November/December 2015 Hanover Lifestyle

IN SEARCH OF INTERNATIONAL P. 14

GRANDMA’S GOT A BOYFRIEND P. 19

TASTEBUDZ NEWS P. 17

November/December 2015

2015 SHOPPERS’ GUIDE

RichmondNavigator.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

People are now living in The Lodge.

Why are your plans still up in the air?

Start with a beautiful new maintenance-free apartment. Stir in new amenities like the Fireside Pub, a fitness center and an indoor heated saltwater pool. Add the assurances of Life Care. The makings of truly delightful retirement living are all here in this recently expanded Hanover County community called Covenant Woods. Those who planned early are now savoring the many delights of their new lives in The Lodge. Why aren’t you? Brand-new apartments in a variety of floor plans are newly available, but waiting to explore this opportunity is not a good plan. See what’s up by making an appointment to visit our 75-acre campus. This might well be the lifestyle you have been looking for.

804.569.8716 www.SeeTheLodge.com We are pledged to the letter and spirit of federal and state policies for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin. The continuing care retirement facilities and services offered herein are offered solely

by Covenant Woods, a Virginia corporation, which is not affiliated with any outside continuing care retirement facility or provider.

RichmondNavigator.com 1

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

19

25

6

First of All

News from Hanover 10

Dental Health

Are You Afraid of the Dentist?

Flavor 14

In Search of

International Dining 16

Arts

Be Creative!

17

TasteBudz D&D News

Home 25

Guest Bathrooms

Virginia Exterior Products 27

Features 19

Grandma’s Got a Boyfriend Introducing a new “friend” to your family never gets easy.

2 Hanover Lifestyle

A Warm, Allergy-Free Home Air Resolutions

20

Shoppers’ Guide What makes these businesses so fabulous?

Shop the brand’s boots, slippers, and casuals for men, women, and kids plus loungewear, blankets, handbags, and care products.

SHORT PUMP TOWN CENTER 804.285.3473 THE VILLAGE AT TOWNE CENTRE in Fredericksburg 540.736.8600

www.saxonshoes.com

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

William J. Davis, Jr.

The Home Fires Burn Bright

VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Cheryl T. Davis MANAGING EDITOR

Annie Tobey FOOD EDITOR

Steve Cook ASSISTANT EDITOR

Tammie Wersinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Taylor Esteves-Pearce GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Tara Bouldin-Evans ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Jared Davis, Amanda Langford, Beverly Montsinger, Jenny Price DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Jimmy Davis PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rick Bancroft CONTRIBUTORS

Colleen Nash DDS, Jody Rathgeb, Constance Whitney

T

ADVERTISING

he home fires burn bright this time of year, as families and friends gather to celebrate, observe annual traditions and spend time together – or simply as we move inside with the fall and winter chill.

In recognition of the importance of home, our November/December issue of Hanover Lifestyle examines two oft-ignored rooms: the library, where we can curl up with a good book for pleasure and for inspiration; and the guest bathroom, an essential part of entertaining that hosts tend to overlook.

At this time of year, family may also introduce newcomers into their circles – laugh along with “Grandma’s Got a Boyfriend” as you realize that this task never gets easy.

In Health, we examine natural ways to beat diabetes, simple changes that can keep you healthy longer.

Of course, you won’t want to stay inside all winter long, so we bring you our regular TasteBudz feature with dining and drink news, In Search of International Dining and news from around the community.

Each year this time, our annual Shoppers’ Guides provide us an opportunity to share some of our best advertising partners with readers. This year, we tell you just what makes them so fabulous!

New at RichmondNavigator.com: peek at Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood; read about historic Richmonder Maggie Walker and some of Ms. Walker’s spiritual descendants – Richmond’s enthusiastic professional women’s organizations; learn more about two of Richmond’s well-known, long-time professional musicians, Susan Greenbaum and Lindy Fralin.

And travel with us to luxurious Keswick Hall and to 10 must-see regional museums.

May this issue of Hanover Lifestyle warm you and your home!

Hanover Lifestyle magazine is published bimonthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc., 6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 P: 804-639-9994 E: Info@RichmondNavigator.com ONLINE / SOCIAL

RichmondNavigator.com Facebook.com/RichmondNavigator Twitter.com/RVAnavigator All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

A PUBLICATION OF

ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR THOUGHTS OF HANOVER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER. MARKS ADVERTISER-SUPPORTED CONTENT.

Annie Tobey Annie.Tobey@RichmondNavigator.com

IN SEARCH OF INTERNATIONAL

p. 9

HOME LIBRARIES p. 17

TASTEBUDZ NEWS p. 18

November/December 2015

2015 SHOPPERS’ GUIDE

Beat Diabetes Grandma’s Got a Boyfriend

RichmondNavigator.com

4 Hanover Lifestyle

ABOUT OUR COVER Although your holiday party plans may not include hosting a baby and providing toilet paper for entertainment, you’ll want to read our article on creating a welcoming guest bathroom. Our hope is that it will provide useful tips and make you smile, too!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Barnes & Diehl, P.C. is pleased to announce the relocation of their Chesterfield office to Boulders Office Park, in heart of North Chesterfield, effective on November 1, 2015.

