Issuu

JULY 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

The Summer Isssue A CLOCKTOWER AND A DREAM

PATRIOTIC PORCHES

R VA â€™ S N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N E X P E R T S Over 150+ New Homes Sold in 2019 The Yeatman Groupâ€™s background and histor y is firmly rooted in new construction. TYG proudly represents 6 premier home builders throughout Central Virginia and has knowledge of all the new construction options available to RVA homebuyers. The Yeatman Group provides expert new home advice, area specific experience, and professional representation that makes all the difference in a new home purchase.

S p e c i a l i z i n g i n R e s a l e H o m e s To o ! C o n t a c t U s To d a y .

804.372.8787 | sales@theyeatmangroup.com | w w w.theyeatmangroup.com

MIDLOTHIAN LUXURY REPORT Neighborhood

Address

Sq Ft

S o l d Pr i c e

Pr i c e / S q F t

Closing Date

DOM

Hallsley

16100 Binley RD

6,384

$999,000

$156

04/28/20

Hallsley

1713 Tulip Hill DR

3,252

$830,000

$255

04/28/20

Founders Bridge

2213 Founders Bridge RD

5,136

$750,000

$146

05/26/20

123

Reeds Bluff

11907 Reeds Bluff LN

4,748

$699,900

$147

05/15/20

Founders Bridge

16219 Mabry Mill DR

4,349

$699,000

$160

05/07/20

Salisbury

2949 Queenswood RD

5,636

$687,500

$121

05/14/20

Hallsley

1418 Ascot Hill TER

3,198

$667,500

$208

05/18/20

385

Salisbury

2604 Helmsley CT

3,938

$640,000

$162

04/30/20

Salisbury

14300 W Salisbury RD

4,066

$615,000

$151

04/28/20

Hallsley

2019 Colwyn Bay DR

3,695

$601,000

$162

05/07/20

Roxshire

2239 Chartstone DR

4,522

$589,900

$130

05/08/20

Rountrey

3618 Camdale DR

3,228

$567,396

$175

05/15/20

Salisbury

2611 Kentford RD

3,239

$560,000

$172

05/21/20

Rosemont

2507 Follensbee DR

3,596

$550,000

$152

05/22/20

Rosemont

2521 Whitecastle DR

3,212

$542,000

$168

05/14/20

Days on Market

*This data was provided by CVR MLS **Top 15 sales in the Midlothian and James River High School Districts in the last 30 days (as of 5/27/20)

HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME WORTH? Visit www.viewhomesinrichmond.com/homevalue to see what your home is worth! Interested in selling your home? Receive a personalized report with an estimated home value, a list of recently sold homes similar to yours in your neighborhood, and a follow up call with our Online Sales Specialist to help you know how much your home is worth!

Fo r a m o r e i n d e p t h a n a l y s i s o f o u r l o c a l m a r k e t , p l e a s e c a l l u s a t 8 0 4 . 3 7 2 . 8 7 8 7 o r s a l e s @ t h e y e a t m a n g r o u p . c o m

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2020 PUBLISHER

Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mary Ellin Arch | maryellin.arch@lifestylepubs.com

Welcome to summer, Midlothian! IT'S OFFICIALLY SUMMER! THAT MEANS FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS, BACKYARD BARBECUES, BEACH TRIPS AND FUN TIMES. All of us here at the magazine wish you a safe and relaxing vacation season! While you're recharging at home or away, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained between the covers of our Summer Issue. Tips on decorating a patriotic porch, with a showcase design submitted to us by a former Navy nurse living in Midlothian. Features on local businesses, including a real estate agency and

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Emily Alwood, EmmiClaire Photography | emmiclairephoto@gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jay Smack, SmackSound/Red Amp Audio | smackjay@gmail.com Jeff Wingo, Wingo Visual Arts | jeffwingo@me.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

a digital strategy company, that give back to the community. A sneak peek into

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Paragon Construction's fabulous new showroom featuring three complete kitch-

M. Katherine Fisher | fisher.katherine@gmail.com

ens and a complete master bath. Financial planning advice focused on having a healthy and successful relationship with money. And don't miss our Good Times feature, in which we're spotlighting families having front-porch fun during the COVID-19 quarantine - including some Hallsley households that helped to support the Chesterfield food pantry.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

A special note on this Summer Issue: Our community calendar returns after a two-

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

month absence. It spotlights in-person activities specifically selected to accommo-

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

date social distancing, as well as a selection of virtual tours. We encourage you to

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

check with event organizers before you go to make sure the activity is continuing as

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

advertised in our calendar.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

We wish you a red-white-and-blue July!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHY METRICK 4

