FACES of Culpeper 2021

TOM SPARGUR

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the second edition of FACES of Culpeper!

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

JAY FORD

Publisher

The first edition of FACES of Culpeper was an award-winning magazine, with the honor of placing first in the 2020 slick publication category during the Virginia Press Association’s annual competition for newspapers throughout the state.

In this issue, you will see the faces of business leaders that propel Culpeper forward and learn about their businesses in customized stories.

Graphic Designer

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

JOSH GULLY

Thank you to all of the faces inside for being a part of this special 2021 edition.

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

Tom Spargur Publisher/Sales Director

IAN CHINI

Editor

AUDRA DICKEY

Photographer

WALLY BUNKER

Account Executive

14 Uncle Elder’s BBQ

03 AR Johnson Law

15 Eye Care of Virginia

04 Culpeper Car Wash

16 Wine & Design

05 Economic Development

17 JIMNI

06 Gary’s Ace Hardware

18 Studio C Photography

07 REC

19 Triple Image

08 Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

20 Wagner Hearing of Culpeper

09 Applied Science Fitness

21 H&R Block

10 Lifestyle Physicians

22 Eagle Postal

11 Endless Creations

23 Amish Furniture & Tim’s Treasures

12 Wellspring Health Services

24 RE/MAX

FACES of Culpeper is a free annual publication of the Culpeper Times. Copyright © 2021 by the Culpeper Times. All Rights Reserved. Information in this magazine is as correct as possible at press time but is subject to change. Reproduction of any photographs, illustrations or written material without prior consent from the publisher is prohibited.

Project Writer

2

INDEX

Culpeper Times, 206 S. Main St., Suite 301, Culpeper, VA 22701

LAWYER AR Johnson Law Amanda Johnson While driving his car in May, Mort Marshall heard an ad on the radio about a Culpeper attorney offering a low fee to file an uncontested divorce that piqued his interest. Marshall and his wife of 27 years were separated and seeking a divorce.

Attorney Amanda Rieman Johnson opened her law firm in March, seeking to serve those who were underserved and needing an attorney to provide effective legal services.

“It was absolutely painless,” Marshall said. “She walked me through the whole thing.”

Johnson filed Marshall’s uncontested divorce on May 27 and it was granted July 8. Johnson handled all the filings. The couple had agreed upon a property settlement.

“It was simple, very simple,” Marshall said.

which covers power of attorney, wills and other important legal documents. Additionally, she offers assistance to students during academic disciplinary proceedings.

Johnson’s message of obtainable and accessible legal services is resonating with clients.

In the first six months after her practice opened in March, circuit court judges have granted final divorce decrees to 70 of her clients.

“None of my clients nor the defendants have to make a court appearance,” Johnson said. “I go to court on their behalf.”

Melissa Paige wasn’t seeking a divorce but needed a contract lawyer.

She reached out to Johnson.

Johnson, a Fredericksburg native, chose to set up her practice in Culpeper.

“(Johnson) successfully helped me,” said Paige, who praised Johnson about her client communication and mediation skills. “She has been a great resource. I have used her for about 30 contracts.”

“I decided that rural areas are where people need help,” she said about primarily serving Culpeper, Orange and Madison counties. “This is where my target market is. People needed to have access to affordable legal services.”

“A lot of people don’t even know what they are reading and they need someone to explain it to them in plain English terms,” said Johnson about sometimes complicated contractual agreements. “If you are not an attorney, you don’t know what you are signing and agreeing to.”

AR Johnson Law charges $395, which includes consultation, preparation of documents, court filings and appearance in court, plus pass-through Culpeper circuit court filing fees of $86 to handle the uncontested divorce. She also offers estate planning,

Marshall and Paige both highly recommend AR Johnson Law. “Hopefully my friends won’t need her (divorce services),” Marshall said with a chuckle. “But if you need her, she is the one to call.”

206 S. Main St., Culpeper, VA • 540-764-4767 • lawoffice@arjohnsonlaw.com 3

CAR WASH

Culpeper Car Wash Tom Boyd & Steve Corbin More than a decade ago, local Realtor Tom Boyd conceived building a touch-free car wash in Culpeper. He conducted the research but he needed a site to open a car wash. Boyd looked to locate on the town’s westside that experienced tremendous growth between 2000 and 2006.

He approached his friend and local businessman Steve Corbin, who owned two houses along Sperryville Pike, but they couldn’t agree on a price. Boyd then floated the idea of forming an equal partnership. It worked.

the business. Harold Jenkins, better known to customers as Junior, is onsite Wednesday through Sunday to assist customersand ensure the machinery is running efficiently.

“I love working here,” said Jenkins. “I like for everybody to be happy and come back.”

Boyd touts their tremendous customer loyalty, pointing to over 1,100 members signed up for membership benefits.

Corbin, who didn’t want to be involved in the day-to-day operation of Culpeper Car Wash, agreed to serve as the general contractor. A local designer developed plans and Joe Coppedge did the site work engineering. All local subcontractors handled the construction.

“We can’t thank our customers enough,” said Boyd.

“It’s the smartest thing we ever did,” said Boyd and Corbin.

“The machine does a good job,” said Coppedge. “I am one of those people who sees a good deal and takes advantage of it.”

From an idea, a two-bay touchless car wash that looked like a house and blended in with the neighborhood was constructed at 618 Sperryville Pike. It opened in late 2007. “(Steve Corbin) threw the keys to me and said, “you run it,’” Boyd recalled, with a laugh.

Since 2007, thousands of cars have passed through the bays. Business was so good that the car wash, which recycles as much water as possible, doubled in size in 2015. About 13 years later, the car wash maintains the same pricing structure as when it opened. It also provides free tire and wheel cleaner. The car wash, which operates 24/7 365 days, averages 150 vehicles daily.

Almost since it opened, one man has served as the public face of

Ironically, Coppedge, the man who prepared the site plan, was the first customer and continues coming back. He cited reasonable prices and a clean car.

Culpeper Car Wash sponsors numerous community fundraisers for charitable causes, donating $2 for every car washed to organizations, such as Churches, Scouts, Food Closet, Schools and Sports Leagues fundraisers.

However, the biggest thrill of ownership is honoring active duty and military veterans on Veteran’s Day. The company offers free car washes to all veterans, active duty military and their spouses. Shawn’s BBQ and the Ole Country Store partners to provide free food and refreshments during the daylong event.

“It’s a great source of pride,” said Boyd and Corbin about the Veteran’s Day event. “It’s really rewarding.”

618 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA • 540-727-0001 • culpepercarwash.com 4

DOING BUSINESS IN CULPEPER COUNTY Economic Development of Culpeper Winona Pritts When Winona Pritts talks about Culpeper, she exudes excitement, enthusiasm and a positive business outlook. Pritts, who graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in May 2020, was hired by the Culpeper County Economic Development Department in August and has hit the ground running as the county’s business development coordinator.

