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The new pool at Covenant Woods is extraordinary, as are the new spa, library

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in The Lodge are becoming fewer as construction moves to completion this

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opened, you’ll enjoy a new relaxed dining restaurant, an exciting new pub, an

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4 Hanover L i f es ty le

28

Lead-in Youth Sports & Elliott Yamin

Community Dobermans

Our Home Aging at Home

Health More Good News About Green Tea

River City Redskins Training Camp Reopens for 2014

In Search of Hotdogs

Tastebudz with Joey and Steve

Home Summer Showers

9

10

11

13

14

19

23

27

JULY/AUGUST 2014

Water Ways

20

CONTENTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF VICKI O’NEIL

PHOTO COURTESY OF HALLIGANS

The Halligan BarOn The Grow Again

RichmondNavigator.com 5Ju ly/August 2014

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ABOUT THE COVERThe Washington Redskins

training camp reopens with

new talent, including former

UFL head coach Jay Gruden.

Photo courtesy of the Washington

Redskins.

CONTRIBUTORS

TAMMIE WERSINGER

For nearly three decades, Tammie Wersinger wrote feature stories about communities, people, trends and breaking news for the Orlando Sentinel in Central Florida. Married and the mother of three boys, her passion used to be camping, boating, fishing and all sports, espe-cially surfing and other extreme activities. Now that her sons are grown and have given her three granddaughters, her interests have mellowed. She enjoys art, traveling, volunteering and, most of all, hosting tea parties for a trio of little girls.

A PUBLICATION OF

ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR

THOUGHTS OF HANOVER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS, INC OR THE PUBLISHER

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHERWilliam J. Davis, Jr.

VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHERCheryl T. Davis

MANAGING EDITORAnnie Tobey

ASSISTANT EDITORSSteve Cook, Tammie Wersinger

CREATIVE DIRECTORJoseph Wharton

GRAPHIC DESIGNERNora Bollinger

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTSJared Davis, Ann Small,

Ace Patel

DISTRIBUTION MANAGERJustin Warner

PHOTOGRAPHERSTim Hill, Robert Thomas, Zach Wingold

CONTRIBUTORSAmy R. Connolly, Erin Pittman, Don Kappel,

Max Heyworth, Davy Jones, Vicki O’Neal, Jack Trammel, Jody Rathgeb, Joe Ziegengeist

Hanover Lifestyle Magazine is published bimonthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc.,

6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 Midlothian, VA 23112 • 804-639-9994

RichmondNavigator.comFacebook.com/RichmondNavigator

Email us: [email protected]

All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustra-

tion without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

AMY R. CONNOLLY

Amy Connolly has been a journalist for more than 20 years, covering issues locally and worldwide. She has a wonderful hus-band, three terrific kids, an adorable bunny, two needy chickens and one very mean cat. When she’s not working or caring for her family, Amy loves to quietly relax with her thoughts and a cup of coffee.

STEVE COOK

In his 15 years with ACI, Steve Cook has been a writer, an editor, a radio host, a puppet, a pauper, a poet, a pawn and a king. Well, okay, he’s actually never been a king. He’s done a lot of travel writing and his passion is discovering interesting, out-of-the-way locales that gener-ally don’t rank high on most lists of destina-tion choices. In addition to exploring places he’s never heard of, he has discovered thrills he never dreamed of – especially snowmobiling.

ZACH WINGOLD

Zach Wingold is a local freelance pho-tographer who currently works as the banquet/sous chef at The Boathouse of Richmond. Zach’s experience in culi-nary and visual arts provide him with an excellent foundation for capturing the visual appeal of local gastronomy.

RichmondNavigator.com 7

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(left to right) Melinda and Tom Moyer with their show dog, Bella

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July 23-August 2U.S. Baseball Championships, Triple Crown Sports

Seventy teams of 15- to 18-year-old boys will play at Henrico County baseball fields, University of Richmond, Randolph-Macon University, and the Virginia Sports Complex. The event is one of the premier college showcase events in the country. An all-star game (North vs. South) will take place at RF&P Park (date TBA). TripleCrownSports.com

July 24-25Road to the Duel, Big Shots Basketball

Boys basketball teams, ages 15 to 18, will come from throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is an NCAA-certified col-lege coaches event for Non-Division I re-cruiting. Games will be held at Randolph-Macon College.BigShots.net

Watch Youth Sports At Its Best

The summer Concert in the Park series continues in July and August with a special appearance by nationally known performer Elliott Yamin.

