Latest Good News
Letter From the Editor
A STUDENT IN our community today will walk the halls of Congress with a pinned American flag on their chest. A student in our community today will pray their knees still hold when their nerves get...
One Community One Voice: Bringing the community together
WHEN A neighborhood, city, or county works together, aligning themselves with one purpose, amazing things happen. Lynchburg’s One Community One Voice (OCOV) is a perfect example of this as the city...
Adam Wilmer: Turning grief into giving
HOW DO you measure the profound impact of a life dedicated to quietly observing, listening, and meeting the needs of others? Avonlea Laurel Ellen Wilmer’s life touched countless lives, as reflected...
Brandon Gregory: Remembering the freedom flyers
FLYING FOR love. Fighting for peace. Dying for freedom. Thirty thousand members of the U.S. Army Air Forces died while taking on this call of duty when flying from Britain during World War II. More...
Amanda Trent: Shaping justice with faith and service
AT LIBERTY University’s (LU) Helms School of Government, Amanda K. Trent’s office buzzes with activity. Criminal justice students filter in and out, seeking guidance on internships, future...
The Rev. John Heaton: Classical education, timeless care
IN THE halls of New Covenant Schools in Lynchburg, Virginia, the Rev. John Heaton moves with the measured pace of a man accustomed to both pulpit and classroom. For 27 years, he has served as...
Sydney Olivier: Beyond the call
SGT. SYDNEY Olivier smiles, overhearing one of her officers mention that he is “in the green.” He’s using emotional awareness terminology taught through Impact First Responders in Lynchburg, where...
Dr. Tom Forsberg: Heartbeats of hope
SEATED BY her grandmother outside their thatched-roof home, she gazed at them. Beneath the watchful eyes of the distant mountains and the conical hats of palm leaves and bamboo, older children...
Kenan Bell: Following the signs of service
EVERY FOUR years, the crisp January air buzzes with anticipation as a diverse crowd gathers on the National Mall. Red, white, and blue flags and banners wave from the west front of the U.S. Capitol,...
Zach and Bryanna Boyd: Collaborating and crafting wonder
THE SUN peers down from the blue summer sky through a giant canopy of green. Torbee returns her gaze from the forest floor, closing her bag and tucking away the next item on her scavenger hunt list...
Randy Dunton: Building futures, breaking barriers
“HOW DO you change poverty levels — how do you create a greater workforce participation that is going to be transformational to a city, to a county, to families, to a community?” That was the...
Alana Hudson: Building a Legacy of Giving
ALANA HUDSON is a bright, buoyant eighth grader who, with adult-level determination, has launched her own tradition of giving. When Alana was 8 years old, she came up with the idea — totally on her...
Letter From the Editor
THE SOUNDS of the self-checkout registers beep through the entire store. The short lines of people with baskets and carts move across the reflective tile like a conveyor belt and out the door. Uh,...
Letter From the Editor
You know that first breath of spring? The way the warmer air gives you goosebumps — the air is soft, full of promise, carrying hints of something new. After months of cold, we step outside, and for...
Anne Norwood: A passion for pediatric care
Anne Norwood has spent over 30 years as a nurse practitioner in pediatrics. Since she first began her medical career, pediatrics has been her overreaching goal — a calling. She has worked at Johnson...
Beth and Wayne White: Loving every day
Anything can be found at Walmart, and Beth and Wayne White knew that to be absolutely true. After all that’s where they found each other and nearly 30 years of love. It started as a blind date. Beth...
Derek and Marilyn Norfield: The wisdom of a long marriage
Few marriages can boast five decades of experience, and the Norfields are some of the few. Even more impressive, they have a lifetime of friendship, beginning for Marilyn at the tender age of 3 when...
Teresa and David Norcross: The most worthwhile thing
Their relationship started with a coincidence. David Norcross and his family were moving from New Jersey, headed south to North Carolina in the hopes of finding a good piece of property and building...
Michael and Alice McColloch: Making a house a home
Alice Primm’s background is in the niche specialty of faux painting, a discipline that has a long, fascinating history. Faux painting, said Primm, is quite simply “painting something to look like...
Kelli and Tim Birchfield: Second love exists
The depression. The heartache. The negative thoughts. They hung over a divorced Kelli Hess like a neverending fog, replaying in her mind every day like a song on repeat. No escape existed. One man...