With a degree concentration in management and marketing, one of Pritts’ first assignments from her boss, Economic Development Director Phil Sheridan, was organizing the 23rd Annual Culpeper Farm Tour, turnout for which exceeded previous years. Pritts said “our farms are doing a great job” and credited the increased turnout to a new phone app and, above all, improved farm exhibits, tours, food services and activities.

She noted that visitors came from Northern Virginia and Maryland to tour farms, as the department could track website hits coming from advertising on InsideNova.com. While over 700 potential visitors downloaded the phone app that provided farm addresses and maps, she said the department plans to work on updates with an app developer.

“We want to provide users with a more interactive experience, as well as offer additional features within the app,” Pritts said.

Asked if the coronavirus pandemic affected participation, Pritts said “COVID could have influenced the number of new, first time visitors, as there were fewer outdoor activities to participate in, such as sporting events.”

While the coronavirus has impacted the area, as it has every community, Culpeper has been proactive. Pritts credits the town’s Tourism and Economic Development Director Paige Read for leading the effort to provide businesses with grants. She worked with a team from the county,

Small Business Development Center and EDA that processed grant applications.

The collaborative business promotion efforts by the town, county, Culpeper Renaissance Inc. and the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce also contributed to the success of the Culpeper Cares project.

Economic development is not all about enticing new businesses and industries to locate in Culpeper as Pritts said “we want to support and strengthen our existing businesses,” noting recent publicity surrounding a 50-year-old Culpeper plant.

“Be A Culpeper Local” is a major focus of economic development. With more people working from home and commuting less, Pritts said local spending has actually increased from a year ago. The “Be A Culpeper Local” program educates the community on how spending locally helps Culpeper grow.

“For every dollar that is spent in the community, two cents comes back to the county to help first-responders and our school system,” Pritts said.

She plans to grow the “Be A Culpeper Local” program and find ways to further support local businesses.

While still evolving, Pritts is also working on a workforce initiative with the new Culpeper Technical Education Center and Germanna Community College. The plan is to educate both workers and businesses about job opportunities, training programs and the skills of our local workers.

The idea is to help keep young Culpeper residents working with local businesses.

“Culpeper is doing better than most communities,” Pritts said. “We want to make sure everyone is aware of the diverse and successful businesses we have here.”

803 S Main St, Culpeper, VA • (540) 727-3410 • www.culpeperva.org 5

HARDWARE

Gary’s Ace Hardware Gary Walker When Gary Walker opened Gary’s Ace Hardware eight years ago in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center, he remembered how past downtown businesses such as Western Auto, Aides Discount Store, Firestone, A&N and Clarke Hardware catered to customers.

“We try to find it somewhere,” said Walker, who noted a large uptick in online orders.

“My intention was to make it like the stores I was growing up with,” said Walker, a Culpeper native. “That was the type of service I wanted, where customer service was at another level.”

Another reason for the store’s success is low employee turnover, as Walker said many of the younger workers who find another career path come back to work part-time.

Rarely does a customer enter Gary’s Ace Hardware without being greeted by an employee offering assistance.

“Hi, can I help you?” asked store manager and longtime employee Sheila Cooper as she greeted a customer. The customer asked about potting soil and she provided a quick response.

Meanwhile, employee Maria Heredia checked out customers.

“We emphasize that hometown feeling,” Walker said.

Walker tries to stock what customers want, but the pandemic has caused supply chain problems.

“It has been disrupted in so many areas,” Walker said. “So much of the hardware comes from China and other foreign countries.”

Walker notes, however, that ACE Hardware also offers products online that can be special ordered. For items that ACE doesn’t carry, Walker will call a competitor to see if they have the product before sending the customer there. That is just another example of how Walker provides the customer service he wants to offer.

Home improvement materials and paint have been big sellers during the pandemic, but fishing supplies have also sold well.

“I love having (the young employees) come back,” said Cooper, a store manager, with a smile. “I don’t have to train them.”

In addition to hardware, the store carries tools, guns, ammunition, knives, camping and hunting gear, plumbing and cleaning supplies plus lawn and garden tools and supplies. Grills purchased for $399 or more come with free delivery and assembly. The store also makes keys of all varieties. ACE also has a customer loyalty rewards program.

Walker, who also works full time for Fireside Hearth & Home, opened Gary’s ACE Hardware due to some ongoing family issues.

“The idea was to be closer to home, so I could be more available if needed,” he said.

Things worked out so he did not have to leave his full time job. So now he can be found at Ace some week nights, weekends and always on holidays.

To Walker, family is that important.

“The customers and all the employees are like family,” he said. “It’s nice having second family.”

509 Meadowbrook Dr., Culpeper, VA • 540-825-2103 • garysacehardware.com 6

ELECTRIC COMPANY Rappahannock Electric Cooperative John Hewa Americans expect the light to come on after flipping the wall switch. But behind that illumination, in the co-op world, is a team of people servicing 2.6 million miles of electric lines and providing power to 42 million people across 88 percent of American counties in 47 states. About 56 percent of the nation’s land mass is served by electric cooperatives.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), with its 430 employees, is one of about 833 member-owned utilities. REC delivers electricity to portions of 22 Virginia counties, including Culpeper. It maintains over 17,000 miles of energized electric lines with around 170,000 commercial and residential connections, while adding about 3,000 connections annually.

John Hewa, who has been with REC for 3 ½ years, took over as president and CEO in August 2020. Hewa replaced Kent Farmer, who retired following 41 years at REC – 16 as the president and CEO. “I have been in the electric utility sector for 25 years,” said Hewa, who also served as CEO at electric cooperatives in Florida and Texas. “I am fascinated with the (electric) grid.”

REC covers some of the most remote, rugged, challenging and rural terrain to provide electric service in rural areas. Culpeper has around 1,300 miles of power lines serving nearly 13,200 connections.

“We have about 10 accounts per mile,” said Hewa. “On average, we have far less consumers per mile and far less revenue per mile. It’s higher upkeep.”

REC is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where Hewa served as vice president of research, engineering and technical services, working to adopt smart grid technologies. He marvels at the collaborative spirit of the co-ops throughout the country.

In October 2020, the town and County of Culpeper and environs experienced a major power outage. Technology and planning allowed REC to begin restoring power within 20 minutes thanks to redundancy and back feeding. In the future, REC plans to continue adding data to its outage map to help customers determine when the lights will come on.

Part of the technology used by REC today includes automation of the grid as well as drones flying the lines and infrared technology inspections to check for heating connections.

“We use technology for our metering systems and to check for outages,” said Hewa.

Even with modern technology, you can still rely on the distinctive yellow truck coming down the driveway and responding to outages on the grid. The team of strong employees continues to work to build and expand the electric system throughout the territory.

REC is rebuilding a Culpeper substation, and upgrading circuits along U.S Route 15 for future growth and capacity work around Rixeyville.

