American Military Family - April, 2023

American Military Family magazine is an independent publication with no association or affiliation with any military branch, Fort Lee, or the Department of Defense. AMF is published by LNN USA LLC, 12 times a year for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Free copies are available at local VFW Posts, American Legion Posts, and participating locations in the Fort Lee service area. Additional locations may be provided by request. Requests can be made by emailing contact information to CEO@ LNNUSA.com.

The content, information, and advertising in this publication do not constitute endorsement by any branch of the military or the Department of Defense. No part of this publication may be copied without expressed written permission of the publisher. LNN USA LLC, the publisher, and agents of the publisher make no endorsement of any advertised services or products.

The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various contributors of this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and/or viewpoints of LNN USA, LLC, its employees, or agents of LNN USA LLC. American Military Family magazine is a division of LNN USA, LLC.

LNN USA, LLC 210 Low Street Petersburg, VA 23803 www.LNNUSA.com

STAFF:

CEO and Publisher: Craig Richards

Managing Editor: Carolyn Day Pruett

Business Manager: Tammy Richards

Contributor: Chai Gallahun

Contributor: Shannon Mason

DESIGN: Wolfrey Creative Services

Printed in the United States.

All rights reserved 2023 LNN USA, LLC

National Battlefield

Offers

Nature, History, & Scenery Right Next Door

BY SHANNON MASON | FOR LNNUSA.COM

Looking to get out into nature as the weather warms up? Don’t particularly want to load up the kiddos for a road trip? Or maybe you are new to the area, haven’t established your bearings yet, and are looking for somewhere close by? How about right here on Fort Lee? The Petersburg National Battlefield Park Trailhead offers the chance to enjoy Mother Nature and is just down Mahone Avenue, across from the Holiday Inn here on Post. There is a small parking lot and informational map kiosk beyond the iron gates which are listed as being open from sunrise to sunset, or 5am-8pm currently.

The Petersburg National Battlefield encompasses a series of forts and earthworks that were constructed during the Siege of Petersburg during the Civil War. It was the longest military event throughout the Civil

War, lasting almost ten months with more than seventy-thousand casualties from both sides. General Grant eventually cut off supply and communication lines to Petersburg, a significant step towards finally accepting General Lee’s surrender.

There are eight total trails within the Petersburg National Battlefield Park and these dirt path trails are minimal to no elevation and perfect for those of all ages and activity levels. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, get a change of scenery while walking your dog, or set out on a bike ride. Most paths are jogging stroller-friendly if you’re wanting a new route to enjoy beyond your neighborhood streets, and if you’re looking to add a little texture to your workouts or Company PT, look no further.

You’ll be able to check out the different encampments and their outdoor exhibits, which have been realistically recreated. Enter the log cabin housing quarters structures and see where various soldiers slept at the time. You’ll also get an idea of the trench atmosphere with their cannons lined up and have an opportunity to read informational plaques and markers along the routes. Have a child studying the Civil War and want to add visuals to bring it to life in real time? Maybe you’re a history buff and are curious about the historical aspects embedded in this area? This opportunity is literally right at your doorstep.

Perhaps you are just after a peaceful walk with the maple and pine trees reaching towards the sky, small streams dotted with quaint little foot bridges, or local wildlife sightings. Watch springtime come into bloom and start anew as you discover each path, instill a love of nature into your children right outside their backyards, or even have homeschool outdoors for the day in the fresh air. Take advantage of the surrounding views for photography opportunities or just to clear your head and get away from the daily grind. The park provides something different for everyone’s needs.

For more in-depth information, further sites, tours, and the park’s visitor center found off Post, visit the National Park Service Petersburg National Battlefield website or call (804) 7323531.

NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD FROM PAGE 5

Easter Dip Goodness

CULINARY.NET

Easter is about coming together with loved ones, enjoying beautiful spring weather and eating your family’s favorite foods. The kids will be playing, adults will be chatting and all will be patiently waiting for the table to be set.

If you’re visiting and making memories with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, there are few things better than diving into a marvelous Easter spread.

While eyeing the table, you notice all the colors popping off the dishes. Fruits and veggies make the feast come to life, but a warm Easter dip paired with rolls for dipping is a perfect way to start the festivities.

