N OV E M B E R 2 02 0
TH A N KFU L I SSU E HOME + DESIGN C OZ Y U P YO U R H O M E FO R T H E H O L I DAY S! A WO RK O F AR T FO R YO U R F LO O R LI F E + C U LTU R E T H E N U RSE AT T O RN E Y AN D H ER SI N G I N G S O L D I ER FOOD + DRINK L EF T OVER , B U T N O T L EF T O U T
W H AT ’ S Y O U R H O M E W O R T H ? R E C E I V E A F R E E H O M E VA L U AT I O N
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 what your home is worth! 804.372.8787 | sales@theyeatmangroup.com | Like and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
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
Huguenot Hundred
10710 Cherokee RD
6,052
$1,750,000
$289
08/26/20
50
Founders Bridge
16225 Maple Hall DR
6,700
$1,172,000
$174
09/15/20
23
Hallsley
2325 Cheverton LN
5,004
$1,100,000
$219
08/27/20
38
Hallsley
2418 Cheverton LN
4,236
$925,000
$218
09/15/20
106
Tarrington
13420 Ellerton TER
7,308
$919,000
$125
08/31/20
45
Hallsley
1719 Tulip Hill DR
3,601
$849,900
$236
08/28/20
57
Brookstone
3201 Fox Hurst DR
6,019
$750,000
$124
08/27/20
144
Tarrington
4118 Caddington DR
3,861
$740,586
$191
09/10/20
39
Hallsley
2130 Farnborough DR
3,512
$715,000
$203
08/31/20
2
Tarrington
12648 Grendon DR
5,575
$700,000
$112
09/16/20
97
Founders Bridge
16148 Swallowtail PL
6,225
$700,000
$125
08/27/20
94
The Sanctuary At Roseland
15812 Garston LN
3,366
$652,000
$193
09/09/20
192
Rountrey
14901 Alvecote DR
3,451
$650,000
$188
09/15/20
29
Hallsley
1354 Keaton Chase LN
3,353
$640,000
$190
09/04/20
68
Tarrington
12800 Caddington CT
3,098
$630,000
$203
09/25/20
77
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 9/25/20)
For a more in depth analysis of our local market, please call us at 804.372.8787 or sales@theyeatmangroup.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Mary Ellin Arch | maryellin.arch@lifestylepubs.com
Welcome to November, Midlothian!
Emily Alwood, EmmiClaire Photography | hello@emmiclaire.com
CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT AUTUMN IS ALREADY UPON US?
Emily Alwood, EmmiClaire Photography | hello@emmiclaire.com
We expect you’re pulling jackets and boots out of storage, enjoying beautifully cool
Meghan Butcher, The Dirty Blonde Stylist thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com
days, savoring campfires and s’mores, and reveling in the rustling of fallen leaves. This
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
PUBLISHER A SSISTANT
month, we focus on how very thankful we are to connect with our community, your
AD DESIGNER
families, and your businesses. It’s been true joy to create each issue to highlight the
Matthew Endersbe
wonderful things Midlothian is doing together! With that being said, welcome to the Thankful Issue! We’ve had so much fun putting it together. This month, we’re dancing in your hearts as we highlight local businesses that have achieved so much by helping others. We’re offering tips on how to cozy up
L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITER
M. Katherine Fisher, fisher.katherine@gmail.com
your home for the fast-approaching holidays. We’re featuring an amazing couple who have quite a heart to serve others in astounding ways. And, we’re featuring gorgeous ways to bring your artistic flair to your floors. Plus, we’re bringing some amazing new partners to your homes that you’ll want to check out in between the pages this month! As we head into the holiday season, we are most certainly grateful, and blessed, to travel this road with you, our readers and partners. We look forward to many new
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
adventures amid these cooler temperatures, and we know the best is yet to come!
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
Enjoy!
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Aaron Swart, Publisher
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian ON THE COVER Annie Spratt on Unsplash 4
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 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.
INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020
FEATURES 10 Cozy Up for the Holidays! Bring the warmth of the season into your home with a few simple touches
18 A Work of Art for Your Floor There’s a world of options at World of Rugs, and each makes a unique statement
24 The Nurse-Attorney and Her Singing Soldier Dynamic Midlothian couple juggles multiple careers but still makes time for each other
10 24
32 Passion Project At Legacy School of Dance, the emphasis is on family, fun, and supporting one another
32
18 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
10
Renovate & Refine
14
Culinary Creations
24 Our Town 28 Locally Owned 32 Inspired By
AROUND TOWN
MERCEDES-BENZ OF MIDLOTHIAN PARTICIPATING IN FALL COMMUNITY GIVE-BACK PROGRAM Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian will celebrate its 60th anniversary by driving business to local restaurants during the fourth quarter of 2020. Anyone who buys a new or preowned vehicle from the dealership through December 31 will receive a $100 gift card to a locally-owned area restaurant. The Midlothian dealership, along with Mercedes-Benz of Richmond, will support at least 30 restaurants or restaurant groups during the fall promotions period. The company anticipates investing about $50,000 through the community-focused initiative. The company will select the restaurants
to
receive
financial
support based on online suggestions from customers, the public and employees. You can suggest a restaurant through Mercedes-Benz of
Midlothian:
https://forms.gle/
4NymPjZY2ojjTwdK8 Customers
purchasing
a
new
or pre-owned vehicle in the fourth quarter can also choose to contribute $100 to FeedMore instead of getting a restaurant gift card. “This is the year of neighbors helping neighbors and we’re happy we could come up with a way to offer some support,” said Dave Mitchell, president of parent company David R. McGeorge Car Co., Inc. Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian is located at 12200 Midlothian Turnpike. mbofmidlothian.com
GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS OPENS NOV. 20 If for
it's
November,
GardenFest
of
it's Lights
time at
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This holiday
tradition
features
holiday lights and decorations, festive dinners,
hot
chocolate
for sale, and more fun, from 5 to 8
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
10 p.m. daily. Attendance is by pre-purchased, timed tickets, $14. https://www.lewisginter.org/event/ dominion-gardenfest-of-lights/ ~ M. Katherine Fisher
CEREMONIES SET TO HONOR OUR VETERANS Veterans
Day
originated
as
walk on art
“Armistice Day” on November 11, 1918, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I – the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. This year that historic occurrence will be celebrated during the Commonwealth of Virginia's annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Virginia War Memorial E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater. For details: https://vawarmemorial.org/ events/2020veteransday/ On Nov. 7, Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park will present its annual Luminary Program in honor of those who have defended our freedoms throughout our nation's history, both living and deceased. Visitors will be led in groups along the Wheaton Hiking Trail, lit with hundreds of luminaries, where living historians will provide personal accounts of the Battles of Sailor's Creek at various points. 7-8 p.m. https://www. d c r.v i r g i n i a . g ov/s t a t e - p a r k s/ park-event-info?id=SC200009-00 Also on Nov. 7: Historical interpreter H. Lee Dixon will present a lecture to mark the anniversary of the 1975 ending of the Vietnam War.
IMPORTER OF HANDMADE
For the time and further details,
ORIENTAL RUGS
call Bryan Truzzie, 804-751-4946 or truzzieb@chesterfield.gov
https://
w w w.chester fieldhistor y.com/ upcoming-events ~ M. Katherine Fisher
THOUSANDS OF RUGS IN STOCK OF ALL SIZES 9944 MIDLOTHIAN TNPK., RICHMOND 804.323.5540
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Midlothian using the Get In Touch
We Make House Calls
Locally Owned and Operated For 50 Years
link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
9
RENOVATE & REFINE
BRING THE WARMTH OF THE SEASON INTO YOUR HOME WITH A FEW SIMPLE TOUCHES
THE HOLIDAYS ARE A PERFECT TIME
We teamed up with Janet Brown Interiors,
FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO GATHER
who supplied us with all the holiday feels
TOGETHER. Celebrate the year and toast to
with just a few luxurious pieces. Get the
new beginnings in your beautiful home!
