg Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Williamsburg areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Williamsburg Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2020

FEATURES 14 Small Town Giants Local Musicians Spreading Their Wings

22 Leaders Of The Pack A Candid Look At What Inspires Local Leaders

26 24 Hours Of Beer On The Wall From Tap To Tokyo The Virginia Beer Company Never Stops

22 14

30 America’s Veteran Skydive Team Veteran Adventure Therapy with Mission Volant

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Culinary Creations

Back Stage

Locally Owned

22 Inspired By 26 Local Limelight 30 Giving Back 34 Local’s Choice

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GOOD TIMES

Quarantine Routine Our lifestyles have changed and these locals are taking advantage of time with family, friends, and pets also serving our community.

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Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS

the bosses with the sauces

Matt and Nicole Sileno, owners of Matchsticks BBQ

THE HONEYMOON SUITE IS PERHAPS THE LAST PLACE ONE WOULD EXPECT TO ATTEND A BUSINESS MEETING, BUT THAT WAS PRECISELY WHERE THE IDEA FOR MATCHSTICKS BBQ WAS CONCEIVED. For Matt and Nicole Sileno, two entrepreneurial spirits with corporate jobs in northern Virginia, working sixty hours per week for twenty years in hopes of retiring was not an option. The duo settled on becoming barbeque restaurateurs and drafted a business plan

ENTREPRENEURAL COUPLE TAKES BBQ FROM FOOD TRUCK TO FAMILY TRADITION

for a brick and mortar operation to begin serving foodies their proprietary perfection. To make the dream a reality cost way more than anticipated. The young entrepreneurs pivoted from the original vision for a fixed location and found a food truck

ARTICLE DOC ASHBY | PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSEY LYONS

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

as a cost-effective mobile means to launch the venture. Then came the smoker, followed by countless bad or inedible briskets.

Something for everyone on this menu!

“The trial-and-error was exhausting!” Matt recalled. However,

a flagship location in Williamsburg. The truck remains an asset

with time, the process became formulaic and successful. Their

for the popular mobile catering division of their soon-to-be brick

cornerstone sauce is modeled after a childhood inspiration of

and mortar location in Midtown Row.

Matt’s. Wilbur’s BBQ, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, served a

THE THREE SIGNATURE SAUCES ARE:

spicy vinegar sauce that Sileno hoped to share with the next gen-

+ State Sauce: vinegar base with heat

eration of food fanatics in Virginia. Once the pair found the sweet

+ Pit Sauce: sweet and tangy with a tomato base

spot on the recipe the food side of the business began falling

+ Match Sauce: a sweet and spicy flavor bomb

into place. The Matchsticks truck was seen from Richmond to

The menu appeals to the most critical carnivores and vegans

Hampton for various events and catering jobs as their popularity

equally. The veggie bean burger and jackfruit BBQ sandwich,

grew throughout 2017 and 2018. Over the years the Matchsticks

alongside vegan lemon slaw, receive stellar reviews. The sauces

team gained experience and creativity while keeping the basics

and rubs are packaged for retail, online sales, and local distribu-

simple: three sauces and three rubs. Hundreds of combinations

tion. The Matchsticks truck will be at upcoming events through-

were sampled before settling on the classic beef, pork, and

out the region, and Matt and Nicole cannot wait to host patrons

poultry dry rubs. In 2019 Matchsticks was ready for expansion to

in their permanent location soon!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

Meat- free, and FULL of flavor!

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

Living their best life

jackfruit bbq sandwich + 1 - tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil + 1 - yellow onion thinly sliced + 2 - cloves of garlic chopped + ¼ - teaspoon of kosher salt + 1 - 20 oz. can of Jackfruit (in brine) drained + 1/2 - cup water + 1/2 - cup of Matchsticks Pit Sauce + 2 - Buns + 1/2 - cup of Lemon Slaw DIRECTIONS Drizzle one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil onto a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add onions and salt, sauté until almost caramelized. Add garlic and sauté for one minute. Press drained jackfruit with paper towels to remove some moisture. Pull jackfruit apart and remove any hard pieces. Add jackfruit to pan and sauté until jackfruit starts to brown. Add water and Matchsticks Pit sauce and turn down heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 5 minutes. Pile jackfruit on your favorite buns or sliders and top it with our Matchsticks Lemon Slaw and enjoy! Check out all the latest at www.matchsticksbbq.com Follow them on Instagram @matchsticksbbqco and Facebook: Matchsticks BBQ Co.