“The co-op is spending $70 million a year on capital improvements,” Hewa said.

REC is a major part of the community, appearing at or sponsoring numerous events including CulpeperFest, Camp Fantastic and projects to support Childhelp USA. REC also makes it possible for member-owners to give back to their community through their co-op. Each month, over 27,000 members participate in The Power of Change, a program that allows them to round up their electric bill to the next whole dollar, as a set monthly amount or to make a one-time donation. Twice a year, member donations are then awarded to non-profit and charitable organizations who make the communities a better place to live, work and play.

As the electric industry evolves, the introduction of more electric vehicles has REC planning future infrastructure to handle charging those cars, busses and trucks. REC is leaning on innovation and technology but it’s the employees who make it happen, according to Hewa.

“We have great people, who are highly responsive,” said Hewa. “A strong system in the hands of great employees.” #WeAreREC!

13252 Cedar Run Church Rd, Culpeper • (540) 825-8373 • www.myrec.coop 7

COMMUNITY Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Jeff Say & Amy Frazier When long-time local journalist Jeff Say became the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO in February 2020, he had no idea of the challenges looming around the corner for himself, businesses and nonprofits.

Just a month after his first day on the job, the coronavirus swept across the country, forcing restrictions and closures upon the businesses that are Culpeper’s lifeblood.

To explain the Chamber’s mission for its 410 active members, Say points to a sign on an office door.

“The voice of the business community, working to promote, build and support the most effective climate for economic development,” the sign reads.

Say and Chamber Events Coordinator Amy Frazier have grabbed megaphones to be that voice, adapting to the changing business landscape caused by the pandemic.

Say rattles off a list of innovative and proactive ways to promote and communicate with local businesses, non-profits and the community.

Beside the Chamber’s website, social media is key. The Chamber has a YouTube channel and utilizes Facebook and Instagram to promote its message. Additionally, the Chamber conducted multiple educational town halls that were filmed and available on the website.

“It was important to us to safely host all of our signature events to ensure we’re giving our members the marketing, promotion and sense of community they need – especially this year,” Frazier said.

But Say noted that a vibrant economic community only happens

through partnerships. The Chamber works closely with the town and county economic development departments, Career Partners and Culpeper’s successful Main Street program, Culpeper Renaissance Inc. “We are a team,” Say said. “We couldn’t succeed without that partnership. That’s the beauty of Culpeper.”

Kim Toone, Culpeper County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s administrative assistant, explained that the association joined the Chamber in 2020 and praised its efforts during these trying times.

“At a time when public events have been dramatically scaled back, the Chamber has really been there to help us with our mission and to find unique ways to still reach the public with awareness of who we are and what we do,” Toone said. “Jeff Say and Amy Frazier make you feel like your mission becomes their mission and they are right there to cheer you on and support you.”

The Chamber helps businesses get grants and backs initiatives to expand broadband internet access, which Say notes is a necessity, not a luxury.

CulpeperFest is the biggest of the many events sponsored or hosted by the Chamber. In 2020, the annual event was postponed from June to October. While the event had a new look, with vendors socially distanced around Eastern View High School’s track, the Chamber once again proved its ability to adapt and showcase local organizations.

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce has raised the decibel level as the business community’s voice.

“Amy and I love Culpeper, and we want everybody to succeed,” Say said.

629 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA • 540-825-8628 • culpeperchamber.com 8

FITNESS STUDIO Applied Science Fitness Studio Mike Duby Behind a green door to a former small engine repair shop in a converted garage near the Depot sits a fitness studio with 21 exercise apparatuses. It is operated by Mike Duby, age 65, a passionate fitness trainer who offers oneon-one services in a private setting.

“We specialize in results, not empty promises,” said Duby, a former high school and college wrestler, about the business he founded about 14 years ago in Culpeper.

At lunch about 15 years ago, Duby was asked by his friend and mentor Steve Dilday to identify the best workout machine in the world. Duby, surprised by the question, didn’t know the answer. The Duo Squat machine was the best, according to Dilday.

Many of Duby’s clients come for health reasons or to lose weight. He notes that losing weight is easy.

“Just stop eating,” Duby said with a smile.

However, Duby notes that diets without exercise drastically reduce muscle tone. He gave as an example a 300 pound man losing 100 pounds. The man would lose 50% fat and 50% muscle tone. If he gained 100 pounds back and lost it again, he would lose additional muscle.

“Muscle metabolizes fat,” Duby said. “I am not a weight loss guy. I am a muscle guy.” Ellen Shaughnessy has been exercising with Duby for about nine years.

During a later lunch, the two friends talked fitness and exercise protocols.

That talk led to wildlife and nature filmmaker Arthur Jones, who studied animals. Jones created the Duo Squat machine. The film maker hated doctors but studied human physiology and how it compared to animals he filmed. He also looked at exercise programs that were sold versus what actually worked.

“In the first six weeks, I lost 60 pounds,” said Shaughnessy, who expressed initial skepticism about Duby’s program. “I was pleasantly surprised with it. I felt much better exercising.”

“He studied how the muscles actually worked,” said Duby, a self-described Jones disciple.

Josh Schaff, who has been exercising with Duby for about three years, lost 80 pounds in 10 months even though he had no specific goals.

Barbell squats, originating in the 1950s, were the best exercise but the most dangerous, according to Duby. The Duo Squat machine gave the same results but was much safer.

Jones determined that a relationship existed between speed of exercise versus a slow, heavy, repetitious workout followed by a long rest period.

“Jones was a genius developing (exercise) machines that used leverage and “travelling” fulcrum to best utilize the entire muscle as opposed to partial muscle,” Duby said.

One of her biggest surprises was the lack of muscle pain following a Duby workout, unlike previous workouts.

“You get out of it what you put into it,” said Schaff, praising Duby’s program.

Duby’s initial program consists of 18 sessions in six weeks, which usually results in a 250-500% increase in upper and lower body muscle strength.

Shaughnessy, who also gained bone density, no longer feels just like a client.

Duby is a friend.

“I really care about my clients,” Duby said. “I am emotionally bonded to my clients, and I want them to succeed.”

217 E. Culpeper St, Culpeper, VA • 540-812-5532 9

WEIGHT LOSS

Lifestyle Physicians Dr. Sagar Verma Salena Woodson has been overweight since childhood. The 43-yearold mother of a 12-year-old boy has tried several weight loss programs without success. But that changed at a December 2017 Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where Dr. Sagar Verma gave a presentation regarding obesity and related health issues.

The following month, Woodson went for a consultation and evaluation from Verma, who is board-certified in internal medicine and obesity.

She has not looked back and three years later is still following his prescribed regimen.

Woodson weighed 413 pounds and lost 163 pounds by October 2020.

She is now able to do things she never thought of doing. She rides a bike and hikes, among other things.