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 Midlothian Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Midlothian areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Midlothian Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Clocktower Cares: "When I started Clocktower Realty Group, I knew I wanted three things. I knew I wanted to surround myself with the best people out there. I knew I wanted to offer a company and a culture that was exciting and different. And I knew that at our core, I wanted a focus on "giving back". At Clocktower we don't just enjoy giving back to the community, we thrive on it. Our business is based on helping volunteering, fundraising, donations, and service, our agents continue to better When you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call Clocktower Realty Group!" -Rhonda Howlett Carroll, Founder

CLOCKTOWER REALTY GROUP (804) 505.4274 www.clocktowerrealtygroup.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2020 FEATURES 16 Itâ€™s Stars & Stripes Season! Common household items can help you make a patriotic statement with your front porch

18 Igniting Small Business, Through the Internet Digital strategist generous with free advice to help businesses closed by COVID to keep going

20 A Clocktower and a Dream Fast-growing Clocktower Realty Group is earning a reputation for service to clients, staff and the community

24 From Tiny to Tremendous Paragon Constructionâ€™s expansive

20 16

new showroom lets customers bring their room design visions to life

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Our Town

Renovate & Refine

Giving Back

24 Locally Owned 28 DIY 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Financial Buzz

Iâ€™m tired of

When I retired from the military, I wasnâ€™t sure what I wanted to do next. I love to write, write and speak about mental health, and I teach yoga, but none of that seemed to add up to the additional income that I wanted to generate.

Iana J. Daniels, Owner

RJ helped me develop my services and pricing structure, a focused business plan and content strategy, and worked with me to implement my invoicing process.

Find your technology comfort zone & empower your biz at JustRJLewis.com

GOOD TIMES 1.

Porch Photos + Food Drive = $3,000 for local pantry Kelly Kaze, founder of Grass Roots Food Drive (#porchtopantry), and photographer Lexi Hanrahan combined porch portraits with a Hallsley drive benefitting the Chesterfield Food Bank. Hanrahan did 65+ photo sessions; over $3,000 was raised. Left to right from top: the Hanrahans, the Leones, the Stampers, the Wardens, the Crains, the Priscos, the Rosses, the Brinkers, the Windles, the Barksons, the Reids, the Bridges.

10.

11.

12.

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Front Porch Family Portraits COVID-19 couldn't keep Midlothian families from gathering on their porches for a bit of fun - and a portrait. Here's a sampling of photos shot by our partner Emily Alwood of EmmiClaire Photography: (top row left to right) the Andelins, the Williamses, and the Murrays; (bottom row left to right) the Carrillos, Millie and Owen of Bon Air, the Danowskis.

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Let one of our certified technicians help you make the right decision today! CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

AROUND TOWN

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION GOES VIRTUAL Due to COVID-related school closings, kindergarten registration for Greater Richmond has

The market, sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Section, will be open through August. For more information: http://www.chesterfield.gov/farmersmarket.

shifted from a single-day signup to an online format. Parents who have not yet registered their kindergarten-age children are reminded to do so now. “Parents are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible and complete the online registration, or via hard copy forms provided by your school division,” said Rich Schultz, executive director of Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, a regional school readiness collaborative that works with school divisions to promote the importance of springtime registration. “Your local school division will contact you to complete the process.” Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond offers helpful resources for regional kindergarten registration on its website smartbeginningsrva.org. Parents will find a section for each school division in the region that will provide links and resources for each. Another valuable resource is the new Basics

LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE OFFERING ONLINE COURSES THIS SUMMER

website, rvabasics.org, to promote five simple

The Lifelong Learning Institute is offering a

things that families and caregivers can do to

midsummer session of online courses running

engage their children in the early years and help

through July 31. Another session of online

them grow up ready for school and for life.

courses will be offered during the month of August, the Institute has announced. The Institute has closed its physical offices due to the COVID pandemic, but classes continue to be offered via Zoom. For information, contact info@llichesterfield.org or call 804.378.2527. For information on the Institute: http://llichesterfield.org/

FARMERS' MARKET OPEN FOR SUMMER The Chesterfield Farmer’s Market is now open! Visit the market on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mimms Loop area at the County Government Complex. The road is blocked off to

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

accommodate vendor setups and social distancing.

would love to hear from you! Contact us at

Face coverings are highly recommended. Hand

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian using the Get In

sanitizing stations are available. Pets are not permitted. 10

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Touch link and let us know what you think.

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

OUR TOWN

T R O P SUP ! L A C LO

UPPORT LOCA S S L

ORT

LOCA L B US

UPPORT LOCA S S LS ES

LOCAL BU SIN ES

support local!