These Easter Bunny Rolls with Spinach Dip are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Not only will the kids love its shape, but the layers of taste will wow your Easter crowd.

To make this recipe, start by combining a

16-ounce package of frozen spinach, cream cheese and garlic in a skillet. Once heated, add mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder and Italian seasoning.

Add in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses then stir until combined.

Next, roll out crescent rolls. Stretch the dough then cut into 24 rolls.

Form the bunny shape and scoop your spinach dip mixture into the center of the bunny and its ears. Sprinkle the spinach dip with mozzarella cheese before baking at 375 F for 18 minutes.

This dish is made for a crowd, served warm and full of cheesy goodness. You can watch as your family dips into the spinach and oneby-one, before you know it, the rolls will have disappeared and the dip will be devoured. Find more Easter recipes at Culinary.net.

Easter Bunny Rolls with Spinach Dip

Serves: 24

• 16ounces frozen spinach, thawed

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon chili powder • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

2 crescent roll tubes (8 ounces each)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 F.

2. In skillet, over medium heat, cook spinach, cream cheese and garlic 3-4 minutes until cream cheese is melted. Stir in

mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Keep skillet on burner over low heat.

3. Remove dough from tubes. Leaving dough intact, roll and stretch into 18-inch ropes. Cut each rope into 12 pieces for 24 total.

4. On baking sheet with parchment paper, form bunny head by placing one piece of dough in middle then surrounding it with six more pieces. Use 13 pieces to form round body. Use remaining pieces to form ears on top of head.

5. Scoop hot spinach dip into center. Spoon small portions on each ear. Sprinkle ears and belly with remaining mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake 18 minutes, or until crescent dough is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.

Hopewell Shop Pampers Man’s Best Friend

BY CHAI GALLAHUN | LNNUSA.COM

In the heart of the Wonder City is a special location for people who love their pets. That place is called Downtown Pups, a grooming boutique that caters specifically to canines of all kinds.

The boutique is located at 222 E. Broadway in Hopewell, has been operational since 2019, just before the pandemic struck, and is operated by Kayla Walker and Liz Spence. The co-owners are passionate about dogs and taking wonderful, personalized care of them.

“About eight years ago, I got my first Doberman,” said Spence, saying that she immediately realized that she wanted to work with animals and entered the world of grooming.

Walker said that she fell in love with dogs when she was a little girl and has wanted to attend veterinary school since she was 10 years old. She then took on a job at a grooming salon where she

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

met Spence. “And the rest is history,” she said.

The boutique won 2022’s Best of the Best award for the Best Pet Grooming Service for the TriCities area. The downtown shop is filled with a plethora of sundries that are sure to keep pets healthy and happy- everything from chew toys, doggie treats, collars and leashes, to decorative pet-themed magnets and stickers among countless other items to browse.

And while business is going great right now, the pet grooming dynamic duo have plans for expansion, with hopes that it will happen by autumn of this year. The expansion will include doggie daycare and pet boarding, a 24/7 operation.

“We treat the pets like they’re our own, getting down on the floor and playing with them, showing them affection just like they’re our own dogs,” said Walker.

They explained that the shop serves much of the Fort Lee community, and that they’re seeking to expand that aspect of their boutique as well, acknowledging the fact that many military personnel and families have pets, and desire expert and loving care for their furry loved ones. The expansion of Downtown Pups would provide service for those who take leave or go on TDY (Temporary Duty) out of the area and want to feel secure that their pets will be not only taken care of but also pampered and loved.

For more information, visit the Downtown Pups Facebook page or call (804) 446-3592.

DOWNTOWN PUPS FROM PAGE 9

The Deloreans

Sat, April 1st: 5:30pm-9pm

Indian Fields Tavern

9220 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City B reak out the spandex and fanny packs- it’s 80’s Night in Charles City at Indian Fields Tavern! Back by popular demand, join us for another concert event in our open air barn featuring The Deloreans! Tickets purchased through Eventbrite: $20.00 + service/processing fee. Rain or shine. Free parking.

Eric Gales

Sat, April 1st: 6:30pm The Beacon Theatre 207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell

Blues great Eric Gales with special guest King Solomon Hicks at The Beacon Theatre Hopewell on Saturday, April 1!