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

BACK STAGE

Small Town Giants SAMMY LEE

ARTICLE DOC ASHBY

played musical festivals, bars, and an entire circuit six days

Every artist that experiences a breakthrough must first

a week. This grueling schedule was everything he hoped

experience a crucible moment where one goes all in. This

for until it revealed a previously undiagnosed condition,

point is often the deciding factor for careers that never

multiple sclerosis. His body began shutting down and

blossom or become that of legend. Sammy Lee’s moment

Lee, returned to Virginia, resigned himself to a short-lived

was being booed offstage at a college songwriter show-

musical career.

case. This pain point tested him and forged his talented swagger fans have grown to appreciate today.

His new plan was to focus attention on his music consultation business, grown from his musician contacts in

Before Sammy made believers out of hecklers, he

Nashville, now that his performing days were finished.

grew up in a military family that moved every two years.

While rehabilitating, through nutrition and exercise, word

Sammy is one of three kids whose best friend was the

got out that Sammy had returned home to Williamsburg.

radio. Sammy’s earliest inspiration came in the form

The local contingency was unwilling to accept that he had

of Kenny G, whose smooth jazz sparked hope that one

given up entertaining them. Today, Sammy Lee writes

day he would entertain audiences with such ease. Lee’s

with a renewed enthusiasm in creating his most techni-

ear also gravitated toward Miles Davis and the Dave

cally challenging and inspiring work. “Between Project

Matthews Band. At the age of four, Sammy developed at

Argos Initiative, and writing as much as I have been, I’ve

aptitude to play the piano by ear. His improvisation on the

fallen back in love with music again,” Lee admits. Fans can

keyboard led to him experimenting with more than fifteen

expect a cadence driven, collaborative, self-titled album

instruments by high school. He arranged music by ear,

in the coming months. Sammy credits his new album

which produced a folk and blues sound, and expressed

influences on gypsy-jazz artist Paul Todd, Nathaniel

his teenage emotions through poetry that became some

Rateliff and The Night Sweats, Marc Broussard, and Chris

of his early song lyrics – although Sammy adamantly iden-

Stapleton. He also started a new business, Iota Music,

tified as a songwriter and not a vocalist.

which partners with Retro Daddio on Mooretown Road to

In 2014, Sammy left for Nashville where he was accepted into the fold of Tennessee up-and-comers. He

create a mobile recording studio for local artists to record original content.

Jake Caburian Photography

LOCAL MUSICIANS SPREADING THEIR WINGS

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

CONTINUED >

Sa m m y L e e

Jake Caburian Photography

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

Canaan Smith

Photo provided by Canaan Smith

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

CANAAN SMITH

first full studio album, titled Bronco. In 2015, Canaan toured with

“Williamsburg was a town that never did me wrong, [it]

Dierks Bentley which helped him achieve chart-topping singles

always had what I was looking for,” stated Canaan Smith, the

and a tour with Florida Georgia Line. The last several years have

Williamsburg native turned country music star. The Lafayette High

brought great fortune and new challenges as Canaan, a recent

School graduate recounted his earliest gigs played at Aromas

father, charges into 2020. “It’s hard to be a parent,” exclaims

Coffee Shop, on Prince George Street, for a handful of patrons

Canaan, father to a five-month-old daughter. Fatherhood intro-

on Thursday nights. “I grew up on the Toano - Williamsburg line.

duced a maturity and awareness of humanity in his upcoming

Richmond Road was where it all went down for me,” Canaan rem-

projects as he balances both being a new dad and recording

inisced. He laughed out loud as he recalled rowdy times back in

new singles. His upcoming project is all about his roots. Listeners

his old stomping grounds. Canaan always felt drawn to the roots

can expect singles “Sweet Virginia,” “Cabin in The Woods,” and

of old country music and his experiences flow naturally through

“Colder Than You” to take them into his deep love for Virginia. “I

the storytelling of that genre. “There’s a safety and pride I take in

want Virginia fans to rally behind their hometown boy and know

sharing heartbreak, anger, nostalgia, and partying through coun-

how proud I am to sing about home.” Canaan emphasized the

try music,” Canaan stated. Smith knew that the move to Nashville

importance of sharing hope. “I’m living proof that the garage

in 2005 would lead to the next level for his musical career.

band success story can come true.” Canaan’s songs catalogue a

After almost a decade of hard work, by 2014, Canaan married his fiancée Christy, recorded his self-titled EP, then released his

love for music and life which are grounded in his humble beginnings. “I will never not be a Williamsburg, Virginian.”

