Central Virginia HOME Magazine 2023 SEP/OCT

When the Unexpected Happens... DAY LAW GROUP is there for you!

Let’s face it… The unexpected is a part of any life. How we deal with the unexpected is a decision each of us has to make. That is why when the unexpected happens, the best decision is to call the Day Law Group. We work with the unexpected every day and can help you get your life back on track.

MEDICAL, PHYSICIAN AND HOSPITAL MALPRACTICE

NURSING HOME MALPRACTICE

When a medical professional does something wrong, we can help to protect your interest.

FREE consultation on all malpractice claims.

30 DAY RISK FREE TRIAL

When we say we want you to be happy, we mean it. We guarantee your total satisfaction with your purchase. If, within 30 days, you are not completely happy, we will exchange it or provide a full refund with no restocking fee.

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE

We guarantee that nobody will beat Grand’s prices. If you find an identical item in stock at any other retail store in our trading area (100 mile radius) for less than our price, and if it’s within 30 days of your purchase, we will happily refund 110% of the difference.

FREE MATTRESS & LIFT CHAIR DELIVERY

Grand provides free delivery on mattress sets $697 or more and lift chairs $999 or more. We will remove your old mattress and as a bonus, any furniture bought the same day is delivered along with your mattress set or lift chair for free.

CONVENIENT FINANCING OPTIONS

If paying over time makes you happy, we will gladly finance your purchase. From a Grand Credit Card, to low monthly payment plans, to layaway, we have options for great and not so perfect credit.

From your first savings account to your first home to the first day celebrating your retirement, we are proud to be your financial partner. Your Community Credit Union goes beyond savings and checking accounts, we are here to empower you to financial wellness so you can celebrate every moment & milestone!

DAISY BOOTH, FIELD MANAGER

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

PHOTO: MICHAEL PATCH

BY MITZI BIBLE

MARTHA S. COFFEY

BY JERRY HALE

BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

BY KATE ERICSSON

PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

FEINMAN

BY SARAH NICHOLAS

ALYSSA MERCADANTE

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

PHOTO: CONSTRUCTION MARKETING

PRESENT

I strive to focus on excellent customer service and put my clients’ needs at the forefront of every transaction; from the first time we meet to the closing table and for a lifetime. I stay aware of the needs, fears, apprehensions and desires of my clients every step of the journey.

AVAILABLE

RESOURCEFUL

I take phone calls, respond to text messages and return emails promptly, so that I can remain in constant communication with you. I am with you every step of the way and want you to feel valued as my client.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A REAL ESTATE CONCIERGE…

PRESENT. As a Concierge Agent, I strive to focus on excellent customer service and putting my clients’ needs at the forefront of every transaction; from the first time we meet, to the closing table, and for a lifetime. I stay aware of the needs, fears, apprehensions, and desires of my clients every step of the house purchasing or selling journey.

AVAILABLE. I take phone calls, respond to text messages, and return email promptly. This also means remaining in constant communication with you, so that you feel I am with you every step of the way and that you are valued as my client.

IN THE KNOW

If there is a way, I will find it! Whether you need help prepping your home for the market or making your purchased house feel more like home, I can connect you with a vetted list of service providers. I will also find solutions to issues that can arise in a real estate transaction. I want your buying or selling experience to be a pleasant one!

KNOWLEDGEABLE. As a tenacious agent, I strive to know the market well, stay current on all of the latest marketing tools available (and that work), and offer excellent real estate advice throughout your decision to buy, sell, or invest in real estate.

RESOURCEFUL. Something I always say to my clients is, “If there is a way, I will find it!” Whether that be by way of helping connect you with a vetted list of service providers to help prep your home for the market, prep a house you purchased to feel more like home, or even in having to find solutions to the plethora of issues that can arise in a real estate transaction. I am there for you every step of the way with all of the best resources, knowledge, and determination it takes to make your experience buying or selling a pleasant one!

As a tenacious agent, I strive to know the market well, stay current on all of the latest marketing tools available (and that work) and offer excellent real estate advice throughout your decision to buy, sell or invest.

VALUABLE. On closing day (and beyond), I want you to feel that my service offered a high level of value, whether buying or selling. I am not just there to put a sign in the yard or open a door. Providing a concierge real estate experience turn, provides the utmost value TO YOU.

VALUABLE

On closing day (and beyond), I want you to feel that my service offered a high level of value, whether buying or selling. Providing a concierge real estate experience provides the utmost value to you.

Heather Watson

As I write this, I’m on the train home from a quick visit to New York City. While the Big Apple is like no other place on earth, it’s good to come home to the rolling hills and beautiful forests of Central Virginia. Especially as we look to fall, I think there’s no better place to be than right here: HOME !

This issue marks my one-year anniversary as editor for HOME. I’ve enjoyed getting to know our readers and advertisers more through this past year. A year ago, my father was in the hospital at Virginia Baptist, and I got to talk to a couple of traveling nurses one from Atlanta and one from New Orleans. They both said Lynchburg had the nicest people they’d met ... and they’d gone to quite a few places in their caring profession.

Our fall issue not only provides a smorgasbord of homerelated articles for your enjoyment, but an introduction to some phenomenal people running local businesses! Our Readers’ Favorites lists are a who’s who of service providers who work every day to make our homes and our community more beautiful. Each of these favorites were voted on by our readers, and we’re so glad to showcase them.

In this issue you’ll also find articles to help you transition into fall and celebrate all it has to offer. From fun family

activities to warm, comfort foods, we’ve got you covered. We offer the latest trends in exteriors and making your home look inviting for fall.

We also recognize that in life we all have big moments to celebrate and to mourn. As I write this, I have a wedding and a funeral to attend in the next week. These are truly lifechanging points in a life. How do we show up for the people we love in these crucial moments? How do we demonstrate our care in practical ways that are meaningful? This article offers some helpful thoughts on how to show love and kindness.

As always, we have a beautiful, local showcase home to feature, along with tips and trends for your home. One topic that’s gotten a lot of attention in the last year, especially, has been artificial intelligence. While this can be a scary concept in regards to privacy and security, when it comes to improving and designing our homes, some technology can be helpful. Augmented reality (AR), especially, can help us visualize our spaces with different landscaping, paint and flooring.

I hope you enjoy this issue of HOME and find some new ideas for enjoying your home this fall. A quick shoutout to HOME ’s incredible team of writers and photographers — I appreciate you all so much! Happy pumpkin spice season!

Donna Dunn | donna@jamesrivermedia.com

VOLUME 1 7 ISSUE 4

PUBLISHER

Trish Roth

EDITOR

Donna Dunn

ART DIRECTOR

Kira Rider

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shelley Basinger

Carter Heald Bendall

Mitzi Bible

Becky Calvert

Paula Peters Chambers

Martha S. Coffey

Kate Ericsson

Laurel Feinman

Jerry Hale

Katherine Fulghum Knopf

Margie Lippard

Alyssa Mercadante

Sarah Nicholas

PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Patch

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Donna Collins

SALES LEADER

Tom Sand

ADVERTISING SALES

Kirsten Morey Becker

Julia Belvin

Joe Katany

Anne Marie Poore

Kenny Shelton

INTERN

Bella Dunn

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Central Virginia HOME is published five times annually by James River Media, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Central Virginia HOME 109B Tradewynd Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502

For advertising information please call (434) 845-5463 or email SALES@jamesrivermedia.com

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Central Virginia HOME at HOME@jamesrivermedia.com

JAMES RIVER MEDIA, LLC

(434) 845-5463

Copyright 2023 by James River Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from James River Media, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, James River Media, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, James River Media, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

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3 SHOWS OPENING

OCTOBER 6TH, 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

The Classical Nude with a Twist

This show will feature Whitney Brock’s interpretation of the human figure painted classically but with a modern contemporary theme or twist. One of the most creative artists around, Brock pushes the boundaries of classical leanings with a thoughtful and sometimes humorous injection of sophisticated wit and understanding of our nature.

Loving & Living in the Blue Ridge

Nina McGee has produced paintings depicting the mountains like no other artist can. Her glowing, vast landscapes showing the mountains at great distance, her intimate floral paintings with flowers grown from her well-tended gardens and everything that is important to her Loving & Living in the Blue Ridge.

Signature9

With this show, LinDor Arts is paying tribute to the ladies that created Signature9, a gallery that existed for years showing the area’s better artists’ works. These five artists have continued to grow in their own styles and are presenting works that showcase their remarkable techniques. The five artists we are exhibiting are Vera Dickerson, Tracy Budd, Nancy Stark, Gari Stephenson and Sandy D’Alessandro (deceased).

On October 6th, LinDor Arts will present three different shows by the area’s more prominent and popular artists.

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F&S BUILDING INNOVATIONS has over 40 years of experience with hundreds of satisfied residential customers throughout central and southwest Virginia. We’re a Class A contractor, which means we can facilitate your project from design to completion. And we have designers on-staff to guide you every step of the way.

bricks & mortar

Choose the right cladding — and details — to increase your home’s curb appeal

BY BECKY CALVERT

The starting point to adding curb appeal to any physical structure is the actual structure itself. The exterior cladding, the color palette of the building down to the details such as the gutters, light fixtures and the mailbox are all important minutiae not to be overlooked when talking about making your home aesthetically pleasing. After all, it is this view that creates the first impression to visitors.

Where to begin

There are seemingly endless options to choose from when talking about the exterior finish of your home (also known as cladding): brick, stone, stucco and also sidings such as vinyl, metal, fiber cement, wood and engineered wood. The sidings also come in a wide array of styles, from bevel to shakes and shingles with board and batten with various sizes to choose from. Where does one begin to choose between them all?

Generally speaking, your home’s exterior cladding should have a few fundamental qualities like durability, water resistance and energy efficiency that is specific to the natural environment in which you live. While stucco is durable and low maintenance, it provides little insulation, which is why it’s well suited for warmer environments but perhaps not ideal for a cold Virginia winter.

Other considerations include required maintenance of the material used for the cladding, your budget, the style and age of your home and, where applicable, Homeowner Association (HOA) requirements. Metal siding, an increasingly popular finish, is extremely low maintenance while also quite durable. However, it is more of a contemporary finish when used in a large amount. When used in smaller amounts as an accent on an older home, it can be fun and a bit unexpected. Copper comes to mind as a great metal accent to be added to an older home for a little facelift. It can be a little more expensive than other metal finishes applied to the exterior, but the patina it develops with age adds quite a bit of character.

BREATHE EASIER, LIVE COMFORTABLY

Siding

Vinyl siding is perhaps the most popular exterior finish for homes thanks to its combination of being low maintenance (requiring only a power wash every few years), durability, availability in a wide variety of colors, finishes and sizes as well as being extremely budget friendly. Vinyl siding is the least expensive exterior cladding option, with fiber cement siding coming in just a little higher. Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie® (board) siding is a manmade material of wood pulp, cement, clay and silica. It is termite and water resistant, fireproof and has a long life span of 50 to 100 years. Like vinyl, it’s available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be made to resemble wood. It can come with a factory finish or painted any color you choose.

Wood is the most expensive siding material with the highest maintenance demands of any exterior finish. It is available in many species, grades, sizes and styles, so the possibilities can seem endless when choosing a wood cladding. Along with fiber cement siding, wood is the easiest to customize for a style that is uniquely yours.

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Masonry

Stone and brick are two more options that are generally low maintenance but expensive to install. However, they can be combined with other exterior finishes for a variety of textures that create depth and visual interest. You can use different materials to highlight an architectural feature such as columns, dormers, gables or other bump-outs. It’s not uncommon to see a home with one finish on the first story – like stone veneer or horizontal clapboard with a board and batten or shake siding on the second floor. You can also use a variety of colors to make details pop, although you’ll want to be sure you don’t make the exterior too busy. Thankfully, many contractors today use software that can help you visualize the final version before you make it a reality, which is an incredible help. (See page 46 for more on tech tools for design).

CAMPS & CLASSES

Paint

Painting brick homes has been a popular way to add instant curb appeal to older homes, but it must be approached properly. Brick “breathes” and painting it can be like wrapping it in plastic, severely damaging the brick. Once it’s been painted, it’s hard to go back to the original brick, which is something to keep in mind. If you do choose to paint your brick exterior, hire a professional to properly clean and prep the surface. Any issues with the mortar or bricks themselves should be addressed prior to painting. It’s best to use a masonry paint, which is meant to adhere to brick or a milk paint or lime-based whitewash. A whitewash calcifies onto the surface to create a durable finish, which also means less maintenance down the line. Once brick has been painted, it will need to be maintained, requiring a fresh coat as soon as five years after the first application.

Earth tones are the current trend for exterior colors, helping to connect our homes to their surroundings while also adding a flow between the interior and exterior spaces. Bold, darker colors like navy blue are also seeing some popularity right now as they are used not just as accent colors, but the primary house color. Of course, the classics – white, gray and similar neutrals, never go out of style. Changing the color of your home’s exterior is a big commitment – you may want to start with small changes, like painting the front door a bold new shade. Other modest changes include adding or repainting shutters, changing the light fixtures, gutters, mailboxes and other accents can be easily accomplished to give your home a refreshed appearance.