Our new office is conveniently located at 7401 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23225. We can easily be reached as we are situated between the Powhite Parkway, Midlothian Turnpike and Chippenham Parkway.

We are very excited about our new state of the art facility and, as always we remain committed to a Tradition of Experience and Devotion to Family Law services which you have come to rely upon since 1978. The only thing that’s changed is our Chesterfield address.

Since 1978, Barnes & Diehl, P.C. has been dedicated to protecting their client’s best interests. Their experience, reliability and results are widely recognized by legal peers and former clients alike. They have resources, skills and experience necessary to handle high-asset divorces and other complex family law matters. Their offices are located in Richmond/Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover.

*

www.BarnesFamilyLaw.com A Tradition of Experience and Devotion to Family Law *as listed in US News-Best Lawyers: Top Tier Richmond Family Law (NEW ADDRESS NOVEMBER 1, 2015) RICHMOND/ CHESTERFIELD Boulders VI 7401 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 200 Richmond, VA 23225 Ph: 804.796.1000 Fax: 804.796.1730

HENRICO Three Paragon 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 110 Richmond, VA 23230 Ph: 804.762.9500 Fax: 804.762.9654

HANOVER Lockwood Office Building 9097 Atlee Station Road, Suite 319 Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Ph: 804.796.1000 Fax: 804.569.5501

RichmondNavigator.com 5

MECHANICSVILLE MAN’S ESTATE GIFTS $500,000 TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

COURTESY OF CHoR

The Hematology and Oncology Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is $500,000 richer thanks to a generous donation from the Charles Francis Myers estate.

Myers and his wife, Harriet Hart Myers, settled in Central Virginia after his retirement from the U.S. government. Mr. Myers took up the art of stained glass and frequently shared his creations with friends and loved ones – a demonstration of his spirit of sharing.

After his wife passed away, Mr. Myers moved to Hanover Manor Assisted Living in Ashland for seven years and then to Autumn Care Rehab & Nursing Facility in Mechanicsville. He died on June 8, 2015, after a courageous fight with cancer.

The Myers gift supports construction of the clinic in the hospital’s new Children’s Pavilion, scheduled to open in March 2016.

The clinic will be dedicated to Mr. Myers’ memory.

“Mr. Myers’ generosity is a true testament to the way in which he lived his life,” said Chris Broughton-Spruill, president of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. “He cared for others and especially wanted the children of his community to benefit from his hard work throughout his life. We are so grateful for his unselfish support.”

When it opens, CHoR’s Children’s Pavilion will be the largest, most advanced outpatient facility dedicated to children in the region. The new pavilion will include diagnostic and treatment services for children. The building is designed to meet the unique health care needs of children and to provide advanced and coordinated care.

“This gift represents a great commitment to improving the environment for children who are undergoing cancer treatment and care,” said Broughton-Spruill. “It will be a technologically advanced space with a welcoming and compassionate atmosphere for children and families.”

Additional funds from the estate are expected to be added to the donation.

COURTESY OF SUSAN GREENBAUM

FIRST OF ALL

GIVE THANKS FOR LOCAL MUSIC WITH SUSAN GREENBAUM

One of the Richmond area’s most popular long-time performers is coming to Ashland. On Nov. 28 at 8 p.m., Susan Greenbaum returns for a Thanksgiving weekend tradition, bringing her blend of original songs, holiday favorites and more.

Greenbaum has been able to make a successful career out of performing her music, a career that includes “songwriting awards, recording in Nashville with some of the industry’s finest session musicians, and performances with the likes of Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz and the Richmond Symphony,” reported writer Davy Jones in the November/December issue of River City magazine (also published by Richmond Navigator, the publishers of Hanover Lifestyle). Jones reports of his conversation with the spunky but petite acoustic songwriter-singer: “It’s always something I had wanted to do,” Greenbaum said.

“I just didn’t know you could do that – I didn’t know you could do what you wanted with your life.”

Music wasn’t her first line of work – she found early success as a corporate executive – but her brother’s death from brain cancer brought on an urgent sense of clarity: There’s just not enough time to spend your days doing something you don’t love.

“When I got back from his funeral,” Greenbaum explained, “I [thought], ‘This is just ridiculous. This is not how I want to spend my time.’ I felt really fortunate to know what I wanted to do and have some ability in it. If I’d wanted to be an NBA player, that would have been a problem.”

It was 1997 when Greenbaum told her family she was quitting her job to play music, and she started performing at places like Starbucks and Borders. Audiences responded right away.