Chris Boswell: I “Mustache” You to Grow a “Stache”
Some people credit two Australians with reigniting the “moustache” trend in 2003 to help raise awareness of men’s health during the month of “Movember.” Here in America, we credit the Hill family in...
Wendy Adams: Cultivate for Good
After 25 years in the business world, including over 12 years as a nonprofit leader, nine years as an entrepreneur, and 100% of the time working with people, Wendy Adams came to a conclusion that...
Pamela James: Going Beyond Traditional Nursing
As an experienced nurse with a profound passion for holistic wellness, Pamela James recognized that most older adults struggle with four main issues: constipation, dehydration, low oxygen levels,...
A Shared Calling: Friendship Forged in Faith and Medicine
In rural Florida, Amy Yelton scanned Dollar Tree’s school supplies and thoughtfully selected colored pencils, adding them to the shopping cart holding other small gifts and personal supplies. As she...
Letter From the Editor
A nurse walked down the hallway his mother walked decades before he did. Beep … beep … he could hear the sounds from patients’ rooms. He kept a small keepsake pinned to his scrubs, a pin his mother...
Duane Kresege: Bridging the Gap
In the dimly lit waiting room of a busy clinic, a mother clutches her feverish child, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of desperation and hope. She is one of many parents who face the daunting...
Dr. Brian Kilpatrick: The Doctor is in… Your Living Room
Dr. Brian Kilpatrick arrives at a patient’s home, where the familiar creak of the front door welcomes him into a space filled with the hum of daily life. As he settles at the kitchen table, the...
Letter From the Editor
The people of the year 1000 faced division, uncertainty, and fear for the future. They didn’t know it then, but they stood at the edge of change, transitioning from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages....
Pastor Carlton Duck: Fighting to the Finish
"I'm 77 years old, and I’m not about to quit,” Pastor Carlton Duck said, and he proves that statement every time he cuts his grass, drives his car, or stands up Sunday morning to preach a sermon at...
Casey Wood: Breaking the Glass With Class
A white man in his 30s facing a room mostly filled with black youngsters in their teens. An English teacher established in his career preaching to students who barely know their next step. True...
Sarah and Shawn Hyska: Shelter From the Storm
Haven on Garland is a warm, supportive temporary residence for four Afghan women who have left that war-torn nation — with its extreme strictures on the rights of women and girls — in order to...
Blue Ridge Bagels: Bagels, Coffee, and Community
The longer I live in Lynchburg, the more opinions I hear regarding who serves the best bagels in town. If you are a local, odds are that you have a strong opinion on the subject. While I am no New...
Chef Valerie Braxton: Catering To Comfort: A Recipe for Community Service
Inside Val's Comfort Kitchen, patrons from all walks of life find a welcoming atmosphere. From lone diners with downcast eyes to weary employees of nearby businesses, each seeks comfort from the...
Claire’s Gift: Turning Heartache Into Hope for Families Fighting Cancer
The pastel tulle tutu fanned out over her sweet bare feet, worn over her onesie. She smiled, not just with her mouth, but with her nose and eyes. It was a day of ones — of firsts. The number one on...
Central Virginia Angel Hearts: Harmony for Hope
Twice a year, in February and August, church doors open and shut out the cares and stress of the outside world. If only for a few hours, music and a common goal bring everyone together. Sometimes,...
Letter From The Editor
AUTUMN SETTLES into our town like a puppy in a warm bed. There’s a magic in the air that only this season can bring. Golden leaves drift gently from the trees, painting the sidewalks in shades of...
Saved By A Stranger
IT’S A beautiful sunny day. You and your family and friends are spending the day at the lake. The kids are playing in the water while most of the adults lounge on beach towels, soaking up the sun....
A Friendship Forged in Art: Preserving History in Comic Book Form
CAN COMIC books communicate history? For lifelong friends Stan Webb and Dion Lee, the answer is definitely! Webb and Lee are Lynchburg natives who met in the third grade. Both entered an art contest...
Waffles With a Side of Hope
YOU BELONG here. You are enough. Those words are not just positive, encouraging phrases. They are a small part of one Lynchburg resident’s mission to raise awareness of and point people to resources...
Your New Favorite Restaurant, 221 Tap & Table, Raises the Bar
221 TAP & Table offers a charming atmosphere that perfectly complements its thoughtfully curated menu. During my recent visit, I was particularly drawn to two standout dishes: the short rib...
