Richmond magazine - November 2023

Thank you, it’s been a great ride.

After more than 60 years in the business, the McGeorge family of dealerships are under new ownership, while

carrying on our values with the same hard-working teams of sales and service professionals. I appreciate the trust you placed in us and your loyalty, making us your go-to for new and used vehicles and service year after year.

To our employees and customers past and present we offer our heartfelt thanks.

Rod McGeorge

Chairman, McGeorge Car Company

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Ranked-choice ballots could change the way we vote

Empowered by hands-on coursework, university students are gaining real-world experience and lifelong skills

Fill your sleigh Santa-style by going to the source — shop Richmond’s annual pop-up holiday markets

By Dale Brumfield

By Eileen Mellon

Lee, Eileen Mellon, Kyra Molinaro and

TIM COOK

ALL IN FAVOR…

FROM SCHOOL TO SKU

THEY’VE GOT IT MADE

By Kim Catley, Mindy Kinsey, Laura Anders Emily Richardson

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LIVING

HEALTH

Heredity's Helping Hand Genetic testing applications expand as scientists learn more about the human genome

By Tharon Giddens

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mid-1990s, there were only 16 programs nationally. Now, there are 56. “In the last 20 years, we’ve seen an explosion in genetic testing,” she says.

“As of now, they’re trying to just make it as comprehensive as possible,” says Al Saif.

She cites testing done in patients with a seizure disorder that may be genetic in nature.

There are many genes that can result in seizures, so a comprehensive genetic test would involve thousands of genes, known as a whole exome sequencing.

One of the broadest tests is whole genome sequencing, which goes beyond searching for genes associated with a specific genetic condition or that are not functioning properly.

“There are genes [for which] we don't know the exact function, and we don't have enough information about them, and we don’t know whether they cause disease or not,” she says.

Accuracy of results depends on the tests; up to 99% in simpler tests, such as those involving only one condition-related gene.

Causey notes that in conditions in which all the genes involved have yet to be identified, genetic counselors can help explain the pro-

cess and what the results may show. “Conditions that may be caused by multiple genes may not be quite as clear-cut,” she says.

It’s a relatively new field and for most conditions, there are simply no treatments available, according to Al Saif. But testing can be helpful in other ways. For example, if the diagnosis is for a more common genetic disorder, parents can be provided with guidance on other health issues that may also be associated with the disorder, information on future screenings and details on other specialists that may need to be seen.

“For the most part, as of now, the reason we do some genetic testing is to give the family or the patients a diagnosis or a name on why they have these symptoms and not necessarily a treatment,” she says.

Many hospitals now offer genetic testing for babies in intensive care. “I would say in the future that it could be offered to all patients, if we can't find an answer from the initial testing,” she says. “And I would say maybe even [further] in the future if the testing is cheaper, it could be offered to all patients even without starting with smaller testing.” R

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ometimes solutions to living with a medical condition, or even the key to a cure, can be found in the genes.

As researchers delve deeper into the human genome, their findings have uncovered practical applications in health care through genetic testing and counseling.

Genetics impacts all areas of medicine and across a person’s lifespan, according to Tahnee Causey, director of the master’s program in genetic counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. Genetic counseling and testing are most frequently used by adults with possible cancer predispositions, by some women at risk of complications in pregnancy, in some problematic pregnancies, and in children who have autism or delays in reaching developmental milestones, says Causey.

Genetic testing also may be called for when children are born with a congenital anomaly or dysmorphic features. While testing may provide a reason for the condition, it may not necessarily lead to a cure, according to Dr. Hind Al Saif, assistant professor in genetics and an attending physician in clinical genetics and metabolism for VCU Health and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Most testing samples are acquired through a cheek swab or blood draw. Some health insurance providers cover costs, which can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands, though many do not. Others may cover single-gene tests but will not approve a genetic panel, which involves more than one gene.

“We always have challenges with certain insurance companies about the coverage of genetic testing,” says Al Saif.

Genetic testing dates back decades.

Causey notes that the first training program in genetics counseling was established in 1969 at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. When Causey entered the field in the

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LIVING

The Urbanna Boat Yard & Marina is on Urbanna Creek, providing access to the Rappahannock River.