look by adding decorative themed throw
JANET BROWN INTERIORS https://www.janetbrowndesign.com/
There is nothing more inviting than a cozy
pillows to your armchairs. We are obsess-
MEGHAN BUTCHER
throw blanket, warm seasonal candles burn-
ing over this green alpaca and red-spotted
https://thedirtyblondestylist.com/
ing and light holiday music playing in the
salsa pillow to instantly transform your
background. Want to set the scene in your
space. Get cozy on your couch by tossing
house? Bring the warmth of the holidays into
an incredible faux fur sable throw over the
your home with a few simple touches.
edge. Finish the look by decorating the end
10
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
ARTICLE MEGHAN BUTCHER, THE DIRTY BLONDE STYLIST
PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD, EMMICLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
C o z y U p fo r t he Holidays!
tables with this whimsical cardinal house
2.
1.
and tree set, or brightly colored glass spheres in various sizes and colors. Don’t have end tables in your living room? Get festive with this hand-painted old Saint Nick bowl on your coffee table. Each of these pieces can be mixed and matched to create a style all your own. Janet Brown Interiors is not short on options either! With over 300 pillow options in their collection, you’re to find the perfect pair for your home. Whether you use all or some of these tips for your holiday decorating, your home will feel festive and inviting to all!
get the look 1:
GREEN ALPACA PILLOW Comes in a variety of colors, 22x22. $429.
3.
4.
2:
SALSA RED SPOT PILLOW 14x22. $178. 3:
FAUX FUR SABLE THROW Velour lined, the epitome of luxury. $750. 4:
OLD SAINT NICK BOWL Hand-painted and scalloped bowl painted in Italy. $169. 5. 5:
CARDINAL HOUSE Perfect holiday decor. $126. 6:
GLASS SPHERES These decorative spheres come in a variety of sizes and colors. $22 - $45. 6. 7:
HOLIDAY TREES Set of six trees comes in a variety of colors and styles. Not pictured. Please see main image. $69.
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
11
12
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
13
CULINARY CREATIONS
lef t over, but not lef t out DON'T TOSS THOSE THANKSGIVING DINNER REMNANTS! USE THEM TO CREATE DELIGHTFUL SECOND- AND THIRD-DAY MEALS
ARTICLE DAVID DUNLAP, PRIVATE CHEF EVENTS AND CATERING | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD, EMMICLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
Chef David Dunlap
Thanksgiving Quiche
14
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
IT’S NOVEMBER, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS - TURKEY AND STUFFING. And you know what else it means - turkey and stuffing leftovers. But never fear! There are a variety of things you can do with Thanksgiving dinner leftovers besides make sandwiches. Here are two super-simple recipes using leftovers from your big holiday feast. And not just turkey and stuffing, either - these recipes use up the last of your cranberry sauce and vegetable side dishes, too. So when you’re clearing the table after everyone’s finished eating, drop the leftovers into storage containers and plan to make these delightful second- and third-day meals.
t h a n k sg iv i n g empa n ad a s Makes 10
i n g re d ient s + 1 cup chopped turkey + 1 cup mixed vegetables + ½ cup stuffing + ¼ cup gravy
Thanksgiving Empanadas
+ ½ cup diced caned cranberry jelly + 1 pack Goya brand empanada wrappers
d i rec t ion s 1. Mix all ingredients together. 2. Place two tablespoons of filling in the center of each wrapper. 3. Fold wrapper in half and using a fork seal the ends by pressing down with the fork. 4. Bake in oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. 5. Allow empanadas to cool for 10 minutes before enjoying.
t h a n k sg iv i n g q u iche Makes 2 Quiches
i n g re d ient s + 2 9” pie crust + 1 cup mixed vegetables + 1½ cup chopped turkey + 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped + 1 tbsp fresh thyme + 1 cup stuffing + 2 cup cream
David Dunlap is a noted local chef who served most recent-
+ 2 cup milk
ly as executive chef at Quirk Hotel Richmond. He plans to
+ 5 eggs
open Midlothian Chef's Kitchen on Busy Street soon.