Photography Kurt Ozan

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

SUPPORT LOCAL! PP

ORT

LOCAL B US

UPPORT LOCA S S L

LOCAL BU S

IN UPPORT LOCA S S L

ORT

P UP

support local non-profits!

LOCALLY OWNED

WILLIAMSBURG LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE LOOKS FORWARD TO SHARING THE STORIES

BEHIND

THE

HEADLINES,

EVERY MONTH. The backbone of this community is made up of the small businesses and non-profits supporting it. We wanted to turn the spotlight onto a few area non-profits that are always leveling up, and make the Williamsburg Lifestyle experience what it is to all of us.

WILLIAMSBURG HOUSE OF MERCY 10 Harrison Ave, Williamsburg, 23185 (757) 229-3700 williamsburghouseofmercy.org Williamsburg House of Mercy is a lead partner in emergency shelter and food provisions for our area during the COVID-19 outbreak. “Monday-Friday, we have a drive-thru food pantry from 10am-2pm. Food, diapers, feminine hygiene items, and toiletries are being distributed. Our homeless and housing services continue; we are working to reunify homeless individuals with support networks, providing emergency shelter and working to get individuals rapidly rehoused. We are also continuing our noon-1pm Community Kitchen meal as carryout.” More than 6,000 individuals have received food and more than 18,504 diapers and feminine hygiene products have been distributed in our drive-thru food pantry. You can join in helping this mission by dropping off canned goods, volunteering, hosting food drives, and sending donations. Check out their website for more information.

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

AVALON CENTER (757) 258-5022

WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

24-Hour Helpline (757) 258-5051 avaloncenter.org

1323 Jamestown Rd, Suite 103, Williamsburg, 23185

Avalon Center works to end domestic and sexual violence by breaking the

(757) 259-1660

cycle of abuse through education, prevention, shelter and support services in

williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org

the Greater Williamsburg and Middle Peninsula communities.

The Williamsburg Community Foundation enhances the quality of

“We share a vision of an aware community that works together to pro-

life in greater Williamsburg by connecting people with causes that

mote healthy relationships. Trained staff answer the helpline 24 hours a

matter, managing charitable funds, and providing grants and schol-

day providing safety planning, support, information and referrals. Other

arships for our community’s most pressing needs and promising

services provided include: hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy,

opportunities. The foundation has distributed $6.8 million in grants

case management, counseling and support services for youth. Last year,

and scholarships combined since 1999.

Avalon provided shelter for 220 survivors in our area and over 500 survivors received assistance through outreach offices.

In 2020, the Community Emergency Response Fund was created to provide emergency grants to local nonprofits who provide direct

Women with children are currently being sheltered in one of our six

services to people hardest hit by COVID-19. The first round of grants

2-bedroom apartments, but the 20-bed communal shelter had to be

went to six organizations that are providing primarily food and shelter

closed due to COVID-19 concerns. We are utilizing hotel rooms for single

to local residents who have lost income because of the shutdown.

adults needing shelter and staff continue to deliver support services.” Unfortunately, home is not always a safe place and Avalon has seen an

Anyone can make a donation to the Community Emergency Response Fund by visiting our website or mailing a check to the

increase in calls for help. We currently need gift cards for grocery stores,

Williamsburg Community Foundation office.

nonperishable foods, paper products and cash donations.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WARREN HUNNICUTT

avalon center

WILLIAMSBURG AREA MEALS ON WHEELS 1769 Jamestown Rd, Suite 2-C, Williamsburg, 23185 (757) 229-9250

wmbgmealsonwheels.com Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels since 1974 has been delivering hot, nutritious meals to those in our community who, for a physical or mental impairment, are unable to prepare meals for themselves. “Not only are our clients receiving daily meals but our volunteers act as a safety net as well, alerting staff to any concerns they may have. In 2019, not only did our organization deliver over 28,000 meals to adults in our community, but our organization this past summer also delivered an additional 7,000 meals to children living in area motels. We have seen our numbers grow over the last several years, nothing compares though to the growth we have seen since.“ Regarding COVID-19; how can you help? Financial contributions are appreciated and we are always looking for volunteers to help deliver. Please

williamsburg community foundation

visit our website for more information.

