Midlothian, VA March 2024

Luck of

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy on pexels.com

the Hart.

Experienced so you don’t have to be.

Assertive so you don’t miss the one that got away.

Confident so you never have to doubt.

Luck really has nothing to do with finding the right place to call home. Navona isn’t lucky; she’s EXPERIENCED. And it’s worth so much more than relying on the “luck of the…,” well, you know. After years of finding perfect places to live for her clients, Navona can pluck a four-leaf clover from a sea of ordinary green turf. After she has discovered your gold at the end of the rainbow, you’ll be reminded that you wouldn’t have done it any other way.

License:

VA Lic #0225076822

(804) 214-6182

Email: navona@ahomewithhart.com

14321 Winter Breeze Dr., Midlothian, VA 23113

Welcome to the 2024 Home Issue!

As we get ready to welcome the spring season into our homes, it's important to take a moment to cherish the fresh starts in our lives. The blooming trees serve as a reminder of the beauty of starting anew and embracing new opportunities in every moment we have!

Speaking of home, what does the word "home" mean to you? To me, it's a place where I can experience both grace and growth. It's a space where everyone is celebrated for being themselves and where visitors, family, and friends are encouraged to do the same in a safe and welcoming environment. Home is a place of healing where I can make mistakes and learn from them, a place of peace, and a reflection of my experiences and my aspirations for the future.

In this issue, we’ve got incredible home improvement, intrepid real estate, and upscale home decor that promises to delight your pallet with new ideas and fresh perspectives for the places you call home! We hope you’ll enjoy connecting with the businesses that can provide these things- the best of the best! Don’t forget to check out our curated events and business monthly sections for things that are happening in our community.

Welcome Home!

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Joanna Tannenbaum

joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Steven Casupanan steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

Ashley Sill | ashley.sill@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Naylor Taliaferro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com

Steven Casupanan steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amanda Rae Linas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Beloved Pet & Equine Photography

Schowengerdt

Thompson

is at the of it all.

heart

You don’t need luck to know how great this march line-up is!

wear something green and come celebrate march with us!

Chesterfield county public schools arts fest 2024 opening reception

Friday, 3/1, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Join us at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education as we welcome students from Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy (CECLA) and Curtis Elementary!

During the month of March, the Perkinson Center will be displaying student art around the center as we celebrate Arts Fest 2024 in partnership with Chesterfield County Public Schools. We are excited to celebrate these emerging artists! While tickets are not required to attend, RSVP’s are strongly encouraged.

shamrock shenanigans featuring the devil’s brigade saturday, 3/9, 7:30 p.m.

Join us for Shamrock Shenanigans, a celebration bound to turn your fingers and toes green with envy! The Devil’s Brigade (formerly The American Rogues) will leave your feet dancing a jig with every song, begging for more! Irish eyes will be smiling! Having performed with Alison Krauss and Lindsey Stirling, this group totally engages their audiences with epic, multiinstrumental sound that crosses the musical landscape to include jigs, reels, hornpipes, ballads, originals, covers, soundtracks, patriotic and military music, Irish footstompers and more. Fun for all!

faithfully funny: Church comedy

SUNDAY, 3/10, 3:00 P.M., RATED PG

Well BLESS our hearts! Pearl St Comedy is back in their Sunday best to tickle your funny bone with another round of comedy! It’ll leave you rolling in the aisles! James Lawson and guests will have you wanting more. James Lawson, a Richmond native known for being one of the funniest and most diverse comedians on the come-up. Whether it’s a comedy club, church, military, or private event, he is the “go to” comedian. From the TV One network to Comcast Cable’s On Demand Feature, with dozens of five star google reviews, comedian James Lawson is an act you don’t want to miss.

photo by Chris Lawton on unsplash.com

What a romantic.

Award-Winning Dog Training in the Richmond Metro Area

So is Romeo not coming when you call lately? Has he been visiting fields of spring flowers for hours on end? DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR DOG IS? We can help nip your canine’s “spring fever” in the bud (pun intended). With our professional training, Romeo will be at your beck and call, Men are from Mars notwithstanding. We can’t get him to actually bring you flowers, but at least you know he’s not laying around in a field of them. Call us, Juliet. 804-944-8500 | dogtrainingelite.com/richmond

PHOTO

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: City Lifestyle staff and partners mingle at a New Year’s Drop-In event at Cameo Cakery in Richmond. 2: Anthony Quintana, Steven Casupanan, Navona Hart, Bradley Gamlin, and Aaron Swart enjoy drinks and food at Cameo Cakery. 3: Paul Hearn, Eric Macalma, Amani Vergara, Aaron Swart, and Steven Casupanan catch up at Cameo Cakery. 4: Othello the alpaca is happy living in his new home at Maymont.