d i rec t ion s
CHEF DAVID DUNLAP
1. Pre-cook pie crusts for 30 minutes at 300° F.
www.ChefDavidDunlap.com
2. Divide ingredients and add to pie crust. Cook for 45 minutes in a 325° F oven.
ChefDavidDunlap@gmail.com
3. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
805.280.1777
Private Chef Events and Catering
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
15
16
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD, EMMICLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
A Work of Art for Your Floor
THERE’S A WORLD OF OPTIONS AT WORLD OF RUGS – AND EACH MAKES A UNIQUE STATEMENT ABOUT YOUR STYLE
18
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
WALKING INTO ERWIN FRANKE’S WORLD OF RUGS IS LIKE STEPPING BACK IN TIME. Some rugs in the shop, a local fixture at 9944 Midlothian Turnpike, are hundreds of years old, and virtual works of art. “It’s like a museum – but better,” Erwin says with obvi-
“I SELL PRODUCTS THAT I WOULD HAVE IN MY OWN HOME.” ~ ERWIN FRANKE
ous pride. “Here you can touch, and you can pick something to buy and take it home.” Rugs are everywhere – hanging in windows, stacked on the floor, tacked to walls, suspended overhead, displayed on the sidewalk. Persian, Indian, contemporary, traditional, hand-knotted, machine woven, woolen, silken, in every color, pattern and texture. It’s impossible not to find something you like. And Erwin, who’s been at the shop as employee and then owner since he arrived from Germany in 1979, is there daily to help customers select a unique, high-quality rug that fits their style and budget.
RUGS V. CARPET The first thing Erwin’s customers learn is the difference between rug and carpet. Carpet is wall-to-wall flooring that completely hides the hardwood or subfloor beneath. Rugs are anything short of wall-to-wall – accent rugs, area rugs, room-size rugs and runners (typically used in hallways). Rugs are generally measured in feet with common sizes being 2-by-3, 4-by-6, 5-by-7, and 8-by-10. But
Erwin’s
customers
want
more
than flooring. “You buy a house. It becomes your home. When you put your rug down, there’s meaning there,” Erwin says. “A rug brings personality and life. It says, ‘This is my home. I don’t care what my neighbor has. This is me.’” Before shopping for a rug, Erwin advises thinking about color, pattern and style preferences. Also, think in terms of a rug you’d like to keep for a long time, because with regular care, a rug can last for decades and beyond, passed down through your family for generations. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
19
A WORK OF ART FOR YOUR FLOOR (CONTINUED)
MEASURE FIRST “Most people buy rugs that are too large or too small,” Erwin says. Before you shop, measure the room, and then the furniture footprint. “Many people put a 5-by-7 in the dining room. That’s nonsense,” he said. “The chairs should stay on the rug.” He recommends 8-by-10 for most dining rooms. For living rooms, “My philosophy is the rug needs to go to the front legs of the sofa.” He advises against putting rugs partially under furniture, which results in uneven wear and fading. Don’t settle for a smaller rug to save money. While Erwin carries rugs with five- and six-figure price tags, there’s a wide variety of machinemade rugs for $600-700 and hand-knotted rugs for $3,000-$4,000.
CARING FOR RUGS Erwin’s top-quality rugs don’t require extraordinary care. He recommends regular vacuuming and prompt cleanup of spills, and then thorough cleaning on a schedule determined by where the rug is used. A rug in a high-traffic family room should be cleaned every 4-5 years. In a bedroom, every 15 years is enough. Because rugs are portable, Erwin recommends removing the rug and taking it to a rug cleaner. There it will be soaked in a soap solution, cleaned on both sides, rinsed, put through a wringer and hung to dry. This process cleans and dries the entire rug and differs from steam cleaning, which can push soil deep into carpet fibers and can sometimes trap moisture near the carpet backing, which can affect wear and livability. On Facebook: Erwin Franke’s World of Rugs 804.323.5540 20
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
21
TRANSFORM YOUR HOME with the beauty of
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
For over 20 years, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has been transforming homes with expert design, impeccable installation and thoughtful maintenance. Add beauty, safety and security to your home for years to come.