Defining details

Sometimes swapping out your house numbers with a more modern font while adding a new mailbox and fresh coat of paint to your front door is all it takes to create a new focal point. Window boxes planted with seasonal plants can also be a simple addition that adds a touch of charm. While there is a wide variety of annuals that are ideal for spring and summer container planting, ornamental kale and cabbages make for a fabulous winter container garden. Flowers, shrubs and other plantings are also easy ways to add curb appeal with minimal effort.

Fall is a great time to start planning how to refresh your home’s exterior. It’s easy to see what the lines of your home are and where you could consider adding pops of color that will make your home stand out in both the bleakness of winter and the coming riot of color in the spring. Whether you choose to do a complete overhaul or merely refresh a few outdated and faded portions, it’s sure to add a bit of life as well as curb appeal to your home. ✦

fall garden TENDING TO YOUR

PERENNIAL CARE & MAINTENANCE

BY KATE ERICSSON

Perennials, the plants that come back year after year in your garden, bring joy in the spring when they return to life after their dormancy period. By now, your perennials are slowing down and preparing for winter, and the final days of autumn are the ideal time to prepare for healthy perennial beds next spring. Here are some suggestions for a happy, healthy garden that you can dig into now.

Evaluate

The end of the growing season is the perfect time to assess the perennial garden. All the successes and challenges will be fresher in your mind than next spring. Look with a critical eye, pairing your vision for the space with how the plants are growing. Take a stroll through the garden and make notes:

n Which perennials thrived?

n Which ones struggled?

n Can any of those plants be moved to a better spot?

n Are there planting areas that need a burst of color in a particular season?

n Are there any plants that need to be divided?

GREAT PLANTS, GREAT SELECTION, GREAT ADVICE

Fall Décor · Trees & Shrubs · House Plants

Weed

Get busy weeding! Before the first hard frost, do a thorough weeding of your beds. Just like perennials, weeds can overwinter and turn into a large bed of weeds by the spring. The more weeds you can get out now, especially those that have seeds, the fewer to deal with next year. In addition, anything infected with a powdery mildew should be removed. Edge your beds for one last time and you’ll start the year with a neat and tidy look.

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Cut back

Don’t be in a rush to cut back your perennials. Roots reclaim energy from the dying plant as long as they can. Cutting back perennials is largely a matter of preference. Some people don’t like the look of dying or brown plants in their gardens; others don’t mind. But technically most plants don’t need it.

Most plants that flower in early spring or summer can be safely cut down after several hard frosts. It is advisable to cut back certain perennials that are more susceptible to problems if old foliage and dying stems are left to rot such as phlox, peonies, hosta and bearded iris.

Cut plants back to 2-6 inches; never all the way to the ground. Consider leaving some native ornamental grasses and seedbeds standing for winter interest or to feed the birds. Birds love coneflowers (the center is all seeds), black-eyed Susans and Joe Pye weed. In addition, butterflies and beneficial insects shelter in native plants and their leaf litter. An immaculate yard may not be the most eco-friendly one on the block.

Mulch

The purpose of a winter mulch is to keep the soil temperature even. Winters in Central Virginia are unpredictable. We get unexpected warm spells followed by out-of-season cold snaps that result in the ground alternately freezing and thawing. Mulch can protect against heaving, the cracks in soil that expose roots to the air temperature. Wait until the first frost before winter mulching, and use one that does not pack down and smother your plants. Shredded leaves, pine needles, straw,

bark chips and shredded hardwood are good choices. Just be careful when applying mulch not to bury the root crown (the area where the roots and stems connect).

Nelson Garner, of Gary’s Garden Center in Lynchburg, advises mulching plants that are more sensitive to colder temperatures such as perennial mums, asters and coral bells. He also suggests protecting older, and more dense, English boxwood from the snow with a burlap cover or frame.

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Altavista is a family-friendly town of around 3500 people, with schools small enough that your child won’t be “lost” in the crowd. We have a wonderful library, Historical Museum, one of the best YMCAs in the state and so much more to enjoy plus we are in easy proximity to Leesville Lake and only 20 minutes to Lynchburg and Liberty University!

Fertilize

Fertilizing blooming perennials in early autumn encourages new growth that will get killed when cold weather hits. “Don’t feed perennials into the fall,” says Garner. It is best to fertilize in the spring before plants bud out. Most perennials would be happy with a good, all-purpose flower food or organic fertilizer. However, acid-loving evergreen perennial shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the fall. Rake away any mulch that you’ve put in place, and apply the granules spanning an area from just outside the trunk to the edge of the drip line. Water and replace the mulch. As you put your perennial garden to rest, you will have much to look forward to in the spring. Work you do in your perennial garden this fall will be worth the effort when you see the beautiful colors come back to life.

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Basic Yard Clean Up

n Rake leaves off the lawn to avoid dead patches. Use as mulch in flower beds or compost.

n Cut grass short in the fall as the lawn starts to go dormant. Now is a good time to aerate or rethatch.

n Clean and store garden furniture or use protective covers.

n Empty and protect small water features like bird baths and fountains.

n Drain and store garden hoses.

To Cut or Not?

PERENNIALS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO CUT BACK

n Bee balm and phlox (which are prone to powdery mildew)

n Peonies (to keep fungal diseases from spreading)

n Hosta foliage and leaves

n Bearded iris (to eliminate borers)

PERENNIALS SAFE TO CUT BACK

n Artemisia

n Catmint

n Clematis

n Columbine

n Delphinium

n Daylily

n Hardy geranium

n Salvia

n Shasta daisy

n Sunflower

n Veronica

n Yarrow

PERENNIALS TO LEAVE FOR THE BIRDS, BEES AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS

n Coneflowers

n Joe Pye weed

n Milkweed

n Native serum

n Rudbeckia ✦

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Bathroom Remodeling: What’s Trending?

THE PROS AND CONS OF WET ROOMS, BIDETS AND JETTED TUBS

BY JERRY HALE

When it comes to places in a home that are used frequently, few outrank our bathrooms. Morning routines there prepare us to tackle each day. At day’s end, a get-ready-for-bed ritual is key to a good night’s sleep. And multiple return visits will likely use shower or tub, sink and commode to help keep us progressing comfortably through each day’s appointments and activities.

That’s why bathrooms are right up there with kitchens as frequent choices for home improvement.

Making dreams reality BRINGING YOU HOME…

“Laura

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(434) 384-0873

laura@laurasimmswebb.com

Common remodels

“Indeed, bathrooms are our most common remodel,” notes Mike Bryant, co-owner of Construction Marketing in Hardy. Many of those clients, he says, have dated bathrooms with fiberglass tubs and showers, rarely-used corner “garden” Jacuzzis, worn-out vanities with Formica countertops, and floors that need an upgrade. They now are opting for decorative tile showers with frameless glass doors, vanity cabinets with innovative storage and stone countertops, and tile floors with low-maintenance epoxy grout.

“Today’s remodelers are seeking a spa-type experience in their own homes, a place to decompress from the stresses of their days with luxurious ‘me time,’” Bryant summarizes. He uses the term “wet area” to describe combined bath and shower space with fully waterproof, sloped-to-drainage non-skid tile floors (with no curbs that might preclude easy access later in life) and wall tile extending 42" or more up from the floor.

Locker-room-style shower areas with no doors were the rage a few years ago but, he cautions, “…many who tried that ended up missing the heat and humidity retention that enclosed showers offer.”

A free-standing tub to replace a seldom-used Jacuzzi will likely take less space, Bryant notes, “…and they can add stunning elegance to a bath remodel. But they can be difficult to get in and out of, especially as the owners age.” Remodelers, he says, might consider using a shower with a bench seat (perhaps heated), convenience niches and multiple showerheads to sub for a tub, which is likely available elsewhere in the home for anyone needing to bathe small children.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CONSTRUCTION MARKETING

With today’s technology and upscale fixtures, a spa-like bathroom can go as luxe as the budget allows — with multi-function showerheads and body sprays, wireless audio, inmirror TV, color-sequencing mood lighting, even aromatherapy. “Always include a hand-held [showerhead], not only for bathing convenience but also for easy wall wash-down,” Bryant says.

Luxury bath vanity countertops, like those in upgraded kitchens, typically use stone or the usually less-expensive faux stone for both eye appeal and durability. A cascading waterfall faucet, perhaps combined with a surface-mounted vessel sink, is an eye-catching touch. Upscale primary baths call for a pair of sinks, sometimes located in separate vanities.

Plan ahead

Rhonda Hull of Wall Construction in Madison Heights encourages anyone planning a bathroom remodel to look toward the future — of the project itself and of years of living with the modifications.

“Short term,” she says, “the homeowner/remodeling team must carefully assess what new or modified plumbing and electrical may be required by layout or fixture changes you are considering. Failing to anticipate and deal with them up front will have significant cost impact.”

Also important, Hull says, is thinking far into the future about bathroom design needs. “Yes, that may well lead to installing a curb-free easy-access shower with sit-down bathing accommodation. A ceilingmounted heat lamp will also keep an elder user more comfortable.”

Other things to consider: ADAapproved taller toilets become a blessing for those with arthritic or replaced knees and hips. Weightbearing railings near commodes and grab handles in showers also help address the strength and balance effects of aging. “You may not need those assists right now, but incorporating them in this remodel may preclude need for another one 10 or more years out.”

To bidet or not?

Bathroom remodels that either add or free up floor space often enable the possibility of adding a fixture for convenient “down there” cleansing. Danielle DeBoe Harper, a spokesperson from upscale fixture manufacturer Moen, recently told Forbes: “I think we’re finally wising up to what the Europeans have long been enjoying: total clean and total comfort.”

Another option: upgrading the toilet fixture itself to one with extra flushing oomph (Japanese-made TOTO toilets are highly regarded for this) and targeted spray washing and drying capabilities. A wide range of toilet seats with built-in cleansing features are also available (visit myOMIGO. com to see add-on sprayers starting at $39 and fully-featured cleansing toilet seats at around $500). Owner testimonials indicate this upgrade borders on “life-changing.”

Regardless of specific arrangement and fixtures chosen, most any bathroom upgrade is a sound investment that will make a home more functional and appealing for years to come ... and certainly more marketable when that need eventually materializes. ✦

When you are considering your next step to update your flooring or cabinetry, you want to talk to experts you can trust to provide the best products and installation — at an affordable price. You want Piedmont Floor Show.

100% Customer Satisfaction

When three local floor businesses — Michael’s Carpet World, The Floor Show and Piedmont Flooring — came together under one roof to form Piedmont Floor Show, we made a commitment to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. We made the decision a long time ago not to work on individual commissions since, that can often get in the way of proper customer service.

Our Floorscapes Showroom

When you walk through the doors of Piedmont Floor Show, you’re entering a prestigious Shaw showroom along with the only Floorscapes retailer in this region selected by Mohawk Industries. The Floorscapes program is a fashion-oriented, customer-friendly approach to selecting a new floor. The showroom is divided by color and product categories to simplify and enhance your shopping experience. In other words, “you’ll be floored” by our products and our service!

Take Your Next Step

Hear from the home improvement experts at Piedmont Floor Show each week on The HOME Show on 105.9 WLNI, Saturdays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at noon. Our “Your Next Step” segments help you learn more about flooring, cabinetry, renovations and other home improvement essentials. Listen to previous episodes at wlni.com/thehomeshow.

When it’s time to renovate your home, take your next step with Piedmont Floor Show — where you are the star of the show!

Envision the Future

High-tech tools help homeowners imagine real world possibilities

BY MITZI BIBLE

Try before you buy. That’s a big selling point for many products, but it’s more difficult for home upgrades. We can test drive a car, but laying new flooring or putting in a new patio is difficult for us to visualize until the work is actually underway. Thanks to the latest AR (augmented reality) technology and 3D modeling, local companies are helping homeowners to better picture their space in a virtual world, so they can achieve their dreams in the real world.

Home design is an artform, but not all of us are artists. We may know how we want our home and yard to function, but in the end most of us must rely on a design professional to literally sketch out the plans for us.

AR outside

The experienced landscape architects at Lynchburg Landscapes are using the latest technology to make it easier for clients to truly see how their designs could enhance their property.

Scott MacLeod, president of Lynchburg Landscapes, says AR — the digital platform used to view three-dimensional renderings in real-life environments — plays a crucial role in their landscape design services, allowing clients to experience a virtual walkthrough of a design before it is installed.

“Our 2D designs are detailed and colorful, but our use of 3D and AR greatly enhances our landscape design process by providing visualizations with real-world depth and interactive experiences,” he says. “With these two modes of technology, we can better analyze sight lines and views from different perspectives, study the play of light and shadows, and identify potential design conflicts or challenges.”

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF LYNCHBURG LANDSCAPES

The technology itself is fascinating. With AR, designers can provide a more immersive and realistic experience than looking at a drawing. They can simulate how sunlight moves across the outdoor space at different times of the day and throughout the year.

“This helps in optimizing the placement of trees, structures and other elements to create desired lighting conditions and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal,” MacLeod says.