5: Spectators and participants attend free workshops and performances at the Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series at The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.

AMANDA RAE LINAS

AMANDA RAE LINAS

AMANDA RAE LINAS

DANIEL BOWLER

OH SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

OH SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

OH SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

business monthly

VCU to Start Work on Athletic Village this Spring

VCU is starting construction on a new campus called the "Athletic Village." The 42-acre land located at 2601-2901 Hermitage Road will feature new athletics fields, a tennis facility, a soccer stadium, futsal courts, and more. The project will replace aging warehouses including the former Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority headquarters and the former Greyhound bus maintenance facility. VCU is considering incorporating an academic building on the new campus, but no final decisions have been made.

Scan to read more

Chesterfield Education Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director

In January, the Chesterfield Education Foundation appointed Laura Wilkinson Hite as their new executive director. After conducting a nationwide search, the Board of Trustees chose Laura due to her exceptional leadership skills and unwavering commitment to advocating for children. She is expected to carry forward CEF's mission of promoting equity, opportunity, and innovation. Laura is looking forward to uplifting and supporting Chesterfield County schools, teachers, and students.

Mayo Island Sold to Richmond City

The city of Richmond has purchased Mayo Island, a previously inaccessible landmass, for almost $15 million. The island, also known as the "green jewel" of Richmond, will now be incorporated into the James River Park System and utilized as green space for the benefit of all Richmonders. City officials confirmed the acquisition and promised more information to come soon.

Serving families from Roanoke to Richmond since March ‘02

Motto:

Greatest

Hobbies:

Winner of 2 PRO Remodeler of the Year Awards

7 Brew Coffee Coming to Midlothian

7 Brew, a new coffee chain, is opening its first Richmond location in Midlothian this May. The store will focus on drive-thru service and will not have indoor seating. The Chesterfield location on Le Gordon Drive will have two drive-thrus, a walk-up window, and limited outdoor seating. 7 Brew sells hot and iced coffee beverages, smoothies, teas, milkshakes, muffins, and an in-house energy drink called 7 Energy.

Scan to read more

by local entrepreneur Dan Jenkins, the playground is designed for children up to 5 years old and features a variety of activities such as slides, a play kitchen, games, toys, and a ball pit. Dan plans to expand the business by opening an on-premises toy store and café in the mall.

Maymont Summer Camps Open for Registration

Maymont now offers summer camps for preschoolers through eighth graders who enjoy outdoor exploration, animal encounters, and historical discovery. Each camp is led by experienced staff and includes new adventures every day, taking full advantage of Maymont’s 100-acre grounds. There are new programs for every age group and shorter sessions for younger campers. Maymont members at the family level or higher are eligible for discounts and early access to registration. Learn more at maymont.org/summer-camps.

Photography by Maymont Foundation

MEET GREER JONES, ASSOCIATE BROKER

Real Estate has been a passion of mine for 23 years. I am experienced in working with buyers and sellers. Working with buyers to achieve their dream has been both rewarding and satisfying throughout my years in the business. I guide both experienced and first-time home buyers with ease Sellers have always been pleased with my ability to market, stage and organize their house to get it sold fast!!

I was born in NC and have lived in VA since 2008 I have been married for 17 years and have a 12 year old daughter. I am also a mom to 2 fur babies a Golden Retriever and German Sheppard. I call Midlothian home but very much love serving clients in downtown RVA, Henrico, Hanover and surrounding counties. I adore the ocean and bea ch atmosphere When I am not selling homes I am spending time on the coast and gardening

Phone: 804-833-7749

greerjones@srmfre.com

www.greerjonesproperties.com

Dry-Cleaning Delivery Startup Launches for Locals

Local entrepreneur Reggie Nuwordu recently launched DryPass, a webbased app that provides customers with dry cleaning pickup and delivery services. DryPass charges a monthly subscription fee of $5 and pays its drivers through delivery fees. Nuwordu has identified an opportunity to cater to the needs of people who are returning to offices after the pandemic. Currently, the platform has two dry cleaners listed on its website - one in Midlothian and the other in the East End of Richmond.

New Midlothian Library Opens

In January, Chesterfield County and Chesterfield County Public Library jointly organized a grand ceremonial

ribbon-cutting event to mark the official opening of Midlothian Library. The latest addition to the county's public library system, the Midlothian Library is located at 100 Millworks Crossing, and features modern amenities and facilities aimed at providing the best possible experience to library-goers. The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, library officials, and members of the community who gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The Butcher Shop

Opens in Powhatan

The owner of Smok N Pigz in Powhatan, Jason Crowder, opened The Butcher Shop adjacent to his barbecue restaurant in January. The shop offers a variety of meat cuts, sausages, bacon, and hamburger patties. To expand his business, Jason removed the dividing walls between two storefronts to create more space. Crowder describes The Butcher Shop as a neighborhood market with an emphasis on meat products, which he saw as an opening in Powhatan.