“I was really, really lucky,” she said. “People liked what I was doing, and it’s been kind of astonishing to me, actually, how I’m still doing this and I’m making a living at it. This is my job. It’s amazing. I still can’t believe it.”

For the complete River City article on Susan Greenbaum, pick up your own copy of River City or read the story online (see RichmondNavigator.com, click on “Find Us on Newsstands” at the bottom of the page or “Entertainment” on the top navigation bar to read online).

Greenbaum’s performance will be hosted by Ashland Coffee & Tea, a listening room that offers complete music appreciation.

The venue also serves food, coffee, wine and beer.

Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 the day of the show. For tickets, more information and other musical performances, visit AshlandCoffeeAndTea.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

RichmondNavigator.com 7

FIRST OF ALL

Center of the Universe Brewing Turns Three And You’re Invited to Celebrate

COURTESY OF COTU BREWING

T

hree years of Hanover Countybrewed craft beer, and three days of celebration – Nov. 13-15, Center of the Universe Brewing presents special release beers, food trucks all weekend long, and live music, both inside the taproom and outside in a 2,700-square-foot heated tent.

“Three years ago …, we opened with a dream, hard work, and some choice beers,” says the COTU event announcement. Since then, the brewery has grown in production, distribution and tasting facilities, adding a patio biergarten and taps. They’ve provided ongoing and special events for area residents and visitors.

They’ve brewed popular beers such as El Duderino, the charitably focused Homefront IPA and Scotchtown as well as flagships such as Pocahoptas, Ray Ray’s pale ale, Main Street Virginia ale and the Flying Squirrels/The Diamond signature beer, Chin Music.

The party kicks off on Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., with the return of The Richard Imperial IPA, a 9% ABV beer with a sweet malt base and four different hops presenting notes of citrus, pine and floral goodness. Music comes from The Tender, who are reuniting for the occasion.

On Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m., guest beer comes from COTU’s Homefront IPA partners, including rare beers from great breweries around the country, served in the heated tent. Music comes from sultry Vexine and the rocking classics of The Royal We. In addition to regular beer service, the party on Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m., includes two seatings (2 and 4 p.m.) of a cookie, cheese and beer pairing – COTU beers paired with cookies from Sugar Fix Cookies and select cheeses from The Caboose. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the brewery. Eli Cook will provide blues music in the taproom.

11293 Air Park Rd., Ashland.

COTUBrewing.com “Come sing happy birthday with us,” COTU proclaims. “We wouldn’t be here without all of you amazing folks!”

PICKLEBALL, ANYONE? Senior Tournament in Hanover “Pickleball is one of – if not the – fastest growing sports in the country,” reported Athletic Business, a magazine for athletic, recreation and fitness professionals. “Originally popularized by a Boomer population looking for something a little more exciting than bingo but less time-consuming than a round of golf, the sport has made a generational jump and is catching fire among people of all ages.”

The trade magazine went on to recommend that parks and recreation departments add the easy-to-play, affordably priced and accessible sport to their rosters of fun – which Hanover County has indeed done.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, this new sport is played on a small court with a racquet and a Wiffle Ball, that holey plastic ball that travels at the speed of slow.

The game was created in 1965 at the home of Joel Pritchard, a Washington state politician. When his family attempted to set up badminton for amusement, they were without the requisite shuttlecock. They used a Wiffle Ball instead, lowered the badminton net and made improvised racquets from plywood. The name reputedly comes not from the Pritchard family dog Pickles (who was added to the family after the game was), but from the rowing term “pickle boat,” referring to the oarsmen who were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.

On Dec. 4, Hanover County Parks & Recreation will host a senior pickleball tournament. For an $8 entry fee, those 50 and older can participate and also receive a boxed lunch provided by Eats Catering. The tournament will include several divisions: Mixed Teams (teams for ages 65 and older and for 50 to 64 years old) compete from 9 a.m. to noon; and Men’s Open Doubles and Women’s Open Doubles play from 1 to 4 p.m. The top three teams in each division will receive an award.

If you’re under 50, come see what’s got the sporting community in such a pickle.

The tournament will be held at Cool Spring Baptist Church, 9283 Atlee Station Rd., Mechanicsville. For more information, visit HanoverCounty.gov and go to the Parks and Recreation pages.

8 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

THE STATE BALLET OF VIRGINIA ARTISTIC DIRECTOR STONER WINSLETT

with Richmond Symphony

December 11-23, 2015 Carpenter Theatre Tickets start at $20 ETIX.COM OR 800-514-3849 presented by

Richmondballet.com

maJoR SUPPoRt FRom

RICHARD S. REYNOLDS FOUNDATION E. RHODES & LEONA B. CARPENTER FOUNDATION

additional SUPPoRt PRoVided bY RichmondNavigator.com 9

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DENTIST? “ N O O F F E N S E , B U T I R E A L LY D O N ’ T L I K E T H E D E N T I S T.”