As customers review the virtual landscape model with the designer, they can better understand the spatial layout and the scale of the project. Clients can express their needs, and designers can make realtime adjustments to the design, from modifying plant placement to adjusting the size and shape of features.

“These programs enhance client engagement and help facilitate clearer communication and collaboration through the design process,” MacLeod says. “Clients can visualize how different design elements interact and coexist within different spaces. By overlaying 3D models of plants, hardscape elements and other design features onto the real-world environment, they can visualize how the finished landscape will look and make informed decisions.”

“These programs enhance client engagement and help facilitate clearer communication and collaboration.”

— Scott MacLeod, president of Lynchburg Landscapes

AR inside

AR is also seeing increased use for interior projects. With a cellphone in hand, you can snap a photo of your room and use AR to overlay different flooring, wallpaper and even furniture and décor. Many large home improvement retailers are taking advantage of AR. You can stand in your bathroom, for example, choose a new tub from the company’s website and instantly see how it would look in your space. One of the more widely used “room visualizer” apps is Roomvo, marketed as the “ultimate visualizer” for flooring, paint, carpet, countertops and more. (See more helpful programs and apps in the box on page 50). According to data from Shopify, products that feature AR capabilities saw a 94 percent higher conversion rate than the products without it. It’s called “spatial commerce,” where the homeowner can generate 3D models, get cost estimates and, ultimately, click “add to cart” all in the same app session.

Charles Snider, CEO of Piedmont Floor Show in Lynchburg, says Roomvo has become a popular tool in the last few years.

“Customers really enjoy it as a starting point; it can cultivate ideas,” he says. While his showroom on Timberlake Road is full of samples, Roomvo can help customers “drill down” on their choices before entering the showroom and feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Then, when they visit, customers can use the manufacturers’

digital visualizer tools and view extended product offerings that may not be available on site. (Visit piedmontfloorshow.com to try out Roomvo — under the Room Visualizer tab on the home page.) Many of the products in the showroom also feature QR codes that customers can scan for additional product information.

ROOMVO PHOTO: COURTESY OF PIEDMONT FLOOR SHOW

Snider says while the technology is helpful, it is not the end-all.

“Pictures are worth a thousand words, but it’s not exact. The pitfall we see is lighting drastically changes most textile color in a room.”

With LED, fluorescent and bright whites, it’s hard to capture the look 100 percent. And with carpet, it’s even harder to rely on the 3D model.

“You can’t tell texture, density of carpet from an app — and those are the things that really matter,” Snider says. He stresses never giving approval until you’ve looked at the final product. “There’s still no substitute in our industry for that.”

Michael Esterline, a territory manager with Abraham Linc, a regional flooring distributor to Piedmont Floor Show, says it’s also a plus to bring the physical sample home. Samples can always be ordered if they are not readily available in the store.

“Lighting can be drastically different in a basement with LED lights, for example, and can warp the image [you take]. It [the technology] may change, but we can’t rely on it just yet; I wouldn’t be surprised in a couple years if it gets better with different lighting options.

“An AR app can be a great visualizer to explore ideas from the comfort of your own couch. But unlike buyer’s remorse on Amazon, where it’s OK to do a return, when you buy solely off AR for flooring, once it’s done, it’s done.” ✦

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

READERS’ FAVORITES

THE RESULTS ARE IN! Earlier this spring, HOME magazine readers cast thousands of votes for their favorite home and gardenrelated businesses in the area in our annual Readers’ Favorites Awards. Here, we are delighted to share the winners, many of whom won multiple awards in various categories. If you need goods or services for your home, these pages may be a great place to start to find your favorite.

CONTRACTORS, REMODELERS & HOME BUILDERS

ARCHITECTS/DESIGNERS

Platinum: Michele Fredericks, Designer

Gold: Dominion Seven

Silver: Glavé & Holmes Architecture

FENCE & RAILING

Platinum: James River Ironworks

Gold: Lynchburg Fence & Railing Company

Silver: Funderburk Ironworks

Silver: Vinyl Porch Rail Co.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Platinum: L.G. Flint

Gold: Collins Siding & Windows

Silver: F&S Building Innovations

HOME BUILDER

Platinum: L.G. Flint

Gold: Collins Siding & Windows

Silver: Frank Good Builders

HOME REMODELING/RENOVATION

Platinum: L.G. Flint

Gold: Collins Siding & Windows

Silver: Capstone Design & Build

IRON WORKS/WELDER

Platinum: James River Ironworks

Gold: Funderburk Ironworks

Silver: Bailey Spencer Hardware

ROOFING

Platinum: Cenvar Roofing

Gold: Collins Siding & Windows

Silver: McCarty Roofing

SOLAR ENERGY CONTRACTORS

Platinum: Earth Right Mid-Atlantic

Gold: Affordable Energy Concepts

Silver: Main Street Solar

Earth Right Mid-Atlantic

PLATINUM WINNER | Solar Energy Contractors

WWith energy costs increasing, more homeowners are looking to solar power and solar roofing options. Earth Right Mid-Atlantic provides both roofing and solar installation services for Central Virginians.

“That’s something that makes us stand out,” says Bo Stawicki, Earth Right Mid-Atlantic Director of Roofing. “We are the first to offer the GAF solar shingle … When you install these shingles your whole roof may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit.”

Timberline Solar™ shingles from GAF Energy are the first nailable solar shingle, so it is aesthetically pleasing and protective. Earth Right’s solar and energy efficiency divisions provide customized solar packages, roof and ground mounts, power-bill relief, new roof options and power back-up options.

Stawicki also highlights their warranties, flexible financing and excellent customer service. Their 15-year financing option can make a new roof, even a solar roof, possible with a low monthly payment. “We’re growing immensely by good word of mouth,” Stawicki says. “We’re seeing a huge interest in solar right now.”

Additionally, the Earth Right team assesses your home’s overall efficiency and can offer installation of energy-reducing products such as solar attic fans and a barrier for the attic to reduce heat buildup. Their energy efficiency approach helps homeowners cut down on energy waste, lower power bills, increase home comfort and extend the life of their roof and HVAC systems.

Earth Right’s goal is “to provide all of our customers with a seamless and stress-free installation process, and provide homeowner education at the same time.” Learn more at erepower.com.

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE

GARDEN SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES

Platinum: Huckleberry Knob Nursery

Gold: Gary’s Garden Center

Silver: George’s Seed, Feed & Grow Shop

LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE DESIGN & BUILD

Platinum: Lynchburg Landscapes

Gold: Land Tech Group

Gold: Southern Landscape Group

Silver: Heckman Landworks

LAWN & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Platinum: Lynchburg Lawn Care

Gold: Bass Sod Farm

Silver: Southern Landscape Group

NURSERIES

Platinum: Huckleberry Knob Nursery

Gold: Gary’s Garden Center

Silver: Virginia Garden Supply

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Platinum: Virginia Furniture Market

Gold: Bailey Spencer Hardware

Silver: Grand Home Furnishings

Silver: Indoor Outdoor Living

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE

PORCHES & DECKS

Platinum: Collins Siding & Windows

Gold: Southern Landscape Group

Silver: Vinyl Porch Rail Co.

SPA & HOT TUB SALES AND SERVICE

Platinum: Water By Design

Gold: Perry Pools & Spas

Silver: Aqua Pros

STONE, BRICK AND HARDSCAPE MATERIALS

Platinum: Huckleberry Knob Nursery

Gold: Scott’s Mulch and More

Silver: Boxley

SWIMMING POOLS

Platinum: Land Tech Group

Gold: Perry Pools & Spas

Gold: Southern Landscape Group

Silver: National Pools of Roanoke

TREE SERVICE

Platinum: Bartlett Tree Experts

Gold: The Stump Doctor

Silver: Alto Tree Service

Land Tech Group

PLATINUM WINNER | Swimming Pools GOLD WINNER | Landscape and Hardscape Design & Build

IIf you’re a Central Virginian dreaming of swimming morning laps or splashing in turquoise waters with the kids, you’ll soon be checking out Land Tech. Specializing in outdoor environments, Land Tech provides custom design and installation, for new and renovated swimming pools, landscapes, hardscapes/masonry, water features and outdoor living areas.

With 50 years of combined experience in swimming pool and landscape construction, Land Tech is the only in-ground concrete pool contractor in Central Virginia that can install both your pool and surrounding outdoor living area without having to hire sub-contractors. Their concrete pools are comprised of a gunite concrete shell with a smooth plaster interior finish.

“Swimming pools: it’s where we stand out. It’s the full project from hardscaping to landscaping, masonry and design,” said Land Tech President Wayne Melancon. “About 98 percent of everything is done in-house.” Land Tech is a licensed Class A Building Contractor.

Part of the design process includes creating renderings and 3D models to help clients visualize what their completed project will look like, even simulating lighting and shadows. In Virginia, you can enjoy a pool for up to eight months of the year and add a number of amenities, including waterfalls and hardscapes, to create your own resort experience.

“You are adding that outdoor living area but you’re also adding to the overall enjoyment and value to your home,” Melancon said. “We’ve put in a lot of water features that customers enjoy. I had one customer who said, ‘Every night I leave the window open and I feel like I’m at the beach.’” Learn more at landtechgroup.com.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LAND TECH GROUP

HOME FURNISHINGS, INTERIOR DESIGN AND DÉCOR

ANTIQUES

Platinum: Estates Revisited

Gold: Blue Ridge Antique Center

Silver: Ashwood Manor Designs

Silver: Estates & Consignments

APPLIANCES

Platinum: Hailey’s Appliance

Gold: Ferguson

Silver: Vinton Appliance Center

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE

Platinum: Bailey Spencer Hardware

Gold: Black Dog Salvage

Silver: McCraw’s Furniture Co.

ART GALLERY/STUDIO

Platinum: Findings Art Gallery

Gold: Academy Center of the Arts

Silver: AR Workshop

BLINDS & WINDOW TREATMENTS

Platinum: Curtains, Blinds & Bath

Gold: Decorating Den Interiors

Silver: James T. Davis

CABINETRY, KITCHEN & BATH

Platinum: Piedmont Floor Show

Gold: Spectrum Stone Designs

Silver: Kitchen Crafters of VA

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE

Platinum: On Second Thought

Gold: Next Time Consignment

Silver: Cha Charming Estate Sales and Staging

COUNTERTOPS

Platinum: Spectrum Stone Designs

Gold: Piedmont Floor Show

Silver: Stonecrafters

FLOORING

Platinum: Piedmont Floor Show

Gold: All Sealed Up

Silver: Central Virginia Flooring

Spectrum Stone Designs

PLATINUM WINNER | Countertops GOLD WINNER | Cabinetry, Kitchen & Bath

QQuality in both craftsmanship and customer service is a priority with Spectrum Stone Designs, a natural stone fabricator located in Central Virginia. Whatever your stone needs, they deliver marble, quartz and granite countertops, sinks, fireplace surrounds, backsplashes and more, all at affordable prices. They are a direct importer and fabricator of natural stone, which helps them offer customers the luxury of natural stone at a lower cost.

“We do our best to make customers feel at ease and confident in their choices,” says Page Hastings-Neal, owner of Spectrum Stone Designs. They start with a top-quality piece of stone and use precision templating before expertly cutting and polishing and installing a stone masterpiece.

Spectrum Stone Designs takes a personal approach to meeting the needs of clients. “We deal with customers one-on-one, and each job is taken with great care to ensure the best job and highest quality in product and service,” Hastings-Neal says. They stay with their customers throughout the whole construction process and do not use subcontractors.

While the company prides itself on its excellent customer service, they also ensure that their technology continuously improves. “We have state-of-the-art equipment brand new this year, which increases accuracy and turnaround time for the customer,” states Hastings-Neal.

Serving Central Virginia, Spectrum Stone Designs offers showrooms at 12209 Richmond Hwy, Concord, and 1076 Corporate Park Dr., Forest. Learn more at spectrumstonedesigns.com.

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

HOME FURNISHINGS, INTERIOR DESIGN AND DÉCOR

FURNITURE

Platinum: BVA Mercantile

Gold: Decorating Den Interiors

Silver: Virginia Furniture Market

HOME ACCESSORIES & GIFTS

Platinum: BVA Mercantile

Gold: Accents

Gold: Curtains, Blinds & Bath

Silver: Bloom by Doyle’s

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Platinum: Decorating Den Interiors

Gold: Curtains, Blinds & Bath

Silver: Sarah Girten Interior Design

PAINT & PAINTING SUPPLIES

Platinum: Sherwin Williams

Gold: James T. Davis

Silver: Benjamin Moore Paints & Design Center

RUGS

Platinum: Piedmont Floor Show

Gold: Decorating Den Interiors

Silver: Curtains, Blinds & Bath

Silver: Persian Rugs & More

UPHOLSTERY

Platinum: Phil’s Upholstery

Gold: Ashwood Manor Designs

Silver: Ferguson Upholstery

WALLPAPER

Platinum: Mahones Wallpaper Shop

Gold: James T. Davis

Silver: Ashwood Manor Designs

WOODWORKING & TRIM

Platinum: Midtown Millworks

Gold: JMK Construction Renovation Solutions

HOME LIVING OPTIONS

APARTMENT LIVING

Platinum: Palisades at Hunter’s Creek

Platinum: The Gardens on Timberlake

Gold: The Gables of Cornerstone

Silver: Overlook at Stonemill

HOME HEALTH PROVIDERS

Platinum: Visiting Angels

Gold: TheKey

Silver: EnHabit

RETIREMENT LIVING COMMUNITIES

Platinum: Westminster Canterbury

Gold: The Summit

Silver: Runk & Pratt

The Westminster Canterbury lifestyle means you can leave your cares behind! Let us handle all of the details of everyday living. It’s your life and we want to help you live it to the fullest. The amenities of our 52-acre community take all of your worries away. You’ll have the time to explore new hobbies and talents, while also enjoying space for peace and quiet.