The July 18 concert features Yamin, Pros-pect 7, and McBeth.

Elliott Yamin lived in Richmond from age 11. He first came to national prominence when he placed third on American Idol in 2006 and then for his hit single, “Wait for You,” from his first album. He has since released two more albums and two Christmas collections.

The August 15 concert presents Samson Trinh & The Upper East Side Band, SPARC, and Happy Hill Gang.

The concert series is presented by the E.J. Wade Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to restore people and communities in crisis. Through the concerts, the foundation hopes to raise awareness in the community about their philanthropic work. The July concert highlights international aid in Niger, Africa, where the foundation’s projects include wells, orphanages, micro-business development, education and nu-trition (famine relief). More information about the E.J. Wade Foundation is available at their website, EJWadeFoundation.org.

Gates open for both concerts at 5:30 p.m. at Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Ln. in Mechanicsville. The concerts are free and family friendly.

Hanover’s Concert in the Park Series Features Elliott Yamin

LEAD-IN

Talented young athletes from around the country will be coming to the Richmond Region this summer, providing local residents the opportunity to enjoy great sporting events and spot tomorrow’s stars. You’ll be sharing the stands with college coaches, agents, and maybe even some of today’s superstars.

Richmond Region Tourism has increased efforts to position the area as a prime destination for amateur and youth sports, bringing activities to the area for local resi-dents as well as tourism dollars.

Catch baseball and basketball right in your own backyard. All events are free and open to the public:


COMMUNITY

By Erin D. Pittman

Top: Tommy and Melinda’s four, plus their son’s puppy, with his newly cropped ears, waiting for their nightly snack of bananas and peanut butter.

Left: “Yes, they make themselves at home on our bed each night,” Melinda Moyer admits.

Hanover is Home to Champion Dobermans

A T LUBE TECH ON ATLEE STATION ROAD, owner Tommy Moyer sees many loyal customers. He also encounters loyal fans of

his dogs. Tommy and his wife, Melinda, have four Doberman Pinschers. One of these regal dogs is enough to turn a head, so their group of four naturally draws a crowd at the shop.

“People often just stop in wanting to know if the dogs are there,” says Melinda.

Melinda got her first Doberman when she was 21, and Tommy became a fan when he and Melinda started dating seven years ago.

She had past experience showing dogs, and though showing was new for Tommy, he got hooked right away. Unfortunately, the dog they began showing with, Jackson, hated the show ring, so they began their search for a top-notch show dog.

Melinda knew exactly what she was looking for in their next Dober-man – she wanted one that they could take to the top. After a long search, they found Bella. Because Melinda realized the potential in Bella, the couple hired Esteban Farias, an expert handler out of Raleigh, N.C.

“He took one look at Bella and told us that he would take her to number one in the country,” Melinda recalls. “He is very good with the dogs and is good to them. There are not many people that I would let travel with and keep our dogs.”

Farias held true to his promise. Bella earned her championship in 2011, after competing in only seven shows. Bella and her handler continued to travel the country, amassing enough points to earn her the title of MBIS, or Multi Best in Show, the highest ranking a dog can receive. Last year, she was number one in the country for Dobermans and ninth in working dog category. Her full title is MBIS MBISS GCH Tiburon Ariel Bella Dona.

The Moyers have two other dogs that they show as well. Barbie finished her championship when she was 16 months old.

“She is from the same lines as Bella,” says Melinda. “We’re now working on putting a grand championship on her.”

The couple’s 20-month-old male, Deacon, finished his champion-ship in six shows, winning the regional last October at the national. He’ll continue to show next year as a special, competing against other champions. Their goal with him is to finish in the top five in the country.