By Colleen Nash, DDS

Y

EAH, I HEAR THAT ONE A LOT. The state of your mouth

is not only important to your health but affects confidence as well. An unhealthy mouth can lead to pain, tooth loss, decreased ability to eat and a lack of confidence in one’s smile. The effects can be far-reaching and at times overwhelming for many patients.

There are many reasons why people avoid going to the dentist. It may be due to dental anxiety stemming from a previous unpleasant experience or a bad memory from childhood visits to the dentist. It may be that there is a feeling that their dental problems are just too bad to be fixed. It may be that the potential costs involved are too frightening. Whatever the reason, there are options available to ease the process and achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

On a daily basis we work with patients with dental anxiety.

The use of laughing gas or various levels of sedation allow for dental procedures to be accomplished in a comfortable manner. These modalities work for patients who would otherwise not tolerate treatment.

I often hear from patients who feel hopeless and embarrassed because they think their mouths are too far gone.

Patients will ask, “Is this the worst you’ve seen?” Well, guess what, I’ve seen worse. But if you are sitting in my chair, then you are in the right place to do something about it and make a positive change in your health and the appearance of your smile.

Sometimes the thought of the costs involved with dental

treatment will prevent a patient from ever coming into the dental office. There are often multiple options for treating dental problems, with a spectrum of associated costs. By learning about the options, patients can evaluate what will

work best with their budget and their lifestyle.

Oral health is something that is important yet often neglected. The appearance of your smile can affect the way you present yourself to the world around you. The entire dental team has the goal of helping patients overcome impediments to seeking dental treatment.

Expert Pediatric Heart Care — In Your Own Backyard At UVA Pediatric Cardiology Richmond, we offer the most advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques available to treat infants, children and adolescents with heart disease.

Rest easy knowing you’re receiving the expertise you expect from UVA, without traveling far from home.

To make an appointment, please call 434.202.4999. Learn more at uvahealth.com/richmond-heart-peds.

10 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NEW Sessioens Class r Yea ! ‘Round

Check out our summer schedules online at

RichmondNavigator.com 11

12 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

West End Antiques Mall

NOW OPEN GRETCHEN’S CAFE

Annual Holiday

Open House & Storewide Sale Saturday, November 21st 10am to 6pm

Sunday, November 22nd Sunda Noon to 6pm

VCU Student Art Gallery Grand opening at Project 1

Friday, November 20th from 6pm to 9pm

RichmondNavigator.com 13

FLAVOR

ISO IN SEARCH OF:

International Dishes LOBSTER & CRAB RAVIOLI

Third-generation Italian restaurateurs, Filippo and Giuseppe Giambanco, opened The Giambancos Italian Grill to provide patrons with homemade, fresh, made-from-scratch cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of gourmet pizzas, gourmet salads, pasta, chicken, veal, fresh seafood and steaks. The generations of experience shine through in the lobster and crab ravioli. Delicious pasta pillows – ravioli stuffed with delicious lobster and crab – are served on a bed of Giambancos’ signature vodka sauce and even more lobster meat. Rich!

RICK BANCROFT

The Giambancos Italian Grill 7500 Jackson Arch Dr., Ste. H, Mechanicsville TheGiambancos.com

TUNA LOVERS ROLL

At Bell Hut, you can enjoy a wide array of authentic Japanese, Chinese & Thai food, such as shrimp tempura, eel cucumber roll, unagi don, Kung Pao chicken, seafood delight, pad Thai and more. The succulent Tuna Lovers roll is made with spicy tuna and avocado, topped with seared pepper tuna and drizzled with yuzu sauce. The tastes that swim on your palate are as delightful as the Bell Hut presentation!

Bell Hut 8319 Bell Creek Rd., Mechanicsville BellHut.com

14 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

FLAVOR

MARIGOLD FRIED RICE

Savor the flavors of Asia at Marigold Thai: fried rice, stir-fried noodles, noodle soups, Thai-inspired salads, curry, stir-fried entrées, chef’s specials and more. Choose your level of spice, from mild American to spicy. The special Marigold fried rice includes egg, green onion and fresh chopped herbs and a generous serving of Asian fried chicken.

Marigold Thai 7154 Mechanicsville Tpk., Mechanicsville 804-723-5960 RICK BANCROFT

CARNITAS

At Rico’s Mexican Grill, every menu item has been prepared entirely in-house, with only the finest and freshest ingredients, guaranteed. Their carnitas, a Mexican specialty, are made by simmering fatty cuts of pork in enough lard to cover them until the meat is a crisp golden brown on the outside and extremely tender and juicy on the inside. They are served with Rico’s homemade Spanish rice, fried beans, guacamole salad, pico de gallo and tortillas. The dish is thought to have originated in the Mexican state of Michoacán, where it is found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants.