10 Lights | $2,375 15 Lights | $3,400 *Includes BOCA uplights and Sarasota path lights. Photo sensor and transformer astronomical timer may be an additional charge. Light count may vary based on design plan.
Financing Available 804-874-9985 OutdoorLights.com/Richmond
COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION Virtual Consultations Available
EXPERIENCE OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW COMMUNITY
™
OUR SALES GALLERY IS NOW OPEN 14399 N. Gayton Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059 WWW.RUI.NET/THE-WESTMONT ·
@WESTMONTSHORTPUMP
Call 804-495-8880 for more information. A RETIREMENT UNLIMITED, INC. COMMUNITY · FRALIN & WALDRON FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED IN VIRGINIA FOR MORE THAN 35 YEARS
* Actual
22
photos of community and residents
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
OPENING EARLY 2021
The Floor Store makes your
flooring purchase easy Full Bathroom Renovations / Great Pricing / Large Inventory Professional Sales Team / Quick Turn Around
Call Today for a Free In-Home Estimate
Carpet | Hardwood | Laminate | Tile | Luxury Vinyl | Vinyl | Natural Stone | Glass Tile | Cork
(804) 464-4338
TheFloorStoreRVA.com
1281 Carmia Way Bon Air, Virginia 23235 CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
23
OUR TOWN ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD, EMMICLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
PABLO AND EILEEN TALAMANTE ARE
Eileen is both a registered nurse and an
focus on Pablo, and that if not for COVID-
attorney with over 20 years of combined
19 cancellations, he would have performed
They preside over a blended family of four
nursing and legal experience. Her resume
at the White House state dinner for Queen
grown children and manage two unusual
includes previous work as a registered nurse
Letizia of Spain and her husband, Prince
and incredibly demanding careers.
in the cardiac and critical care setting, and
Felipe. Pablo countered by saying the
That’s two careers EACH.
she now works as partner at the local law
article should focus on Eileen, suggesting
Pablo is an active-duty member and tenor
firm
QUITE THE COUPLE.
PLLC.,
a story on the unprecedented times that
soloist with the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s
where she represents nurses and physicians
nurses are enduring during the pandemic,
Own” and serves as a “musical ambassa-
in licensure and disciplinary matters before
and acknowledging his nurse-attorney wife
dor for the nation” as part of the U.S. Army
the Virginia Boards of Nursing and Medicine.
and the many medical professionals she
Chorus. Over his career with the Army he has
Each one points to the other as most
performed for hundreds of war veterans from every branch of the military. He also continues a career as an operatic tenor soloist. 24
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
of
GoodmanAllenDonnelly,
deserving of the spotlight. In a recent interview with the couple, Eileen pointed out that the article should
protects on a daily basis. “She’s just an amazing professional, and a devoted wife, mother, daughter and sister,” Pablo said.
THE NURSEAT T O R N E Y A N D HER SINGING SOLDIER DYNAMIC MIDLOTHIAN COUPLE JUGGLES MULTIPLE CAREERS BUT STILL MAKES TIME FOR EACH OTHER
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Pablo: Performed at the funerals of Presidents Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and George Bush; requested to perform at the White House for the last six U.S. presidents. Eileen: Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in March, where she heard oral arguments before the nine justices, including the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Published “2020 is Designated as the ‘Year of the Nurse’ … Wow, Is it Ever…”, examining COVID-19’s impacts on nursing, in the May 2020 editions of the Virginia Lawyers Weekly and the Virginia Medical Law Report.
“He is such an extraordinary talent, and
“I welcome them, break the ice between
he provides tremendous hope and comfort
the generals and sing songs from their
through his music,” Eileen said.
hometowns,” he said. “It’s quite magical
“When you stand before a World War
So how in the world did they meet?
when the music transcends differences and
II veteran and watch the emotion in their
“I met my Mexican husband through
borders between nations.”
eyes as you sing our national anthem, it is
some of his most cherished memories as a vocalist with the Army.
my Irish priest in Pawleys Island, South
Some dignitaries ask for Pablo specif-
Carolina,” said Eileen with a smile. They
ically. He was requested to perform for
were married in 2006.
