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Can you believe that this time of year is already upon us? The rustling of leaves, beautiful, cool days with campfires, s’mores, and wearing jackets. This month, we focus on how very thankful we are to connect with your community, your families, and each of your businesses. It’s been true joy as we’ve created each issue to highlight the wonderful things Midlothian is doing together !
With that being said, welcome to the Thankful issue! This month, we’re featuring local businesses who’ve achieved so much by helping others, decorative trends for the season, inspiration in service, gratitude in business, Thanksgiving traditions, and more! We’ve had so much fun with this issue, and we’re bringing some amazing new partners to your homes this month that you’ll want to check out in between the pages!
As we head into the holiday season, we are most certainly thankful and blessed to travel this road with you, our readers and partners. We look forward to many new adventures amidst these cooler temperatures, and we know the best is yet to come!
AARON
SWART, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Joanna Tannenbaum
joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS
Naylor Taliaferro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com
Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Rae Linas, Joanna Tannenbaum
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amanda Rae Linas, Beloved Pet & Equine Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn
1-7: At Mission Laser in Richmond, L.A.U.N.C.H for Life junior mentees, mentors, and volunteers discuss the meaning of leadership, how to showcase it effectively, and what it looks like in real scenarios, all while putting their teamwork skills to the test. Photography by LAUNCH for Life
Earlier this fall, Toast New American Gastropub opened its third restaurant in Richmond at Scott's Walk, close to the Flying Squirrels' new stadium. Co-owner Chris Staples has noted that the new location will offer a menu in line with the West End and Powhatan locations while also featuring some unique items inspired by the Diamond area. toastrva.com
Chesterfield has recently expanded its River City Sportsplex by adding four more athletic fields, bringing the total to 16 fields. This expansion aims to accommodate more events and enables existing clients to expand their activities at the venue. The Sportsplex is a key hub for sports tourism in Chesterfield, hosting a significant number of sports events in the area.
OrthoVirginia celebrated the grand opening of its new medical office building at Westchester in September. The new facility provides comprehensive orthopedic services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, physical and hand therapies, and more. The project was completed in 16 months through the collaborative efforts of OrthoVirginia, Lingerfelt, Hourigan, PSH+, and Timmons Group. orthovirginia.com
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@melaniecooperstudios
ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICK ANDERS, AMANDA
RAE
LINAS, AND KRISTINE PRINGLE
RICHMOND’S BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN FIRM FOR TRANSFORMATIVE SPACES
Stepping into the vibrant realms of real estate and interior design to carve a unique niche can be daunting. Yet, for Stephanie Kuper, this journey began most unexpectedly. It all started with a surprising proposal from a real estate client, swiftly evolving into a story of innovation and passion. After expressing admiration for Stephanie’s design insights, particularly her natural style, the client sought to engage her as a design consultant. Embracing the significance of natural design elements, Stephanie saw how her dual love for real estate and biophilic design could transform spaces and lives. With unwavering support from her family and friends, she founded a business where these passions converge authentically. This led to the creation of BIOPHILIA, Stephanie’s company dedicated to bringing natural beauty into every part of the home-buying experience.
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BIOPHILIA shapes real estate design by integrating green spaces and natural elements, fostering a connection with nature. Originating from Erich Fromm and popularized by Edward O. Wilson, biophilia signifies a love for life and drives personal growth. This concept guides Stephanie in her projects, where she elevates spaces with cozy, earthy aesthetics and natural elements such as plants, light, and organic textures. Biophilic design integrates these components into built environments to enhance living experiences, property values, and community well-being. It also helps improve mental and physical health, boost productivity and creativity, and increase comfort and satisfaction.
The principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling are strongly advocated by BIOPHILIA. “BIOPHILIA does not subscribe to the idea that an older home must be stripped of its character to make way for modern design,” Stephanie explains. “Instead, we believe that classically comfortable and aesthetic appeal can be achieved through a thoughtful blend of new items, vintage finds, and repurposed objects.” Revamping a cherished item into something new brings Stephanie great happiness. Creating a living wall, bookshelf, or garden around a piece with sentimental value adds joy and purpose to any project. Whether shopping for clients, avoiding crowds, FaceTiming with clients out of town, previewing homes for them to save trips, or incorporating a family heirloom into a design, Stephanie cherishes every moment of the process.
From the elegance of their signage to the meticulous care they provide their clients, BIOPHILIA offers personalized attention, careful analysis of current market trends, and the implementation of proven strategies to maximize the value of every sale. Their approach to staying informed allows them to navigate complex real estate landscapes confidently and precisely. Built on authenticity, integrity, growth, and a genuine love for life, BIOPHILIA’s commitment to honesty and transparency ensures successful transactions and genuine client satisfaction. Explore more about commercial and residential biophilic design by visiting biophiliarva.com.