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

THANK YOU TO THE WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORTING OLD CITY BARBEQUE, ALL OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR TAKEOUT OR CURBSIDE ORDER!

757.378.5125

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Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

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INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE DOC ASHBY

LEADERS OF THE PACK

PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSEY LYONS

A CANDID LOOK AT WHAT INSPIRES LOCAL LEADERS

danni stylez

Photography Edward Arias

Q: WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR IN BUSINESS? A: My first year as a barber was challenging as a stranger in a new country. It’s hard to survive as a barber, so I was saving every cent and trying to get as many customers as possible. I was desperate to improve my technique. Q: WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE? A: My parents are my biggest influence. They taught me to love God and respect other people. We were poor in Colombia, but there was always enough on the table to feed us. They always worked hard, so I knew what to do when I was coming to the United States. Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? A: Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

OWNER & BARBER INTERNATIONAL STYLEZ

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

Q: WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

A: I am a very work driven person. Once again, Warren

A: I would say my parents, who I owe everything to.

gave me some great advice. Years ago, I was in town for

They are both very kind people, and have a very strong

a while sharing a story, where my roommate at the time

work ethic, raising me to treat people equally. My mom is

offered me a free trip to Florida. I declined it because I

even still working, after more than 60 years at NASA. I was

didn’t want to feel like I was riding along. Warren over-

determined to find something that I enjoy - that makes life

heard this and asked, “What the hell are you doing here?

so much easier. That work ethic and my father’s humor

Get the hell out of my gym and go!” He did kick me out,

are two great things that I rely on. Warren was the previ-

and I was on a plane 4 hours later. I will always thank him

ous owner of the gym, who was also a huge influence as

for kicking me out of the gym. Sometimes you need to be

well. He used humor and made people smile, and wanted

a little spontaneous and enjoy life.

everyone he came in contact with to be healthy. He truly cared and had a gift. I truly cannot thank him enough for all he taught me.

scott grafton

OWNER IRONBOUND GYM

I was determined to find something that I enjoy - that makes l i f e s o m u c h e a s i e r.

Lindsey Lyons Photography

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

adam steely Q: WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR ON THE JOB? A: I must say I was the worst busboy the restaurant had ever hired. The Maitre d’ realized that I would be much better in a position that allowed me to put my outgoing personality to use. When we opened Blue Talon Bistro in September of 2004, David Everett and I had been a part of the construction crew, so it was fantastic to show people what we’d built. Q: WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO? A: Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca - he was the

OWNER

coolest guy I’d ever seen. I still have a thing for a white dinner jacket and Louis Armstrong.

ILLY CAFE & BLUE TALON BISTRO

Lindsey Lyons Photography

t e d p o l k Q: WHAT WAS THE FIRST YEAR IN BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF LIKE? A: I was a recently single dad with a four-year-old and an eight-year-old. The job that I was supposed to start was delayed, and I was forced to do small jobs and look for work. When we had Hurricane Isabel, I went into the tree removal business. This led to repairs needing to be done, which sustained me for months. As a result, the people that I did the repairs for referred me to their friends and it’s been steady since. Q: WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO? A: Growing up my dad was self-employed. He always made sure that we had food on the table and a safe home. As a teenager, he taught me how to work hard. He also taught me how to be a good parent, and husband, by the way he treated my mom. He showed me how to live a life devoted to God, by his actions and the way he treated his clients...not just toward the ones that paid him on time, but also to the ones who were unfair with him.

OWNER TSP CONSTRUCTION 24

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

benny zhang

Photography Yuri Adams

Q: WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR ON THE JOB? A: Having been sworn-in on July 1, 2016, I ran on the philosophy of how local government can be proactively responsive to its residents, which was epitomized in my motto, “My Neighbor, Benny.” In its core I saw it as: “community first, not politics as usual.” The motto was also inspired by my faith “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” My first year was definitely an adjustment period. For me, it was an honor to serve with Scott Foster, who was the first William & Mary student elected in the City’s history. Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED? A: Every year, the Dean of the Law School gives a sermon at the Wren Chapel. I’ll never forget a Bible passage he mentioned, Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test

CITY COUNCILMAN

and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Since then, it’s been not only my favorite Bible passage, but also important advice for my work in

CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG

electoral politics. Lindsey Lyons Photography

mike k a v a n a g h Q: WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO? A: If I have to be honest - Maverick, on Top Gun. I was going to be a fighter pilot one day. Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED? A: You get one life, make it a good one, and be grateful. I take this to mean to strive to be a better father, son, brother, and citizen in the community. I try to remember that I get to live in Williamsburg, Virginia. I’ve been to places all over the world; Williamsburg is truly a great community.