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Landscaper

Cross Creek Nursery & Landscaping crosscreeknursery.com | 804.378.0700

EKG Lawn Services ekglawn.com | 804.376.8050

RVA Lawn and Landscapes rvalawnandlandscapes.com | 804.399.9029

Hudgins Outdoor Solutions hudginsoutdoorsolutions.com | 804.739.2500

Watkins Nurseries watkinsnurseries.com | 804.379.8733

Interior Designer

J. Lynn Interiors jlynninterior.com | 804.491.9001

Lee Waters Design leewatersdesign.com | 804.464.7174

Designs by Clare designsbyclare.com | 804.256.5100

Want

Dani Designed It danidesignedit.com | 202.922.5178

Kelly Brown Interiors kellybrowninteriors.com | 858.229.4947

Hardscaper

Commonwealth Curb Appeal commonwealthcurbappeal.com | 804.207.8397

Rosete Hardscapes rosetehardscapes.com | 804.299.5444

Outdoor Dreams outdoordreamsva.com | 804.592.1305

The Hardscape Center thehardscapecenter.com | 804.353.4444

Delgado Masonry & Hardscapes delgado-masonry.business.site | 804.405.7100

Flooring Specialist

50 Floor 50floor.com | 970.591.9108

Village Flooring villageflooringmidlo.com | 804.794.4272

Scott Carpet One Floor & Home scottcarpetonemidlothian.com | 804.404.2035

Howdyshell Flooring, Inc. howdyshellflooring.com | 804.467.7925

Old Dominion Flooring Company olddominionfloor.com | 804.674.0315

Pool Builder

Premier Pools & Spas premierpoolsandspas.com | 804.567.9197

Luxury Pool & Spa luxurypoolandspa.com | 804.794.7721

Pool Works poolworksvallc.com | 804.304.4409

Douglas Aquatics douglasaquatics.com | 804.258.4401

Anthony & Sylvan Pools anthonysylvan.com | 804.494.7004

Photo by Cottonbro Studio on pexels.com

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACQUI PHOTOGRAPHY

Greer JonesDiscovering

INSIGHTS ON A LOCAL REAL ESTATE GENIUS, SHARED BY A LOYAL CLIENT

Buying and selling a home can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be very stressful. With the right real estate agent committed to helping you achieve your goals, the process can be much smoother and more enjoyable.  Midlothian Lifestyle  interviewed Kristin Ix, who shared her wonderful experience working with Greer Jones, one of Richmond’s top real estate agents. Let’s see what she had to say!

“Greer’s positive attitude and extensive expertise helped us envision how the homes we toured could fit our needs. She provided creative ideas on the spot during our home tours, which we ultimately used in our renovation. We are grateful to Greer for her invaluable guidance and support throughout the renovation process.”

Can you please give us details on how you came to know about Greer Jones?

I was fortunate to know Greer as a friend before working with her as an agent.  She has a warm and genuine personality that just makes people love her.  She is a loyal and thoughtful friend who has been such a blessing in my life.

What made you decide to select Greer for your real estate needs?

As friends, I would catch glimpses of Greer’s interaction with her clients.  She was present, conscientious, and always a step ahead to meet her clients’ needs.  When it became time to sell and buy, working with Greer was a no-brainer.

How did Greer meet your expectations during the buying and selling process?

Her communicative and friendly style eased the stress throughout the entire process. Home selling and buying can be extremely overwhelming, and Greer skillfully divides the process into manageable steps, which helps to reduce stress. I found that she asked minimal questions because she was always ahead of the game. I always knew what to expect next.

What was the best part of your experi- ence with Greer?

Greer mitigated the stress of preparing our home for sale by helping us stage it.  She knows what will capture a buyer’s eye and what won’t.  On the purchasing side, she only presented us with properties aligned with our vision. We only toured two other homes before we found “the one.” Greer listens and does her homework.

How did Greer’s services assist in reducing the stress associated with selling and buying a home?

Greer was always one step ahead, providing a clear path from start to finish.  She was responsive and communicative throughout the entire process. Greer was able to cut through red tape, making the process as simple as possible.

Greer Jones

What about Greer surprised you the most?

Having known Greer for years before hiring her as an agent, I had an idea regarding her expertise and professionalism.  However, working with her surpassed my expectations.  I highly recommend her.