T POR

NEW MODEL HOMES COMING TO MAGNOLIA GREEN The Yeatman Group of Long & Foster Real Estate and its builder partners are always searching for new ways to bring homebuyers more options for where to build their next custom dream home. The Yeatman Group, along with Covenant Building & Design, Harring Construction, Homesmith Construction & Jones Custom Homes, have begun construction on four beautiful new model homes in the brand-new custom section of Magnolia Green known as Banyan Cove. With incredible golf-course views, wooded flat homesites and basement-lot options available now, Banyan Cove offers Magnolia Green’s largest and most exclusive home sites to date, which will feature fully customizable homes ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million. All four model homes are expected to open in late fall/early winter. The Yeatman Group has also recently announced that both Harring Construction and Homesmith Construction will join Covenant Building & Design as preferred builder partners in Summer Lake and will be featured in 2021’s Richmond Homearama. All three builders will offer their unique custom home designs in the new section of Summer Lake with homes starting in the mid-$500s. For all your homebuilding needs or for information on upcoming projects in your area, contact the industry experts, The Yeatman Group, at 804.NEW.HOME today.

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

BOGO ON JOUEZ JEWELRY IN JULY! Summer’s the time to add that hot item to update your jewelry! During the month of July, Jouez Jewelry is offering a BOGO deal featuring 50% off the lesser-priced item. Customers should reach out to designer Carol Pamerin via www.jouezjewelry.com for a personal consultation, and then receive the BOGO pricing of 50% off the lesser-priced item. Shop Jouez Jewelry’s entire line of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, all reflecting your love of sports, your active lifestyle and your unique style.

walk on art

PHOTOGR APHER CAPTURING PORTR AITS OF FA MILIES AT HOME How long has it been since you had a professional family photo taken? Are you still a little skittish about exposing your loved ones to public settings in close quarters? Emily

Alwood

EmmiClaire

Photography has the solution for you! Throughout the COVID crisis, Alwood has offered Front Porch Photos as an alternative to traditional studio photography and to accommodate social distancing. Her “porch project” has been so popular that she’s continuing to offer the at-home portraits through the summer. Here’s the deal: $50 for up to 15 minutes and three digital down-

IMPORTER OF HANDMADE ORIENTAL RUGS

loads. That’s a bargain you can’t pass up! Don’t let COVID concerns keep you from capturing important family memories. Contact Alwood at hello@emmiclaire.com to set up an

THOUSANDS OF RUGS IN STOCK OF ALL SIZES

appointment. What could be easier than having a photographer come to your home for a

9944 MIDLOTHIAN TNPK., RICHMOND 804.323.5540

beautiful family portrait? Check out some of Alwood’s front porch photos in this issue’s Good Times section,

and

see

her

other

https://www.emmiclaire.com/.

work

We Make House Calls

Locally Owned and Operated For 50 Years CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

Because itâ€™s how you live that matters.

MEMORY CARE: 14020 Steeplestone Drive, Midlothian | (804) 897-3332 ASSISTED LIVING: 14001 Turnberry Lane, Midlothian | (804) 897-2727

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RENOVATE & REFINE FOUND OBJECTS AND COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS CAN HELP YOU MAKE A PATRIOTIC STATEMENT WITH YOUR FRONT PORCH

I T ’S S TA R S & STRIPES SEASON! JUST RECENTLY. “I’m a Navy veteran, and I always decorate our porch for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day,” said Metrick, a former Navy nurse who met her Navy reservist husband while they were both on active duty. Metrick, who lives in Midlothian’s Cross Creek neighborhood and now works as a Realtor with Joyner Fine Properties, typically decorates her patriotic porch in a traditional style. “I’m a fan of classic Americana, a kind of preppy style,” she said. “I’m very Southern so I love a good monogram, plus it makes it more personal.” Completing Metrick’s traditional design is a bunting on the porch and a bow on the lamppost, an extra touch Metrick added last Veterans Day. “The classic look is just timeless,” she said. Inspired to decorate your own porch? Priscilla George of Interior Excellence home design studio urges DIYers to take a fresh eye to common household objects. “Look around your house,” George said. “A family flag. A really cool star. Decorative columns. Think outside the box. Blue and white is huge right now – you probably have something blue-and-white.” Traditional patriotic décor often features bunting – swags of fabric in flag-like stars and stripes strung from the porch structure. In England,

ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY KATHY METRICK

KATHY METRICK’S PORCH WENT PATRIOTIC IN MAY AND AGAIN

bunting means fabric triangles attached to string – or triangles can be bandannas or even paper colored by your kids, George said. Other options suggested by George: Tie-die old white T-shirts for bunting or cushion covers. Put streamers or pinwheels on sticks in decorated terracotta pots. Paint old frames and use to accent craft letters spelling out “USA.” Cover an old stool with a bandanna and perch a rustic tool or a child’s classic toy on top. Pop blooming plants in a water pitcher or watering can. For a more elegant feel, George advised using all white products accented by red and blue. 16

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Kathy Metrick is a Realtor in Midlothian. She’s launching a website, Pineapples and Peonies, focusing on home interiors and real estate and including a lifestyle blog. On Instagram she’s @pineapplesandpeoniesco.