ATTORNEY LAW OFFICE OF MIKE P. KAVANAGH CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ARTICLE DOC ASHBY | PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSEY LYONS

24 HOURS OF BEER ON T H E WA L L 26

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

THE VIRGINIA BEER COMPANY, FOUNDED IN 2016, HAS ARGUABLY BECOME THE SOCIAL CENTER OF WILLIAMSBURG, LOCATED ON SECOND STREET, NOT FAR FROM THE HISTORIC COLONIAL AREA. It is a brewery within a brewery, host to more than one hundred unique beer formulas crafted on site. Patrons are invited to enjoy games, live entertainment, and a seemingly endless caravan of food trucks. All of this is made possible by creating a care free brew pub experience, every single day. While cracking open a cold one is synonymous with 5pm, the first shift of brewers arrive at 5am. Virginia Beer Company brewer AJ Stauber, explains that, “before the food truck pulls up for the day or Good Shot Judy does their soundcheck, or anything else happens, the hot liquor tank gets recirculated and the trough needs rinsing.” A clean in place (CIP) system is employed to prepare the tanks and equipment for a day of brewing. Every day is different and therefore efficiency is a key ingredient to a seamless hand-off from the first to second shift of brewers. One or two brewers work in tandem each shift, for approximately ten hours, with varying amounts of overlap. The most time-consuming

FROM TAP TO TOKYO THE VIRGINIA BEER COMPANY NEVER STOPS

task is cleaning. Eliminating unwanted bacteria from one batch to the next is critical to maintain the standard expected of this brewery within a brewery. Maintaining sixteen drafts in the taproom, with at least twelve rotating regularly to highlight their four mainstays, requires teams dedicated to their specific tasks to create a consistent experience for patrons on site and those enjoying Virginia Beer Company drafts around the world. Canning, filling kegs, and pouring are happening simultaneously. The five-barrel brewing pilot systems allow new formulas to be tested at the taps by customers to determine which ones are suited for distribution to local grocers and restaurants featuring the latest drafts. Their thirty-barrel system creates the popular Free Verse, Liquid Escape, Elbow Patches, and Saving Daylight, which remain available on-site for 32-ounce crowler, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

64-ounce growler fills, and in two keg sizes. Director of sales, Michael Rhodes, is the logistics mastermind. He determines how much of which brews are needed in the tap house versus across the country. “From laptop to lips, a beer can conceptually make a lot of stops” explains Rhodes. Founders, Chris Smith and Robby Willey, work with brewmaster Jonathan Newman to recreate a consistent taste experience at home and at one of the many beer festivals hosted globally. Some beers take advanced planning on promotion and production Chris explains. “Select formulas are brewed directly into red and white wine barrels, taking up to three years to make.” Robby continues, “We’ve been featured from Denver, at the Great American Beer Festival, to England and Tokyo. The Netherlands, UK, and Japan are a growing part of our international distribution, and that all comes right from here.” Synchronizing the roles each day promotes the desired result, which according to AJ is, “the realization of a tasty pour, that we conceptualized - is the most gratifying.”

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

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GIVING BACK

A M E R I C A’S VETERAN SKYDIVE TEAM

THE IDEA OF JUMPING OUT OF A PERFECTLY GOOD AIRCRAFT THRILLS A NICHE POPULATION OF THE WORLD, WHILE MOST FEEL THEIR STOMACHS FLIP AT MERE MENTION OF IT. The exhilaration makes them feel alive, and floods their nervous systems with a staggering amount of dopamine. Others simply find the free fall, and subsequent canopy ride, therapeutic. In 2015, Robbie Hill founded Mission Volant to share a unique concept of Veteran Adventure Therapy ™ within his community. Hill understood the highest of highs that military life had to offer, having served as a United States Marine for ten years in the aviation world. Being a leader in that high speed culture also exposed him to peers experiencing the lowest of lows. After more than a decade invested in the war on terror as a nation, new statistics made the American people more aware of the epidemic of suicide among veterans. For Robbie, the reality was painstakingly tangible, as his comrades suffered depression and self-destructive behaviors to cope with life-altering injuries. The burden to intervene on behalf of his fellow service members grew from a concern to a mission. “Mission Volant was forged in hard times. The Veteran community isn’t going anywhere, and neither are we,” Hill states matter-offact. The vision for the non-profit is simple, “To change the lives of combat wounded veterans in a spectacular way, challenging them in unfamiliar territory. We address the reality that most veterans after their service to their country are left feeling unchallenged, with little self-worth and often without direction. Mission Volant is not a hand-holding party, but a resource of insight, community, and inspiration. We challenge combat wounded Veterans with learning an adventurous skill set for their own therapy.” Candidates participate in one of three adventures: skydiving, paragliding, or introductory flight training. In 2019, Mission Volant provided direct enablement solutions for fifty-four veterans. After being medically retired from service, Pam Jeffcoat, an Army veteran, developed patterns of unhealthy behaviors that prevented her from being the best wife and mother she hoped to be. Discovering Mission Volant on Facebook challenged her to reach 30