Stephanie Kuper operates Biophilia with a foundation of integrity. From teaching fourth graders and managing a household with a husband, two children, and an animal menagerie to delving into real estate and design, she has always excelled in roles focused on serving others. Her lifelong obsession with botany and cultivating flowers, plants, and gardens has enriched her ability to create earthy spaces that evoke tranquility and harmony.
Stephanie is developing an initiative to offer local students the chance to nominate their favorite teacher for a special gift, including a live plant for their classroom. As a former teacher, she is excited about finding ways to help in classrooms and schools and staying connected to our community and its future. Stay tuned for more details, which will be shared in early spring.
For the Booth family, fostering an attitude of gratitude is a year-round practice that goes beyond Thanksgiving. Busy dentists and parents, Steve and Lynn, manage household chores and their daughters’ activities through collective teamwork. Caroline, a high school sophomore excelling in sports, is a devoted sister and friend. Madelynn, an eighth-grader, shares similar interests and is known for her fun and thoughtful nature. Kamryn, a first-grader, is a creative and kind-hearted artist. The sisters assist one another and contribute to household chores, lightening the load for their parents. Steve and Lynn are also grateful for the support from their parents and coworkers, living up to the adage ‘It takes a village.’
The Booth family believes that thankfulness contributes significantly to their overall well-being. Expressing gratitude and performing small acts of kindness are integral to the family’s daily life. Small, thoughtful gestures, like sharing messages and pictures of beautiful sunrises and sunsets on their family text thread, constantly remind one another of their connection and support. “We try to teach our children to find joy in all situations because joy and thankfulness endure hardships and trials and allow you to connect with meaning and purpose throughout your life,” Lynn explains. “When you have a thankful heart, you also have a joyful heart and see the best in people.”
Steve and Lynn encourage open and honest conversations about gratitude and giving. “We talk with our daughters about putting others first and always being thankful for each and every day,” Lynn says. “When you focus on what you are thankful for, you tend to have a more positive outlook on life, which carries over to how you treat others.”
The Booths love helping others and enjoy doing random acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day. Steve and Lynn love asking their girls about the moments they made others smile throughout the day.
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At their Midlothian dental practice, Penterson & Booth, Steve and Lynn exhibit gratitude daily by being thankful for each patient and treating them like family. They offer support during difficult times and celebrate happy moments with their patients, always treating them respectfully and kindly. And when it comes to giving back, the Booth family is deeply involved in various charitable activities. Over the years, they have supported organizations like Coats for Kids, Chesterfield Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Mustaches for Kids (M4K), ASK, and Donated Dental Services, where they provide complimentary dental care to those in need. Additionally, they support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Pink Chair Project, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Embodying a deep sense of gratitude, the Booth family forms a vibrant fusion of shared traditions and is committed to giving back. Their everyday actions demonstrate a genuine appreciation for life’s blessings as they celebrate milestones and support one another through thick and thin. The Booths are more than just a family; they are a beacon of love and solidarity, enriching their own lives and positively impacting their community. Whether through their volunteer work, compassion for neighbors, patients, and friends, or simply being there for each other, the Booths authentically live out the true essence of family. Their efforts have brought smiles to many faces and inspired others to follow their lead, creating a ripple effect of kindness and gratitude in their community.
ARTICLE BY AMANDA RAE LINAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELOVED PET & EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY
This month’s featured pet is Beatrice, affectionately known as “Bea.” With her classic blue-gray coat and striking copper eyes, Bea captures the spirit of a British Shorthair. Her name, which means “bringer of joy and blessings,” perfectly suits her, as she has brought boundless happiness to her family and exudes a regal demeanor.
Bea’s personality is a delightful blend of tranquility and affection. While British Shorthairs are typically known for their independence, Bea defies the norm with occasional snuggles on her family’s laps. Her preferred toys include her cat tunnel and a spring toy, but she also surprisingly adores her mom’s measuring tape. What truly sets Bea apart is her fascination with ice. At the sound of the ice maker, she swiftly makes her way to the kitchen. On occasion, her family even drops ice cubes into the sink so she can bat around and observe as they slip down the drain.
Bea’s unique combination of grace and playful quirks makes her a remarkable and delightful companion, bringing joy to all who encounter her.
To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Midlothian Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto.com/midlothian
ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CREATIVE EYE PHOTOGRAPHY
As the holiday season approaches, Matt Bricker, a dedicated family man and thriving business owner in Mechanicsville, finds extraordinary meaning during this time of year. As he takes a moment to celebrate the blessings in his life and strives to strengthen bonds with his loved ones, Matt, a partner at City Lifestyle, says:
“Thanksgiving holds a special place in our hearts at Coastal Patio Furniture. As a small family business, we cherish this season of gratitude and togetherness. Family is always our top priority, whether traveling to Pennsylvania to celebrate
with extended loved ones or enjoying a cozy, home-cooked meal with our little family. This year, we’re staying home, savoring turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, stuffing, and our must-have dessert: pumpkin cheesecake. Fall is our favorite time of year, and we wish everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and delicious traditions.”