Queen Sofia of Spain at the Holy See Medal
Initially, the couple made their home
Pablo, a master sergeant, is stationed at
of Peace presentation at the United Nations,
in Henrico County and later moved to
a truly humbling and moving experience,” he said.
Fort Myer, Virginia. In addition to fulfilling typ-
for example. He also was deployed to Izmir,
Midlothian; Eileen’s parents live nearby, in
ical military obligations like training exercises
Turkey, during the U.S. Army Operation
Brandermill Woods. “We saw the beautiful
and qualifying on the range, he’s frequently
“Provide Comfort” in the Persian Gulf.
sunsets of Midlothian and decided to move
called upon to entertain visiting dignitaries,
But Pablo points to the many perfor-
especially those from Latin American nations.
mances he as given to U.S. war veterans as
‘across the river’ to greener pastures,” Pablo said with a grin.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
25
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
“ANY TALENTS, CAPABILITIES, AND OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE HAD ARE GOD-GIVEN.”
During the COVID lockdown, some official state visits and scheduled performances were canceled, forcing Pablo and his unit to develop virtual concerts. With less travel on
Pablo, who released his first “Volume 1 Live Recordings”
his schedule, Pablo got to spend more time at home – just
CD this summer, is set to retire from active duty in 2021.
as Eileen’s work became even more hectic than usual.
But he says he won’t stop singing.
“On any given day I probably have 30 to 40 or more
“I’ll keep performing as long as my voice doesn’t give
active cases, somewhere along the board process,” said
out,” said Pablo, who performs mostly folk, romantic bal-
Eileen, who also has been working from home during the
lads, opera arias, and classical or semiclassical music. He
pandemic. “COVID has made things even more compli-
also plays piano and guitar.
cated and has created numerous, unprecedented challenges for our health care providers.” Because of her heavy workload even in the best of times, “we have to coordinate our schedules very closely,” Pablo said. “She’s very efficient even though her days are often unpredictable.” “It’s a demanding job and really hard to be off,” Eileen said. “You can never fully predict your days or what urgent issues will arise for a client at any given moment.”
He recently performed a Valentine’s Day concert at Independence Golf Club and received many accolades from attendees, one of whom told him, “I forgot where I was; I thought I was on a cruise ship in Europe!” As the couple looks ahead to Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, they expressed gratitude for their many blessings in life. “As a first-generation immigrant of 35 years in this country, I’ve been immensely grateful for the career I’ve had
Eileen deals with complaints made against physicians
and the communities that have welcomed me throughout
and nurses to their respective licensing boards, which
the nation,” Pablo said. “I am blessed with a God-given
threaten their ability to practice and thus their livelihoods.
voice and proud to be serving in the United States Army.”
“I have to make sure the board has the information it
Eileen expressed similar sentiments. “Any talents,
needs to make a fair decision. My clients depend on me
capabilities, and opportunities we have had are God-
and trust me to protect their license under what are often
given. We are incredibly grateful and humbled to have
very difficult circumstances,” Eileen said.
careers that allow us to serve so many of our country’s
She added, “Though I am not practicing nursing at the bedside anymore, I am still a nurse at heart and always will be. Once a nurse, always a nurse. Health care providers help all of us, and my mission is to help them. I don’t take their trust for granted, and I take my job very seriously.”
heroes, both our amazing veterans and our health care workers,” she said. Then the former cardiac nurse made a tender observation about her husband. “People sometimes comment on what different careers
Eileen also is active in professional organizations, serving
Pablo and I have, but I have always felt that our careers
on the board of directors of the American Association of
are quite similar,” she said. “Those who have been lucky
Nurse Attorneys, and as the immediate past president of the
enough to hear him sing will tell you that he truly heals
Lewis F. Powell Jr., American Inn of Court, Richmond Chapter.
people with his voice. Countless people have told me that
When they do get time off together, the couple enjoy doing the “simple things” like hanging out with family and friends, doing house projects and yard work, making trips
26
back to Pawleys Island, and staying active outdoors, usually by taking long walks to the James River.