Blooming flowers are a must for outdoor displays. Says Metrick: “I always criss-cross the flags in my flowerpots.”

Make your décor unique to you. Metrick’s front door initial “is a fun, unexpected element – a patriotic flag in a monogram.”

Think beyond the porch. Metrick dressed her lamppost with a bow reminiscent of the rosettes that adorn parade floats. CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

GIVING BACK

DIGITAL STRATEGIST GENEROUS WITH FREE ADVICE TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID TO KEEP GOING ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD

Katy Rugg and RJ Lewis 18

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

IGNITING SMALL BUSINESS THROUGH THE INTERNET MOST CLIENTS COME TO RJ LEWIS DIGITAL SEEKING TO

“I sought out brick-and-mortar businesses to brainstorm with

GROW THEIR BUSINESSES THROUGH E-COMMERCE, EMAIL

them about digital programs that would be adaptable to their

MARKETING, AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT.

businesses,” she said.

When COVID-19 hit, owner RJ Lewis found herself helping businesses with much more basic needs.

One such business was Petal Palate, which offers small-batch, artisanal foods made with edible flowers and herbs. Urban gardener

“Some didn’t have websites, let alone an online store,” Lewis said.

Katy Rugg, whose flowers come from her lush backyard gardens,

“These were small businesses, so I started looking at economical

had been setting up booths at community events and promoting

solutions and putting together digital roadmaps.”

through Facebook. With Lewis’s help, Rugg set up an online store

It’s all in a day’s work for an entrepreneur who feels “uniquely qualified to help clients understand the digital side of things.”

and created an email list to reach customers directly. “RJ’s advice came at a very critical time for me,” said Rugg, who

“People are on social media and online, but putting it all together,

also has worked at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and has collabo-

there’s no how-to,” Lewis said. “I’m really good at breaking it down

rated on planting projects at the Sunrise Senior Living Community in

and putting together a package that feels natural.”

Bon Air, McDonough Community Garden in Southside, and Historic

Lewis started in web development and design in the late 1990s. By 2010, she was innovating new digital products.

Jackson Ward. “I remembered meeting RJ in person at a Boss Babes event, and so I knew she would be a great person to talk with.”

“When I first started, there was no commercial sales funnel to test

Visitors to Rugg’s site, petalpalate.com, which advertises “Stop

audience engagement. I developed one,” Lewis said. Now that such

to smell your flowers … and eat them, too,” can now purchase wild-

online marketing tools are commercially available, Lewis focuses on

flower seeds and herbal teas online.

affordable options. “These tools don’t have to be financially crippling

Lewis praised Rugg for immediately embracing new digital

for small business,” Lewis said. “Some of the commercial options can

options. “We just had a conversation,” Lewis said, “and she took it

cost thousands of dollars a month. I can do it for less – and I go out of

and ran with it.”

my way to make the tools better than what’s out there.”

Similarly, Lewis offered pro bono consulting to a New Jersey

Thus, while building a website for a prominent public speaker, Lewis

nonprofit on how to convert an annual gala to a virtual format with

also created infrastructure for a series of online video courses. For

an online silent auction. She also gave no-cost consulting to a local

another client, Lewis built an Influence Academy to promote thought

jewelry designer on e-commerce and suggested DIY kits to help her

leadership on LinkedIn. Often, she helps clients with online content –

stay in business while customers sheltered at home.

blogs and email newsletters – to help them get found on Google. During the pandemic quarantine, Lewis continued to work as usual, while also supervising at-home academics for her three children. But she felt especially driven to help other small businesses, especially those that had been depending on physical contact with customers.

Now, as the economy recharges, Lewis has added “digital roadmapping” to her repertoire. “I’m helpful by nature,” Lewis said. “I feel like in this period of time, I was in a position to be of service.” https://justrjlewis.com/

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

A C L OC K TOWE R AN D A D RE AM Rhonda Howlett Carroll outside Main Street Station with its iconic clocktower.

ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD

FAST-GROWING CLOCKTOWER REALTY GROUP EARNS A REPUTATION BY ITS SERVICE TO CLIENTS, STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY 20

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

CLOCKTOWER REALTY GROUP HAS BEEN IN BUSI-

exciting and different. And I knew that at our core, I

NESS FOR JUST FIVE YEARS, BUT IT’S ALREADY

wanted a focus on ‘giving back,’” Rhonda said.

MADE A BIG IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY.

To attract and retain the best agents, Rhonda made it

Founded by Rhonda Howlett Carroll, principal broker,

a goal to do something exceedingly rare in the real estate

in 2015 and established as an individual brokerage in

business – offer health insurance benefits to agents.