A Pearl of a City Enjoy oysters and Rappahannock River views in Urbanna

By Kari Smith

T

hough Urbanna is known for its long-running oyster festival (Nov. 3-4, urbannaoysterfestival. com), this charming waterside town has much to offer yearround. On my recent trip, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Urbanna as a retreat destination. From a massage and sound bath to an Equus life coaching session and a chartered boat ride to dinner, it was indeed a relaxing getaway.

STAY The anchor of my trip was The Chesapeake Inn, a beautifully appointed, pet-friendly lodging. Their upscale suite is a luxurious option for a romantic getaway, a special occasion or simply indulgent self-care.

Washington, D.C., transplant and owner

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Gari Lister has put her incredible design touch on each room, combining vintage with upscale modern for a unique, clean look. The inn also offers two adjoining rooms perfect for family or groups, as well as a conference room and a ballroom for meetings or activities and topnotch concierge service and amenities.

One of the advantages of Urbanna as a tourist destination is its walkability.

Most of my activities were within walking distance of the inn, but if you prefer, they offer bicycles and pedal-driven surrey carriages, as well as complimentary kayaks and their adorable Moke, a unique low-speed, golf cart-inspired ride.

INDULGE YOURSELF I experienced my first relaxing sound bath with Melissa Burke of Grow NNK, an organic wellness shop and plant bar in

SHOP Looking for a bit of upscale retail therapy?

Ballgown Barefoot in the heart of town has a unique selection of gifts ranging from affordable to luxurious. Each item is thoughtfully curated — from memorable gifts and oyster-themed souvenirs to personal keepsakes to take home. Urbanna Trading Co. offers a robust selection of wine, olive oil, vinegars, specialty cheeses and other unique food items as well as clothing and screenprint T-shirts and whimsical jewelry. The Gilded Crown Antiques features gorgeous home goods, inspirational gifts, clothing and refinished furniture.

CHAD WILLIAMS

TRAVEL

Kilmarnock. Burke regularly joins Meghan Hall of Salt of the Bay Yoga to offer beginner-friendly yoga classes outdoors on the Urbanna Creek waterfront and indoors at The Chesapeake Inn. See their websites for scheduled classes and pop-ups.

The pinnacle of relaxation for me is massage, and Suzanne of Urbanna Therapeutic Massage hit it all the way out of the park. She offers deep tissue, hot stone, sports massage and more, and she is truly passionate about her work.

Although I had never heard of Equus coaching, I was absolutely enthralled by my informative session with Chesapeake Inn owner Lister, also a certified Equus and life coach at Pidlin Acres, a boarding farm five minutes outside of Urbanna.

As a horse lover, I was so impressed by the connection with Teddy, the sweet Haflinger rescue horse that I worked with.

What a unique way to relax, connect and self-reflect!

You also can take a relaxing stroll to the town’s beautiful Waterman’s Park on Kent Street, which is quietly tucked into the trees of a residential area. The park provides a peaceful view of the Rappahannock River and is a great spot for birdwatching. Or take a walk on the docks of Urbanna Boat Yard & Marina.

If you’re lucky, you may run into a great blue heron, as I did.

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All in Favor ...

Ranked choice ballots could change the way we vote

By Dale Brumfield • Illustration by Tim Cook “Abraham Lincoln was not his party’s No. 1 nominee,” says Richmond City Councilor Andreas Addison, relating one of his favorite historical anecdotes. “In a race where there were three big rival candidates jockeying for the nomination, he positioned himself as everyone’s second choice, so when nobody could decide between their favorites or wanted to support the opposing party’s favorite, they had a negotiated second-best option. … [The strategy] put Lincoln in an electable position so he became the nominee and eventually our president. And that is kind of how ranked choice voting can work.”

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Virginians

traditionally have had a hard time le ing things go. Whether it’s statues, institutions or state songs, some might say we cling stubbornly to legacies that have far outlived their usefulness.

Depending on your point of view, one of those legacies might be the way we vote — but there may be changes on the horizon even in that time-honored institution, pioneered in May 2021 by the Republican Party of Virginia. To nominate their ticket for the most recent gubernatorial election — Glenn Youngkin for governor, Winsome Sears for lieutenant governor and Jason Miyares for a orney general — Republicans used a process known as ranked choice voting. The result was Virginia Republicans’ biggest statewide win since 2009, leading some to claim that ranked choice voting may have saved the Republican Party in an increasingly blue state.