Our nationally-recognized LifeCare program offers you the security that comes with having a solid plan for your future. Discover life refreshed at Westminster Canterbury and get ready to enjoy the best decision you will ever make!

REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL

BANK

Platinum: First National Bank

Gold: Bank of the James

Silver: First Bank & Trust Company

Silver: Select Bank

CREDIT UNION

Platinum: Your Community Credit Union, Central Virginia

Gold: Freedom First Credit Union

Silver: Beacon Credit Union

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Platinum: Abe Loper, Loper Financial

Gold: First National Advisors

Silver: Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

HOME INSURANCE

Platinum: Blue Ridge Insurance

Platinum: Chip Harvey, State Farm Insurance

Gold: Baughman & Associates

Gold: Goosehead Insurance

Silver: Rob Chapman, State Farm Insurance

MORTGAGE LENDING COMPANY

Platinum: First National Bank

Gold: Bank of the James, Mortgage

Silver: Freedom First Credit Union

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICERS

Platinum: Courtney Woody

Gold: Rhonda Holt

Gold: Tracie Gallahan

Silver: Jeff Walker

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Platinum: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Dawson Ford Garbee & Co. Realtors

Gold: Karl Miller Realty

Silver: Divine Fog Realty Company

REALTORS

Platinum: Tammi Moore

Gold: Robert Dawson

Silver: Cindi Parsons

First National Bank

PLATINUM WINNER | Bank, Mortgage Lending Company Mortgage Loan Officers (Tracie Gallahan), Financial Planning (First National Advisors)

GOLD WINNER

FFirst National Bank, headquartered in Altavista, has been serving its neighbors in Central Virginia for more than 115 years. Today, it operates 18 branches in the Greater Lynchburg region, Danville, Pittsylvania County and Charlottesville.

Established in 1908, First National Bank experienced significant growth in 2020 after completing a merger with the former Virginia Bank & Trust of Danville. The combined entity has nearly 200 years of community banking experience and is focused specifically on personal relationships with clients and meaningful community involvement.

President and CEO Todd Hall says customers feel the difference when they bank locally, and at First National, the commitment to providing extraordinary service is “non-negotiable.” “Customers want to work with individuals they know and trust that provide friendly service, are willing to help and can be counted on,” he says.

First National Bank’s mission is “to exceed the needs and expectations of our customers, communities served and shareholders by delivering superior service and quality financial products through a knowledgeable, motivated staff and effective technology.”

First National offers a wide array of financial and lending services for individuals and businesses, including online banking, cash management and investment services. They are conservatively managed, but also progressive-minded and committed to remaining up-to-date with technological advancements and digital channels. Hall commented, “We are a full-service financial institution providing traditional retail banking products and services with a strong presence in the commercial and small business space.” Learn more at 1stnatbk.com.

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

SERVICE PROVIDERS & MATERIALS

CARPET AND RUG CLEANING

Platinum: Kidd’s Restoration & Cleaning Services

Gold: Stanley Steemer

Silver: Persian Rugs & More

CRAWLSPACE, WATERPROOFING AND FOUNDATION REPAIR

Platinum: Fortress Foundation Solutions

Gold: JES Foundation Repair

Silver: Level Up Foundation Solutions

DRIVEWAY REPAIR & SEALING

Platinum: Lynchburg Sealcoating & Lawn Care

Gold: Young Sealcoating

Silver: Mr. Pave

ELECTRICAL

Platinum: Wired Up Electrical

Gold: Maddox Air & Electrical

Silver: Bower Heating & Air

Silver: Hill City Electrical Services

ESTATE SALES

Platinum: Estates & Consignments

Gold: Estates Revisted

EXTERIOR HOME CLEANING SERVICES

Platinum: All Washed Up

Gold: H2O Home Improvements

Silver: American House Wash

Fortress Foundation Solutions

TThere are few woes a homeowner dreads more than a compromised foundation, a repeatedly flooded basement or an increasingly worse mold issue. These issues are not only a nuisance, but also dangerous. That’s where Fortress Foundation Solutions lives up to its name: solutions for all your “basementy” needs!

Fortress Foundation Solutions, which serves Virginia and Maryland homeowners, offers basement waterproofing, crawlspace encapsulation, concrete lifting and leveling and foundation repair. They pride themselves on responsive customer service; free, no-obligation estimates; proven products; long-lasting craftsmanship and leaving a home clean after service.

“We truly try to set ourselves apart with how we treat our customers — we are setting the bar high,” says Laci Harvey, General Manager. “We are working in people’s homes, which is often their greatest investment, and we want to give the customer the respect they deserve.”

Harvey says you’ll get a real person on the line when you call. The team will show up when they say they will and will follow through to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Customers also get the peace of mind of guarantees backed locally by Fortress Foundation Solutions and nationally by Basement Systems and SupportWorks. Along with standing by its guarantees, Fortress Foundation Solutions benefits from national training and proven waterproofing and foundation systems.

“So we are a local company but we have access to hundreds of other dealers to learn from and glean from,” Harvey says. “Throughout any customer experience you will be communicated with at all layers of the company. We pride ourselves in doing what we say we’re going to do.”

Learn more at fortressfoundationsolutions.com.

PLATINUM WINNER | Crawlspace, Waterproofing and Foundation Repair

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FORTRESS FOUNDATION SOLUTIONS

SERVICE PROVIDERS & MATERIALS

FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY SERVICES

Platinum: Francis Oil & Propane

Gold: Black Goose Chimney Service

Silver: Foster Fuels

GARAGE DOORS

Platinum: Lynchburg Garage Door

Gold: DoorTek Garage Door Service

Silver: Lynchburg Overhead Door

GUTTERS

Platinum: The Brothers That Just Do Gutters

Gold: Collins Siding & Windows

Silver: Gutters & Guards

HANDYMAN

Platinum: Wright Choice Construction

Gold: JMK Construction Renovation Solutions

Silver: Your Maintenance Man, LLC

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Platinum: Davis Heating & Cooling

Gold: Browns Heating, Air & Plumbing

Silver: Ideal Comfort

Silver: Maddox Air & Electrical

Silver: Mills Heating & Air

HOME CLEANING SERVICES

Platinum: Pink Ladies Cleaning Services

Gold: Blue Ridge Make Ready Services

HOME FUEL COMPANIES

Platinum: Francis Oil & Propane

Gold: Foster Fuels

Silver: Watts Petroleum

Francis Oil & Propane

PLATINUM WINNER | Fireplace & Chimney Services, Home Fuel Companies

PPicture the perfect Christmas scene straight out of a storybook. Ham, turkey, little packages tied up with string. All your friends and family gathered in one place. Chestnuts roasting on the open — wait. Where is the fire? When Francis Oil got a call from a family whose heat was not working on Christmas Day, they left their own holiday meal to go help.

“We understood how important that was,” says Laura Francis Borel, sales and marketing director. This is just one way her family business “always treats every customer like family.”

Francis Oil has grown with its Central Virginia hometown since 1956. The business started with neighbors, small shops and tobacco farms — making sure farmers had the fuel they needed for their curing — but has grown to provide full service to homeowners and businesses in the area.

“We have pictures in the office of years that have gone by in the area,” says Laura. “People love to come by and see it.”

Francis Oil serves a 60-80 mile area and stays loyal to that. “We have stayed local. We are very loyal to our customer base. We serve a lot of locally owned businesses,” says Laura.

That loyalty expands beyond just location. Francis Oil emphasizes its importance in offering full service and easy access for customers.

Part of that access comes from having a direct line to the owners “at any given time” by not having a robot messaging system. “When you call us, you talk to a real person,” says Sandra Francis. “In our business, we’re keeping it real by being a small business. It is a personal customer service experience.”

The Francis Oil family, consisting of many dedicated employees and one happy goldendoodle, stays true to their mission of helping every individual customer feel like family. Learn more at francisoil.com.

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

READERS’ FAVORITES AWARDS 2023

SERVICE PROVIDERS & MATERIALS

MOVING AND STORAGE

Platinum: My Guys Moving and Storage

Gold: American Moving & Storage

PAINTING

Platinum: Love Painting

Gold: C.S. Schrader Painting

Silver: Harris Painting

PEST CONTROL

Platinum: Dodson Pest Control

Gold: Specialty Exterminating

Silver: Kyle Unruh’s Pest Pros

PLUMBING

Platinum: Plumb Care Plumbing

Gold: Tyree Plumbing, Inc.

Silver: Roto-Rooter

Silver: Your Maintenance Man, LLC

WATER & FIRE RESTORATION AND CLEAN-UP

Platinum: Kidd’s Restoration & Cleaning

Gold: SERVPRO

Silver: AquaSpores

Silver: Rainbow Restoration

WINDOWS & DOORS

Platinum: Collins Siding & Windows

Gold: Bailey Spencer Hardware

Silver: K Guard/One Stop Home Improvement Shop

DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE

HOME premier profile

2023

DoorTek Garage Door Service

is proud to be Lynchburg’s leading garage door company. With a commitment to providing exceptional products and services, DoorTek is known for quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.

When it comes to garage door repair and replacement in Lynchburg, DoorTek is the name you can trust. With our local roots, premium products, unmatched service and unbeatable warranties, we continue to be the go-to choice for homeowners throughout the region.

As a local, family-owned business, we understand the unique needs of the Lynchburg community. We take great pride in being an integral part of the local economy and giving back to the community.

Our dedication to excellence is evident in the premium products we offer. Whether you're looking to repair or replace your residential garage door, we have you covered. Our extensive selection of topnotch doors ensures that you'll find the perfect fit for your home. Plus, from classic designs to modern aesthetics, our inventory features a wide range of styles and materials to suit every taste and budget.

One aspect that sets us apart from the competition is our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Our team of experienced technicians is highly trained and equipped to handle any garage door repair or installation job with precision and expertise. With DoorTek, you can trust that your garage door needs will be met promptly and efficiently.

In addition to exceptional products and service, we offer the best warranties in the industry. We stand behind the quality of our work and products, providing our customers with peace of mind and long-term protection for their investment.

Fantastic

fall fun

Fan-favorite events and destinations

BY SHELLEY BASINGER

When the days get shorter and the evenings get cooler, there is no shortage of things to do in Central Virginia. In fact, there’s so much, we couldn’t possibly list everything here. Instead, we highlight a few of our familyfriendly favorites for fall. Find your next adventure for 2023!

Layman Family Farms Fall Festival

WHERE: 1815 Mountain View Church Rd., Blue Ridge

WHEN: Starting September 16

If you have small kids, big kids — or are maybe you’re just a kid at heart — Layman Family Farms is a one-stop shop for fall fun. The 83-acre farm in Blue Ridge offers a wide range of activities. My kids always love riding on the cow train, bouncing around on the large jump pillow and taking a hay-wagon ride to the fields to pick out a pumpkin. There is also a pumpkin blaster, gemstone mining and tasty concessions.

To top it all off, the view at Layman’s is spectacular too — so bring your camera! Learn more at www.laymanfamilyfarm.com.

PHOTO: KIRA RIDER

Old City Cemetery Candlelight Tours

WHERE: 401 Taylor St., Lynchburg

WHEN: October 5-21

While not intended to be scary, the Old City Cemetery Candlelight Tours give off that perfect eerie vibe many of us embrace around Halloween.

The tours are living history performances. Each group’s guide is a local actor who is representing someone buried in the

cemetery. The guide leads you to various stops on the grounds where vignettes are performed about the cemetery’s most interesting or bizarre tales.

Young children are not recommended for this experience due to the walking and required attention span. They recommend ages 10 and up.

And if you want in — act fast. Tickets are limited and usually sell out quickly. They go on sale September 14.

Learn more at www.gravegarden.org.

Yoder’s Farm Corn Maze

WHERE: 1134 Browns Mill Rd., Rustburg

WHEN: Starting mid-September

The corn maze is the main event at Yoder’s Farm during the fall season — that’s because it’s legit.

The 11-acre maze is customdesigned each year, and you can see the intricacies in aerial shots from above. There are lots of twists and turns, making it a fun “living puzzle” for your family to complete together.

They also encourage some friendly competition through their Corn Maze App to see who can find their way out the fastest. (Last year, it looks like 16 minutes was the record!) Maps are also distributed to help you out.