Did you encounter any unexpected obstacles while buying and selling your home? If so, how did Greer help you overcome them?

The current mortgage application process is more intense than what we experienced with our prior two home purchases.  Greer understands the procedure and was able to help us by sharing what helped her previous clients.  She gave us a heads-up about potential issues so we were prepared to tackle them.

While selling our home, she helped us simplify our decor to de-personalize our space.  With other clients Greer has worked with, she has even brought in her own items to help make a space more appealing to a buyer.  She elevated the agent role to a level we had never experienced before.

What would you tell someone who’s considering working with Greer?

Just do it!  Greer is a pleasure to work with; she gets it done well!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

There is a reason I call Greer a friend.  She is loyal and hardworking in all aspects of her life.  She is a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and agent.  Greer is very sociable and charismatic, effortlessly making everyone feel important. She’s an attentive listener and always eager to assist.

To find your dream home, partner with the Greer Jones dream team. Begin your journey by calling (804) 938-7575 or visiting greerjonesproperties.com

Amy Pryor, Kyle Yeatman, and Lauren Renschler of The Yeatman Group photographed by River City Media

““The Yeatman Group doesn’t just claim the top spot—it owns it.”

With the proverbial real estate spring selling (and buying) season upon us, many buyers and sellers will be looking to choose from what seems like a million different options these days to be their real estate agent for what could be the most important transaction of their lifetime.  Choices ranging from their parents’ best friends to someone they went to school with who just got their license this year will all be on the table.

In a marketplace flooded with conflicting claims of being the best, finding a real estate partner can be a daunting challenge and absolutely confusing endeavor. Amidst the myriad options, The Yeatman Group of Long & Foster Real Estate (TYG) rises above the noise, offering not just claims but reason after reason of why choosing TYG could be the smartest and most logical decision one could make. Here are just a few of the distinct advantages that set TYG apart from its competition:

1. #1 Selling Team by Actual Real Numbers: The Yeatman Group doesn't just claim the top spot—it owns it. With a proven track record as the #1 selling team in the market in both number of homes sold and dollar volume sold, the numbers speak louder than words.

2. Affiliated with the #1 Brokerage in the Region: As an integral part of the #1 Real Estate Company in the region, TYG leverages the resources and network of Long & Foster to provide unparalleled exposure and professionalism to its clients.

3. Proven Track Record: TYG isn't new to the scene. With a consistent track record, the team has maintained its top position for a decade now, instilling confidence within clients through 10 years of demonstrated success.

4. Diverse Group of Backgrounds and Specialties: Founded on its unrivaled track record in the new

construction field, The Yeatman Group has added to its repertoire over the years and now proudly boasts a team with a tremendous range of diverse backgrounds, skillsets, and specialties, ensuring that, no matter the real estate need, clients have access to the industry’s best knowledge, experience, and representation.  From building your first home to selling your investment property to developing land, TYG can match you with the ideal advisor.

5. Insider Knowledge of Builders: One of The Yeatman Group’s most unique advantages lies in its close relationships with nearly all area homebuilders and developers. Having worked with most of these builders from both sides of the table, TYG provides a detailed, real-time understanding of the current market conditions and competitive landscape, surpassing the generalized statements and advice provided by its competitors, who only operate in a single locale or area of focus.

6. Recognized and Respected Brand: TYG is not just a team; it's a brand that commands recognition and respect in the region, establishing trust with clients on both sides of the transaction, leading to smoother and less stressful experiences.

7. Customer Service Excellence: Renowned for its exceptional customer service, the team has a solid presence and a track record of outworking the competition, ensuring clients receive the attention and care they deserve.

8. Wider Reach: The Yeatman Group’s marketing reach extends far beyond local boundaries. Exposed to countless out-of-town buyers relocating to the area, TYG usually engages much earlier in the process and far more often than the rest of the market, which is often focused primarily on strictly local options. Combining the spending power and economies

of scale of fifty of the area’s most elite real estate agents makes it easy for TYG to spend 10-20x the marketing budget of even the best competitors in the marketplace. The team uses cutting-edge technology and traditional, proven marketing tactics to ensure it's providing all clients the best exposure possible.  It takes more than a trendy social media page to effectively sell real estate in today’s market, and nobody attacks that challenge quite like TYG, which has a department of stand-alone marketing professionals focused on putting our client’s needs first every time. The team’s outward marketing efforts and central HUB offer sellers a way to get in front of more potential buyers long before they’ve even thought about asking an agent to see a home.