Ranked choice voting is a simple concept. Rather than voting for a single candidate, citizens can “rank” as many or as few as they choose in order of preference: first choice, second choice, third choice and so on. When voting closes, ballots are counted in rounds.

First, all first-choice votes are counted. If no candidate has the required number of votes to win, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. In the second round of counting, voters whose first-choice candidate was eliminated will have their second-choice votes counted instead. Once again, the least successful candidate is eliminated, and then their supporters’ thirdchoice votes are counted. The process continues until a candidate meets the required threshold to win.

In 2021, seven candidates vied for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. A er the first round, Youngkin led runner-up Pete Snyder with 33% to 26% of the vote, and then-Sen. Amanda Chase was third with 21%.

Former Speaker of the House of Delegates Kirk Cox was fourth with 13%, and Sergio de la Peña was fi h with 6%, followed by Peter Doran at 0.34% and Octavia Johnson at 0.27%.

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Over the next five rounds, the worst-performing candidate was eliminated until round six, when Youngkin — who was polling at almost zero name recognition prior to the voting — finally bested Snyder, 55% to 45%, making him the surprise nominee and the eventual general election winner.

A traditional electoral process would have either allowed a candidate to win with a simple majority or required six rounds of voting as well as counting — possible at the convention level but expensive in a general election se ing. Instead, ranked choice created a consensus vote with just one round of voting, despite the lack of a clear leading candidate.

However, the experience was not without its detractors. Prior to the convention, Chase claimed that ranked choice voting was instituted solely to keep her and her firebrand populism from winning the nomination. Youngkin expressed sympathy for her.

An Election Experiment While ranked choice voting is a relatively recent development in Virginia, there have been over 500 ranked choice elections nationwide since 2004, with about 20 million ranked ballots cast. In 2020, perhaps influenced by successful ranked choice elections elsewhere, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 1103 to implement ranked choice in elections of members of a

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“Ranked choice voting just makes sense.”

—City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read

county board of supervisors or a city council.

Arlington County was the first locality in Virginia to use ranked choice, testing and polling voters in a Democratic primary for its County Board in June.

There were challenges: The county’s outdated voting machines limited the number of voter choices to just three in a field of six, and it was a “weighted” primary with two winners (Maureen Coffey and Susan Cunningham), which added a layer of complexity.

County officials still considered the experiment a success, with no technological problems and only limited uncertainty among voters on the tabulation process. Seventy percent of Arlington voters, as well as a majority of board members, clearly stated in a county survey that they would use the method again.

However, Arlington County officials chose not to use ranked choice in the November general election.

“It’s pre y clear that we didn’t necessarily get all pockets of our community to view this in the same way,” County Board Chair Christian Dorsey told The Washington Post in July. “While I don’t really see [ranked choice voting] as proper and appropriate for the general election, I do hope everyone will agree for later this year or as soon as possible to this again for next primary season.”

According to Arlington Registrar and Elections Director Gretchen Reinemeyer, any decisions about ranked choice voting will be made solely by the board.

ABOVE: COURTESY CATHERINE READ

Support for Change Ranked choice has support from The League of Women Voters of Virginia. Joan Porte, president of the Virginia league, writes in an email that “[ranked choice voting] allows the voter to study all the candidates, not just those put up by the parties. It gets the voter more engaged and cuts down on apathy because people don’t have to choose between ‘the same old candidates.’”

She also states other advantages, including that it reduces negative interparty campaigning. “I have no reason to bash my opponent if I want to get their supporters to make me their second choice,” she says.

More importantly, she says, the method “opens the process to minority candidates and women. … It

Take Your Pick(s) Ranked choice voting FAQs Are we using ranked choice voting in the November election?

No, although ranked choice voting is legal in Virginia for use in local elections, Richmond is not using the method in 2023 or 2024.

Can I give multiple candidates the same ranking?

No. Each candidate can only be ranked once to reflect your order of preference (i.e., first choice, second choice and so on).

Where is ranked choice voting used?