Mike Norris Duo

Sat, April 1st: 6pm-9pm

Trapezium Brewing Company

423 3rd Street, Petersburg

Known for his whiskeysoaked voice and his expressive lyrics, Mike Norris has performed his own style of Outlaw Country & Classic Rock throughout Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina for many years now. His album of 11 original songs can be heard on your favorite listening platform.

April

Fools Day Virginia Comedy Showcase

Sat, April 1st: 8:30pm Perkinson Center for the Arts

11810 Centre Street, Chester

It’s not a prank! The Perkinson Center and Pearl St Comedy are proud to present an April Fools Day special, featuring a variety of Virginia Comedy Legends! Join us at 8:30pm as we welcome Rahmein Mostafavi to the Jimmy Dean stage for the first time, flanked by returning comedians, Dylan Vattelana, Pearl St Comedy legends Kenny Wingle and Jason Klingman, and featuring Micah Bam Bamm White! Recommended for ages 18 and up.

Suns Out, Sandals Out Spring Fling

Sat, April 1st: 10am-5pm

Sun, April 2nd: 12pm-4pm

Sweet Southern Charm Boutique

647 Southpark Boulevard, Colonial Heights

Celebrate with us! It’s our Annual Spring Fling and also our 6th Anniversary Weekend. New Arrivals GALORE, Doorbuster Deals, Special Savings, Door prizes & more. The Simply Southern jeep will be on site on Saturday April 1st from 1pm to 3pm. It’s going to be our best spring event ever, so make plans to attend and be sure to tell your besties!

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

Fri, April 7th: 6:30pm

The Beacon Theatre

207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell

VFW Easter Egg

Hunt

Sat, April 1st: 2pm-4pm Hopewell VFW POST 637 1400 Lynchburg Street, Hopewell

Easter Egg Hunt - FoodGames

Bring donation canned goods for the local food bank! Sign up sheet located in the clubroom.

Richmond Flying Squirrels Opening Night Company

Fri, April 7th: 6:35pm

The Diamond

3001 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond

The Flying Squirrels are back in town to celebrate Opening Night 2023! Stick around for post-game fireworks up close inside the fences. Enjoy happy hour drink specials from 5:30-7:30 PM each Friday home game in Funnville. Gates: 5:00 pm | Game time: 6:35pm

Appomattox River

Wine Festival 2023

Sat, April 8th: 12pm-5pm

Appomattox Boat Harbor

1604 Fine Street,Prince George

Springtime with great wine and good friends on the banks of the Appomattox River, less than 2 miles from Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights, VA. Conveniently located off the Temple Avenue Exit east of I-95. Local and regional wineries providing samples of delicious wine, also beer, cider, and mead. Live music. Vendors, raffle prizes, food and beverages, and more! Proceeds benefit local charity.

Easter Egg Hunt

Sat, April 8th: 10:30am

Indian Fields Tavern 9220 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City

Hop, Hop, Hop your way on over to our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. All day fun, rain or shine. Bring your kiddos 10 and under to join in our annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10:30. Shhhhh, but we have been told there will be a special sighting of the Easter Bunny, so make sure you bring your cameras to snap a picture of your kiddo/s with the Bunny. Red Stapler Duo will be playing in the barn from 11-1:00 for musical enjoyment along with kids crafts for more Easter fun.

FAMILY

Richmond Reptile Expo

Sat, April 8th: 9am-3pm

Richmond Raceway Complex

600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond

Family-friendly show for reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic animal enthusiasts. Displays, supplies, feeders, enclosures, and so much more!

Oyster Roast

Sat, April 8th: 12pm-10pm

Trapezium Brewing Company

423 3rd Street, Petersburg

Our Annual Oyster Roast is back on April 8th! Join us for live music, cold beer & oysters– serving them up raw or steamed--while supplies last!

Fusing

16 West Old Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 Mon.

Hamilton

Tue, April 11th: 7:30pm-10:30pm

Altria Theater

6 N. Laurel Street, Richmond

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

2023 Smithfield VA

Wine & Brew Fest

Sat, April 15th: 12pm-5pm Windsor Castle Park 705 Cedar Street, Smithfield

Early bird individual tickets on sale NOW! See website for info on general admission ticket releases, sponsorships, party chalets & reserved tables. Proceeds benefit over 60 organizations.