2017, Clocktower has grown from just three agents to

This was no small goal. Real estate agents are gener-

more than 60 agents and support staff, working out of

ally contractors paid under federal 1099 guidelines, and

the company’s headquarters in downtown Richmond

thus usually don’t qualify for employer-provided benefits

near Main Street Station and a second office in

because they’re technically not “employees.”

Midlothian. Hugh Jones is Clocktower's CEO. “We’ve had this incredible growth for a brand-new business,” Rhonda said.

“We worked on this for about a year,” Rhonda said. “When we started looking into this, there was no way to set up a group policy for 1099 agents.”

Rhonda has always had a deep love for Richmond and

Rhonda said she “met with every single person who

Main Street Station, whose imposing clock tower was

had anything to do with health insurance” to devise a

the inspiration for the realty group’s name.

mechanism to offer the coverage. “We’re the first com-

Rhonda grew up in Mathews, on the Chesapeake Bay,

pany in the greater Richmond area, maybe in Virginia,

and fondly remembers Christmas trips to the big city to

to offer health insurance for 1099 agents,” she said.

visit Santa at the old Miller and Rhodes store, and travel-

“That was a big deal.”

ing through downtown looking at holiday lights.

The benefit was first offered to Clocktower agents in

“I used to get so excited as we drove up the inter-

November 2019. To make it work, Clocktower pays both

state and the city skyline came into view. When I saw

the employer premium portion and the agents’ premium

the robust outline of Main Street Station, I knew we had

portions upfront; agents repay Clocktower out of their

arrived,” Rhonda recalled. So, when she was consid-

commissions when home sales close.

ering names for her company, she knew she wanted a brand that was reflective of Richmond.

“Being a real estate agent is a full-time job,” Rhonda said. “It was very frustrating to me that there were no

“As I researched the building, I found that it is not only

options for health insurance for agents. I always try to

iconic and beautiful, but that it also has this immense

look out for my agents. We have some really awesome

strength,” said Rhonda, noting that the platform of the

and talented agents who work with us and we just

train shed still rests on its original trestles, making it the

wanted to make sure we could help them.”

largest intact train trestle system in the country. The

Since offering health insurance for 1099 agents,

train station’s combination of history, beauty, and strong

Clocktower also has begun offering supplemental insurance.

foundation offered the symbolism she sought.

In addition, because real estate can be a demanding

“Each house, each piece of land, each building has a

profession, with agents often working in the evenings

story,” Rhonda said. “I wanted a brand that was based on

and on weekends, the company also offers staff activ-

bringing out the beauty and the history in everything we do.”

ities that include spouses, significant others, and chil-

Beyond the brand, Clocktower Realty Group is based

dren. For example, on Memorial Day, Clocktower staff

on three core pillars.

and families enjoyed a pool party at Rhonda’s home.

“When I started Clocktower, I knew I wanted to sur-

“I try to make sure that everything we do as a company

round myself with the best people out there. I knew I

includes agents’ families,” Rhonda said. “We always

wanted to offer a company and a culture that was

want to make sure that families feel comfortable coming CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

A CLOCKTOWER AND A DREAM (CONTINUED)

into the office, that we create a really good dynamic for

fortunate to have a career that we love. Real estate

everyone who works here.”

has blessed us greatly and we enjoy being able to give

Besides offering benefits to agents, Clocktower truly

back to those around us.”

makes good on its promise to “give back” to the commu-

Clocktower also is proud of its Responders First

nity. Each month, Clocktower’s staff donates a portion

Home Source Program, which offers access to a net-

of their commissions to local and national charities.

work of local experts dedicated to supporting the real

These include VCU Athletics, REACHcycles (Richmond

estate needs of first responders. For purposes of the

Empowering Mobilities for Children with Cycles),

program, “first responder” is defined on the Clocktower

CenterStage Richmond, Better Housing Coalition,

website as “someone with specialized training whose

Habitat for Humanity, ASPCA, Wounded Warrior Project,

paid job is to respond immediately (first) to an accident

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Susan G. Komen breast

or emergency and provide assistance.”

cancer foundation, Toys for Tots, ASK Childhood Cancer

“Our purpose is to serve the first-responder commu-

Foundation, American Heart Association, and St. Jude

nity by providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for education, guid-

Children’s Research Hospital.

ance and service on real estate-related matters in order

“At Clocktower, we don’t just enjoy giving back to

to minimize time, effort and confusion for those seeking

the community, we thrive on it,” Rhonda said. “We

to buy or sell a home,” Rhonda said. “On the job, first

know how important it is to help others. We are very

responders serve others. It’s our job to serve them.”

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

CEO Hugh Jones

“EACH HOUSE, EACH PIECE OF LAND, EACH BUILDING HAS A STORY.”