Admission to the farm is free, but you must pay to enter the maze. There is also a pumpkin patch, snack shack, hayrides and a farm store at Yoder’s.

Learn more at www.yodersfarm.com.

PHOTOS: LUANN HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: COURTESY OF YODER’S FARM

Amherst Apple Harvest Festival

WHERE: Amherst County High School, 139 Lancer Ln., Amherst

WHEN: October 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | October 22, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Second to pumpkins, fall is all about apples.

The Amherst Apple Harvest Festival is a landmark event that has been enjoyed by families in our region for more than 50 years. It’s touted as Amherst County’s “longest-running tradition.”

Visitors to Amherst County High School will enjoy shopping from approximately 150 vendors. These are mostly artists and crafters who sell handmade items.

You’ll also find lots of apples and apple-based treats for sale, of course.

Learn more at www.amherstappleharvestfestival.org.

Buzzy Coleman Chili Cookoff

WHERE: Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Rd., Big Island

WHEN: October 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

There is no meal that’s more “fall” than a bowl of savory chili. At Bedford County’s Sedalia Center this season, you can spend a whole day filling up on this cool weather favorite.

Admission to the event allows you to taste chili made by numerous local teams. You get to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. Judges determine who gets first, second and third for best-tasting chili. There is also an award for best presentation.

Beer trucks are on the grounds as well as local bands. The Sedalia Center also has a new playground for the kids to enjoy.

Learn more at www.sedaliacenter.org.

PHOTOS: NICOLE JOHNSON

Fall Foliage Drives

WHERE: Blue Ridge Parkway

WHEN: Anytime (The Virginia Department of Forestry’s estimated peak for our region is Oct. 10-31.)

In our area, you don’t have to travel too far to see thetrees showing their vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. The question is — which view is the best?

If you want to avoid some of the more congested spots, the Virginia Department of Forestry has created 10 driving tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway that are “off the beaten path.” That way, you can focus more on your trip and less on the traffic.

In Central Virginia, one of the tours takes you south of Bedford to Moneta and the picturesque Smith Mountain Lake area.

Learn more at dof.virginia.gov/education-andrecreation/fall-foliage-driving-tours/

PEAKS

Wait! There’s more…

Here are a few more fall ideas:

ALTAVISTA SCARECROW STROLL

October | Downtown Altavista

PEAKS OF OTTER WINERY/JOHNSON’S ORCHARD

2122 Sheep Creek Rd., Bedford

DAY AT THE POINT FALL FESTIVAL

October 7 | Point of Honor, Lynchburg

DARK LEAF FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH

185 Dark Leaf Road, Appomattox

HISTORIC APPOMATTOX RAILROAD FESTIVAL

October 13-15 | Downtown Appomattox

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

October 28 | Falling Creek Park, Bedford ✦

PHOTO: EAGLE EYE PHOTOGRAPHY

OF OTTER WINERY/ JOHNSON’S ORCHARD

PHOTO: STAR CITY SKYCAMS

PHOTO: KIRA RIDER

natural world CHANNELING THE IN

YOUR HOME

Celebrate

BY PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

The Sámi, an indigenous and traditionally nomadic people who live in a region that spans present-day northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia, revere the natural world for its sacredness, healing properties and life force. The Sámi view all elements of nature, from trees to rocks and streams, as living. In order to fully experience life, the Sámi believe people should seek harmony with these other life forms.

Using this world view for inspiration, in 1859, the Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen coined the word friluftsliv — a blend of Norwegian and Swedish words for “free,” “air” and “life” — to capture this concept. While friluftsliv has been embraced for decades in the Nordic lands, it has recently also been used as an inspiration for people around the world who seek calm and peace in their own lives.

While we might not always be able to take a quiet walk in the woods or consider the view from a high vantage point, it’s possible to incorporate elements of friluftsliv in our own homes.

outdoor living inside with thoughtful arrangements, decorating friluftsliv

Set the scene

What’s an easy way to translate the expanse of the outdoors in an interior space? Use colors found in nature for wall and floor coverings – soft shades of brown and ivory work well for walls and rugs. To lean into the texture of nature, consider incorporating fiber wallpaper, which can evoke tree bark. Green in all its hues is also appropriate. Think of the rich tones found on evergreens and also the delicate new green of springtime foliage. Connect inner spaces to the outdoors by eliminating or minimizing window treatments. If some screening is essential, consider roller shades that can vanish at the touch of a button, or café curtains or shutters at the bottom half of a window. Your eye will naturally be drawn upward to the open view. If windows aren’t plentiful, add mirrors to draw in the light and make a space seem larger than it really is.

Keep it simple

This one’s easy: Lose the clutter. Stacks of books and magazines, collectibles and games may personalize a room, but they also attract attention and energy. Instead, opt for furniture with clean, low lines and pedestal tables that don’t take much space. If shelving is essential, consider floating wall shelves or open shelving made from wood and glass – natural materials. Metals

can be useful, but opt for natural or dark finishes that won’t stand out.

Fabrics should also follow the natural color palette, though pale blues, yellows and pinks can be incorporated, as long as they are muted and soothing. If you want a monochromatic scheme, textured pillows and blankets will add depth.

Transform the space

Bring the outdoors in with what you hang on your walls. Botanical prints, both oversized and actual size; mountain or ocean scenes; views of meadows or tree-lined pathways; even close-ups of shells, river rocks and flowers can lead to quiet contemplation or even spur movement to the outdoors. Use your own photographs or find a favorite artist who specializes in nature prints.

Also consider artworks made from natural materials, such as macrame, wood or ceramics. These pieces can often easily be wall-mounted and provide additional textural dimension to a room.

Let it grow!

Perhaps the most obvious way to bring the outdoors in is to add plants to your living spaces. Before you hit your favorite garden shop, take a careful look at where you want to add greenery. Make a note of which locations have the best natural light. You’ll want to place flowering plants, such as African violets and begonias, in spots where they get plenty of light even if it’s diffused through a curtain or frosted window. Southern exposures are ideal for plants that crave the sun, as they’re sure to get rays no matter what time of year it is.

But don’t despair if your windows face elsewhere. Many plants – snake plants, philodendrons, peace lilies, even orchids – can tolerate partial or full shade. These plants can thrive with either morning or afternoon sun or hardly any sun at all. Also consider a trailing ivy or delicate indoor fern.

For drama, fill a corner with a large palm, elephant ear or Monstera Deliciosa (so much fun to say). And remember to dress your bathrooms, too. A hanging English ivy plant or air plants attached to a window or mirror with suction cups will soften a space filled with hard tile.

No matter how you fill your home with touches of nature, remember the friluftsliv philosophy and EATING. TALKING. SMILING. CHEWING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. TEARING. CHEWING. SMILING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. TALKING. PRONOUNCIATION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. PROTECTION. TALKING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING. TALKING. CHEWING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. TEARING. CHEWING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. EATING. PROTECTION. BONE STRUCTURE. TALKING. BITING. SMILING. CHEWING. TEARING. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. CHEWING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. TEARING. CHEWING. SMILING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. TALKING. PRONOUNCIATION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. PROTECTION. TALKING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING. TALKING. CHEWING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. TEARING. CHEWING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. EATING. PROTECTION. BONE STRUCTURE. TALKING. BITING. SMILING. CHEWING. TEARING. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. CHEWING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. TEARING. CHEWING. SMILING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. TALKING. PRONOUNCIATION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. PROTECTION. TALKING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING. TALKING. CHEWING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. TEARING. CHEWING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING.

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Mari White, James River Media: Kelli, what should everyone know about CASA of Central Virginia?

Kelli Diaz, CASA of Central Virginia: CASA of Central Virginia is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in our community. Our volunteers have served over 5,000 children since 1989, but there is more work to be done and we cannot do that without volunteers. We have children waiting, right now, for a volunteer to give them a voice and a chance at a safe, permanent, and loving home. A child with a CASA advocate has a 50% less chance of reentering foster care and spends an average of eight months less in foster care. They also have a greater chance of doing well in school and graduating.

Mari: Give us a recent example of how one of your volunteers made a difference in the life of a child.

Kelli: We recently had one case where a child had five different placements. Think about that: this child has already suffered abuse and neglect, then was removed from their home, and now is being moved over and over again. Five different placements mean five different foster homes, each with new foster parents, teachers, schools, friends. And we are talking about a child, a young child. BUT there was one person who stayed the same throughout the entire case, from the beginning, through each placement, advocating for this child, listening to the child’s fears, hopes, desires: the CASA volunteer advocate. And thanks to the CASA volunteer, the child was able to go to a safe and permanent home. The child referred to the CASA volunteer as “my favorite person ever.”

Mari: Okay Kelli, make your pitch! Why should our readers consider becoming a CASA volunteer advocate?

Kelli: It’s an opportunity to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in our community, to bring hope to children facing a difficult future, and to be a driving force for change in the child welfare system. It is a selfless and compassionate choice that can leave a lasting legacy in the lives of those you serve and inspire others to join in making a difference in their community. Every child can benefit from having another caring adult in their life, especially one who has the ability to change their story.

Did you know?

A child with a CASA advocate has a 50% less chance of reentering foster care and spends an average of eight months less in foster care.

CASA and Big Brothers Big Sisters

434-485-7263

www.cvcasa.org

Mari: Ash, tell us about your “Big” organization!

Ash Gorman, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia: Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. We do this by matching dedicated, screened and trained volunteers with deserving children in our community. Our staff then provides support for the matches we have made to help ensure relationship development and longevity. In the end, we’re working to put every child on a better path towards success.

Two local organizations share a similar purpose: to pair at-risk children with adult volunteers for a match that benefits everyone involved. James River Media’s Mari White talked with CASA’s Kelli Diaz and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Ash Gorman about the children they serve and the volunteers who are crucial to their success.

HOME nonprofit spotlight 2023

Mari: Give us an example of a great match.

Ash: Big Sister, Lilly, and Little Sister, La’Drea, have recently been matched at our organization. Lilly and La’Drea enjoy painting their nails, having movie nights, playing board games, getting ice cream and going to cheer practice together. Lilly has worked on helping La’Drea with her confidence and communication skills, and she encourages La’Drea to pursue her passions and interests and lean on her for support. Lilly and La’Drea both love being a part of our program and look forward to continuing their relationship.

Mari: Ash, why should our readers consider becoming a Big?

Ash: As a Big Brother or Big Sister, volunteers have the opportunity to not only impact a child’s life today, but also to transform their potential for tomorrow. Volunteers not only give the children hope for their future, but they also help to create a culture of giving back to the community.

The best part about our programs is that they work. Our kids are better off academically and socially after having been in our program. With the friendship and encouragement of their mentor, our children are becoming better decision makers, are developing a sense of the future, and unlocking their full potential. And who knows, it may just be life changing for our volunteers as well.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR BIG BROTHERS / BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA:

In their own words

Lilly, Big Sister: “Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters has brought joy, happiness, and a deeper purpose to my life. It challenges me to continually try to be the best person I can be as an example to my Little!”

September 20th

Fore The Kids Golf Tournament at Ivy Hill Golf Club (in partnership with CASA of Central Virginia)

November 1st-30th

Mustaches 4 Kids Growing Season

November 18th

(Brand New!) “The Feud” fundraiser at the Academy Warehouse Theater

434-528-0400

www.bigcva.org

Mountain AT THE FOOT OF

Third-generation family home restored

BY CARTER HEALD BENDALL

Sunny Acres Farm, a thirdgeneration home and farm, dates back to 1957. The current homeowners moved into the house in 2011 and set about sprucing up the property and truly making it their own. Located just outside of Lynchburg, two white brick pillars and black wooden fencing mark the entrance to the farm. A long driveway meanders up to the white brick ranch with gray shutters that is nestled at the foot of many small mountains including Fleming Mountain. A huge deodar cedar tree and equally as big American holly designate the end of the driveway.

Photography by Michael Patch

Front porch showstopper

Walking up the bluestone pathway to the front door, one is immediately struck by the welcoming north-facing front porch and its views. John Wingfield and Penn Burton from Wingfield & Burton Construction, Inc. helped the homeowners reimagine quite a few rooms in the home, including the front porch. This porch was originally screenedin, which blocked some of the views. When the screens came out, the front steps were widened and the entire house was painted white. The homeowners kept the green cement floor that was original to the home and painted the ceiling blue. White wicker furniture provides ample seating to look out over the gorgeous Chinese chestnut tree that grows in the front yard. All of the outdoor lighting was custom made in Richmond.

The showstopper of the front porch is a handmade artwork installation by Lynchburg native and close family friend Paul Clements. Using wood from the home’s original 1957 fence and COR-TEN® weathering steel, Clements fashioned a backlit art piece to depict Fleming Mountain, based on a drawing by one of the homeowners. Becky, whose grandfather built the house in which she now lives, says, “When people come over for dinner, we often end up outside on the porch. This piece takes on a new personality at night.”