Rico’s Mexican Grill 11321-D Nuckols Rd., Glen Allen RicosMR.com

RichmondNavigator.com 15

CREATIVITY: FUN & HEALTHY! F

lexing your creative muscles helps you maintain both mental and physical health – so taking part in a local crafts class is like a trip to the gym! Here in Richmond, beginners and experts can take part in classes on painting, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, photography and more.

Develop your inner artist in order to:

1. Try something new.

2. Escape winter cabin fever.

3. Hang out with friends new and old.

4. Expand your mind in different directions.

5. Get a new perspective.

And after your trip to your crafty “gym,” you’ll even have a new piece of art to take home with you!

VISUAL ARTS CENTER OF RICHMOND’S

CRAFT + DESIGN SHOW

Nov. 21 + 22, 2015

60 CRAFT ARTISTS + 2 DAYS OF SHOPPING BEER + WINE Science Museum of Virginia • visarts.org

16 Hanover Lifestyle

FLAVOR

TasteBudz with

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Steve Cook

THE CABOOSE THAT COULD

COURTESY OF THE CABOOSE

Have you discovered the new and improved Caboose Wine and Cheese Shop at 108 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland? They now have a café.

I spoke with Jeremy Luther, the chef, and asked him to tell me a bit more about this cool little spot. If you’re familiar with the small beer, wine and cheese shop, just picture the back wall blown open with a beautiful café added on.

Jeremy has seven years experience in the culinary industry and he’s doing some great stuff, including baking his own breads, cinnamon rolls and baguettes and making the café’s own desserts, including a cake baked with Founders Breakfast Stout, perhaps my favorite beer in the world.

Jeremy says the café also offers a cheese plate, a pickle plate and a Greek plate featuring homemade hummus. So, if you’re into noshing with a little wine or craft beer, this is the place.

Jeremy says that he is putting the final touches on a new fall menu.

Plus, there’s a growler bar with eight beers on tap. And, for a small corkage fee, you can purchase your wine in the shop and enjoy it with some delicious food in the café.

Jeremy, a native of Ashland, says he’s happy to be back in his hometown. And I’d say his hometown is happy to have him.

I’LL NEVER STOP SAYING “MARIA” Maria Garcia, that is. She’s the lovely, talented matriarch of one of the region’s most popular local restaurant chains – Mexico Restaurant. As we’ve told you previously, the Garcias are celebrating Mexico Restaurant’s 25th year of business in the Richmond area.

Now, in the midst of all that celebrating, they’re about to announce a brand new seventh location.

Although it appears that there’ll soon be a Mexico Restaurant near Ashland, a spokesman for the company said he’d rather not say too much about it right now until everything is finalized. So, just forget I said anything and look for more on this in our next issue of Hanover Lifestyle. You can also check for weekly restaurant news and updates in our TasteBudz online column at RichmondNavigator.com.

RichmondNavigator.com 17

TasteBudz with

FLAVOR

Steve Cook

WEST COAST DINING ON THE EAST COAST

We had told you back in September in TasteBudz online about the impending opening of Tahoe’s California Grill in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center on Cox Road in the Innsbrook area. Well, it’s now open and, said Mark Perkinson, who operates this familyrun venture, the concept is to bring a taste of the West Coast to the East Coast.

Mark told me, “I had spent almost 10 years living in California, within a 90-minute drive of Lake Tahoe. My family and I thought, what a great concept.” Both the restaurant and the menu are themed around Lake Tahoe. Wood, distressed wood, stone and earth tones permeate the dining room.

The specialty of the house is the tri-tip sirloin, which, said Mark, is the popular tailgating and barbecue meat on the West Coast but rarely seen in Virginia.

So, just what is tri-tip sirloin? Mark explained it to me: “We put (the sirloin cut) through a five-step cooking process, resulting in a lean, juicy, flavorful piece of beef.”

In addition to the specialty of the house, Tahoe’s California Grill also serves all-natural chicken, which can be marinated and grilled, marinated and fried, or brined and oven roasted. Other menu items include cold-water salmon, gourmet burgers and vegetarian options.

“Most of our items are gluten free,” Mark added.

And in keeping with the cool California concept, the bar features over 20 California craft beers and California wines.

GIF T CARD

18 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

FEATURE

Grandma’s Got a Boyfriend

By Constance Whitney

IN SIXTH GRADE, A VERY CUTE BOY NAMED HUNTER CAUGHT MY EYE DURING HISTORY CLASS. HE SMILED AT ME, AND AT THAT MOMENT WE WERE, FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, DATING.