In the U.S., 28 states have used ranked choice voting in at least one jurisdiction, and Maine and Alaska use ranked choice voting statewide. In Virginia, electoral boards in Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Albemarle County are considering using ranked choice voting in elections.

Do my votes get thrown out if I don’t vote for the winner?

No. If your first-choice candidate has the fewest votes, they are removed from the running and your second-place votes are counted instead.

Ranked choice voting ensures that the ultimate winner will be broadly acceptable to the highest number of voters by requiring a candidate to receive at least some support from a majority of voters.

On a ranked choice ballot, do I have to rank all candidates, or can I just vote for a single candidate?

Voters can rank as few or as many candidates as they would like.

Can I vote for the same candidate more than once?

Yes, but your vote will only count once for that candidate.

Ranking one candidate as your first, second and third choice is the same as leaving the second and third choices blank. You do not improve a candidate’s chances of winning by voting for the candidate more than once.

How long does it take to tabulate the results?

Ranked choice voting election results will not be known on Election Day. Results can only be determined after all ballots cast have been received and all provisional ballots considered. Due to the initial delay in vote counting to determine the total universe of ballots cast, confirming the winner (or winners) of ranked choice voting elections may take up to seven days.

Sources: campaignlegal.com elections.virginia.gov

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Fill your sleigh Santa-style by going to the source.

Elves? Nah — artists. Holiday gift-giving is more fun for you and your recipients when you shop Richmond’s annual artisan markets, which start now and run through the end of the year. We meet the people who make them pop, present a calendar of options across the area and offer a selection of stores that carry good gifts, too!

By Kim Catley, Mindy Kinsey, Laura Anders Lee, Eileen Mellon, Kyra Molinaro and Emily Richardson

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EAT&DRINK

SPECIALS

versary block party referenced a song from Three 6 Mafia member Project Pat, and an episode of the TV series “Atlanta” inspired a Buffalo-lemon-pepper offering that dives into the chicken wing cultural Kwam’s Chicken Project is an approachable pop-up with phenomenon in the Southern city. One fried fare at its core of Hayford’s most popular sauces is “Goldmember,” a riff on the signature sauce of

By Eileen Mellon a certain fast-food chain that is closed on Sundays. He also turned his love for the purple bag of Doritos (Spicy Sweet Chili hen Kwame Haythis; it’s a Sunday type thing, and that just flavor) into a dusting of seasoning that ford was 16, he evolved.” worked the deli Transitioning from operating a laidhe uses to coat wings and nuggets. “It was counter at a Farm back and low-key affair to a pop-up people a hit,” he says.

Hayford often wears a hat with Fresh grocery store in actively anticipate, Hayford obtained his “Alfredo” written across its brim, a referVirginia Beach. Besides restocking items LLC designation in late summer of 2022.

He credits most of his chicken chops to and slicing meats and cheese, Hayford also ence to a favorite hip-hop album by Fredfried chicken.

YouTube and other online sources. Never die Gibbs and The Alchemist. Recently “If you know about the Farm Fresh measuring and finessing recipes by adding engaged, the data analyst by day says his fried chicken, you know,” Hayford says, his own touch, he also says his mother, a vision board includes introducing a shaking his head in reverence. “I was home caterer, is a natural inspiration. grilled-only menu, along with vegan offerlearning on those big industrial friers, “My mom is one of the best cooks in ings and collabs with other food ventures. that was my first gig.” the world, Joyce Hayford,” he says. “I have “They welcomed me with this chicken Those early grease burns and seasonnever worked in a kitchen.” s--- … my funny little jokes, my personality,” A lack of industry experience is a ing-in-the-eye moments laid the foundahe says of his pop-up’s growing following. bonus for Hayford; it means a no-rules tion for the 32-year-old’s later foray into “I truly want to believe I’m approachable approach comes with ease and that fried chicken. Hayford operates Kwam’s with it. I also don’t want to toot my horn, Kwam’s Chicken Project is exactly that Chicken Project, a pop-up that focuses but I always try throwing a little extra — his own. on all things chicken, from wings and nugget in there. I’m not saying, For the latest on brined-and-fried nuggets to spicy sand‘This is the best,’ but I’m saying, Menus are infused with playKwam’s Chicken Project, visit ‘Hey, try this.’ I want people to wiches and biscuits. ful nods to pop culture: An event instagram.com/ Previously hosting events at Cirrus for The Veil Brewing Co.’s anni- kwamschickenproject just have another option.” R Vodka, Cobra Burger, Sincero and The Veil Brewing Co., Hayford’s casual, humorous approach is attracting crowds of devotees.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hayford and his roommates would take turns making meals for each other.