Upon entering the front door, the entryway sets the tone for the house: traditional, yet modern, bright and filled with art. A beautiful mahogany inlaid chest greets visitors, and a painting by Kathleen Husted of lush green mountains hangs above it. Immediately to the right are two guest bedrooms and two bathrooms. Immediately to the left, one enters the living room, with the main suite off to this side as well.

Outside-in beauty

The focal point of the living room is a large original fireplace, made with stone from the property. A greenstone hearth, obtained in Lynchburg from the Virginia Greenstone Corporation, provides a place to sit close by the fire. The homeowners had a black hammered metal fire screen made for the space. A winter woodland scene by Frank Hobbs resides above the mantel. The beamed ceiling was originally dark, but the homeowners painted it white to lighten the space. They also had Paul Clements make a huge black metal and wood orb light for the center of the room. Again, Clements used wood from the original 1957 fencing. The light was so large, it had to be disassembled to fit through the front door.

A neutral khaki sofa and four club chairs sit directly in front of the fireplace. The throw pillows in these chairs provide pops of playful pattern. On top of the hardwood floors, a sisal rug rests with an oriental rug layered on top of it. On either side of the fireplace, two windows are adorned with coral colored damask curtain panels. In front of these windows, two engraved metal tray tables brought home from the Middle East add interest to the room. Loads of other accent pieces from the Middle East are found around the house, as one of the homeowners was born in Syria, where his father worked for the State Department.

On another wall in the living room, an antique mahogany chest is situated with an ornate French gold mirror above it. Two rose medallion lamps flank a 19th-century working French clock on top of the chest. Two charcoals of Greek urns done by a local artist sit on either side of the gold mirror.

The living room flows into the dining room via a large, cased opening. On either side of the opening (still in the living room), are an antique chest and desk. Above the chest is an original painting of the farm by Becky’s aunt, based on her memories of it. In the painting, the farm still has the cows that used to inhabit the surrounding fields, and the home is its original red brick color. Above the desk, a water scene purchased in Florence, Italy, commands attention with its bright colors. A Greek castle atop a mountain, painted by Becky’s cousin, is stacked on top of this.

Artistic touches

Moving into the dining room, the work of Paul Clements stands out once again. Using pieces of the property’s original barn doors,

Clements fashioned a dining room table that easily seats eight people. This was intentional so that the homeowners could host family events: “Because of this table and the size of the living room, our house lends itself to celebrations.”

Above an antique mahogany chest, a floral watercolor by Annie Adams Robertson Massie brings a burst of color to the space. Directly opposite this wall, an antique sideboard supplies storage for the room. An original painting of a field of red poppies, purchased in Italy, hangs above this sideboard. A large, commissioned painting by Chris Burch depicts the farm with huge blue skies. An oriental rug occupies the floor beneath the dining room table, and beige Roman curtains allow for adjusting the amount of light in the room.

Just outside the window-filled back wall of the dining room, the homeowners added a brand-new brick patio space, complete with a fireplace. Teak chairs and sofas with green cushions provide the seating for the fireplace area. A metal dining room table allows for outdoor eating. This whole space overlooks an idyllic pond. Becky says, “You can see so much nature here, from the blue herons to the ever-present deer. The frogs provide a melody of music at night.”

The back patio can also be accessed by the newly remodeled kitchen and den addition. The white cabinets offer a lovely contrast to the black Alberene soapstone countertops. An 8-foot piece of this soapstone covers the large island. The soapstone was so large, it had to be taken to Tennessee to be cut. Above the island, the same Richmond company that made the outside lights also crafted two large metal square lanterns for this space.

A place to relax

Totally open to the kitchen, the newly added den grants a place to relax in easy comfort. Myriad of windows allow for views of the pond and barns. The anchor of the room is the stone fireplace, crafted with rocks found on the property or sourced from Campbell County. A bright abstract by Virginia Beach artist Barbra Myers resides above the fireplace opening. A tan leather sofa faces the fireplace with two blue club chairs and a tufted ottoman made of cork. A television sits off to the side, concealed in a cabinet. This cozy room has pulled its weight in the house. It is the favorite hangout space for the family cat Sam and dog Millie who love to take sunny naps here.

The outside of the house hosts numerous buildings sprinkled around the grounds. There is a typical use white barn, a red barn that houses a workshop and a man cave, and a fenced-in garden for the growing of zinnias, dahlias and vegetables. The perennial gardens around the house are lush. They are full of boxwood, hydrangea (that somehow the deer don’t eat), mountain laurel and crepe myrtle trees. The gardens feel natural and fit in with the surrounding countryside.

An original carport is attached to the house that the homeowners have loved for its convenience. A fully restored 1936 Tokheim gas pump lives out there. The pump used to be fully functioning and provided the fuel used for the farm equipment. Paul Clements brought this rusted piece back to life, in painstaking fashion, using as many original parts as he could. The homeowners had it painted to look like a red Texaco pump. The face of the pump has a clock, which is rare, and it shows that 73,106 gallons of gas have been pumped over the years.

Bestselling author Katrina Mayer said, “Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.” At Sunny Acres Farm there are so many places to spend time and to relax in the glory of nature. The lush landscape, mountain views and sublime pond make it a place where one wants to sit back and stay awhile — to the delight of the homeowners. ✦

wow wall-to-wall

Perfectly hung art

BY MARTHA S. COFFEY

Nothing has greater wow power than perfectly hung artwork. Thoughtfully curated and expertly displayed art has the capacity to elevate a living space, taking it from humdrum to spectacular at just a glance. More than the sofas and chairs or carpets and curtains we select, the artwork we hang personalizes our surroundings and tells our stories. And the best part is that even a novice picture hanger with just a few basic tools, a little design know-how and time can achieve remarkable results.

Evaluate your space

Where in your home do you have a stretch of blank wall? Which room is in greatest need of a little spiffing up? Some people like to dive right in and start with the area of greatest impact such as the room they spend the most time in; others prefer to practice hanging art in a smaller, more out-of-the-way space such as a bedroom, kitchen or bathroom (yes, a bathroom). Once you’ve evaluated your space and selected the first spot for beautification, you’re ready to get started.

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Survey the artwork you own

Pull out any pieces of art you might have stashed away. What you find can be a great starting point. For smaller pieces, you might want to create a small grouping of an uneven number. A small, unified grouping (typically five or fewer pieces) can do wonders to enliven a kitchen wall, hallway, office or bedroom. For larger numbers of pieces, consider creating a gallery wall. (See next page for how to create one).

In the event you don’t have art tucked away just waiting to be hung, visit one of the area art galleries such as LinDor Arts in Roanoke or Goose Creek Studio in Bedford to select a piece of local art to begin your collection. While the advice of a professional might be helpful in launching your art collecting, Patrick Ellis, local artist and co-owner of Goose Creek Studio, cautions that neither picture selection nor hanging is a team sport but one that benefits from a single decision maker.

How to create a gallery wall

1. PICK WHAT TO FEATURE

Most gallery walls feature art in a variety of sizes. Whether it’s a particular subject matter or color scheme, identifying a theme can work well aesthetically. There is no exact science to pairing art, but the best gallery walls have balance. Using art with similar tones and intensities is a way to tie a gallery together.

2. CHOOSE FRAMES

Different artwork may require different frames, while some don’t need a frame at all. A mix of frames will create visual interest, but to keep your gallery wall from becoming too chaotic, start with three styles. Use both horizontal and portrait orientations. You can also unify frames by painting them the same color.

3. ADD ART ALTERNATIVES

A strong gallery wall generally consists of a mix of artwork types. Adding a mirror can make the gallery more dynamic as well as make the space feel larger. You could also use ceramic pieces, textiles, shelving or other wall décor to add visual interest among your art.

4. DECIDE ON A LAYOUT: Place your chosen pieces on the floor or create paper templates and stick them to the wall. This will allow you to easily rearrange as needed. Try to keep the art around 3 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. A general rule of thumb is to start with the largest piece somewhere near the center, and move outward in descending sizes. Using the largest piece to anchor the collection creates balance. You can also intersperse small art throughout to fill blank space. See some example layouts below.

5. AIM FOR SYMMETRY

An easy way to create visual balance is with symmetry. Although you don’t have to use a linear grid, you still want harmony. Place frames of similar sizes on either size of the gallery, and stagger art until you achieve the look you want.

6. KEEP IT LEVEL

Different artwork is usually strung differently, so be careful when positioning them on the wall. Make sure your final result will be level.

How high to hang?

As for how high to hang artwork, apply the tried and true 57" rule. This means that the center of the piece should be 57" from the floor, which is the average eye level and the rule used by galleries, museums and decorators alike. When hanging artwork up a staircase, measure up from the steps 46" for the bottom of each piece. Note, too, that scale is critical in achieving visual harmony. Rooms with higher ceilings call for larger wall hangings, whereas rooms with more typical 8' ceilings look better with more moderately size artwork. Once you have the art ready to hang and have decided on its location for display, you are ready for the installation phase.

Gather your tools and supplies

Fortunately, the list of what you’ll need to hang your artwork is relatively short, and most of the items are readily available in a home improvement or hardware store. Weigh your artwork to select the appropriate hanging method and supplies, and watch a couple of YouTube tutorials for the how-to.

n Pencil

n Hammer

n Painter’s tape

n Picture-hanging paraphernalia

n Level (there’s a cell phone app for that!)

n Kraft paper for cutting to size and practicing your layout

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

Shine a light on it

Dedicated picture lighting will further boost the wow factor of your newly hung artwork. With the many types of cordless and batterypowered options available, you can achieve a gallery-worthy look without the expense of an electrician. Don’t be afraid to spotlight your art collection, no matter how humble you believe it to be. The pieces you’ve chosen for display, the way you’ve matted and framed them and their arrangements in your home will be an expression of your uniqueness, something worth celebrating every day. ✦

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME AS A READER’S BEST PLA TI N UM WINNER!

I’m a lifelong Lynchburg native who’s been in the banking industry for 25 years and in the mortgage world for the past 10.

Mortgage lending became my passion when I saw how rewarding it is to make the dream of homeownership a reality for so many people!

I’m just a call away to help you finance your dream home!

Maranatha Farms

Locally Grown, Fresh Products You Can Feel Good About

Maranatha Farms’ mission is to steward our land and animals the way God designed through regenerative agriculture.

Regenerative farming

“Regenerative” means food is raised in systems that honor God and His design. We work with nature and not against it, caring for the soil, respecting the diversity of plants and animals on the land and conserving water. We use mobile chicken coops and manage grazing to till and fertilize the soil rather than adding chemicals or synthetic inputs. We are seeking a more sustainable future for our land and the animals.

We are on a mission to raise high-quality, healthy meats. We do not use chemicals, pesticides, hormones or antibiotics, preferring natural resources. Pasture-raised and exposed to sunlight and fresh air, our animals enjoy our rotation of 420 acres so they have fresh grass and a healthy lifestyle.

What we offer

We have dry-aged Angus beef, purebred Mangalitza and Berkshire pork, grass-fed lamb, and pasture-raised chicken and turkey. We humanely raise all our animals on our farm and are involved from start to finish.

We run a family farm with the goal of providing other families in our area with meats and eggs that are healthy and fresh. We created a delivery service called Farm2URDoor to help any local resident better access our products — free with any order over $20. Simply place an order on our website (Farm2URDoor.com) and select a day and time frame that works best for home delivery. Your order will be delivered in our freezer van on the day of your convenience.

Hearty fall flavors

BY SARAH NICHOLAS

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

Hearty and comforting are words that are often associated with heavy recipes that will pack on the pounds; although I have never heard anyone say they found a salad hearty or comforting and really meant it. We are going to push the envelope because that does not have to be the case. I prefer to think of “hearty and comforting” as descriptors of recipes that bring me nostalgic memories and all the warm and fuzzy feelings!

In this edition, I will bring you my best food memories that have been on constant repeat for years in my household. These four recipes will certainly satisfy you on all comfort levels and leave you feeling content. We have the ultimate appetizer that could make an amazing lunch. For those salad lovers, I am rethinking “hearty” with a salad that has lifechanging buttered panko! For the pasta lover, try buttermilk for that comforting twist. And last, but certainly not least, try a scone that hits all the sweet notes of a cake but can be eaten any time of the day!

Roasted carrot, burrata, cashew & honey toast

Pistachio, pea & buttermilk pasta with toasted breadcrumbs

(434) 237-3009 ValleyViewRetirement.com

4 carrots (washed and trimmed)

Olive oil

½ cup raw cashews, shelled and chopped

4 sourdough slices

2 balls burrata

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Drizzle of honey

Sprinkle of flake salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice 4 carrots in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Roast in oven for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and ends are crispy. While the carrots are roasting, toast cashews in a skillet on medium high for about 1 minute. Do not walk away, they can burn quickly! Slice your sourdough loaf into long slices, brush with olive oil and toast. To assemble, smear ½ burrata ball on each slice of sourdough, place 1 carrot (2 halves) on each piece of toast. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle on cashews and parsley. Lastly, garnish with a sprinkling of flake salt.