Rhonda Howlett Carroll and her team

The program is available to firefighters,

Long also called Rhonda “much more

police officers, sheriffs and sheriff’s deputies,

tech savvy than the other companies we

correctional officers, state troopers, federal

looked at,” promoting the Founders Bridge

law enforcement officers, EMTs and para-

home aggressively on social media, pur-

medics employed in the city of Richmond

chasing ads, setting up mobile alerts, and

and in Chesterfield, Henrico, Goochland and

arranging for 3D walkthroughs.

Hanover counties. Clients rave about Clocktower agents and customer service. Rebecca Long recently worked with Rhonda to downsize from a

And, when Long mentioned the upcoming birthday of her 12-year-old daughter, Rhonda dropped by with a present. “She really went all out,” Long said.

5,300-square-foot house on a half-acre lot in

It’s that kind of personalized service that

Founders Bridge to a 2,600-square-foot house

characterizes the Clocktower Realtors that

with a first-floor master bedroom in Collington.

Rhonda leads.

“Rhonda came very highly recommended

“Our business is based on helping people

by some friends of ours,” Long said. “What

get to a better place, whatever that may

impressed me the most: She owns the

entail,” Rhonda said.

Clocktower agency, but she was our personal agent. She didn’t farm us out.” Long said Rhonda “listened to our needs” and “answered right away” any

Agents Jennifer Stevens and Mindy Munson

For the future, Clocktower plans to open a commercial division next year, operating out of a third location in Scott’s Addition. https://www.clocktowerrealtygroup.com/

time Long reached out by text message. CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

LOCALLY OWNED ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD

from tiny

Contemporary kitchen cabinetry by Wellborn

to Tremendous FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, WHEN PARAGON CONSTRUCTION CO. OPENED AT 12747 OAK LAKE COURT IN MIDLOTHIAN, ITS SHOWROOM MEASURED 300 SQUARE FEET. Thanks

PARAGON CONSTRUCTION’S EXPANSIVE NEW SHOWROOM LETS CUSTOMERS BRING THEIR ROOM DESIGN VISIONS TO LIFE

to a just-completed expansion, the design center is now a whopping 900% larger – 3,000 square feet. Today, customers stroll through four distinct departments and view three kitchens, a complete master bath, a model sunroom, and displays of exterior windows, doors and siding.

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Azek and TimberTech decking

Door style and color options to mix and match

Full access frameless Wellborn cabinets CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

“Our business is so visual across our major lines it really is critical for people to understand and to see

or an all-season outdoor space. Customers can choose just a deck, just a sunroom, or a combination.

what they are getting, and what the possibilities are,”

Also in this section are examples of railing and light-

said Jeremy Shank, president, designer and customer

ing, which leads customers into the fourth area of the

adviser. “The idea behind our showroom is to give cus-

showroom, featuring exterior windows, doors and sid-

tomers the actual visuals rather than pictures in a bro-

ing. “It’s not just about replacing these because they’ve

chure, so they can take their vision and actually see it.”

gone bad; it’s about updating style and improving qual-

The showroom’s largest department features

ity,” said Shank, noting that new exterior options are

three very different kitchens – traditional, transitional, and contemporary.

low-maintenance and energy efficient. The showroom experience concludes with a 3D

Customers can compare the traditional warm wood

creation of the customer’s redesigned living space.

tones, contemporary colors and styling, and bolder

3D technology has been used at Paragon for about

gloss finishes, and then mix and match.

eight years, Shank said.

“Part of what we hear from customers is that other companies impose their design will on their vision,” he said. “We listen to what they love about their kitchen and what they want to change.”

Once out of the showroom, customers continue to get personalized service. “The showroom is the starting point for your project,” said Shelley Neofotistos, business manager. “All our

The model kitchens demonstrate new function-

customers get a portal that lets them follow their proj-

alities like full-access cabinetry, also known as

ects from beginning to end. They can see the schedule

frameless cabinetry, which provide more storage

and get daily communications. We’re with them every

capacity and improve access within the cabinets.

step of the way.”

Other options include hands-free touch-to-open

The portal, called Builder Trend, gives customers the

doors and drawers, pull-out trash bins, pull-down

assurance of knowing exactly when demolition, instal-

shelving, hidden electrical outlets, and in-drawer

lation and finishing work will be done, as well as provid-

and in-cabinet storage systems.

ing a one-stop place for invoices, product warranties,

“The idea behind our showroom is to give customers the actual visuals rather than pictures in a brochure, so they can take their vision and actually see it.” The showroom’s second area features a model mas-

photos of work in progress, and communications from

ter bath done in transitional style, with a sleek freestand-

the project manager. The portal stays active even

ing soaking tub, a frameless glass shower, and a double

after the project is completed, Neofotistos added.

sink, all finished with matte black fixtures and cabinetry.

“Everything is there, and it doesn’t go away,” she said.

Customers can explore functioning heated floors, lighted closet rods, full skirted and concealed trap toilets, and frameless touch-to-open doors and drawers.