“It’s an epidemic problem right now,” said Verma, the owner of Lifestyle Physicians, who also works as a hospitalist at Novant Health UVA Health System Culpeper Hospital. “Obesity causes, directly or indirectly, more than 200 diseases.”

Verma said obesity can lead to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes as well as colon or breast cancer. The list of health issues goes on.

“If we can address this one problem, it could save so many lives and so much money in healthcare costs,” Verma said. “You have to make a lifestyle change to keep it off. Follow up is very important.”

Dr. Verma notes that processed food leads to obesity.

“They put chemicals in (processed food) – happy chemicals to secrete

happy hormones,” said Dr. Verma, who lamented that many physicians ignore obesity and its attendant health issues.

Five years ago, Dr. Verma opened Lifestyle Physicians offices in Warrenton and Culpeper. The name of his practice says it all. He teaches lifestyle changes and offers a physician’s services to treat obesity. That is exactly how and why Dr. Verma came up with the practice’s name. It is also why Woodson sought out Dr. Verma.

She knew she needed a lifestyle change and wanted a physician’s guidance.

The practice also has Dr. Sheeba Asad, a board-certified naturopathic physician who uses “naturopathic” medicine, which attempts to determine the underlying cause of disease and the use of therapeutic treatments. Lifestyle Physicians practices both traditional and naturopathic medicine.

Woodson’s obesity was linked to a low metabolism. She had no other underlying health issues. Dr. Verma gave her treatment options, including bariatric surgery, which he does not perform.

While concentrating on obesity therapy and treatment, the practice also offers male and female sexual dysfunction consultation and treatments, hair loss treatment, skin tightening and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

As for Woodson, one of 2,000 patients seen by Dr. Verma since the practice opened, she said “I am still working on it.”

571 James Madison Highway #B, Culpeper, VA • 550-764-4694 • lifestylephysicians.com 10

FLORIST Endless Creations Steve & Chris Cone Chris and Steve Cone hope the third move of their Endless Creations Flowers and Gifts shop is a charm.

Montgomery said Steve always sends her pictures of the arrangement sent to others on her behalf.

With the blessing of their children, the couple opened a 1,500 squarefoot retail shop on Sunset Lane in 2014. However, they quickly outgrew that location and moved into a 2,200 square-foot building on West Evans Street December 2015.

“The whole year has been odd because of COVID,” said Steve, noting March-April was really down however the rest of the year has been much better..

Even that location wasn’t big enough and in 2020 the couple moved to the Southgate Shopping Center in the space formerly occupied by a pharmacy. Now, Endless Creations has about 5000 square feet to house a variety of gifts for all occasions, its growing flower shop and a popular tuxedo and suit rental business.

“We needed space filling orders, to be efficient and meet customer expectations,” said Steve about the most recent and hopefully last move.

The Cones stress customer service and satisfaction.

“Hi, can I help you?” asked Amanda Kent, who stopped making a floral arrangement to immediately greet a customer who wanted a bouquet.

Kent walked the customer to the large cooler containing colorful fresh flowers of various varieties and arrangements. If he didn’t see what he wanted, Kent said she could make it.

Ellen Montgomery is one of many satisfied return customers.

“They are honest to a fault,” Montgomery said. “They work with the customer, they do care about people.”

In addition to the floral and gift side of the business which includes weddings, Endless Creations is the only location in the area to rent tuxedos or suits.

“We can cover all occasions,” Steve said. “There is nowhere in town you can get a tuxedo.”

Endless Creations contributes to the community’s hunger needs through the Food for Flowers program. A box in the center of the showroom allows customers to donate canned food to feed the hungry through Food Closets. A donation of five cans of food nets a $5 Endless Creation bouquet of flowers.

Endless Creations offers gift baskets for all occasions – even a dog lover’s basket. Additionally, there are stuffed animals, candles, picture frames, candy gift boxes, greeting cards, ornaments and baby gifts.

Endless Creations offers the community the freshest flowers in town, gifts galore and tuxedo rentals.

“We want to be the one-stop shop,” Steve said.

261 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA • 540-825-4440 • ecflowersandgifts.com 11

MEDICAL

Wellspring Health Services A local businessman was seeking affordable medical insurance for two employees but most insurance policies, as well as coverage through the Affordable Care Act, were prohibitively expensive.

exam, wound repair and follow up, blood pressure, chronic diseases and diabetic management, influenza and strep throat testing and an annual flu shot. There is no co-pay.

The businessman learned of an innovative and unique medical membership program that 4-year-old Wellspring Health Services began offering on Sept. 17. For $99 a month, an individual member can visit a doctor and receive basic services as many times a month as they can get an appointment. For a couple, the cost is $179 monthly. Members must sign three-month contracts.

Most tests that can be performed in-house are covered but the use of an outside lab and other services are not covered by the monthly fee.

However, Wellspring offers a 20% discount on in-house services that are not covered. Wellspring also has a discounted rate for outside lab work that is not covered.

“It’s not insurance, it is a membership plan,” Lorraine Carter, Wellspring’s membership program coordinator, said. “This is like a gym membership for healthcare.”

Lower prescription costs from local independent pharmacies have been negotiated.

The businessman liked the idea so much that he paid for a 12-month membership for his two employees.

The membership program opens the door to a myriad of Wellspring healthcare services, including but not limited to an annual wellness

“We cannot do all lab work or cover prescriptions,” Carter said.

“The target market for this is young professionals and entrepreneurs,” said Carter, using the local businessman as an example. “We are providing access to everything that Wellspring offers.”

A specialty healthcare rider is also available for an additional $79 monthly fee. Those specialty services include endocrinology,

Wellspring Health Services • 15237 Creativity Drive, Culpeper, VA 12

gastroenterology, gynecology, pulmonary, podiatry, pain management and neurology.

April Sanders, a former Culpeper resident now living in central Florida, is not a member but drives 837 miles one-way to see Wellspring Neurologist Dr. George Stergis, who began treating her in 2010 before she moved in 2017.

“He is absolutely the best I have ever seen,” said Sanders, who has seen about 20 neurologists. “He has done so much research to help me as a person. He gave me a life.”

Carter said Wellspring’s membership program is a unique business model.

“As community partners dedicated and committed to providing access to wellness and health, it only makes sense for us to go ahead and offer a membership plan to help get all of us through these unprecedented times,” Wellspring CEO Dr. Khalid Athar said. “Even though we have been working on this project for a while now, the

global pandemic forced us to urgently respond to the dire need of our community members facing unemployment and loss of access to conventional health insurance plans.”