9. Some of the Highest Standards in the Industry: TYG sets itself apart by maintaining high standards in who gets to be a part of the team in the first place. With a rigorous hiring process, the team only brings on board the best of the best—as only 1 out of every 12 people interviewed are invited to join versus most competing teams and brokerages where a pulse and a license may be the only barrier to entry.

10. Cutting-Edge Marketing and Negotiation Skills: Respected by many industry peers for its unique approach to marketing, branding, and

negotiations, TYG prides itself on ensuring that clients receive un-rivaled attention to detail & professional representation - no matter how large or small the transaction.

11. Dedicated Support Staff: TYG goes beyond just sales professionals. With a dedicated staff, including full-time marketing specialists, listing experts, transaction managers, interior designers, and in-house sales and customer service concierges available 14 hours a day, clients receive unmatched support and attention well beyond the sale.

12. Commitment to Ongoing Training: TYG is committed to continuous improvement that starts from within.  With a full-time management and training staff, sales professionals are equipped with the latest and most effective sales training and skills the market has to offer.

By choosing The Yeatman Group, clients aren't just selecting the smartest real estate representation option; they are discovering new and exciting possibilities that they may not have known existed otherwise. Don’t wait until after your next move in real estate to wish you’d have spoken to the best.  Visit TheYeatmanGroup.com or call 804-NEW-HOME today and experience A New Way to Real Estate.

Kyle Yeatman, Ashley Bickford, Amy Pryor, and Lauren Renschler of The Yeatman Group, photograph by River City Media

Photo

ARTICLE

JOANNA TANNENBAUM

1

Are

2

3

4

5

3

4

5

Photograph by Taylor Daugherty

ARTICLE BY AMANDA RAE LINAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELOVED PET & EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Barney the Abyssinian Cat

MIDLOTHIAN LIFESTYLE’S PROUD PET OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

“He’s a wonderful and endearing member of his family.”

Meet Barney, the 6-month-old Abyssinian cat with a charming personality and a sleek reddish-brown coat. Barney is extremely friendly and loves playing with his toys. He's full of energy, smart and athletic, and has a great sense of humor. Barney will greet guests at the door, making them feel right at home. He's a wonderful and endearing member of his family. And, of course, he enjoys lounging in the sun like most cats.

To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Midlothian Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto. com/midlothian

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND

Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop

AR Workshop Richmond | 10:30 AM

It's the perfect time to register for AR Workshop's Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop!  In this workshop, professionals will guide you step-bystep through the hand-knitting process to create a super cozy, one-of-a-kind blanket. The blankets require no needles or knitting experience! You will receive enough chunky yarn to make an (approximately) 40" x 50" blanket. The finished size may vary depending on your individual hand-knitting process. This is an advanced project and intended for guests aged 10 and up. All materials and instruction are included for $90. arworkshop.com

MARCH 2ND

Saturday Latin Nights

Aloft Richmond West | 8:30 PM

Join Salsa with Boris every Saturday in March at the Aloft Richmond West. The event features a mix of Latin music genres such as Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Kizomba. The evening starts off with an introductory lesson from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., followed by the music and dance. Purchase tickets at the door for $5 in cash or $5.99 if using a credit/debit card. rvadance.net

MARCH 7TH-24TH

Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods

Lora M. Robins Theatre, The Steward School | 7:30 PM

Tony Award-winning duo James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim have created a timeless and enchanting fairytale about wishes, family, and the consequences of our actions. The story follows a baker and his wife, Cinderella, and Jack, as they all make their wishes come true, only to suffer disastrous consequences later. Thu-Sat shows start at 7:30 p.m., Sun shows at 2:00 p.m. Buy tickets online: richmondshakespeare.org

MARCH 10TH

Shamrock RunRVA 5k

Hardywood Park Brewery | 10:30 AM

Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the 5th Annual Shamrock RunRVA 5k! This 5k road run/walk will be held at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby Lane in Richmond. Don't forget to dress up in your best St. Patrick's Day outfit for a chance to win a prize presented by Hardywood. You can register online at runsignup.com

MARCH 16TH & 17TH

Art Show to Benefit Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Independence Golf Club | 5:00 PM

Check out the Bon Air Artists Association’s annual art show to support the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $50. On Sunday, March 17th, the show will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and admission is free. bonairartists.com

MARCH 16TH-24TH

Girl Scout Cookie & Wine Pairing Flights

James River Cellars | 11:00 AM

Support the Girl Scouts by attending James River Cellars’ cookie and wine pairing event, where you can taste their delicious cookies while enjoying some of James River Cellars’ finest wines. Each flight ticket includes four cookie flavors and four wines. Don’t miss out on this amazing event that supports a great cause! Till 6:00 p.m. jamesrivercellars.com