“It’s a central place for everything.” Neofotistos also serves as liaison between Paragon and the company’s vendors. “Our philosophy is that we

In the Outdoor Living department, Paragon advisers

don’t think a customer should be limited by the choices

start by learning how customers use their existing decks.

we have on display,” Shank said. “We don’t give people

“Most of our customers have decks that they use a

just five granite choices. Our job is to understand what

dozen times a year, because of mosquitoes, heat and

they want, and if we don’t have all those things in our

pollen, and they’re tired of the maintenance,” Shank said.

showroom, we can show them the countertops that

Outdoor Living features the low-maintenance PCV

meet their style preferences that are available through

planking that forms the foundation for Paragon’s decks

our partners and vendors.”

and porches. It also showcases a model sunroom that can be built as a screened porch, a three-season room,

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Contact Paragon at paragonrva.com

Wellborn storage accessibility option

Provia windows and siding options

All the extras - heated floors, motion-activated closet rod, push-to-open drawers

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

DIY

beat the summer heat ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

COOL OFF THIS SEASON WITH CHILLING ICE POPS + NO-BAKE SWEET TREATS

frozen fruit pops 28

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

P E AC H Y K E E N . + Combine simply peach juice

no-bake icebox cake

and sliced peaches TEA TIME: Change it up by using sweet tea and peach juice as your base and some ginger ale for a little fizz or add some lemonade for a tart twist!

S T R AW - B R R -Y. + Puree strawberries with your favorite fruit juice LIME IT UP: Combine pureed strawberries with homemade limeade (water, limes + simple syrup) for a frozen twist on a summer classic.

H 2 0 M E LO N . + Combine watermelon, cucumber and lime HYDRATION STATION: Did you know watermelon and cucumber are two of the most hydrating fruits + veggies? Load it up!

INGREDIENTS + 3 cups heavy cream, cold

+ Cookie crumbles, pre-made

+ 1/2 cup powdered sugar

cake, chocolate candies, crushed

+ 1 tsp. vanilla extract

graham crackers and anything else

+ Chocolate ice cream

you want to layer your cake with

1. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form in the mixture. 2. Start with a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a springform pan (determine the size by how large or small you want your icebox cake to be). Then top with an even layer of chocolate (or your favorite kind of ice cream). 3. For the next layer, top with an even layer of cookie crumbles, cake crumbles, chocolate candies, crushed graham crackers or anything else you want to layer your cake with. 4. Continue with layers of whipped cream, ice cream and toppings until you have reached the top of your pan. 5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, top with more cookie crumbles or chocolate sauce, slice and enjoy!

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

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Financing Available 804-874-9985 OutdoorLights.com/Richmond

COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION Virtual Consultations Available

Dreaming Up the Ideal Retirement is Your Job. Helping You Get There Is Ours. To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call or visit our offices today.

Sean Danowski

Chris Weller

240 Browns Way Road Midlothian, VA 23114-9501

2917 Fox Chase Lane Midlothian, VA 23112

804-794-3595

804-763-1414

sean.danowski@edwardjones.com

chris.weller@edwardjones.com

IRT-1848E-A

Financial Advisor

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Financial Advisor

edwardjones.com Member SIPC

VIRGINIA’S PREMIER INDOOR GOLF AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY

LEAGUE

PLAY

EVENTS

X-LEAGUE

LESSONS

We offer six state-of-the-art

X-Golf will help make your

Teams battle head to head in a 10

Our unique Golf lesson teaching

simulators that are designed for

Corporate or Charity Event run

week, handicapped match play

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golfing simulators.

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EVENTS

•

LIFESTYLE

•

BUSINESS

Capturing your authenticity while empowering your style Emily Alwood, Photographer

804-286-6448 emmiclaire.com

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

A NOTE ABOUT OUR CALENDAR

Our calendar returns after skipping two issues due to cancellations forced by COVID-19. At press time, there was no

ALL MONTH

360-video

VIRTUAL TOURS OF VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS

virtual travelers to visit the islands from

experience.

The

Faroe

Islands launched a first-of-its-kind video travel experience that allows anywhere and see it all from a local’s

James Monroe Museum: View 3D

perspective — and it’s all done live.

continue or if virtual events would be

versions of artifacts thanks to a proj-

https://www.remote-tourism.com/

converted to live ones. Before you attend

ect by University of Mary Washington

these or any other advertised events,

students. https://jamesmonroemu-

please contact the organizer to confirm

seum.umw.edu/

they are still happening as advertised.

Virginia

way to know whether live events would

Museum

History

& Culture: Over 250 hours of

ALL MONTH

recorded lectures and virtual tours

VIRTUAL TOURS OF RVA ATTRACTIONS

2 MOONLIGHT CANOE TOUR Bear Creek Lake State Park

of current exhibitions. https://www.