Wellspring Family Practitioners include: Charles Haden, MD, Charles Okorie,MD, Bernadette Focazio, AHNP, Stacey Ratigan, FNP-C, Heather Cannova, FNP-C, Abigail Carruthers, PA-C, Susan Suleske, PA-C, Carmella Walling, FNP, Veronika Bumgardner, PA Wellspring Specialists include: Amr Etman, Gynecologist, Judith Olkaba, Podiatrist, Petra Thomas, Pulmonologist, Momodu Jack, Gastroenterologist, Babak Bedayat, Pain Management, Khalid Athar, Anesthesiologist, Nabeel Babar, Endocrinologist, George Stergis, Neurologist, Lisa Harnum, MDPediatrician, Charles Stein, MD-Pediatrician, Peter Lewis, LCSWBehavioral Health, Suzanne Amoruso, RD,CDE Dietician/Nutritionist

(540) 321-4281 • www.wellspringhealthservices.com 13

BBQ Uncle Elder’s Family Restaurant BBQ Elder Fuentes Cooking and BBQ are Elder Fuentes’ passion, which is why he loves spending the majority of hours in a day at his restaurant.

“I want to make sure people are happy,” he said.

And after leaving the restaurant, people are happy. Fuentes takes pride in repeat customers who always come back for more, because that means he is doing the job right.

Fuentes expressed deep gratitude to the loyal customers, who don’t just eat at the restaurant but help it grow in popularity through word of mouth recommendations. Those recommendations also spread word of Uncle Elder’s catering services, an aspect of the business that has continuously grown since the restaurant opened in 2014.

Fuentes loves seeing new faces come into the restaurant equally as much as being visited by those repeat customers. He can’t thank the community enough for its support.

What makes customers tell their friends to visit Uncle Elder’s? It is the combination of Fuentes’ passion and dedication to properly preparing high quality and flavorful ingredients.

Fuentes buys the best brisket, meats and seafood to ensure his high standards. The menu features a variety of delicious meats including

meatloaf, steaks, pork chops and hamburgers. There is also seafood — salmon, catfish and crab cakes. The pork barbeque is pulled by hand.

The sides are freshly made and the definition of home-style comfort food. They include a melt-in-your-mouth mac and cheese, collards, sauteed corn, homemade potato salad, steamed broccoli, fried okra, cornbread and hush puppies.

And Fuentes makes his own award-winning sauces, which are so delicious they are frequently ordered as gifts and become incorporated into family recipes.

Fuentes cautions that Uncle Elder’s is not a fast-food restaurant and that each meal is cooked to order, taking time to prepare.

Owning a successful restaurant is a dream come true for Fuentes, and he is thrilled to have pursued his passion in Culpeper.

Fuentes previously worked at Northern Virginia restaurants, where he developed a love of barbeque and particularly brisket. He visited Culpeper about 10 years ago and fell in love with the town.

“This is the right place,” he said. “I don’t regret it at all.”

129 E. Culpeper St., Culpeper, VA • (540) 317-5718 • www.uncleeldersbbq.com 14

EYE CARE

Eye Care of Virginia Dr. Miles Press When Miles Press was a fresh-faced 7-year-old he went to his family’s eye doctor for the first time. The boy was fascinated with the instruments and how the optometrist treated the patient. The visit piqued the inquisitive boy’s interest and he began asking questions. The doctor took the boy into his basement and showed him an array of contact lenses.

Before attending optometry school, Dr. Press worked for an optometrist in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who had connections with royalty overseas. The doctor went to see the princess and take measurements.

“She had a real strong correction,” Dr. Press said.

The doctor told the young Miles Press to return when he turned 16 for a job to start learning the trade. The teenager took him up on the job offer and learned everything about the trade in two years.

From the measurements, Miles Press cut the lenses. As a reward, the prince gave the doctor a black Rolls Royce Shadow for fitting the princess with contact lenses. For his effort cutting the lenses, Dr. Press got a paycheck.

However, the doctor rewarded his young assistant by helping to get him into a Massachusetts College of Optometry.

Fifty-one years later, the boy is Dr. Miles Press, who rents space as Eye Care of Virginia in the Culpeper Super Walmart and the Walmart in King George County. He works six days a week seeing patients, four in Culpeper and two in King George.

Before embarking on private practice, Dr. Press served in the U.S. Air Force in the Flight Surgeon’s Office. After leaving the service, he opened an eyecare chain in southwest Virginia. In 1980, he started his own contact lens company in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“I started in 1971,” Dr. Press said with a smile. “I am not retiring.”

Dr. Press is a pioneer in the contact lens industry, as he developed the tinted soft contact lens and licensed technology to Bausch and Lomb in 1982 and sold companies to Revlon in 1986.

“He introduced me to contact lenses,” Dr. Press said.

Thousands of patients will be happy to hear that, including a West Virginia man who drives to Culpeper to see Dr. Press. The West Virginia man isn’t alone. Dr. Press has worked at several eye care chains, including Sears in Fredericksburg.

“From Sears, people still follow me,” said Dr. Press, who noted he has served several generations of some families during his 50-year practice.

Dr. Press’ forte is contact lenses, which have changed through the decades from hard contact lenses to the soft lenses popular today.

He estimates that he has seen over 25,000 patients between his practices in Fredericksburg, Culpeper and King George.

He is very proud of being selected Best of the Best by Culpeper Times readers.

“I care about my patients,” Dr. Press said. “I bend over backwards to help people.”

801 James Madison Hwy • (540) 825-3937 • www.eyecareofvirginia.com 15

ARTS & CRAFTS

Wine and Design Teresa Lough Near the train depot sits a studio where customers can relax, socialize, begin or enhance their artistic skills and learn different art forms while sipping wine or beer.

Wine and Design in Culpeper on Waters Place is one of 70 national franchises. It is owned by Shannon Armstrong and her husband Brian, who chose the location for its proximity to historic downtown.

“It’s a social gathering, typically a time to socialize, get creative and have a glass of wine,” Shannon said.

Shannon and other artists teach various art forms, including canvas painting, mosaics, stained glass, wooden door hangers and “chunky” knit blankets.

“I am the back-of-the-house guy,” Brian explained. “On busy nights, I am the cook and the bartender.”

“He’s my muscle,” Shannon chimed in with a laugh.

The studio isn’t just for adults and adult beverages. Children can enjoy a “summer camp” atmosphere, as the studio offers a large room for private birthday parties, bridal showers or any special event. The studio offers five divisions – Art Buzz Kids, Team Building, DIY, Paint It Forward and the On Wheels mobile service that comes to you. Paint It Forward is a fundraising tool for non-profits. Wine and Design provides all the materials.

Krut has availed herself of paint kits that can be taken home.

“I have some at the house,” said Krut, who also visits with friends to watch Shannon teach.

The stainless steel tables and concrete floor are splattered with errant paint splotches. There is even a small handprint on a wall.

Corrie Gyory has two young daughters who love attending children’s camp at Wine and Design and has left the children at Shannon’s camp on Wednesdays.

“She is a good trustworthy person,” Gyory said. “I know my kids are going to be fine.”