A Legacy of Care: Honoring Lives Through Compassion
SHE PLUNGED her hands into the water, the towering suds transporting her to the old ladder-back chair pulled up to the kitchen sink at her mama’s side. One dish at a time, in no hurry, she washed...
From Melodies to Memories: A Journey of Meaningful Connections
“HELLO, MY baby, hello my darlin’, hello my ragtime gal …” The tinkling and plinking of an old upright piano danced out of the speakers as he danced around the dining room, straw boating hat waving...
Engines of Change: Puzzled Car Show Breaks Barriers for Autism
AS THE family of four unloaded from their van, their oldest child pulled on his father's arm toward the train. Cory Osborne’s scaled-back, coal-black engine with its silver cowcatcher waited...
Sandwich Spotlight: What Makes Westside Deli a Local Favorite
WITH A gumball machine in the corner, New York cheesecake at the counter, and regulars walking between tables to greet one another, it is easy to feel at home at Westside Deli. We sat ourselves,...
Virginia Hamlett: A Legacy of Personal Growth and Community Service
Warren Taylor Jr. understood that personal growth enhances not just the individual’s life but also the lives of their family, friends, and community. He was the driving force behind his...
Peter Begley: The Weight of Duty: Lifting Lives in Lynchburg
WHILE MOST of the city slept, Lynchburg police pursued a vehicle that failed to respond to their direction to pull over. The closest responder, Officer Peter Begley, followed the chase’s location on...
Letter From The Editor
SHE FLASHES her lights and pushes the gas pedal a little harder. The walkie-talkie is too quiet, so she spins the dial and makes her bulletproof vest a little more comfortable. She worked hard to...
Jennifer Irwin: From Dream to Reality: Accessible Camino Break Barriers
BEST FRIENDS Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck from Eagle, Idaho, were searching for adventure. Skeesuck, a wheelchair user, asked Gray one day if he would hike 500 miles of northern Spain with him. ...
Taylor Perkins: CraveABLEs: Changing Perceptions of Disability In Lynchburg
WHEN YOU pull into the parking lot of the CraveABLEs ice cream shop on Route 221 in Lynchburg, you’ll instantly notice two things. First, your eyes will be drawn to the ocean-like baby blue paint...
Loud and Proud: Lorena Andress Makes Fitness Fun For Seniors
AS WE age, one of the things that becomes more challenging is staying active and healthy. When we get older, it can become harder to move and exercise as much as we did when we were in our 20s and...
Pamela Watson: Calm In The Chaos
AN AD for a 911 dispatcher job surely stirs many emotions and ideas for most of us. We imagine we could never do that. How could we help someone else if we couldn’t remain calm ourselves? Or, for...
Letter From the Editor
OUR FOOD nourishes us, from the soil beneath our feet to the table where we gather with family and friends. The hot sun beams from the sky into the field of sprouting seeds. Farmers rise early,...
Desperation leads to Innovation
WHEN NEIL Jackson was admitted to the hospital to undergo cancer surgery, he had no idea what life would look like on the other side. He did not realize his journey to recovery would take him to the...
Turning Compassion Into Action
WHEN MONIKA Price retired from Framatome, she thought her life would slow down. She admitted she quickly became a “couch potato,” watching a Lifetime series on TV. A significant change came to her...
Volunteering Locally, Impacting Globally
A QUICK ONLINE search for nonprofit organizations in Lynchburg that serve the residents of our community will bring up several dozen names on your computer screen. But what if you’re looking for...
The Taste of Peru
COLCA’S CHICKEN has recently opened its doors across the street from Cornerstone on Greenview Drive. I could see and smell the smoke from the grill before I even entered the parking lot. Don’t let...
Bringing Families Back to the Table
JUST AFTER World War II, families passed around dishes made from the harvest of their victory garden, eggs gathered from their coops, and meats pastured and butchered locally. Local dairy products...
Cultivating Community and Sowing Seeds of Change
IT’S A typical Saturday morning at Tractor Supply Company in Forest. With each swish of the automatic sliding doors, carts piled high with feed and supplies roll out while others stride purposefully...
Growing Beyond Barriers
WHEN SHOPPING the aisles of the local grocery store, we share everyday struggles: rising prices, shrinking content, and inconsistent availability. For many, time constraints and budgets overrule the...