W

ith three older sisters, I knew a few of the rules of dating that were pervasive in the early 70s, including our parents’ strict edict on no dating until high school. Consequentially, I kept my relationship with Hunter a secret. The fact that no one other than the two of us knew we were “going steady” did not diminish the truth. During the totality of our relationship, we talked on the telephone once, passed triangle-shaped notes in class, and pretended not to know each other in the lunchroom. He was my boyfriend for a total of four days. At 11 years old, it was a lifetime.

Now, in my 50+ status, I gleefully find myself in a somewhat similar situation as my sixth grade quagmire – a new relationship for which I am navigating unknown territory. It’s amazing how similar the two scenarios are!

WHAT DO I CALL HIM? I’m a writer – appropriate terminology is important to me.

When introducing him to my friends and family, I’m at a loss as to what label I should use. “Boyfriend”? That’s too teenybopper-ish. “Male friend”? Too Magic-Mike-ish. “Friend”?

Not significant enough. I’ve played with the labels “partner” and “significant other,” but both reek of the politically correct mumbo-jumbo that I abhor.

Perhaps it is best to just leave the label off the introductions and let people draw their own conclusions. They will anyway, regardless of my choice of modifier.

WHAT DO I TELL THE CHILDREN? You know how, at times, the room comes to a screeching halt? All conversation stops, all eyes whip around with lasertargeted accuracy and instantly YOU become the center of the universe? Trust me, nothing causes that moment like “Hey, Grandma’s got a boyfriend!” Surely, there has to be an easier, less rift-in-the-time-warp-continuum way to announce the news.

According to several Google sites (yes, you can actually Google “how do I tell my adult children I’m in a relationship” – truly, there is nothing that can’t be Googled!), the typical adult child’s first reaction is fear! Fear that Mom is making a mistake. Fear that the new man is taking advantage of Mom. Fear that their place as the apple of Mom’s eye is being usurped.

Personally, I think that is bizarre, but if it’s on Google, it must be correct.

To help mitigate this reaction, the consensus of Internet advice seems to be to introduce the person as a friend and NOT to do it during Thanksgiving dinner. And to assure the adult children that, in addition to being able to raise them to adulthood and make decisions that have helped them become successful contributing members of society, you also have the ability to make sure your new (see label choices above) isn’t a serial killer/bank robber/con artist who will steal their inheritance and end up on John Walsh’s Most Wanted!

MYAfterPLAN careful consideration of the available expert opinions, I have developed a plan. I think it compassionately deals with my children’s and grandson’s emotions while achieving my goal of acknowledging the presence of an important person in my life.

First, I’ll start subtly start plugging his name into Facebook posts mixed in with the names of well-established, known friends. Then I’ll host several group events where he is just “one of the crowd.” And finally, I’ll include him in conversations and events with increasing frequency as the children’s tolerance grows.

Or, I’ll just write an article and publish it in a magazine.

HL

RichmondNavigator.com 19

’ November/December 2015

WE ASKED, THEY ANSWERED: WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS A FABULOUS PLACE TO SHOP?

20 Hanover Lifestyle

RichmondNavigator.com 20

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS Layne’s Country Store

A:

Explore a tasty mix of country-store and Amish-themed products at Layne’s, for gifts, home and to pamper yourself. To tickle the taste buds, browse the creative line of all-natural breads and cookies, country-cured hams, sorghum molasses, more than 150 candies and snacks, Virginia wines and beers, plus Amish cheese, jams and cured meats – and more! You’ll also enjoy Layne’s non-perishables, including souvenirs, jewelry, T-shirts and knives. You’ll find distinctive, memorable products at Layne’s, Virginia’s Tastemaker since 1954.

11670 Lakeridge Pkwy., Ashland 540-463-7170 TheBestCountryStore.com

See our Ad on pg. 24

Pla-Mor Pools

A:

We make your home a place of fun and relaxation! We carry pools and spas and all the accessories you’ll need, including heaters, covers, chemicals and supplies. Need service or repair?

Our qualified, prompt and friendly technicians have you covered. Need service or repair? Our qualified, prompt and friendly technicians have you covered. We carry pools and spas and all the accessories you’ll need.

7225 Bell Creek Rd., Ste. 238 Mechanicsville 804-746-5555 PlaMorPools.com See our Ad on pg. 28

Roomers

A:

At Roomers, you’ll discover unique and one-of-a-kind home accessories to brighten up any decor. We’re the home of “Almost Custom” window treatments and bedding, and we offer a full range of home décor – window treatments, lamps, rugs, upholstery, bedding, gifts and accessories. There’s something for every taste!

1364 Gaskins Rd., Richmond 804-740-0231 RoomersDesign.com

A:

Saxon Shoes

For the largest selection of top-quality shoes and boots in Richmond, shop Saxon Shoes. We stock 200 well-known brand names for men, women and children, offering a wide selection of sizes and styles, from the classics to the latest trends. Featuring shoes, boots, handbags and accessories from designers such as Sam Edelman, Cole Haan, Toms, Dansko, Johnston and Murphy, Vera Bradley and Brighton, Saxon offers endless options for gift giving or for treating yourself. Saxon’s superior customer service makes your shopping experience enjoyable, comfortable and efficient.