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
hearing Pablo sing changed their lives. “He takes care of people’s hearts as much as any doctor or nurse – just in a different way.”
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
27
LOCALLY OWNED
Best of the Best THE YEATMAN GROUP BRINGS HOME AN ARMFUL OF AWARDS, INCLUDING NO. 1 IN RVA AND 37TH IN THE NATION
ARTICLE THE YEATMAN GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY JASON COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY
THE YEATMAN GROUP, LED BY KYLE YEATMAN, CONTIN-
The team earned the #37 spot on the list as one of the top teams
UES TO GROW BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS DESPITE ALL THE
in the nation in 2019 for closed units, moving up over 130 spots
ADVERSITIES OF 2020, AND AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON
from last year’s ranking.
APPROACHES, THE TEAM IS REMINDED OF HOW ETERNALLY GRATEFUL THEY ARE TO DO WHAT THEY DO.
Locally the team is ranked as the #1 selling real estate team in the RVA region by volume and units. The team also produced
In 2020 The Yeatman Group was once again voted as
the Rookie of the Year, Katlyn Beach, and Sales Manager of the
Richmond’s Best Real Estate Team by the readers of The
Year, Kyle Yeatman, and Best Social Media awarded by the Home
Richmond Times-Dispatch for the second year in a row. The
Building Association of Richmond.
team has been voted into the Top 3 of Richmond’s Best for the past four years. Not only did they earn the vote of the people, but they also
Despite the rapid growth the team has experienced, they have been able to cultivate a positive and fun work environment that earned them recognition as a 2020 Top Workplaces in Richmond.
shattered records by ranking in the Top 50 Real Estate Teams in
“Together, we’ve been able to achieve results we never thought
the country by The REAL Trends’ annual The Thousand List and
possible,” Yeatman said. “Our clients and partners will be and have
America’s Best rankings, published by The Wall Street Journal in June.
always been the reason we do what we do every day.”
28
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
Celebrating six years in business, The Yeatman Group is on pace to sell over 600 homes and over $250 million in real estate sales volume by the end of the year. The company hopes to continue to grow its “family” of friends and partners and looks forward to another great year ahead. The Yeatman Group of Long & Foster Real Estate was started by Kyle Yeatman after seeing a tremendous gap in the marketplace for
competent
representation
of buyers and sellers, mainly in new construction, but also in the resale market. TYG is now one of the fastest growing real estate teams in Richmond, providing an unparalleled level of experience and service to home buyers and sellers throughout Central Virginia.
The
team
uniquely
specializes in new construction, proudly representing eight local premier home builders. For all your real estate needs, contact The Yeatman Group at
804.NEW.HOME
or
visit
findyournest.com.
The Yeatman team
“TOGETHER, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE RESULTS WE NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. OUR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS WILL BE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE REASON WE DO WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY.” CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
29
Because it’s how you live that matters.
MEMORY CARE: 14020 Steeplestone Drive, Midlothian | (804) 897-3332 ASSISTED LIVING: 14001 Turnberry Lane, Midlothian | (804) 897-2727
www.springarborliving.com
Beautiful Blooms – start with proper winter pruning.
Contact us today for your free consultation. ...And get a jump start on your landscape design now, to plan for an outdoor space that brings you pride and joy.
TrilliumGardensRVA.com 30
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
31
INSPIRED BY
PASSION PROJECT
AT LEGACY SCHOOL OF DANCE, THE EMPHASIS IS ON FAMILY, FUN AND SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER
ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY ALWOOD, EMMICLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
DICTIONARY.COM DEFINES “LABOR OF LOVE” AS
their needs,” Mary said. “Training dancers with proper
“WORK DONE FOR THE SAKE OF ONE’S OWN ENJOY-
technique and encouraging scholastic achievement is
MENT OR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS RATHER THAN
extremely important. This is a passion project for us.”
FOR MATERIAL REWARDS.” The example sentence reads, “He coached amateur baseball teams as a labor of love.”