Tailgate Like a Champion
WHEN THE stadium lights blaze and the roar of the crowd echoes, true fans know the game-day experience begins in the parking lot. Celebrate your team’s spirit with these tailgating recipes, which...
Flavor on Wheels
THE BACKYARD is a food truck park where you can find eats for any occasion, hosting Frankly Delicious Dogs, Al Pastor Tacos, American Melting Wagon, La Cocina del las Catrachitas, and more. The...
Byron Johnson: One Mile at a Time
FEELING SWEATY, tired, underprepared, and alone, Byron Johnson wanted to give up. He had walked over 70 miles, not even an eighth of the way to his targeted destination. Johnson had not packed...
Caroline Cohen: Anchor in the Storm
CAELA COHEN was like every other lively 5-year-old — until she wasn’t. Tea parties with her favorite teddy bear and pillow forts sprawling across the living room carpet turned into round-the-clock...
Cindy Watson: Forest Middle School Students Fly High With Nasa’s Support
WHAT DO space exploration, drone piloting, and robotics have in common? If your child is a student at Forest Middle School (FMS), all three subjects are taught as part of the school’s science,...
Letter From the Editor; Where Champions are Made
THE CROWD fills the stands, row after row, of people in our high school’s colors. The family in front of you sits down with a fresh hot dog from the concession stand. It’s still steaming with a...
DJ Best: Forging Champions on and off the Court
SNEAKERS SQUEAKING on polished hardwood, the rhythmic thump of a bouncing ball, and the crowd’s thunderous roar make up the soundtrack of DJ Best’s world. But for this passionate E. C. Glass High...
Luther Maddy: Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions Today
FOR YEARS, he watched from the sidelines as his cousins suited up and hit the field. With each pass caught and tackle made, Luther Maddy’s love for the game grew, and so did he. He was built for the...
James Citty: Turning the Page on Uncertainty
THE UNCERTAIN future stretched before James Citty like the blank pages of a new journal. His career as a youth pastor, which he believed was his calling, was now a chapter in his life — not the...
Adelin Lucaci: From a Dreamn to a Reality
PEOPLE ARE natural innovators. We adapt to our surroundings, solve problems, and work to make our lives and others’ better. For entrepreneurs, this is especially true, and Lynchburg has recently...
Barbara Jahn: Knitting Love Into Every Stitch
THE PICTURE is a familiar one to anyone who has children. A baby lies in a small crib, tightly swaddled in cozy hospital blankets, with a soft knit cap adorning its head. It’s usually the first...
Kate Goodman: ‘Everyone Deserves a Home’
KATE GOODMAN is all too familiar with how quickly life can change. Her sister, Beth, was driving back from visiting the Outer Banks with her 3-year-old daughter when someone suddenly rear-ended her...
Letter From the Editor: Dreams Come True
WHEN I was 8, I wanted to be a teacher. I remember my third grade teacher clicking the chalk on the green board on the wall. And when I was 9, I wanted to be a director. My parents bought me a...
Gini Simmons: Training and Equipping the Sandwich Generation
VIRGINIA “GINI” Simmons grew up in Goode and graduated from Jefferson Forest High School. If those words were the sum of her story, her life could be considered typical for the Lynchburg area — but...
James Coleman: Devoted and Committed to Public Education
"PEOPLE DO better when they know better.” Those words come from Bishop James Coleman, a man who sees his roles in ministry and education as dual means to achieve the same goal. He wants to see the...
Donnie Wilkerson: Meet Mr. Altavista
WITH A broken neck, fractured ribs, two collapsed lungs, and unconscious — that’s how a stricken community found a beloved 71-year-old man who had become a staple and role model for many. Some call...
Everything but the Kitchen Sink
WHETHER YOU are a die-hard ice cream fan or just in the mood for a sweet treat, Mister Goodies is a must-visit gem in Lynchburg. This ice cream shop has become a staple for locals, and each scoop is...
Savor Summer’s Bounty
AS THE warm summer sun shines high in the Southern sky, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the season. Our July recipes showcase the best of summer’s produce, from juicy peaches and crisp...
Steve Bozeman: Lynchburg Veterans Unite to Serve
THE SCENARIO may sound all too familiar. You served your country in the military overseas for the past four years. When you return home, finding work brings frustration rather than a job. Your...
Cody Youngblood: Preserving an American National Memorial in Lynchburg
“GIVE ME liberty or give me death.” Those words — that famous utterance of Patrick Henry in 1775 — are an enshrined part of the history of the American Revolution. If pressed, most people probably...