Inspired by his buddy’s egg batter mixed with hot sauce, he began to experiment with his own fried chicken recipes.

Following some friendly encouragement, in August 2020, Hayford leveled up. He designed a flyer and created a logo (still in use) depicting himself wearing a Prince T-shirt and eyeing a chicken wing approvingly. Kwam’s Chicken Project events are typically held on Sundays, and Hayford posts menus to Instagram, with customers placing orders via in-app messaging.

“It started just as almost a house party pop-up. People would come by, and I’d give [the food] to them and did that most of COVID,” he says. “I want people to crave

Winner, Winner

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IN DEPTH

A New Cadence Local veterans and service members find meaning through growing, cooking

By Mary Scott Hardaway

Christine Wansleben approached Natasha Crawford — they make rock-star chefs.” at Healing Hope Dijoseph and asked if he’d be interCrawford has also found that cerUrban Gardens ested in hosting a monthly class tain passions, whether newly discovwith special ops members, “I said ‘Are ered or deeply rooted, can become blissful you kidding me? Of course!’ ” enthuses preoccupations. “I’m a disabled Iraq War Dijoseph. vet,” says Crawford. “I do suffer from mental Cooper says that getting participants health issues related to my service. When “out of their comfort zone” has been invaluI’m out here farming, that is the only thing able and has allowed them to find a new I’m thinking about, it’s now my mission, my sense of purpose, whether they’re home purpose.”

Crawford says that when she and her for good or taking a temporary break from active duty. wife relocated to Richmond from New York “They go home, and they cook ... and in 2017, she was drawn in by central Virginthey bring the kids into the kitchen,” says ia’s urban agriculture scene. She connected Cooper. “That family connectedness piece with Mark Davis of Real Roots Food Systems, who provided mentorship and land is so important for them.” that allowed Crawford to start Healing A tenured toque, Dijoseph worked for Hobe Urban Gardens in 2021. more than three decades in high-intensity professional kitchens from Washington In March 2023, Crawford signed a lease D.C. to New York City before becoming a for a plot at Petersburg Oasis Community full-time culinary instructor. But he admits Farm. Crawford has already had a number he was nervous for the first class, feeling of newly separated military members come a pressure to perform in front of nine tenout to volunteer at Healing Hope, and adds ured career officers. He soon realized, that the goal is to hire a veteran to assist her full-time in the coming years. though, that the group was not only ready and excited to learn a new skill — they “I’m providing a service to my local comwere prime student material. munity; I’m still helping people,” Crawford “Cooking is totally focused,” says Dijosays of her transition from Army to farmer. seph. “These guys are obviously great at “I want to be able to share the joys and benmultitasking; they have a high attention efits I have gotten from farming with other to detail and process instructions so well veterans.” R

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atasha Crawford has been growing food all her life.

“I’ve always wanted to get into agriculture,” says Crawford, founder of Healing Hope Urban Gardens in Petersburg. “My greatgrandmother grew up on a farm in Georgia, and I remember being in her garden and learning about how to eat healthy as a very young child.”

Even when she was on the move, serving in the Army from 2001 until 2009, Crawford found a way to cultivate life in clay pots and container gardens. “Gardening has always been a place where I can go and reconnect to myself,” she says.

For many veterans and active service members, seeking out a source of reconnection can be difficult when transitioning to civilian life. A recreational therapist, Andrea Cooper works with active-duty special operations members through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Servicemember Transitional Advanced Rehabilitation (STAR) Program.

“I try to incorporate local recreational and leisure-based interventions as part of their treatment plans,” says Cooper.

These activities are often physical in nature, ranging from kayaking to archery, but the most popular community outing: a cooking class led by chef Lawrence Dijoseph at longstanding culinary school Mise En Place in Shockoe Slip. “It has been the most re-requested experience that we do,” says Cooper. “It never fails.”

Two years ago Mise En Place owner

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