Take a float as day turns to twilight,

virginiahistor y.org/your-visit/

when the lake's headwaters become

virginia-history-home

a seemingly different place, with

Poplar Forest: A visit to Thomas

strange sounds and crepuscular

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Explore

Jefferson's

via

activities. In addition to viewing

via

personal

retreat

Facebook. https://www.poplarfor-

nature, participants will learn some

https://www.vmfa.museum/

est.org/#section-1

of the area's history. No canoe expe-

Maymont: Virtual and audio tours

Mount Vernon: An armchair view of

rience

of grounds and mansion, and vir-

George Washington's home. https://

provided. Registration required: $6.

tual learning opportunities for kids.

virtualtour.mountvernon.org/

7:45-9 p.m. Tour also offered July 31.

Instagram,

audio

virtually.

https://maymont.org/ Agecroft Hall & Gardens: Daily on

Facebook,

#museumathome.

https://www.agecrofthall.org/ Branch Museum of Architecture and Design: Try engineering exercises for kids on the YouTube channel.

necessary;

all

equipment

h t t p s : //w w w. d c r.v i r-

ALL MONTH

ginia.gov/state -parks/

TOUR THE FAROE ISLANDS WITH A LOCAL IN REAL TIME

ginia.gov/state -parks/

park-event-info?id=BC200004-02 h t t p s : //w w w. d c r.v i rpark-event-info?id=BC200004-03

The Faroe Islands, a remote nation

https://branchmuseum.org/

set halfway between Iceland and

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Norway, is now open for (virtual)

https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/

tourism. And no, this isn’t just another

virtual-visit/

Jenn Hart, Coach House Realty (804) 317 - 7997

•

hart-and-sold.com

Jenn@Hart-and-Sold.com

Settle In Before Summer’s End. We’ll have you in your Dream Home by September! 32

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

J. Raleigh Hood, Loan Officer Mason-McDuffie Mortgage | NMLS ID #1554726 804-767-4946

•

jraleighhood.com

jhood@masonmac.com

NATIVE TREE IDENTIFICATION HIKE

BUTTERFLIES ON THE BATTLEFIELD, POLLINATOR & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

Powhatan State Park

Have you ever wondered what kind of tree you were passing in the park?

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

This hike is an introduction to the

Explore a large open field set aside

basics of native tree identification.

as a butterfly garden, and learn about

Brush up on your tree knowledge,

the the insects that pollinate flowers.

or dive into a new world of native

Free, family friendly, rain or shine.

tree

Event runs until 2 p.m. Contact visitor

identification.

Approximately

1.5 hours on an easily traveled trail.

center with questions.

Wear closed shoes; bring water. Free.

h t t p s : //w w w. d c r.v i r-

Repeats on June 28.

ginia.gov/state -parks/

h t t p s : //w w w. d c r.v i r-

park-event-info?id=SC200011-00

ginia.gov/state -parks/ park-event-info?id=PW200020-06 h t t p s : //w w w. d c r.v i rginia.gov/state -parks/

Would you like to get in touch

park-event-info?id=PW200020-09

with

us?

hear

from

you!

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FINANCIAL BUZZ

be the boss of your money

YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY. HERE’S HOW.

ARTICLE SEAN DANOWSKI, EDWARD JONES

IN YOUR LIFE, YOU WILL HAVE ALL SORTS OF RELATION-

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SHIPS – WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS, AND EVEN ORGANIZATIONS YOU SUPPORT. But have you ever considered the relationship you have with money? This type of relationship has several aspects, including saving, spending and investing. Your fellow Americans face challenges in these areas. In a recent survey by financial services firm Edward Jones, only 21% of respondents reported feeling happy when thinking about saving money, while 92% said they see room for improvement in their financial health. If you share some of these concerns, what should you do?

IDENTIFY YOUR MONEYRELATED EMOTIONS. Try to recognize the emotions you feel in connection with saving and investing. Do you get nervous about spending? Does saving money for the future give you satisfaction? Emotions are closely tied to money – but they

should not play a big role in your choices. DEVELOP A FINANCIAL STRATEGY. By developing a sound financial strategy, based on goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, you can reduce money-related stress. By creating a long-term strategy and sticking to it, you’ll be far less likely to overreact to market downturns and less inclined

to succumb to impulsive purchases. GET AN “ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER.” By being open about your finances with loved ones, you can enlist help in staying on track toward your goals. You may also benefit from the help of a financial professional – someone with the perspective, experience and skills necessary to help you make the right moves.

https://www.edwardjones.com/sean-danowski Sean.Danowski@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Midlothian Lifestyle | July 2020

Sean Danowski, Edward Jones Financial Advisor

sales@theyeatmangroup.com | www.theyeatmangroup.com