Col. Tom Current: ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’
WHEN WE hear someone reminisce about “the greatest generation,” we inevitably know they are referring to the men and women who bravely fought in World War II. While Tennessee rightfully boasts of...
Bob Sullivan: Pediatrician, Allergist …Mountain Climber?
AT WORK, Bob Sullivan is a pediatrician, an allergist, and an immunologist. He treats the children of Lynchburg for asthma, eczema, and any number of allergies. He finds joy in making them feel...
A Year-Round Winter Wonderland in Lynchburg
IF YOU have explored the campus of Liberty University, it is likely you have seen Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. Snowflex offers an unparalleled experience for winter sports enthusiasts and...
Ginger Paris: A Symphony of Students and Strings
GINGER PARIS places her violin in the playing position while students as young as 5 do the same. After the introduction ends, the sounds of the first song they learned, “Mississippi Hot Dog,” fill...
In Crust We Trust
WALKING INTO Sourdough Pizza, you are welcomed with a modern, no-frills aesthetic that represents the fresh and clean menu well. The first thing I noticed was the playlist — Cyndi Lauper, Alanis...
Fireworks, Flavor, and Family
WHAT BETTER time to indulge in the ultimate celebration of all things American: backyard barbecues, July Fourth festivities, and the comforting flavors of home? Let’s salute the classic dishes that...
Letter From the Editor: The Colors Between the Oceans
IF YOU took a snapshot of any moment in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct our wrongs, to heal, and to...
Letter From the Editor: Vacation in Lynchburg
SUMMER IS coming. And surely your home will sit empty for a week in this heat. The playful cheers of the kids on summer break go missing for a week that was planned for a year. The dishes sit in the...
Bikes Unlimited: When Community Meets Cycling
ACCORDING TO Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, Lynchburg is home to one of the most unique urban trail systems in the state. Part of the James River Heritage Trail system, Lynchburg’s trails are a...
Road Runners Pave the Way for Children in Need
ON A DRIZZLY Friday afternoon many years ago, my then 5-year-old son fell on our trampoline and suffered a terrible break that affected his growth plate right above his ankle. The tiny rural...
Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia
RECORD HIGH temperatures, a terrible drought, the effects of El Nino, and possibly a downed power line culminated together to spark a wildfire in Maui last August that has been labeled the world’s...
Recipes: Experience Flavor at Home
SAVOR THE essence of a hometown getaway with heartwarming flavors that celebrate locally available ingredients. From comforting classics to tempting treats, give yourself a break and bring the charm...
Wok & Roll: Delicious Adventures in Asian Cuisine
THERE ARE some days when I am in the mood for something new and innovative, and some days when the only thing I want is a classic comfort food. When I want the classic experience of Asian cuisine,...
Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum Protects History, Horticulture, and Education
WHEN LOOKING for a place of peace, beauty, history, and learning, few think of a cemetery – but that is just what the Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum is. Home to a 27-acre public garden,...
The Rotary Club of Forest Unites Children Through Play
HOW DOES a community playground come to life? Not surprisingly, the process can involve dozens of people, months or even years of planning, and a sizeable amount of money. That combination, used to...
The Ward Family’s Fostering Journey: A Testament to Love, Faith, and Selflessness
BECOMING FOSTER parents was a natural fit for Irvin and Teesha Ward. Growing up in Christian homes, the Wards saw many examples of helping people. It was ingrained in them early on. When their first...
Letter From the Editor: The Impact of ‘Shop Local’
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...
The Duffle Bag Project Shoulders a Burden for Children in Foster Care and People Without Housing.
WHAT IF you were moving out of your home and had to pack all of your belongings — your most important possessions — into one giant trash bag? You would probably feel embarrassed at the least and...
A Passion for Indoor Greenery Spawns a New Lynchburg Business.
WHAT IS it like when a family legacy causes an accounting major to open an indoor plant shop? Just ask Latia “Tia” Hancock. Tia, as her family and friends call her, opened her store, P.R.E.A.M...
Spearman Artisanry Brings the Global Village to Lynchburg
JANNETT SPEARMAN came to Lynchburg from a great distance — a literal distance, as well as a figurative one. Originally from Nicaragua and trained as an electronics engineer, Spearman discovered that...