At home, the dogs are loving and slightly spoiled members of the family. “Dobermans are called Velcro dogs, because they like to be with their

families,” says Melinda. “They follow us from room to room, lay on us when we sit down and lean on us whenever they can.”

While their group is protective of their home, they are gentle, sweet dogs. They are good with children and want to go wherever their people go. Dobermans are naturally easy to train because of their high intelligence.

“They’re smart – almost too smart,” says Melinda.The Moyers’ four do not like to be home by themselves, so they are

often out and about with the couple or putting in a day’s work at Lube Tech. Visit Bella, Jackson, Deacon and Barbie at 9080 Atlee Station Rd. in Mechanicsville.

“ ”He took one look at Bella and told us that he would take her to number one in the country


OUR HOME

ASSISTED LIVING have new competition. Families wishing to offer their loved ones care at home now have better options – in

their own backyard. Freestanding modular units, affectionately called “granny pods,” and custom modular additions give families flexibility in living arrangements for aging family members.

Though you may prefer to care for Mom or Dad at home, it’s likely that your residence is not handicap accessible, presents numerous fall hazards and does not allow for your parent’s privacy and independence. N2Care, PALS Built and Oakwood Homes are three leaders in the industry taking their own approaches to helping seniors age at home with family.

MEDCottageN2Care’s MEDCottage homes are long-term portable care options for seniors, allowing for “family-managed health care.” N2Care offers three freestanding, temporary models in various sizes that empower families to keep their loved ones close in state-of-the-art healthcare settings.

Each unit is outfitted to meet individual needs, though every unit is designed for accessibility from the ground up. Wide doorways, zero thresholds, runway floor lighting and grab bars make each MEDCottage safe and easy to maneuver through. Additional features can include health monitoring, remote access to home controls, video surveillance and floors that reduce impact.

“We cater each MEDCottage to the individual’s needs. This gives them the ability to control costs by only selecting the options they need,” says N2Care CEO Ken Dupin.

In Virginia, in order to place a freestanding unit on a homeowner’s property, a senior must have a physician’s order stating that it is necessary. These orders must be renewed annually. When a family is finished with a

MEDCottage, they have the ability to resell and recoup much of their costs.Learn more at MedCottage.com.

PALS BuiltPALS Built in New England (PALSBuilt.com) became focused in this indus-try because of the aging-in-place trend. Eric Francis, Director of Operations, observed that people often only consider assisted living and nursing facilities and make quick decisions under stress. To address the aging-in-place trend, PALS Built places mostly permanent additions.

“We don’t want to box anyone into a certain type of addition or prod-uct,” says Francis. “We don’t come into a home and offer options to pick from. Instead, we do an analysis of the situation and provide individual-ized options.”

Whenever possible, they prefer to meet with everyone involved – sen-iors, family members, physical therapists, nurses, etc.

Oakwood HomesOakwood Homes of Glen Allen offers two solutions for aging at home – modular additions and freestanding cottages, which often include breezeways to the main home for easy access. Each project they work on is unique and tailored to the client’s needs.

“All of our additions and cottages are completely customizable,” says Sarah Odom, home consultant. “They can be entirely ADA accessible with wide doorways, low threshold showers, roll up counters and sinks, and even accessible ovens.”

Oakwood Homes meets with families to determine individual needs, and after permits are obtained, completes projects within about 60 to 90 days. Visit OakwoodHomesOfAshland.com for more information.

New Options for Senior Care | By Erin D. Pittman

Aging at Home


www.mechanicsvilleanimalhospital.com

(804) 559-9800


By now, you have probably heard many of the benefits of the ancient medicinal tea first consumed by the Chinese more than

4,000 years ago. However, did you know that researchers have shown it can help diminish bad breath?

A recent study showed the polyphenols contained in green tea can stop the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These com-pounds may be some of the primary causes of why your spouse won’t kiss you in the morning.

VSCs arise from bacteria in your mouth eating whatever you are eating – or whatever you ate a few hours ago, or last night before you went to bed and forgot to brush. The process literally putrefies your saliva, breaking proteins down into hydrogen sulphide (rotting egg smell) and methyl mercaptan (rotting cabbage smell). Ewww!