To learn more about Matt Bricker and his mission at Coastal Patio Furniture, visit: coastalpatiofurniture.com
ARTICLE BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP ANDREWS, RIVER CITY MEDIA
Having evolved from a mere concept to a tangible reality, The Yeatman Group delivers an unparalleled experience distinct from its competitors.
The Yeatman Group, having just celebrated its 10th year in business, was founded on a concept widely viewed as a very unlikely dream of founder Kyle Yeatman by many in the industry just a short decade ago. The standard rhetoric was that highly successful and motivated experienced real estate agents couldn’t operate in the same space for the same team, bring actual value to one another, and create an ‘iron sharpens iron’ environment where the clients (buyers and sellers in this case) benefit. Ten years, over 5,000 individual residential sales, and over $2 billion in closed volume later, the dream has proven to be a reality.
For nearly a century, real estate had been conducted the same old way by market agents. Even though The Yeatman Group
surely didn’t invent the concept of a real estate team, it certainly did redefine the traditional structure. The team applied many tried-and-true principles from the corporate business world that immediately impacted the landscape of the RVA market, including specialized roles such as marketing professionals, customer service pros managing clients’ experiences, and experienced negotiators managing the contract process. The team even has a dedicated concierge staff for its buyer and seller clients, available nearly 12 hours daily! This level of unique, specialized skill sets vastly differs from the rest of the industry, where, almost exclusively, a single agent attempts to master all aspects of a real estate transaction. This challenge continues to grow as the industry evolves daily. Having evolved from a mere concept to a tangible reality, The Yeatman Group delivers an unparalleled experience distinct from its competitors. To learn more about the team and its unique view on success, check out TheYeatmanGroup.com today.
NOVEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2ND
Fall Charcuterie Workshop
Bite by Bite & Co. - Stony Point 2:00 PM
Join Bite by Bite & Co. for a two-hour charcuterie workshop where you'll learn to create and enjoy your own charcuterie board. The workshop includes expert instruction and tastings of specialty fruits, cheeses, and meats, and you'll take home your own charcuterie board and food items. Until 4:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at: allevents.in
NOVEMBER 3RD
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop
Hidden Wit Brewing Co. | 1:00 PM
Join Hidden Wit for a fun and creative event crafting your own Thanksgiving centerpiece with Relic Florals. Get into the holiday spirit and bring home a beautiful decoration for your table. No experience is necessary - just bring your creativity! All materials will be provided, so come ready to have a good time. Tickets can be purchased online at: hiddenwit.beer
NOVEMBER 7TH
Cheers for a Cause
Three Crosses Distilling | 4:00 PM
Check out Three Crosses Distilling for an evening of fun and goodwill at Cheers for a Cause, benefiting the Colorado Fund for Muscular Dystrophy (CFMD). The event is until 8:00 PM and is located at 3835 Old Buckingham Road in Powhatan. threecrossesdistilling.com
NOVEMBER 17TH
Art Factory | 5:00 PM
Express your creativity on canvas by recreating a painting of your choice with guided support. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned artists, this opportunity allows you to expand your artistic horizons in a supportive and inspiring environment. Until 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at: artfactoryrva.com
NOVEMBER 28TH
Trot 5K Run/Walk
Dogwood Dell Ampitheater | 9:00 AM
Start a new Thanksgiving day tradition by participating in Richmond's inaugural Turkey Trot 5K benefitting the Highland Support Project. Packet pick-up is at 7:45 AM, and the race begins at 9:00 AM. There will be delicious Rise donuts waiting for you at the finish line! Register online at: runsignup.com
NOVEMBER 29TH-30TH
Altria Theater
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling and whimsical family holiday spectacular that combines contemporary circus arts with a Broadway-style production. The show features a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters, aerial circus acts, jugglers, acrobatics, and more. The dates and showtimes are Friday, November 29th at 4:00 PM, and Saturday, November 30th at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Buy tickets online at: altriatheater.com
Thanksgiving is a time for family, warmth, and togetherness, but unfortunately, not everyone has a place to spend the holiday. This year, consider opening your home and heart to a shelter dog or cat from Richmond Animal Care & Control. By welcoming a furry friend into your family for Thanksgiving, you’ll provide a loving environment for an animal in need and enrich your holiday experience with joy and companionship. You could be the perfect foster parent if you plan to stay in town from November 24th to December 6th. Currently, homes without other pets are preferred! There is no need to worry about supplies—RACC will provide you with everything you need—just bring your love and care! Spread the word to friends and family who may be interested. If you want to foster a cat or dog this Thanksgiving, kindly email christie.peters@rva.gov
ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