Make Time for Memories: Recipes
THE FIRST dogwood blooms unfurl while other trees wake up from their long winter nap. Images of spring break and picnics flood our feeds and keep us daydreaming of the warmer days ahead. Whether...
Papá Gallo Cocina Mexicana: Lynchburg’s Intersection Between Tradition and Innovation
PAPÁ GALLO Cocina Mexicana is located inside River Ridge Mall but should not be mistaken for an aspect of the food court. This restaurant is well-designed, has a classic and vibrant aesthetic, and...
Shay’s Unique Gifts: Love for People, Conversations, and Life
DRIVING DOWN Commerce Street, one will see plenty of businesses — restaurants, an investment service, an attorney’s office, a coffee house, a massage place, and more. However, if one is fortunate...
The Anything & More Store: Kristyn Goodman Uses Her Business to Support Nonprofits
ENTREPRENEURS MAY start their own businesses for many reasons, such as to be their own boss, to make more money, or to have a more flexible career. When Kristyn Goodman decided to start her...
Kaya Health: Empowering Patients and Providers
WE ALL know the routine. You have an appointment at 10 a.m. to see your doctor for a six-month checkup, so you arrive 15 minutes early to update paperwork, and then you wait. An hour later, a nurse...
Letter From the Editor: The Learning Curve
THE METAL beams tick, tick, tick with every inch the cart climbs to the top of the hill. The experienced thrill-seekers in the front cart raise their hands as the coaster inches toward the climax of...
Refurbished Parking Meters Collect Coins to Support Local Nonprofits
"A LITTLE CHANGE goes a long way" is the motto of the fundraising organization Change for Change Caring Meters, and the saying has proven true. Since September 2020, 10 lime green parking meters...
Turning Trash Into Treasure and Heartache Into Hope
“I NEVER KNEW you did so much,” is a statement Jeane Smiley-Mason hears often as president and chief operating officer of Gleaning for the World. Founded in 1998 in Concord, Gleaning for the World...
Edison2 and the Very Light Car
RECORD-BREAKING INVENTIONS are not common, and Lynchburg is proud to be home to one such invention: the Edison2 Very Light Car. Nearly 15 years ago, Lynchburg found itself on the national stage...
Recipes: Fuel for Focus
RISE AND shine to breakfasts that fuel minds and bodies alike! Celebrate the power of wholesome, delicious meals to kickstart learning and energize young students. We’ll dish up recipes packed with...
Brews and Bites at Corduroy Coffee + Kitchen
LOCATED INSIDE Givens Books and Little Dickens, Lynchburg’s oldest bookstore, is a little coffee shop with a surprisingly large menu. After shopping around for books and board games, we made our way...
Ava Rupert’s Legacy of Inspiration at Boonsboro Elementary School
AVA RUPERT stands as a stable figure in the corridors of Boonsboro Elementary School. Her presence is a testament to a lifelong dedication to education. With nine years of service at Boonsboro...
Randolph College Professor’s Quest to Help Writers See Beyond the Obvious
NATURE IS no stranger to poetry. Writers for centuries have used poems to picture the flora and fauna around us, often expressing it in near-romantic terms. For Professor Laura-Gray Street, surface...
A Local Teacher Brings Students Together Through Creative Interaction.
TAKE A moment to reflect. Can you pinpoint one person who made such a significant impact on you that it molded the trajectory of your future? For Sarah Davis, that person was her sixth-grade...
The Lighthouse Community Center: A Beacon of Hope for Thousands
FRESH OFF the heels of the American Civil War, 1869 was a tumultuous time for our nation. For Maurice Moore, a tycoon in the tobacco industry, it was time to inhabit his newly constructed mansion...
Recipes: Nourishing Communities, One Casserole at a Time
THE ACT of preparing a homemade meal transcends the boundaries of sustenance; it becomes a gesture of empathy, a tangible expression of care that resonates deeply with those facing adversity. Amidst...
Isabella’s Italian Trattoria: A Culinary Journey Through the Heart of Flavor
ISABELLA’S ITALIAN Trattoria was the perfect place to visit in Lynchburg on a Saturday night. The family-owned and operated restaurant contained couples enjoying a date night and families laughing...
Tania Conner’s Journey With Freedom 4/24
AS TANIA Conner stands among fellow parents at her child’s athletic event in Lynchburg, she spends a moment collecting her thoughts. Like those around her, her mind rotates between ordinary...
A Local Organization, Love Heals, Offers Help Through Hard Times.