With Kim designing new dance programming and Mary steering the business end, the studio enjoyed immediate
That example sentence could also read: “Kimberly R.
enrollment growth. It soon became apparent that the studio
Ligatti and Mary Farr-Maynard operate Legacy School of
should move from its original location, an area in decline,
Dance as a labor of love.”
which led to the move to Colony Crossing Place around 2013.
The studio, located at 2441 Colony Crossing Place for seven
The studio employs about a dozen instructors, with dance
of its 10 years, lives up to its promise to offer excellence in
degrees or professional experience. Students as young as 2
dance instruction through student-centered classes led by
and all the way up to adults learn everything from ballet, tap,
credentialed teachers. And for Kim, the artistic director, and
and jazz to contemporary, hip hop and acro.
Mary, the business manager, it’s also what they do for fun. The two co-owners both have day jobs. Kim is a special
“Some of our instructors have been with us from the beginning,” Mary said. “They are all like family to us.”
education teacher at Providence Elementary School; Mary
Positivity is a core value. “We really want our students to
is the office manager for her husband’s company, Midlothian
cheer each other on, to support other dancers when some-
Glass and Door Inc. When they first met years ago, Kim was
one is having a bad day,” Kim said. “We want them to be
a teacher at the dance studio where Mary’s daughter took
there for each other.
classes. An unusual opportunity to purchase the dance studio presented itself, and these two virtual strangers decided to take a leap of faith and buy it.
“The stuff that happens on Dance Moms is not what you see here.” The focus on strong programs, student-centered classes,
“We wanted to beef up the program and build a reputable,
experienced instruction and positive values led to enrollment
well-respected dance studio,” said Kim, who was a student
of around 1,000 students at the beginning of 2020. And then,
at the former studio before she began teaching there.
COVID-19 struck. Almost immediately, enrollment fell by
“We bought a business that was run down and depleted of customers, and we committed to developing each dancer with individualized instruction to meet
32
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
about 30% as some parents withdrew their children from the program in response to the pandemic and quarantine. The studio closed – but not for long.
CONTINUED >
“ THE STUFF THAT HAPPENS ON DANCE MOMS IS NOT WHAT YOU SEE HERE.”
CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian
33
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) Kimberly R. Ligatti and Mary Farr-Maynard
“I refused to accept that we wouldn’t dance,” Kim said. Immediately, Kim and her instructional team prepared YouTube videos and resumed dance instruction virtually. “We were up and running in a week,” she said. “It was amazing.” Spring recitals went on as well, albeit with significant changes including physically distanced seating arrangements by family groups. “We did mini-shows, in groups by age,” Kim said. “It just involved finding a different way of doing things.” She added, “We heard a lot of very positive comments about the mini-shows – especially from the dads.” With the studio programming running from fall to spring, summer is the time for Kim and Mary to take some time off. Both say the studio – open from mid-afternoon through 9 p.m. – is the way they relax and unwind from their regular jobs. But they also enjoy traveling together, often on trips to New York and elsewhere to sample other dance programs and get new ideas. For now, due to COVID concerns, the Legacy ladies skipped any travel involving students, which previously had been scheduled every other year. One thing that COVID hasn’t changed is Legacy’s core philosophy. “Our theme this year is stronger together,” said Kim. “I chose this theme for our team, our entire studio, and for the Spring Showcase as I feel it is important for us to set the stage for our children and guide them on how to treat people through example. To teach them to support each other, even when there are differences. Respect those differences, offer kindness and love. No matter what we face,
LEGACY SCHOOL OF DANCE
we will be stronger if we are united.”
2441 Colony Crossing Place, Midlothian 23112 (804) 272-9152 www.legacyschoolofdance.com danceatlegacy@gmail.com
34
Midlothian Lifestyle | November 2020
“Be present in all ings and ankful f all ings� -Maya Angelou
804.505.4274 13827 Village Place Drive Midlothian, VA 23114 www.clocktowerrealtygroup.com
sales@theyeatmangroup.com | www.theyeatmangroup.com