Shannon developed a strong relationship with one of Gyory’s daughters, who is frequently hospitalized with a medical condition.

“She sent art kits to the hospital,” Gyory said. “It was great therapy for my daughter” Shannon can create programs not associated with the franchise, and the local studio is the only one that offers stained glass classes.

Diana Krut, of Marshall, has been a customer for three years after learning of Armstrong’s studio on Facebook.

While the normal business hours are at night, Shannon and Brian say the studio can be booked at other times. In addition to the beer and wine, the studio offers snacks, sodas, chicken nuggets and mozzarella sticks, among other items, and partners with Far Gohn Brewing Company for flatbread pizza.

“They are great people,” Krut said. “I love the way (Shannon) teaches classes. I have learned a lot.”

Wine and Design also offers a fun date night where couples paint side-byside canvasses that create one painting.

201 Waters PL #109, Culpeper, VA • 540-661-8409 • culpeper@wineanddesign.com 16

UNIQUE GIFTS

JIMNI Jim Schorr & John Beck Jim Schorr, the owner of JMNI on East Davis Street, embraces the slogans “Be a Culpeper Local” and “Buy Local.”

The business name JIMNI was created by Schorr’s wife Alice. It stands for Jim and I (Alice). A retired blacksmith, Schorr started a business in 2012 at his home that mainly focused on laser engraving.

In 2017, Schorr moved to his current location, where he loves the foot traffic and seeing people stopping by to browse.

Customer Cheri Cherenzia loves Schorr’s craftsmanship, attention to detail and desire to please customers. She has purchased a bench, cabinets, a table and barn door.

“He has a high-quality product,” Cherenzia said.

With a laugh, she said “I could have an open house - [my house] could be the Jimmy Schorr Museum.”

JIMNI will continue carrying trademark products (laser engraving, artistic, custom-made iron farm signs, wooden bowls, residential barn doors and chests) with plans to expand its offerings. Jim sees a growing demand for hand-crafted tables, chairs, desks and coffee tables.

“We are aiming to sell larger furniture like never before, with a nod to nature and organic forms” Schorr said.

Local artisans will be making the furniture using local hardwood – cherry, hickory, walnut and maple. Schorr knows wood and follows through to ensure his standards and the customer’s expectations are met.

As for foot traffic, a serendipitous event occurred in August when John Beck and his wife wandered into the store. Schorr believes that things happen for a reason. Meeting Beck was ordained.

Beck, a retired Florida transplant and self-described “woodturner,” was impressed with the store and kept returning to brainstorm with Jim. He is now the store’s head sales representative.

Retired from a marketing career, Beck offered to help the business grow. The two men struck a business arrangement and creative, new ideas evolved.

“He has done a marvelous job until now, and I predict he will attract a lot of new business to and for our community,” Beck said.

Now they are working with local craftsmen and have formed the Culpeper Artisan Group.

“Given this unusual time of living and working at home, we want to offer a way to enhance this experience. We want to offer furniture that touches and comforts your soul,” Beck said.

Schorr explained that “live edge” furniture features at least one edge of wood that has not been sawed or planed straight and retains much of its natural form. A large, expansive dining table in the showroom has two live edges, which Schorr describes as “nature itself” because “we didn’t make the tree, we’re just bringing it into your home and office.”

While unique, one-of-a-kind wood furniture for the home and office will remain the focus, JIMNI plans to offer other hand-made, decorative arts for home and office spaces. These will include ceramic art, wooden bowls, utilitarian pottery, jewelry and leather.

Schorr puts his heart and soul into his craft.

A sign on the wall says it all - “Unique gifts. You think it; we make it.”

154 E. Davis St., Culpeper, VA • 850-273-9100 17

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio C Photography Tim & Johncie Carlson With a mother who was a church organist, Tim Carlson attended many weddings when he was younger and always kept a keen eye on the photographer. Those observations paid off when he became a professional photographer and snapped about 40 shots-- using film and flashbulbs at his first wedding in 1984.

Through the years, Tim has honed his craft and is the only photographer in Culpeper Certified by the Professional Photographers of America. He also is a member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association.

As technology advanced over the years, Tim has adjusted and has come a long way since that first wedding. Transitioning to digital photography allows him to edit photos by removing blemishes, a flash on eyeglasses, or a stray hair. Imperfections can magically disappear. He also can take several different poses to create a single composite photo.

Beside his award-winning photography, Carlson is an accomplished actor, skills useful in helping subjects acquire the look they want in photographs.

“I am always trying to figure out what this (photo shoot) is for,” he said. “My acting helps me understand the emotions we are trying to convey.” With business and theatrical headshots, there are opportunities to motivate the viewer with a simple adjustment in pose or lighting.

Besides offering a full line of photographic services including weddings, portraits, passport photos and advertising subjects, Carlson restores old family photographs that hold precious memories but are faded or damaged. This aspect of the job is particularly fun, he said, because it can get emotional when families receive restored photographs. Orange County resident Gail Hardin had deteriorating family photos from the 1880s displaying her grandmother and a horse and buggy, but she said Tim did “an absolutely fantastic” restoration job. “He brought out things in the picture that you couldn’t see in the original. It’s like getting a whole new picture back,” she said.

Carlson encourages people to print out some of the photos they take on digital cameras and phones because “these pictures are for memories.”

Studio C offers photo printing services on paper, aluminum, acrylic, canvas and leather.

We all get nervous when the lights are on and the camera is pointing at you. Chris Woods, who wanted senior pictures of her daughters, said Tim made the girls comfortable. Having a studio downtown allows for dressing rooms, mirrors, and a relaxed atmosphere. That session included poses in a lacrosse outfit, fashion shots, artist drawings, professional headshot, and Tim’s favorite photos are portrait headshots, where he strives to get “that look” and facial expression, which can only be accomplished when there is casual images for grandma. “He really took his time with them,” Woods said. “He captured their personalities.” true communication between him and the subjects.

142 N. Main St., Culpeper, VA • (540) 829-1155 • www.studiocphoto.net 18

SCREEN PRINTING & COLLECTIBLES

Triple Image Thom O’Connell Triple Image means the company does three things: screen printing, embroidery and collectibles.

Tucked away on West Cameron Street, Triple Image’s showroom, which features showcases filled with coins and collectables, is decorated with screen printed and embroidered items.

Triple Image, which opened in 1990, is a family affair between Thom O’Connell, his wife Dava and their daughters Samantha and Amanda.

Originally, Triple Image was primarily a sports memorabilia shop — one of about six in Culpeper at the time — during an era when that market thrived. As the sports card business hit a downward spiral, however, Triple Image shifted its focus and started scanning blown up images of sports cards onto T-shirts. This continued to be a focus until the shop learned of possible copyright violations.

So, Triple Image began personalizing T-shirts, mugs and calendars with scanned photos featuring families or pets.