Great, so no more toothpaste for me, right? Wrong. Toothpaste shows similar but slightly reduced VSC prevention. It makes up in this deficiency by lasting longer. Where green tea only freshens your breath for about an hour, toothpaste can diminish VSC production up to three hours.

Further, toothpaste delivers fluoride to your teeth, which is paramount in cavity prevention. So what’s the take-home message? Try replacing your afternoon coffee break with some green tea and

By Peter B. Appleby, D.D.S.

More Good News About Green Tea!

have as many cups as you like. That, along with regular flossing, brushing, and dental checkups, should help keep those pesky (and putrid!) VSCs at bay.

Dr. Pete Appleby is a Virginia native who graduated with distinction from University of Virginia before receiving his DDS from the Medical Col-lege of Virginia at VCU. Af ter graduating, he continued his studies, completing a rigor-ous certif icate program in Advanced General Dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2011. This advanced training covered all aspects of family, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

Dr. Appleby is able to bring his patients the most current techniques in dental treatment, from cleanings and cavities to complex full-mouth rehabilitations. Dr. Appleby prides himself not only on the quality of his care, but on establishing open and honest communication with his patients. “I intend to be your dentist for life!” In his free time, Pete enjoys golf, music, rock climbing, and taking care of his pet chameleon, Leon.

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All Photos Courtesy of the Washington Redskins

Right: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT Richmond in late July that makes you forget about the heat and enjoy the summer. For some, it’s the communal fondness for outdoor activities.

For others, it’s an appreciation for the combined splendor of craft beer and grilling. And for many, it’s the River City’s growing profes-sional sports landscape. In years past, this largely meant evenings watching baseball at The Diamond, where the Flying Squirrels continue the legacy of Richmond teams and organizations that this city has for so long held so dear.

Then came 2013, and the arrival of a team whose fan base has long since entrenched itself within the Richmond region. It’s a

team that spans generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daugh-ters, friends and foes alike, a team that unites not only a divided state (looking at you, NoVA) but an entire region. It’s an organization that continually touches the lives of football-crazed individuals, young and old alike, a franchise that stands on the shoulders of giants, like Sonny Jurgensen and Joe Gibbs, whose legacy is carried by ascendant stars like Robert Griffin III and Pierre Garçon. But above all, it’s a community of loyal (and patient) fans who share just as much in this storied dynasty. I’m talking about, of course, the Washington Redskins.

South of The Diamond, nestled just off of West Broad Street, you will find the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training

Center, now the team’s official training camp. The move to the Richmond facility was a decidedly new concept for an organiza-

tion that hadn’t trained away from its team headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, since 2002. It was an equally new experience for the fans, who,

at the time of the facility’s construction last year, had just celebrated a 2012 season in which their famed rookie quarterback led their beloved Redskins to a

10-6 record and first NFC East division title since 1999. The Redskins hoped that Richmond would provide an atmosphere that was consistent with what they had come

to expect from their ever-dedicated fan base, and the city didn’t disappoint.This year, even more new and exciting aspects will be attracting Redskins fans from

all over to Richmond. The team signed a slew of free agents in the 2014 offseason to bolster the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Wide receivers Andre Roberts (Arizona) and DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia) bring a combination of speed and athleticism to Washing-ton that hasn’t been seen since the days of Art Monk and Ricky Sanders. On defense, the Redskins created depth at their pass rush positions with the additions of defensive end Jason Hatcher (Dallas) and rookie linebacker Trent Murphy (Stanford University), the team’s top

pick in this past May’s NFL draft. Most importantly, the Redskins added a new head coach

River CityRedskins

By Joe Ziegengeist

RichmondNavigator.com 15

to lead the team in 2014 and be-yond. Jay Gruden, former UFL head coach and Cincinnati Bengals offen-sive coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and football knowledge to Washington’s most critical coach-ing position.