Doswell Pro Rodeo

Fri, April 14th & Sat, April 15th: 8pm

Meadow Event Park

13111 Dawn Boulevard, Doswell

Pro Rodeo is back April 14th and 15th! Show starts at 8:00pm both nights, gates open at 6:30pm. Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, and Barrel Racing action. The event is rain or shine. Kids 5 and under get in free with a paying adult and do not need a ticket. Tickets available on eventbrite Adults $15, Kids 6 - 12 years old $10. Concessions are available on site.

90th Historic Virginia Garden Week

Sat, April 15th - Sat, April 22nd Regional

For one week in April, visitors will tour inspired private landscapes, public gardens and historic sites across Virginia, enjoying our beautiful state at the peak of spring. In addition, more than 1,000 world-class floral arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members will enhance tour properties. This beloved statewide event will include 29 unique tours organized and hosted by 48 member clubs located from the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley all the way to the beaches of Tidewater. Visit vagardenweek.org for list of tours, sites, and ticket prices.

Free Parking

Bustin Loose

Sat, April 15th: 7pm10pm Holy Mackerel

700 Jordan Point Road, Prince George

Come dance and sing with Bustin Loose!!

Reggae at the Rivah Music Festival

Sat, April 22nd: 2pm

Appomattox Boat Harbor

1604 Fine Street, Prince George

Multiple Bands - Cold Adult Beverages - Food Trucks -

Bring folding chairs or blankets to sit by the rivah and listen to the music. Charge tickets on Eventbrite or pay cash / CashApp / Venmo at the gate.

Music in the Galleries

Sun, April 16th: 3pm

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond

Experience works of art in VMFA’s galleries as the Richmond Symphony serenades your visit with a live performance. A collaboration between VMFA and the Richmond Symphony. Conducted by Chia-Hsuan Lin.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” & “How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying”

Tue, April 25th & Wed, April 26th: 7pm Perkinson Center for the Arts 11810 Centre Street, Chester - Come see Millwood School’s spring drama performances! Middle school drama students will bring a performance with tips and tricks for making your way through high school with the least amount of effort possible. Then, students from 4th through 12th grade will take the stage in song, dance, and a little bit of magic to bring you a twist to the classic story of Cinderella.

Richmond Symphony: Mozart

and More

Fri, April 28th: 7:30pm

Perkinson Center for the Arts

11810 Centre Street, Chester

Today, more than 200 years after his passing, the music of Mozart still speaks to us, moves us, and leaves us breathless. Valentina Peleggi conducts Mozart’s magnificent Symphony No. 36, the “Linz.” Plus, two exhilarating musical declarations: from our own time: Damien Geter’s “I Said What I Said”. And the Chamber Symphony of Shostakovich, arranged from his defiant Eighth String Quartet.

Herbs Galore & More!

Sat, April 29th: 8am-3pm

Maymont - 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond

Find everything you need to spice up your garden at Richmond’s favorite plant sale, Herbs Galore! Bring a roomy wagon to carry home the bounty of herbs, annuals, perennials, vegetables, and even trees, plus garden accessories and garden-inspired goodies from dozens of nurseries and specialty vendors. Enjoy a day spread out on the Carriage House Lawn, browsing the wares of more than 60 vendors for rare or popular plants and unique gift items, many featuring ginger, the 2023 Herb of the Year! Bring the whole family and enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks and live music while you shop, plus mini-tours of the Maymont Mansion!

Nightrain: The Guns

N Roses Experience

Nightrain, The Guns N’ Roses Experience pays tribute to one of the most iconic bands in history. This act gives a night of high energy rock ‘n roll that never lets up. Nightrain plays each song from the Appetite For Destruction album with stunning accuracy in regards to both attitude and Music. But it doesn’t stop there. they play all the hits and most requested songs from the entire Guns N’ Roses discography.

Casting Crowns

Sun, April 30th: 6:30pm

Altria Theater

6 N. Laurel Street, Richmond

Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Casting Crowns will take their powerful live performances on the road this spring with The Healer Tour. Featuring hit songs from the band’s current chart-topping Healer album (“Scars In Heaven,” “Crazy People”), concert goers will also experience a night of worship like no other with some of the group’s most beloved songs like “Only Jesus,” “Nobody,” “Praise You In This Storm,” “East To West” and many more.