BELOVED CHILDREN’S television host Mister Rogers was known for doing good for others. For nearly four decades, he visited homes via the television with his half-hour-long program, “Mister Rogers’...
When Disaster Strikes, Miriam’s House Helps Lynchburg Families Find Their Feet.
WHEN DISASTER strikes, causing families to experience homelessness, Miriam’s House is there to help them get back on their feet. The nonprofit was founded in 1994 to provide housing for women and...
Letter From the Editor: Charity Spotlight
IN THE quiet corners around us, away from negativity, thrive the true heartbeats of our community — the local charities and the selfless individuals who support them. It’s in these spaces, often...
Hitting Home Runs and Lending Helping Hands
HAGEN ALLRED, originally from Staunton, entered Liberty University’s sports management program with a dream. The program required an internship with 400 hours of work experience. Lynchburg’s minor...
Foster Fuels Has Been Spreading Warmth for Over 100 Years
IN 1919, WWI Veteran L.H. Foster began delivering flour, ice, and five-gallon cans of lamp oil using an ox-drawn cart to provide for the needs of his neighbors. Over 100 years later, his business,...
Letter From the Editor: From the Heart
IT’S HOLDING the door open for the person behind you. It’s sending a sweet text when they cross your mind. It’s stopping by to say “hi” when they’ve had a bad day. Showing up and showing love is...
Pops and His Good Humor Ice Cream Trucks
IN THE heart of Lynchburg, a retired real estate broker, affectionately known as "Pops," orchestrates a sweet revolution, one ice cream bar at a time. Armed with two iconic Good Humor ice cream...
Herbert & Carole Maynard’ Enduring Love Story
IN A world where the winds of change often test relationships, Herbert and Carole Maynard’s relationship is a testament to enduring love and unwavering commitment. Sixty-five years of marriage is no...
Brittany Kate Hoover: A Selfless Soul Saves Four Lives.
"BRITTANY KATE Hoover saved four lives through organ donation, and she gave sight to two others through the gift of her corneas,” said her mom, Vivian. “I want everyone to know what a hero she is...
Faith: Unleashing the Champion Within
IN THE vast arena of life, there is a paramount lesson that champions across all disciplines have learned: the significance of believing in oneself and casting aside the weight of others’ opinions....
Recipes: Savor the Sweetness of Love
IT’S TIME for embracing warmth, love, and the joy of sharing delicious meals with those closest to our hearts. As we endure the lingering winter days, here’s a selection of recipes filled with...
The Heart of ‘Lynchburg’s Living Room’
MYKE BARRON moved from Texas to Lynchburg around five years ago and is part of the collaborative team that runs the White Hart coffeehouse and eatery.The inviting space has earned the name...
Dream Forge Offers a Cooperative Space and a Helping Hand.
SAMANTHA SIMMONS was forced to provide the bulk of the family income when her husband became ill. She now runs a successful bookkeeping business. Ashley Beesley, the owner of Sweet Indulgence...
A University of Lynchburg Student’s Journey From Taliban Oppression to Higher Education
NELSON MANDELA famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The story of University of Lynchburg student Shukria Rezayi (not her real name, for...
Letter From the Editor: Hometown Healing
THE FIRST sounds of life are screams and cries of joy. Oxygen fills little lungs for the first time. The lights above are bright. And the beeping machines from every corner of the room can be...
Youth Baseball League President Makes Multi-Generational Memories
IN THE heart of Timberlake Township, hundreds of young athletes and their parents eagerly await February, when registration for Timberlake Dixie Youth Baseball League opens. They’re preparing to...
Transforming Mental Health Care
NESTLED IN the heart of Virginia, Horizon Behavioral Health is orchestrating a quiet revolution in mental health care. A plan for a new crisis receiving center (CRC) has garnered support on a local...
A Retired Teacher’s Mission to Help Today’s Teens
IN AN age where the fast-paced digital world often overshadows real-life connections and heightens mental health crises, Dora Purvis, a retired teacher with over 30 years of experience, has set out...
Recipes: Savor the Flavor of Well-Being
AS WE step into the new year, explore the tastes of hometown healing through recipes built around healthy ingredients. A soup loaded with healthy vegetables flavored with your favorite herbs hits...
Faith: Unleashing the Power of Endurance
STAR OLYMPIAN Usain Bolt is known as the fastest man in the world, and his reputation was cemented when he won the gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London...