Of course, plenty of familiar faces will be returning to RVA this year. Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan will be entering his fourth training camp with the team. Kerrigan was among the players last year who made the transition to the new Richmond facility. “I really enjoyed it. I thought it was really well run. As far as trans-portation from the facility, it was really functional and really nice, so I thought the whole thing was a very smooth

operation,” Kerrigan explains. “I mean, not that Ashburn wasn’t, but I think especially for it being the first year, things were really well run.”

Alfred Morris was another familiar and popular face at training camp last year. Morris, a sixth-round draft pick in 2012, burst on to the scene in his first year and hasn’t slowed yet. The third-year running back will enter this season having already amassed over 2,800 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. Morris’s humble personality and trademark smile are among the traits that make him a fan favorite, which may have hindered his Richmond experience a bit last year. “I didn’t get out much. You can’t go too far without people bombarding you,” Morris recalls. “We did go to this one sushi place.”

Redskins fans are often especially proud of players with local ties. This year, the Redskins have several play-ers who call Virginia home, includ-ing 2014 third-round offensive tackle Morgan Moses, cornerback Deangelo

Hall (Chesapeake), and linebacker Akeem Jordan (Harrisonburg).

Moses was drafted out of the University of Virginia and calls Richmond his hometown, creating a unique nuance to his first NFL train-ing camp experience. “Just being able to have your hometown behind you, just to be able to have familiar faces to support you around while you’re making this big transition through your life…, it’s something that I have and it’s a blessing.”

What does Moses like most about Richmond? “You know you can always find some good soul food cooking down there, so I’m going to try to stay away from that when I’m in training camp.”

Former Kansas City Chief Akeem Jordan, a Virginia native and eight-year

NFL veteran, played college football for James Madison University and is happy to finally be playing for the home team this year. “Everybody from my home-town…, this is their team. I mean, you get so much love just going back home.”

There is never a shortage of storylines heading into training camp. The main headline will be the development of third-year quarterback and superstar Robert Griffin III. After the Redskins traded up in 2012 for the rights to draft Griffin, he found immediate success, throwing and running his way to Rookie of the Year honors. The success would be short-lived, however, as Griffin suffered his second major knee injury in three years during the season’s home playoff loss to Seattle. The following year, Griffin still felt the ill-effects of his injury, and the team stumbled to a 3-13 record. This year, Griffin is fully healed and expected to be in top form for camp here in Richmond. Fans will witness firsthand how Griffin adapts to his new head coach’s offense and how well he can utilize the highly talented offensive playmakers around him. It’s an important year for Robert Griffin III, and training camp is a key piece in his preparation for it.

The Washington Redskins are certainly excited to open their second year of Training Camp at the Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond. Fans can look forward to all new experiences, including new local home-grown influences on the team and even a visit from the New England Patriots. Redskins President and General Manager Bruce Allen has been instrumental in creating this experience, not only for the players, but for

the fans as well. “It is wonderful to be back here,” says Allen. “This was a great experience for our football team last year, and in many ways we learned what we

can do even better for the future.”

Left: Deangelo Hall, Cornerback

Left: Morgan Moses, Offensive Tackle

Middle: Ryan Kerrigan, Outside Linebacker


THESE WOMEN put an extra WOW in football.

With more than 76,000 members – more than 10,000 of them in the Richmond area – the Women of Washington (WOW) are

Washington Redskins fans with fervor. They live and breathe the Skins. As the official women’s fan club, WOW is aimed at energizing the fe-

male fans in both the team’s home around Washington, D.C. and at the Bon Secours Training Camp in Richmond.

“Once it was announced the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Train-ing Facility would become the new home of Redskins Training Camp in Richmond, we began looking for opportunities to connect with fans in the area,” says Carlyle Abbott, WOW spokeswoman.

When WOW first started, it was strictly for the team wives, mothers and girlfriends. In 2011, Tanya Snyder, the Redskins owner’s wife, changed it all. With women representing 44 percent of the fan base, organizers knew they needed to create an outreach that would allow women to connect with the team and each other.

Snyder relaunched WOW as the team’s official women’s club, with a dedicated website, year-round events and social media pages.

“From the beginning, WOW has been focused on engaging female fans and creating touch points for women to engage with the team outside of FedExField on game days,” Abbott says.