See our Ad on pg. 3

11800 W. Broad St., Short Pump 804-285-3473 SaxonShoes.com RichmondNavigator.com 21

A FABULOUS PLACE TO SHOP? Thrill of the Hunt

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Our unique store can transform your house! We turn tired, faded furniture into stunning, upcycled works of art. Let our interior decorator and upholsterer style your rooms and renew your chairs, couches and footstools. Our creative staff aspires to inspire, poised to take your creativity to the next level. We also are a stockist for all Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® products. Come see why Thrill of the Hunt is one of a kind!

315 England St., Ashland 804-368-0184 ThrillOfTheHuntVA.com

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Amir Rug Exchange

We do business the old-fashioned way: touch and feel the product, face-to-face with the owner. Amir Rugs has been in business for 50 years. Family owned and operated, we provide the finest Persian rugs money can buy. Our vast selection of handmade carpets, woven to last a lifetime, includes rugs of every size and price range.

Like the Antique Mall next door, you don’t need fancy gadgets to enjoy traditional classic rugs, art and furniture.

2004 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond 804-358-1711 AmirRugExchange.com

Tweed Gifts & Home Accents

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At Tweed, you’ll discover unique and creative items that are unexpectedly delightful, as gifts or to treat yourself. We’ve received top accolades for our selection of hostess gifts and the in-store experience and events. We offer gift-wrapping, too, to ensure that your present makes the perfect presentation! You’ll discover unique and creative items that are unexpectedly delightful.

4035 Lauderdale Dr., Short Pump 804-249-3900 TweedAtHome.com

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Crossroads Art Center

Our extensive galleries at Crossroads Art Center provide Richmond’s largest selection of art from local artists. Choose from our wide variety of media, including paintings, photography, sculpture, wood, metal, glass, mosaics, pottery and collage. We also offer art classes in several artistic media for both adults and children. Crossroads Art Center has been named as one of the best galleries by Richmond TimesDispatch, Style Weekly, Richmond Magazine and R-Home.

2016 Staples Mill Rd. Richmond CrossroadsArtCenter.com 22 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

1516 Koger Center Blvd Richmond, VA 23235 804-794-2100

8235 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville, VA 23111 804-746-7781

1042 Temple Ave Colonial Heights, VA 23834 804-722-3201 RichmondNavigator.com 23

New Product Lines!

Fresh all natural breads & cookies & Indigo Wild goat soaps, lotions, fragrances 200 Virginia Wines, 30 Virginia Craft Beers Over 150 candies & snacks Country Store Favorites: Country-cured hams, Pickles & Relishes, Virginia peanuts, Salad dressings, Country-cured bacon - slabs or sliced, Hoop cheese, Honey - with or without comb, Apple, pear and pumpkin butter, Sorghum molasses, Virginia souvenirs Visit the Amish Kettle inside of Layne’s Country Store for:

Amish cheese, jams and cured meats

11670 Lakeridge Pkwy. (Near Bass Pro Shops) Ashland, VA 23005 • 540-463-7170

Visit Come ew Our N ner Desigoom! r Show

Trinity Renovations, Inc. Open Monday – Friday, 9am-7pm | Saturday, 9am-1pm

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP • OUTSTANDING VALUE • TOTAL COMMITMENT • SUPERIOR PRODUCTS 6102 Brashier Boulevard, Suite H, Mechanicsville | (804) 318-1907 | TrinityRenovationsInc.com

We offer a FREE Consultation

• Remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for 15 years. • Locally owned & operated • We take pride in our work and the care we give your home.

• We’re licensed and insured.

24 Hanover Lifestyle

• We will provide you with references upon request.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

HOME

WELCOMING GUESTS INTO YOUR BATHROOM

L

CONSIDER GUESTS’ HYGIENE CONCERNS

CREATE A TASTEFUL HAVEN

PROVIDE A’PLENTY

est you think that Hanover Lifestyle is about to “sink” to a new low, I’ll assure you that this article is filled with practical information that hosts often fail to consider. So take the plunge and read on!

Your guests will begin dropping by any minute. You’ve cleaned house, prepared food and drinks, set out serving pieces and started the musical playlist. You feel confident that your event will make a social splash, as your friends recall the feast and festivities for months – or years – to come.

But for those few moments when they step away to attend to personal needs, as they must, will their experience overshadow an otherwise perfect event?

A little planning can round out the affair.

Besides heeding nature’s call, a few moments in the can can provide a quiet break. Your guest loo need not be commodious. Simply upgrade the room with eye-catching tile, sparkling lighting and modern fixtures to make a radiant impression.