Roasted Carrot, Burrata, Cashew & Honey Toast

1213 Long Meadows Drive Lynchburg

Buttered Panko, Caper & Pine Nut

Butter Lettuce Salad

2 heads butter lettuce, roughly chopped

½ cup panko

½ cup pine nuts

2 tablespoons butter

2 ounces manchego cheese, shaved

½ cup capers, drained

¼ cup chives, minced

Freshly ground pepper

DRESSING

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients for the dressing until emulsified and set aside. In a non-stick skillet, over medium heat, melt butter and add panko and nuts. Stir often until golden brown. Arrange the butter lettuce and manchego on a platter and add capers. Sprinkle on chives. Top with fresh-ground pepper. When ready to serve, drizzle dressing and sprinkle the panko and pine nut mixture on top to avoid panko getting soggy.

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Pistachio, Pea & Buttermilk Pasta with Toasted Breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil + more for drizzle

2 green onions, sliced

12 ounces peas, thawed

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 mint sprig

1 tablespoon parsley

Kosher salt

¾ cup buttermilk

1 pound spaghetti, cooked (save ½ cup pasta water)

½ cup Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup pistachios, toasted & chopped

½ cup breadcrumbs (toasted with a little butter)

Heat butter and oil in a medium heavy pot over medium and add green onions, peas and garlic. Stir occasionally, until onions are slightly wilted, about 5 minutes. Toss in mint and parsley and season with salt to taste. Add the buttermilk and bring to a simmer. Discard mint. Add cooked pasta and parmesan. Cook briefly, while stirring. Add the pasta water and toss until the sauce coats the pasta. Top with pepper, pistachios, breadcrumbs, parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Southern Cream Cheese Scones

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 stick of butter, cubed + 1 tablespoon for greasing the skillet

¼ cup cream cheese, cold and diced

1 cup heavy cream + 1 tablespoon for brushing

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place a cast iron skillet coated with a tablespoon of butter in the oven. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter and cream cheese. Add heavy cream and mix until the dough forms a ball. Add more flour if it’s too sticky. On a floured surface, roll the dough to 3/4" thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut as many scones as possible. Place the scones quickly and tightly into the preheated skillet. Brush with heavy cream and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden. ✦

Beautiful book�� FOR THE GARDEN ENTHUSIAST

Objets d’art to enjoy from season to season

BY LAUREL FEINMAN

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

“Books are not made to furnish, but there’s nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.”

— Henry Ward Beecher, American clergyman

Coffee table books are an excellent addition to your home décor. They provide knowledge and inspiration and enhance the overall aesthetic of your living space. These oversized, hard-covered books are designed

for display and usually feature captivating photographs or illustrations accompanied by captions and small blocks of informational text.

The popularity of coffee table books dates back to the late 1940s when the Sierra Club started publishing books to advocate for wilderness preservation. These books were large and heavy, showcasing environmental photographs by renowned artists such as Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter, complemented by writings from Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman and other nature writers. So, you see, a longstanding relationship exists between appreciating nature and beautiful display books.

Choosing books for display

When selecting decorative books, you can infuse your personality into your home décor in a foolproof and enjoyable way. These books serve as chic objets d’art alongside your other living room furniture, and they also become treasured keepsakes you can share with friends and family. Choose books that align with your passions, whether you seek floral arrangement inspiration or dream of visiting Monet’s garden at Giverny. Consider your living space’s theme and color palette, and select books that complement your décor. Pay attention to the size and shape of the books to ensure they fit nicely on your coffee table without overwhelming the space.

Displaying your collection

Once you’ve curated your collection of coffee table books, it’s time to unleash your creativity and find unique ways to showcase them. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

n Stacked and layered: Arrange books in a stack, placing larger ones at the bottom and gradually decreasing the size as you go up. Top the stack with an eye-catching decorative object like a small sculpture or a potted plant.

n Color coordination: Create a visually striking arrangement by curating your books based on their color palette. Opt for monochromatic or complementary color schemes to achieve a cohesive and harmonious look.

n Theme-based arrangements: Group books with similar themes together. For example, if you have a collection of books on summer gardens, place them alongside an arrangement of fresh hydrangeas or summery trinkets.

n Artful piles: Create a dynamic display by stacking books or tilting them at different angles. This arrangement adds movement and visual interest.

n Open and inviting: Select a few artful books with beautiful covers or stunning photographs and open them to a favorite page to showcase their beauty. This encourages guests to explore and engage with the books.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS IN 2023

Reach more customers through strategic marketing with HOME magazine and WLNI

Right coverage. Right price. Right here in town.

As you plan your marketing strategy, meet with us to reach a wider audience with HOME magazine and WLNI. These two mediums offer a unique way to bundle your messages to reach a larger audience in different ways. Both are hyper local, focusing ads and content to our local community, and both are targeted to adults with the disposable income to afford your products and services.

Karl: “Being in HOME magazine and on WLNI has been beneficial to reinforce the Karl Miller Team brand and create a great impression in the community. Radio allows people to know your voice, and you become a trusted advisor to people even before you meet them in person. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into someone’s home, and they’ve told me ‘You sound just like you do on the radio!’ That allows me to have instant credibility with the clients we serve. They feel like they know me.”

Yancy: “The people at James River Media are accessible, easy to work with, and offer great advice on topics our audience will want to know about. Their guidance helps us prepare our radio content and our HOME magazine ads. We’ve had great results!”

While HOME magazine allows you to SHOW potential customers your products and services, WLNI offers you the ability to TELL your story in your own voice.

Let’s partner to boost your business! And you can experience success like Karl Miller Realty, Thrive Mortgage and State Farm Insurance.

“Rich Roth walked into my new State Farm agency in the fall of 1999, and I joined WLNI’s, The Sportsline as a new advertiser. It was THE BEST decision I ever made. That advertising created a key local presence and that audience made me a household name. My new insurance agency became well-known almost overnight giving me a distinct advantage over other insurance agents who had been in business in the area for much longer.

Right coverage. Right price. Right here in town.

Over the years, I added spots to The Morningline and then added the HOME magazine print piece, and it truly is one-stop advertising shopping.

I cannot count the times I am out and about, and I have people stop me and tell me they hear me on the radio or they like my ads. Talk radio offers so much, and my friends at WLNI and HOME magazine are creative and helpful in designing an advertising package that works.”

Realty

Karl Miller & Yancy Campbell | Hosts of the “Karl Miller Show“ Karl Miller

“James River Media has helped me and my business in so many ways! They’re always there to help guide me with suggestions on making my radio and magazine advertising a success. I get three to four calls a week just from my radio ads, and magazine ads help reinforce my branding and what I have to offer as a mortgage lender. I highly recommend advertising with James River Media for any company that needs to promote its brand and win customers. WLNI and HOME have definitely helped me grow my business by educating listeners and readers about what I do.”

Rhonda Holt, The Loan Maven Thrive Mortgage

Kim Z Gardner | Agent State Farm Insurance

“I have been advertising on WLNI Radio for 20 plus years and they have done a fantastic job for my business! I’m amazed at how often people will tell me that they heard me on the radio and many times will call my office to inquire about something they heard me talking about!

Now with the addition of advertising in HOME magazine, it kind of dove tails perfectly within my advertising campaign, by reaching a very desirable demographic of higher educated, higher income adults who would likely be in the market for the insurance products I represent! I truly feel that both the vocal and the visual impact of this combination results in a most successful advertising formula!”

Chip Harvey | Agent State Farm Insurance

Ins

Maintaining and refreshing your collection

To preserve the pristine look of your coffee table books, regularly dust them and carefully handle them. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or excessive humidity, as these can cause damage over time. Whether or not to remove a book’s dust jacket is a personal preference, with some choosing to protect them and others keeping them on for aesthetic or sentimental reasons.

Consider refreshing your collection periodically by swapping out a few books or adding new ones that reflect your evolving interests. This practice keeps your living space visually attractive, allows you to showcase different topics or artists and helps create an ambiance that changes with the seasons. For example, introduce vibrant florals, woven baskets and bright colors during spring and summer to evoke energy and freshness. As autumn approaches, opt for warm earth tones that complement cozy blankets and pillows on your sofa. Add holiday cheer during winter, incorporating festive ornaments,

evergreen branches and candles. You can create an atmosphere that aligns with the year’s rhythms by accentuating your home with touches that resonate with each season.

Coffee table books offer a delightful blend of art, culture and personal

expression, making them an excellent choice for elevating your home décor. With careful selection and creative display techniques, you can transform your coffee table into a captivating focal point that reflects your style and interests.

Recommendations for the garden-lover’s coffee table

Here are a few perennial (pun intended) favorites:

n Natural Companions: The Garden Lover’s Guide to Plant Combinations by Kenneth Druse

n A Four-Season Southern Garden by Betty Montgomery and photographer Dick Carr

n The Art of Outdoor Living: Gardens for Entertaining Family and Friends by Scott Shrader

n Inside Outside — A Sourcebook of Inspired Garden Rooms by Linda O’Keefe

n Floret Farm’s A Year in Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season by Erin Benzakein and photographer Chris Benzakein

n The Flower Hunter: Seasonal Flowers Inspired by Nature and Gathered from the Garden by Lucy Hunter

n The Layered Garden

— Design Lessons for Year-Round Beauty from Brandywine Cottage by David L. Culp

n The Gardener’s Garden edited by Toby Musgrave, Andrea Jones and Madison Cox

n The Private Gardens of England by Tania Compton and Claire Masset

n The Flower Recipe Book by Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo

No time or patience for shopping? Online sellers like Arjé Home, Booth & Williams and Juniper Books will curate a stack of color-coordinated books to suit your desired aesthetic.

The of design shape

Arranging stacks of oversized books on different coffee tables can be done in various ways to create an aesthetically pleasing display.

ROUND

n Place a single large book or a stack of related books in the center of the table and showcase a decorative object on top as a focal point.

n Surround the central book with smaller stacks of books radiating outwards.

OVAL

n Position a stack of books at one end of the table, leaving space for other decorative items.

n Create smaller stacks of books along the curved edges of the table.

n Add a decorative object or a small flower vase to balance the arrangement.

SQUARE

n Divide the table into quadrants by placing a larger stack of books at each corner.

n Place a floral arrangement or an interesting vessel in the center of the table.

n If you have more books, distribute them evenly between the quadrants.

RECTANGLE

n Align a row of books along the longer side of the table, leaving space for other items.

n Place a smaller stack of books or a decorative object at each end of the table.

n If the table is wide enough, consider adding a second row of books behind the first row.

Experiment with different arrangements until you find the one most appealing to you! ✦

Life’s big moments

Gifts for every occasion

BY MARGIE LIPPARD

Acclaimed songwriter and rocker Stevie Nicks wrote Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Landslide” in 1974 when she was 27 and living in the snowy Colorado mountains, the inspiration behind the song’s title. Pondering life’s “landslides” and changes, Nicks’ heartfelt lyrics ask: “Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changin’ ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?” “Landslide” resonates because it evokes life’s seasons of joy and sorrow and the hope to navigate them with loved ones by our side.

When you know someone going through a momentous occasion in life, it can be difficult to know what to do. Here, we explore how you can show up with thoughtful gifts and gestures that inspire them to sail through life’s passages.

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA BLOOM BY DOYLE’S

ACCENTS

Gift giving for special occasions

Gifts show you care about someone and reciprocate the care that person has given you. When shopping, think about what the person enjoys and make it personal. Owner of Bloom by Doyle’s in Lynchburg, Angel Hartzler, explains, “I think making a gift personal to that specific person is important. If a person loves pink, give flowers in pink colors. Do something for each gift that is meaningful to the receiver.” The holiday 5-Gift Rule is a handy guide to buying unique gifts yearround: “Buy something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and something special.” When enclosed with a nice card, even money or a gift card feels personal.

Curate your gift to your budget and the special occasion. Whether it is a $5 or $500 gift, you’ll elicit smiles when it exudes thoughtfulness. Life gives us abundant opportunities to show others we care about them: holidays, birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, a new baby, christenings, a new job, a promotion, retirement, sickness, funerals or a death of a pet. Your gift can capture a moment’s magic or be an experience itself. For example, turn a digital wedding photo into an iconic framed photograph; give a favorite magazine subscription for a housewarming gift; or cook a scrumptious family recipe to revive an ailing loved one.

ACCENTS

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

BLOOM BY DOYLE’S

What to give and when HEARTWARMING FOOD

On any occasion, a catered or homecooked meal that is easily prepared and freezes well will warm the recipient’s heart. Jessica Ward, author of Food to Die For: A Book of Funeral Food Tips and Tales, a National Winner of the Tabasco Community Cookbook Awards, and Food to Live For: We’re Alive and Cooking, pens sage advice for giving culinary delights in her cookbooks, sponsored by the Southern Memorial Association to benefit Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery. In Food to Die For, Ward wisely advises delivering food in a non-returnable container accompanied by written heating instructions and the recipe. She suggests waiting until after the hectic funeral activities, when visiting friends and family have left, to take the bereaved comfort food or to invite them for supper. Of course, her cookbooks offer a cornucopia of tried-and-true delicious recipes to prepare a fabulous homecooked repast.