In the mid-1990s, Thom bought a small portable screen printer and began printing T-shirts in his basement. Now, Triple Image has four embroidery machines and a commercial screen printer. Triple Image can screen print and embroider anything with a flat surface including shirts, jackets and pillow cases.

Triple Image also buys coins, precious metals, coin collections, small collectibles and scrap gold or silver jewelry. Triple Image may not always have the best price, but Thom said to “please give us a call.”

While Triple Image provides coin appraisals, they do not professionally grade coins but can tell customers how to have it done.

A Warrenton coin collector, who requested anonymity, has been buying coins from Triple Image for about five years. He can call Thom about a coin missing from one of his collections. When Thom finds it, he calls the customer back. The collector added that dealing with Thom is enjoyable because he is “scrupulous, fair and honest.”

Thom is glad to hear that sentiment because the shop’s primary goal is making customers happy.

“Customer service is a thing of the past, except for us,” he said.

Triple Image also enjoys giving back to the community and sponsors the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby by providing T-shirts and lanyards for staff and drivers. Thom, Dava, Samantha and Amanda also sell T-shirts, hats, water bottles and visors at the races and donate all of the proceeds.

Frankie Gilmore, Piedmont Soap Box Derby’s vice president, praised Triple Image for their contributions, saying that the business’ contributions have been key in ensuring the event’s success.

108 W. Cameron St., Culpeper, VA • 540-829-1050 • tripleimage.ws 19

HEARING

Wagner Hearing Aid of Culpeper Teresa Lough Teresa Lough is passionate about helping people with hearing loss. She should know since she suffers from hearing impairment.

talks louder than necessary. Hearing aids really help the whole family communicate better.

“I’ve had hearing loss my whole life,” said Lough, who wears hearing aids.

Patricia Slater is a Wagner Hearing Aid of Culpeper client, not for herself, but for her mother who has been wearing hearing aids and now also her husband.

Although she pursued other career paths, mainly involving customer service, she saw an opportunity to continue serving customers and providing a needed service to an existing Culpeper client base. In August, Bruce Wagner wanted to find someone to carry on his longtime hearing aid business.

“Bruce was working toward retirement,” Lough said. “He felt he needed someone in the office more than one day a week.”

Lough and a business partner jumped at the opportunity and opened Wagner Hearing Aid of Culpeper. But before finalizing the purchase, she spent months on Wednesdays working with Wagner.

“From that my passion grew even more,” Lough said.

Wagner Hearing Aid of Culpeper, which offers free hearing evaluations, takes time with potential clients to make them feel comfortable.

“They had the technology my husband wanted,” Slater said.

Ever-evolving technology drives the hearing aid business. Hearing aids are smaller, more powerful and feature-filled.

“I didn’t realize how wonderful they are now,” said Lough about today’s hearing aids. “The technology is so advanced that it is able to focus on what you want to focus on. Family members are so excited that their family member can hear them.”

Slater’s mother needed an upgrade and she and her husband had been talking about his needing hearing aids for the first time.

“The upgrade for my mom brought my husband into it,” Slater said. “(Hearing aids) will enhance his quality of life.”

“I see myself in each person that walks in. I’ve been through a lot by having hearing loss for 50 years. Getting hearing aids five years ago changed my life,” Lough said.

Slater noted that not only did Wagner help upgrade her mother’s hearing aids but quickly took on repairing the hearing aids when they were accidentally damaged.

Lough knows their struggles and frustrations and is passionate about helping clients and their families.

Those encouraging words are music to Lough’s ears.

Family members, who sometimes bring in a loved one for a hearing test, have grown frustrated telling a family member to turn down the TV or repeating conversations. At other times, a person with hearing loss

“The folks there are just wonderful,” Slater said.

“I really believe this is what I am supposed to be doing and where I want to be,” Lough said. “Our mission is to increase the quality of life of our customers.”

767 Madison Rd Suite 103 • 540-825-6770 • helpuhearculpeper.com 20

TAX SERVICES H&R Block Jean Queen In 1789, Benjamin Franklin said, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

payroll for her business, La Bee da Loca, on Davis Street. H&R Block expanded its services nationwide, now offering bookkeeping and payroll.

For about 53 years, Jean Queen has been helping with taxes. The latter part of Franklin’s statement is handled elsewhere. In 1972, she purchased her first H&R Block franchise in Warrenton after working in the company’s corporate office.

Since then, the franchise expanded to the Centre at Culpeper along Montanus Drive, Bealeton and Orange.

“They do such a great job,” Chavez said. “They really care.”

The business is a family affair, with Queen’s daughter Norma Boerger serving as manager and bookkeeper.

“I have always worked part-time since I was little,” Boerger said.

Queen, who plans to eventually retire, said Boerger “is going to take over.”

Her husband Teal also contributes.

“He’s the maintenance and repair man,” Queen said smiling. “He also brings the mail.”

Teal, on cue, came inside with mail in hand.

During tax season, the Culpeper office staffs about 14 H&R Block-trained and certified tax professionals, using state-of-the-art software during the JanuaryApril 15 tax season.

Felicia Chavez and her husband are among the estimated 2,300 Culpeper clients served by the local office. They have had their personal taxes prepared there for 12 years.

Initially, the business began as a bookkeeping company. However, in 1955, Henry and Richard Bloch began specializing in tax preparation. They also realized that “Bloch” was difficult for customers to spell and pronounce, so they changed the company’s name to H&R Block.

Low staff turnover at the local office also has value. Some of Queen’s employees have 20 years of tax preparation experience.

It is that experience that has Joyce Johnson returning each year to have Queen’s staff prepare her taxes. Since 1986, Johnson has relied on H&R Block.

“I don’t go to anybody else,” Johnson said. “I trust H&R Block and they have always treated me right. They are honest with you. If they make a mistake, they will fix it.”

Queen said clients and non-clients call throughout the year asking about how to change tax deductions at work and other tax-related questions regarding marriages, increased salaries, job changes or the COVID-19 stimulus checks.

“I always tell my preparers, don’t be afraid to look something up,” Queen said.

“You can never remember everything. Just know where to go to research it.”

A positive attitude, quality training and good employees has been the cornerstone of Queen’s operation.

“I wouldn’t go to anyone else,” Chavez said. “I have always been pleased with the way they conduct business.”

“What has made us successful is our loyal clients and employees,” Queen said.

“Without them, we don’t have a business.”

Chavez was so impressed that she hired H&R Block to handle bookkeeping and

“We feel we are the best of the best,” Boerger said.

15135 Montanus Dr. Culpeper, VA • 540-825-8700 • hrblock.com 21

SHIPPING

Eagle Postal Express Paul & TG Farnam At Eagle Postal Express, owners Paul and TG Farnam work as a team to be your one-stop get-it-done shop. Paul and TG say the best part of the job is making customers smile. They find pride in giving the best quality service they can. Paul and TG want to say thank you for your support and belief in their small business since 2013. Eagle Postal Express turns eight in April this year and could have not done this without the community support.