Ryleigh Tatum Builds Confidence Beyond Books.
TEACHERS ARE the backbone of any community, and a shining example of Lynchburg City Schools’ hard-working staff is kindergarten teacher Ryleigh Tatum. Tatum is in her third year at Robert S. Payne...
Fellow Hokie Gives Kidney and Fulfills Her Lifelong Dream.
LITTLE GIRLS often dream of becoming famous actresses, veterinarians, or fairy princesses. But Annie Chalmers-Williams dreamt of giving someone her kidney. “Growing up, I had a friend who...
Dr. Dana Woody Embodies the Essence of Community Nursing.
DR. DANA Woody of Liberty University is a professor of nursing with a doctor of nursing practice concentrated in executive leadership. Her background is in community nursing. It is a mission she has...
Tim King Jr. – A Passion for Serving
WHILE HE may be an Offix Regional Manager during work hours, Tim King Jr. spends much of his free time serving charity after charity around Lynchburg. In the nearly nine years since he first moved...
Letter From the Editor: Experience the Good This Holiday Season
LIKE THE cozy warmth of a heated blanket, Good News and the holidays are in the air once again. The season of festive lights, crackling fireplaces, and familiar carols is upon us, inviting a sense...
Scottie Booker and Divine Fog Serves Are Changing Lives One Home at a Time.
SCOTTIE BOOKER is the founder and CEO of Divine Fog Realty, based in Lynchburg but with a presence in Raleigh, North Carolina, and San Diego, California. There is, though, another side to Divine Fog...
Local Couple Strives to Make a Difference With Meals on Wheels.
PAIN, LONELINESS, house maintenance, and health issues — these are only a few of the problems shouldered by those who are homebound. However, some also face the struggle of obtaining a proper...
Thomas Road Baptist Church Takes You Back in Time.
DR JERRY Falwell founded Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) in 1956 when he was merely 22 years old. Originally located at 701 Thomas Rd., his congregation began with just 35 members. That young...
Rekindle the Flavors of Food and Family This Holiday Season.
ALONG WITH December’s hustle and bustle, our kitchens come alive with the spirit of the holidays. As friends and families gather, delightful treats take center stage, each dish a connection to...
Karin Truitte’s Commitment to Underserved Patients
WHEN FAMILIES come home for the holidays, they should be both happy and healthy. There are members of every community who avoid healthcare visits due to climbing expenses. But thanks to local...
Riverviews Artspace Brings the Lynchburg Community Together Through Art.
AMAZON WISH lists can go on and on forever. Search, search again, and search again... yet still, the question keeps ringing: What do I get them for Christmas? When your family comes home for...
Letter From the Editor: Selfless
THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER dictionary defines the word selfless as “someone who has no concern for self, or unselfish.” As the world keeps turning, it may feel like selfless people are few and far between....
A Taste of South India With a Side of Generosity
WHILE THE food at Annie’s Indian Kitchen is authentic and exceptional, it isn’t the only good thing about the restaurant or its owners, Dr. Prince Arvind and his wife, Annie. Since the restaurant’s...
Lynchburg Newcomers’ Club – Still Making New Friends at 66 Years Young
CHILDREN MAKE friends instantly. After just a few minutes on the swing, a brief word of introduction, or chasing each other around the slide, they share the title of best friends. If only friendship...
Faith: Just as You Are
FOR OVER 30 years, children’s television host Mister Rogers came into the homes of millions via our television sets and told us something we should never forget. “I like you just the way you...
Forget the Scales. Get Ready to Plan Your Holiday Parties and Dinners.
THANKSGIVING AND Christmas are getting closer, and it’s time to plan for parties and get-togethers. Old standards served alongside new recipes on family buffets with family china, and finger foods...
Branden Gard – The Road to Recovery
THIRTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Branden Gard is in a happy, loving marriage, and his wife has a baby on the way in February. He was full of emotion as he admitted that 15 years ago, he never would have...
Larry Bassett – A Contribution to Lynchburg’s Cultural Scene
“ANY VACANT wall is an opportunity to put up art,” collector Larry Bassett said. And while his home’s walls are full of paintings, he has not stopped there. The results of his work can be seen...
Gary Witt – Establishing a Purple Heart Community
MANY VETERANS call Lynchburg home, partly due to the tremendous support they can find in the community. With an active Veterans Council, an active Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), and...
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