• apartment-style living

• housekeeping & maintenance services

• nutritionist-approved, chef-curated meals

• activities, social events, & day trips

• onsite therapists & visiting medical specialists

• salon services

FLOWERS AND PLANTS

Gifts of beautiful flowers and plants are always appreciated. Hartzler notes, “Flowers are the number one thing we think of on all these occasions. Flowers with colors work for a happy occasion and muted colors for funerals. Flowers can bring a smile to anybody.” Plants are excellent get-well and sympathy gifts because they last longer than cut-flower arrangements. “We offer all kinds of plants because they can keep that plant as long as they can keep it alive,” Hartzler says. Peace lilies, scheffleras and dish gardens infuse rejuvenating greenery indoors while hydrangeas, azaleas and roses splash colorful blossoms outdoors. Planting a tree or shrub serves as an enduring memorial to the deceased, whether human or pet.

Pet Deaths

The death of a family pet often triggers grief equal to the loss of a family member. Consider sending a shrub or tree to the bereaved that will serve as a lasting memorial for their pet; mail a heartfelt condolence card; or give a donation to a charity like the local humane society or SPCA.

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

BLOOM BY DOYLE’S

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS

Gifts that check all the boxes meet your budget, uplift the recipient and nurture your relationship. Debora Keeling, owner of Accents in Lynchburg, began her store 33 years ago when she started making flags with inspirational messages, which sold like wildfire. She continues the tradition of selling affordable keepsake items for every occasion, like enchanting cardinals and butterflies bearing touching messages. Keeling explains, “These are inexpensive keepsake items that have a sentiment attached to them to lift the spirit. People go through hard times.”

Bloom by Doyle’s chocolates and balloons with flowers delight the young and young at heart. Hartzler observes, “Chocolate and balloons are popular on birthdays. So often we think we get too old for balloons, and we only send them to children, yet they can always surprise our older customers.” From a festive wine-and-cheese basket to a get-well one stocked with soup, soap and healing amenities, custom-made gift baskets are popular for every occasion.

You are running hard to make your business a success. Building effective marketing takes time, which you likely don’t have. Your favorite radio station and magazine, owned by James River Media, has your back. Use our experienced and talented staff to help you with:

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

BLOOM BY DOYLE’S

OUTDOOR POWER SALES SERVICE DELIVERY

FROM START TO FINISH

55 Hicks Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-363-6936

GRACIOUS GESTURES

Gracious gestures speak the language of love. Perhaps the greatest gift you can give is your time and companionship. For new parents, offer to babysit, walk the dog, mow the lawn, go to the grocery store or just lend a sympathetic ear. On the other hand, charitable gifts are a lovely way to honor loved ones while they strengthen a favorite organization. The charity will send the family a notice of your donation. To make your gift personal, select a charity beloved by the honoree.

During seasons of joy and sorrow, you can show up for others with kind gifts and gestures that tell them you care. Your loving support will help them find the resilience they need to surmount life’s “landslides” and celebrate its blessings. ✦

Dreaming up the ideal retirement is your job. Helping you get there is ours.

Join

We’ll be journeying through Galatians, Philippians, and Colossians, where Paul offers timeless wisdom on grace, joy, humility, and the supremacy of Christ for genuine Christian life.

If you can’t make it in person, our services are always streamed live on our YouTube page. In addition, you will find worship songs and other teaching resources to deepen your walk with Jesus.

 ThomasRoadChurch

trbc.org

ThomasRoadChurch

Septic Systems 101

Avoid costly mistakes with care & maintenance

BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

Septic system, sewage disposal system, country plumbing: these titles conjure images of mysterious superstitions and a host of misinformation that suggest maintaining a home in the country is daunting. Actually, septic systems are simple and effective. All it takes is a bit of knowledge and a punctual routine of minimal maintenance.

Septic Tank

Please note: The number of compartments in a septic tank vary by state and region.

GRAPHIC: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

How septic systems work

A septic system is designed to take used water from a home’s kitchen, baths and laundry outside and filter it so the water can drain back into the ground. Using gravity, the wastewater runs through the home’s pipes into a holding tank where bacteria aid in the breakdown of debris or solids. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, the fats and oils rise to the top and the filtered water layer in the middle runs through pipes into the drain field. Over time, the solids in the septic tank fill and must be pumped out by a septic tank contractor.

A drain field is an area of the yard that is near the septic tank. It is comprised of pipes with holes in them. The pipes are buried in gravel then covered with a layer of dirt. On top of the dirt, grass grows so it appears to be a nice green lawn. Underneath, your plumbing system is hard at work.

What are the basic guidelines?

Scott McLaughlin of Cut Rate Septic Service suggests, “the first thing is to have an onsite soil evaluation, otherwise known as a perc [percolations] test, performed by a qualified soil evaluator to determine if your property is able to support a septic system and determine the appropriate size of the septic system your soil will support.” Once you get the test results, your local Department of Health will determine the system requirements to support the proper drainage of your septic system. From there, your system is designed specifically for your lot and home, taking into consideration tank size, distribution box or boxes, drain field and pipes. Construction permits are required. Always hire a qualified and licensed septic system installer who will have the final system inspected and approved by the Health Department.

GRAPHIC: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Please note: Septic systems vary. Diagram is not to scale.

How do you maintain a healthy system?

Septic systems are easy to maintain. “Treat your septic system as you would a conventional sewer system, with just a few caveats,” McLaughlin said, breaking it down to a few basic rules:

n Avoid flushing plastic or hard solid objects into your septic system (such as feminine hygiene products) and avoid flushing dense paper products such as baby wipes, “flushable” wipes, paper towels or heavy-duty toilet paper. Single-ply toilet paper is easiest for your septic system to break down. Two-ply toilet paper is usually acceptable but avoid three-ply paper.

n Avoid the use of “anti-microbial” soaps, bleaches and harsh detergents — these harm or destroy the microbes in your septic system. Although these products may eliminate germs and bacteria inside your house and on your body, they are harmful to the essential bacteria and microbes that break down solids inside your septic system. Also, minimize citrus and acidic foods (such as tomato sauce) from being washed down the drain. Your septic system easily handles small amounts of these food products, but excessive amounts of acidic foods can diminish essential bacteria levels.

n If your house has a swimming pool, the high levels of chlorine absorbed by your swimwear risks damaging the necessary microbes if they are washed using a machine that drains into your septic tank. You may consider having those garments and towels laundered at a laundromat.

n It’s important to have your septic system pumped at least every three to five years depending on usage level. Systems that have not been pumped in the last five years tend to have heavier solids that compact over time in the bottom of the tank. Removing compacted solids consumes technician time and increases the price of pumping your tank.

n Your septic system benefits from occasional dairy products (yogurt, milk, cheese) being poured down the drain. Bacteria and microbes thrive on dairy products and multiply quicker.

n Minimize the amount of grease being flushed into your septic system. Grease and particulates can clog pipes and septic lines.

n Be present and ask the technicians questions while they pump your septic system. The technicians will show you specifically what is going on with your system and what issues they observe. They will also provide recommendations to assist you in maintaining a healthy septic system. Once your system is clean, there should only be approximately 2-3 inches of liquid waste at the bottom of your tank to provide the needed bacteria and microbes necessary to multiply and aid in the function of your septic system.

n Empty a packet of baker’s yeast into your kitchen sink drain with warm water every 30-60 days. This helps maintain healthy and active microbes in your septic system to efficiently break down solids that can easily be pumped out during the servicing of your septic tank.

Can you have a garbage disposal?

Yes. “Most food products will be reduced into sizes easily removed by the septic pump hoses and may provide nutrients necessary to the bacteria and microbes in your septic system. Be cautious, as outlined earlier, to minimize the amount of citrus fruits and acidic foods,” McLaughlin notes.

Septic systems are simple and green. If homeowners follow a few guidelines, the septic system will provide reliable service. A side benefit of a septic system: it offers a healthy green lawn over the drain field — perfect space for a putting green, croquet or badminton game. ✦

HILLTOPPER FOOTBALL IS BACK ON WLNI RADIO

Hall of Fame Broadcaster Dennis Carter is back as the Voice of the Hilltoppers on 105.9 FM WLNI Radio. Joining him in the trenches as the color analyst is former E.C. Glass All State Center and member of the 1988 State Championship team Reid Ebert.

The Legacy Wealth Management Hilltopper Game of the Week will air each Friday at 7 p.m. following the pregame show. The Sportsline will air from 5-6:30 p.m. each Friday on game days, including a live broadcast from City Stadium for each home game during the regular season.

AUGUST 25:

SEPTEMBER 1:

SEPTEMBER 8:

SEPTEMBER 15:

SEPTEMBER 22:

OCTOBER 6:

OCTOBER 13:

OCTOBER 20:

OCTOBER 27:

NOVEMBER 3:

Lord Botetourt @ E.C. Glass

Patrick Henry @ E.C. Glass

E.C. Glass @ George Washington

Liberty @ E.C. Glass

E.C. Glass @ Amherst County

E.C. Glass @ Brookville

Jefferson Forest @ E.C. Glass

E.C. Glass @ Liberty Christian

Heritage @ E.C. Glass

E.C. Glass @ Rustburg

RICH ROTH REID EBERT DENNIS CARTER

Pickleball for All

All ages & skill levels want in on the fun

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

Everyone everywhere seems to be playing pickleball these days. The fastest-growing sport in America, which has courts popping up all over the place, is a cross between Ping-Pong, badminton and tennis. According to Pickleheads –the #1 online destination for pickleball players – there are 367 pickleball courts in Virginia, nine of those being in Lynchburg. Some homeowners are even building their own, personal pickleball courts. So, why has the sport quickly gained so much popularity?

Why pickleball?

Pickleball was invented back in 1965, but has really ramped up and become a craze over the last couple of years.

“Pickleball’s popularity exploded during the pandemic, when many Americans were looking for responsible ways to socialize and stay active,” says Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads. “But that was only the beginning – pickleball’s growth has continued even as lockdowns have ended and normal life has resumed.”

Pickleball is fun, social, easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

“The magic of pickleball is it’s easy to learn, but hard to master,” Mackie says. “Beginners can go out their first time, learn the game, have fun and even win a few games. But advanced players stay challenged and keep coming back for more. This dynamic is a big reason why pickleball continues to grow like crazy.”

With its smaller court, slower ball and underhand serving, pickleball is not as intense as other games such as tennis or racquetball, making it more appealing to younger and older generations alike.

“It truly is a low-impact sport that anyone, with any skill level, can play and still have a great time,” says Ben Crosswhite, CEO of Crosswhite Athletic Club in Lynchburg. “It is easier on the knees, shoulders and cardiovascular system, which results in less injuries than other sports. On the other hand, if someone does have an old knee or shoulder injury from playing a previous sport, they could still play pickleball easily.”

How to play

The game is played on a 20- by 44-foot court with a net. The paddles are smaller than tennis rackets, but bigger than PingPong paddles. Plastic balls with holes, similar to a Wiffle ball, are used. While pickleball is more relaxed and moves at a slower pace than tennis, it’s still a great workout.

“It, of course, depends on a lot of different factors such as fitness level, age and gender, but I would say the average, middle-aged man that isn’t super active would probably burn at least 300-400 calories playing one hour of pickleball,” Crosswhite says.

Places to Play in Central Virginia

n Boonsboro Country Club (membership required)

n Heritage High School (public)

n Crosswhite Athletic Club (membership required)

Let’s be pickleball friends

Pickleball is a social activity as much as it is a sport. It’s commonly played in an open-play format and is almost always played as doubles, which leaves many opportunities to socialize and meet players.

Crosswhite says the smaller court and slower pace allows for players to be closer together and talk to each other more. The low intensity level allows for people to just go out there and have fun, and players also socialize on the bench since there is a lot of subbing people in and out.

Crosswhite Athletic Club boasts the most indoor pickleball courts in the area, offering clinics, court rentals, private lessons and memberships. They are currently building outdoor courts as well, which will be ready for play in the spring.

“We really want to serve as a mecca for pickleball lovers in the area,” Crosswhite says. “This is a great community and with more and more people getting involved, this isn’t something that’s slowing down any time soon.”

Some people are loving pickleball so much so that they are building a private court right in their very own backyard. Southern Landscape Group has had several clients inquire about building courts, and they are currently building one on a property in Evington.

“The nice thing about pickleball is that they are smaller than tennis courts, which makes them easier to fit in smaller spaces,” says Mark Maslow, president of Southern Landscape Group.

The most popular surfaces are asphalt and concrete. The cost can range anywhere from $20,000 to more than $60,000, however, there is virtually no maintenance whatsoever other than occasionally blowing debris off the surface.

“While it’s not likely to increase the value of a home from a financial perspective, it will increase the value of the fun and memories you make having friends and family over for an evening cookout with a great pickleball match,” Maslow says. ✦

n Fairview Center (public)

n Jamerson YMCA (membership required)

n Ivy Hill (membership required)

RENDERING: COURTESY OF SOUTHERN LANDSCAPE GROUP Future tri-sport court (basketball, volleyball and pickleball) by Southern Landscape Group