“I have always wanted my own business, and I like helping people, so this is what I do,” Paul Farnam said.

In addition to being a pack and ship store (FedEx, DHL and USPS Authorized Ship Center), they also offer private mailbox rentals to give your home-based business a physical street address.

Eagle Postal Express also offers virtual mailboxes through postal1.

Customers can view and manage their postal mail and packages remotely, 24/7 from anywhere, using the shop’s app or website. Paul added that customers can see their mail as soon as it is received.

Eagle Postal Express also has a wide variety of unique and useful gift ideas, puzzles, greeting cards, shipping, moving boxes and office supplies. Did you know they scan and print documents, do business cards and custom make greeting cards for any occasion?

At the shop’s FotoZoomer kiosk, mobile photo uploads are now available for Apple and Android phones. Only you have access to your images with a secure code created on your device. Once uploaded, your images are encrypted to ensure they are safe. Visit Eagle Postal Express’ FotoZoomer kiosk and type in your code to make any type of print. It is that simple.

This year Eagle Postal Express joined Package Hub Business Centers® to help solve the final mile. A unique advantage of being owner-operated is the outstanding customer experience the store can offer. The PBC team plans to actively educate customers, carriers and online retailers about the service advantage of e-commerce package handling.

Paul announced that plans are in the works for a universal package receiving service that can eliminate porch piracy, save carriers a truckload in residential stops and deliver a seamless “final yard” experience.

As a PBC member, Eagle Postal Express can become the local HUB where neighbors “get all their stuff” and “get all their stuff done” while helping make e-commerce both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Paul noted that “we’re big enough to accommodate, small enough to appreciate.”

429 Meadowbrook Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA • (540) 812-2240 • www.eaglepostalxpress.com 22

FURNITURE

Amish Furniture Connections & Tim’s Treasures Walk through the door of Amish Furniture Connections and Tim’s Treasures on James Monroe Highway and you’ll be greeted by proprietors Tim and Linda Swetman, both long-time Retailers of Culpeper. Their store specializes in custom-built solid wood furniture and kitchen cabinetry from the finest Amish craftsmen in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, including the Lancaster Legacy Collection, Lancaster Heirlooms, The Craftsman Collection, Eden Crafted Furniture, The LKL Collection and King Casuals.

What makes Amish Furniture Connections truly unique among retail furniture outlets is their ability to customize the creations. Need a hutch two-inches longer? No problem! Need an entertainment unit an inch higher? Easy! Need a custom stain? Can do! The Swetmans are able to achieve this unprecedented level of customer service as a result of the years spent cultivating relationships with these superb Amish craftsmen.

Commenting on these relationships, Linda muses on the early days of learning how to navigate the sensitive cultural barriers and learning that the it wasn’t unusual for a phone booth to serve as the only means of contact for five or more families and that Amish craftsmen do not do business on Sundays (and being told in that in no uncertain terms). In spite of the formidable barriers, the couple built a large network of forty suppliers of the finest custom-built, handcrafted furniture and cabinetry in the Northeast United States.

Reminiscing on their business office, Linda points out that the business is not about the “connection” to the craftsman alone, but about

building enduring relationships to the customer as well. She cites, for example, how when the Authentically Amish and Oak Barn stores both permanently closed their doors, the couple took the unprecedented step of extending a hand to customers of the shuttered outlets and offered to honor the warranty on their purchases. Mike Nostrand, a longtime customer of the Swetman’s, raves about the unmatched quality and price of the furniture and his absolute pleasure with the unparalleled post sales customer care. “This is a purchase you make once or twice in a lifetime,” he said. “The quality is beyond anything found in a big box store. The beauty and elegance are classic and timeless. The service is truly amazing. I can’t imagine purchasing from anywhere else.” Tim adds, with an approving nod and smile, “The Amish furniture craftsmen make my job easy.” The pandemic has not been particularly kind to the business, and there have been disruptions in supply resulting in increased wait times, but Nostrand urges patience. “I can wait,” he says. “I know I can’t get this quality furniture anywhere else at this price. It’s worth it.” Amish Furniture Connections has been voted “The Best of Best ‘in Custom Furniture for four out of the last five years.

Drop in or call Tim and Linda, and visit their website to check out their featured product lines, including their newest line of custom cabinetry and outdoor poly furniture.

You can also connect with them on facebook at facebook.com/ amishfurnitureconnections and watch for postings about their “meet the craftsmen days” when their quality suppliers come and display their custom creations to the public.

10044 James Monroe Hwy, Culpeper, VA • (540) 547-4767 • www.amishfurnitureconnections.com 23

REAL ESTATE RE/MAX Crossroads Philip & Kelly Thornton The Experience. The Tools. The Know-How. Ask them why it matters.

For the vast majority of us, buying or selling a home is the largest financial decision we’ll ever make and picking the best REALTOR® is key. Philip and Kelly Thornton not only have the experience … with over 35 years of combined local market expertise, but a track record of proven results that few REALTORS® can rival.

Kelly and Philip met while working as REALTORS® in Culpeper. They not only created an amazing partnership, but they found a career they both enjoy and respect. And when the opportunity came for the family to invest in themselves and their community, they jumped, purchasing RE/MAX Crossroads in early 2011, and later launching Paragon Property Management in 2015. Local real estate was now their life. Do you know how much hard work and attention to detail it takes to be a top ranked REALTOR® and Broker? Neither did I until we sat down together and talked about their commitment and drive to professionalism. There’s a misconception that becoming a REALTOR® is not only easy, but immensely lucrative with little effort or experience required. In talking candidly with Philip and Kelly, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The role of a good REALTOR® is a serious one that carries great responsibility and infinite working parts to navigate.

Their drive towards being the best REALTORS® possible has been recognized locally, as annual top producers, Salesperson of the Year, Broker of the Year, Past-President/Board members of the Greater Piedmont REALTORS®, as well as nationally, having both been inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

It’s very apparent when talking to this dynamic couple they not only know what they are doing but want to put that knowledge to work for their neighbors and friends. They live here and know by helping its residents they are helping the community grow and prosper. Their core belief is “we are all in this together.” Culpeper has always been home and they want nothing but the best for their community.

It all boils down to what should be most important: service, trust, experience, professionalism and results. Buying or selling a home might just be the largest financial transaction a person makes in their life, so picking the best REALTOR® has never been more important. A REALTOR® should always ensure you make the best possible decisions, while monitoring all the details, navigating the inevitable pitfalls, giving you confidence and taking away the stress … all with ease. So don’t just pick any REALTOR®, pick the local experts.

They

here for Culpeper! – Connecting People & Property

810 S. Main St., Culpeper, VA • Philip (540) 222-9155 • Kelly (540) 718-5763 • www.yourlocalrepros.com 24