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

VETERAN ADVENTURE THERAPY WITH MISSION VOLANT

“ M i s s i o n Vo l a n t w a s forged in hard times. T h e Ve t e r a n c o m m u n i t y i s n’ t g o i n g a n y w h e r e , a n d n e i t h e r a r e w e .” out to inquire about skydiving. Harboring a desire to jump, but never having the opportunity, she hoped the experience would help to shake her out of an apathy that had crept in over time. Since completing her first tandem jump with the team in the Outer Banks, which she described as “life changing,” Pam completed twelve more jumps. Pam said Mission Volant helped teach her to “get out of [my] comfort zone! Try things; look for places to find little pieces of yourself.” Robbie is challenging America’s Veteran Skydive Team to ask themselves how they can help. The team has provided team-building jumps for corporate executives, professional sports teams, and individual athletes. Demonstration jumps for the Warhouse Gym, Washington Redskins, and William and Mary Tribe athletics programs exceed audience expectations and expand brand awareness for their sponsors. When asked how others can help, Robbie explains that sponsoring a veteran is simple to initiate on their website. Mission Volant may also be booked for a demonstration jump as an alternative means of supporting the mission. The future goals of the organization include assisting one hundred veterans annually and purchasing a jet for emergency air service for critically injured service members’ families. To enable a veteran or book a demonstration jump for future events visit missionvolant.org, ARTICLE DOC ASHBY

send a message on Instagram @missionvolant, or

PHOTOGRAPHY SOURCE MISSION VOLANT

CONTINUED >

Facebook: Mission Volant.

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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

“ To c h a n g e t h e lives of combat wounded veterans in a s p e c t a c u l a r w a y, challenging them in u n f a m i l i a r t e r r i t o r y. We address the reality that m o s t v e t e r a n s a ft e r their service to their c o u n t r y a r e l e ft f e e l i n g unchallenged, with little self-worth and o ft e n w i t h o u t d i r e c t i o n . M i s s i o n Vo l a n t i s n o t a h a n d - h o l d i n g p a r t y, but a resource of i n s i g h t , c o m m u n i t y, a n d i n s p i r a t i o n . We challenge combat w o u n d e d Ve t e r a n s with learning an adventurous skill set f o r t h e i r o w n t h e r a p y.” CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg 33

LOCAL’S CHOICE ARTICLE DOC ASHBY | PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSEY LYONS

FAT H E R’ S DAY GI F T S ALL HE WANTS IS A LITTLE MORE TIME

TIME IS THE MOST PRECIOUS NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCE IN THIS LIFE. Coincidentally, that is what these fathers really want, the opportunity to create memories with their children tops their lists.

Photographer: Brandon Mitchell

The perfect Father’s Day

We are so thankful to have such

“The perfect gift would be spending the

gift would be a weekend

a healthy, handsome, and smiley

entire day with my boys out on the river.

with my family hiking the

little guy! I am incredibly excited

Being from beautiful Beaufort, South

Shenandoah Mountains with

to celebrate my first Father’s Day

Carolina, crabbing and fishing were hob-

a stop at one of the many

with my boy, Jackson. I look for-

bies of mine growing up. Unforgettable

breweries out that way. I

ward to seeing him continue to

memories and life lessons are gained

love a good apple pie, too.”

grow, to see who he becomes,

when it’s just you and the people you love

—Jeff Sparks

and to eventually getting a good

most out there. That is something I would

night’s sleep again one day!”

— Ryan Brunn 34

Williamsburg Lifestyle | June 2020

love to start doing with my sons.

— Henry Ranger

CityLifestyle.com/Williamsburg 35