Life + Culture

Fostering Second Chances

Mid-Atlantic German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue: Powered by Passion and Compassion Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Faith Fields and James Lisowski Since 2001, Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue has been dedicated to saving German Shorthaired Pointers in need across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia. A small but passionate group of about 25 volunteers makes it all happen, rescuing, fostering, and rehoming around 100 dogs each year. “We assume GSPs into our care via shelters or...

Life + Culture

Pets That Fit Your Family

Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic gives expert advice on picking the perfect pet. Article by Jennifer Waldera What should parents consider when choosing a pet for their family? Parents should consider their lifestyle -- are you an active family who loves to hike and be outside? Or are you looking for a companion that does not require a large amount of exercise (more low-energy)? A high-energy dog may sound fun, but if no one’s home to walk it, it’s not fair to the pet or the kids. Other...

Life + Culture

Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

Piedmont CASA embraces its thirty years of advocacy, compassion, and unwavering community commitment. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers In 1976, the first Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was founded with the purpose of training volunteers to support and represent children in foster care. Within several years’ time, the organization had spread across the United States, and in 1995, the Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates’ (PCASA) branch was...

Life + Culture

Tails and Tales at JMRL

How furry friends help kids fall in love with reading at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Article by Jennifer Waldera Can you share a brief overview of the Paws to Read program and how it got started at JMRL? Paws to Read is a partnership between Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and local therapy dogs and their humans to create an environment that invites growing readers to practice their reading skills in a welcoming, non-judgmental setting. The individual partnerships between therapy...

Travel

Hidden Chesapeake Gem

This tucked-away waterfront town offers all you need for a peaceful, picturesque getaway. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Located on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula along the Chesapeake Bay, Mathews is a small town that flies under the radar. But for those in the know, it’s a favorite for relaxed, low-key getaways that are far closer than traveling to the oceanic coast. Whether you're planning a weekend with friends, a family trip, or a couple’s escape...

Life + Culture

Albemarle 4-H: Hands-On and Heart-Led

Practical skills, powerful lessons on leadership, and a whole lot of heart Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Established in the early 1900s, Albemarle/Charlottesville 4-H’s programming initially focused on home economics and agriculture, later expanding with an added emphasis on youth contests, livestock, crops, and school-based learning. Supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), a statewide educational outreach program through Virginia Tech...

Arts + Culture

Explore Local Treasures

Wander into a space where creativity and community collide. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Consignment House Gallery Geoff Robinson, owner of Consignment House Gallery, took the time to chat with Charlottesville City Lifestyle about what makes his shop a special place to explore. Can you tell us a little about your shop and what makes it different from a typical secondhand store? I think the curating -- just the fact that we are a bit more of a gallery. We’re more picky...

Arts + Culture

From Charlottesville to Statewide Screens and Beyond

A filmmaker with deep Charlottesville roots uses storytelling to explore identity, connection, and mental health with heart. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ryan Cudahy, Robert Alan Moose, James Rapelyea When he was just three years old, Ryan Cudahy’s family moved to Charlottesville. By the time he was nine, he was performing with Black Box Players in shows that ranged from “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” to “The Sound of Music,” and in his teen years, he enrolled in his...

Arts + Culture

Savoring Southern Stories: History Meets Home Cooking

Taste history, share stories, and learn preservation through immersive dinners and classes. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Stephanie Rajab We talked with Dr. Leni Sorensen about her history dinners at Indigo House that give guests the opportunity to explore the past through food. What is your inspiration for educating through food? Part of it is that I’ve always cooked and been interested in food -- where it came from, who grew it. I’m from California, and even in my teens...

Travel

Fredericksburg: Class, Comfort, and Charm

River views, charming shops, history, and outdoor adventures invite everyone to explore. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing photographers With a 40-block Main Street District, Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is a destination with broad appeal to anyone from history buffs and art lovers to outdoor adventurers or food and drink enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an upscale weekend getaway, a family-friendly day trip, or a city that’s perfect for solo travelers...