You don’t have to be flush with money to create a welcoming water closet. Even attractive accessories can pump up a room, including basic touches such as cabinets and hardware, faucet sets, wall coverings and accessories.

EMBARRASSMENT IS NOT A WELCOME GUEST

Since visitors may not want everyone to be privy to their movements, label the bathroom clearly. Make sure that the door locks securely – you may spare red-faced awkwardness for at least two of your friends! Provide curtains on windows to assure guests of their privacy and a candle to cover unwanted odors. And be sure the plumbing is working correctly, too.

Of course, you will have cleaned the bathroom thoroughly, but a few minor though important extras can set your hosting skills apart, especially for guests who may have compromised immune systems.

First, use liquid soap dispensers instead of bar soap.

Next, offer disposable hand towels instead of shared cloth towels.

If the environmental aspect of paper hand towels concerns you, consider that you’re saving the extra facial tissues that will be necessary if your guests share their colds with each other! If the aesthetics of paper towels bother you, realize you can find attractive paper guest towels and holders online and at local boutiques.

Start the party with a fresh box of facial tissue. So your guests don’t have to sink to asking for more toilet paper, set out a few extra rolls.

Look for decorative and even whimsical toilet paper stands at local home stores.

ADD THE EXTRAS

Consider providing some toiletries for unexpected needs: a basket of inexpensive travel-size products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair spray, lotion (scented and unscented), and a box of help-yourself feminine products. Set out some light reading material as well.

Welcoming guests to your bathroom needn’t drain your bank account, but the few extra bucks you spend will all come out in the wash, adding to the positive vibes from your hospitality.

HL

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26 Hanover Lifestyle

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

KEEP YOUR HOME WARM AND ALLERGY FREE THIS WINTER WITH AIR RESOLUTIONS

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By Angela Weight

CCORDING TO THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC, this

coming winter is all set to outdo last year’s bone-chilling freeze.

YOU REMEMBER LAST WINTER, RIGHT?

That was when our home’s heating unit nearly wore itself out, while our hardwood floors felt like ice to my bare feet and the bone-dry air played havoc with all of our sinuses. I swore, before it got cold again, that we’d look into a more efficient heating system that would keep our whole house warm, not just some of the rooms.

And we’d get a humidifier to pump some moisture back in the air.

Turns out we don’t need either one. A few months ago, I called Air Resolutions to come out and inspect my home for air leakages, allergens, mold and dust. My neighbor suggested it because our utility bill was so high each month and we were constantly sick with allergies.

Chris Joyner and Charlie Martin, owners of Air Resolutions, have been solving energy efficiency and air-quality issues for Richmond homeowners for over a decade. And they received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau for excellent customer service.

Martin, who inspected our home, found all kinds of air leaks in the crawl space and ducts. He also pointed out that our AC unit couldn’t be working effectively with so much indoor air seeping through those cracks. And my utility bill money was leaking out with it. Ouch!

The next step was to install new insulation and encapsulate the crawl space. The positive change in our home’s air quality was noticeable almost immediately.

I recently spoke with Martin about how the work they did back in the summer would benefit us this winter.

A valuable by-product of sealing our crawl space is having pipes that don’t freeze and burst. “Last winter, not a single one of our customers with encapsulated crawl spaces had a water pipe burst,” noted Martin. If you’ve ever been through that headache, Air Resolutions’ preventive services are a must.

The professionals at Air Resolutions begin each project with a visual inspection to reveal the sources of air leakage, dust, allergens and humidity. Then they’ll recommend solutions that homeowners can take in steps, as their budgets allow. Some services they provide are insulation sealing and replacement, duct cleaning and sealing, vapor barrier installation, moisture control, crawl space encapsulation and drainage systems.

Set up a consultation and free estimate by visiting www.airresolutions.com or calling 804-887-0229.

As for my home, thanks to Air Resolutions, we’re all ready for winter.

“Using good insulation and sealing up the crawl space are essential for keeping your home warm and your utility bills manageable,” said Martin. “Insulation is like a thick wool sweater. It keeps you warm until the wind picks up. Sealing your crawl space is like putting a heavy windbreaker on over that sweater. They’re equally important and work together to keep the cold outside where it belongs.”

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28 Hanover Lifestyle

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

RichmondNavigator.com 29

‘Tis the Season for All-day Comfort HOLIDAY STYLES ARE HERE!

www.saxonshoes.com

SHORT PUMP TOWN CENTER 804.285.3473

SHOES

ACCESSORIES

THE ULTIMATE SHOE EXPERIENCE

THE VILLAGE AT SPOTSYLANIA TOWNE CENTRE 540.736.8600

Dansko, Dansko and the Wing Design, the Wing Design and the Doodad Design are all trademarks of Dansko, LLC. © 2015 Dansko LLC. 1.800.326.7564