Engage it has. For some fans, it’s more like the best gift ever.Carol Balderson, of Richmond, became a member almost two years

ago. Being part of it makes her feel like she has special privileges. “It’s easier to ask what WOW hasn’t done for me,” Balderson, 23, says.

“WOW makes me almost feel as though I am a part of a unique club with the most amazing benefits. WOW has provided me with new friends, last-ing memories, and a whole lot of autographs.”

The same goes for Shawnita Marshall, who lives in Sterling, Virginia. Marshall, 39, is thrilled to show her burgundy and gold whenever she can.

Marshall says WOW has given her opportunities that she wouldn’t typically have, including getting to meet players, both current and former. She’s met Redskins owner Dan Snyder and his wife. She’s also made some good friends from WOW.

“As long as there is WOW, I will be a member. I am very proud to be a part of WOW and some have stated that I am the face of WOW,” Marshall laughs, pointing out a smiling picture of her and quarterback Robert Grif-fin III at a practice.

In the coming weeks, organizers hope to have a WOW get-together called Ladies Night Out: Richmond Edition, complete with football drills, Redskins alumni appearances and a Skins photo booth, among other things. There will also be VIP days at the training camp, with VIP tents set up for the WOW members to give them a better view of training.

WOW also hosts a Women in Sports Leadership series, with discussion panels and networking events. Organizers hope to have at least one such event in the Richmond area during training camp. Even when the Redskins team members move back to Washington for the start of the regular season, local WOW members will have a chance to connect on social media.

For Marshall, any bit of Redskins is good.“I have also been able to build great friendships with other WOW mem-

bers,’’ she says, “and these friendships have continued outside of WOW.”

Local Women Say WOW to the RedskinsBy Amy R. Connolly

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

WOWRedskins.comFacebook.com/WOWRedskins

Twitter and Instagram: @WOWRedskins

Right: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback


In Search of Great Hot Dogs

THE DACHSHUND & THE CONFEDERATE DOG THE WEINER SHACK

Every dog has a name at The Weiner Shack. Two of the most popular are The Dachshund and The Confederate Dog. The Dachshund features a steamed, all-beef dog topped with cheddar cheese, chili, diced onions, and Fritos corn chips. The Confederate Dog is topped with a generous helping of pulled-pork barbecue. Some say the onion rings are the best in town.

Healthy Alternative: Veggie Dog

8005 Creighton Parkway | 804-789-8498 | Facebook.com/TheWeinerShack

DIRTY DOG TRACKSIDE GRILL

This horse-racing themed restaurant is definitely trackside. Okay, it’s the railroad tracks, in the heart of Ashland, but that’s nice, too. The “Dirty Dogs” features two jumbo hot dogs, grilled and served with chili, onions, coleslaw and cheese. Served with your choice of one side.

Healthy Alternative: Garden Burger

301 S. Railroad Ave. | 804-572-4688 | TracksideGrill.org

SABRETT DOG POP’S DOGS AND MA’S BURGERS

With just seven chrome stools at the counter plus picnic tables out back, you may choose to order takeout. Regardless of where you chow down, every day at Pop’s Dogs and Ma’s Burgers you can get two plump Sabrett (“The hot dog of New Yorkers”) dogs, with all the fixin’s – and that includes chili, slaw, cheese, relish, up to five choices of mustards, and even sauerkraut – plus fries and a drink. All for five bucks.

Healthy Alternative: Vegetarian Sub

7301 Brook Rd. | 804-266-5781

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT THOMAS

FLAVOR in search of


FOR NEARLY 21 YEARS Atlee resident Shawn Gregory spent most of his waking hours putting out fires as a firefighter with the Henrico

Fire Department. Today he’s busy starting them.However, before you panic, let me explain. The fires today are so

that he can slowly smoke (over hickory or pecan wood) the North Carolina-style barbecue that has become a hallmark in his restaurants.

More about the barbecue in a minute, but first a little background. How did a career firefighter become one of the area’s leading restaurateurs?

Gregory, a native of Varina, joined the Henrico Fire Department in 1990, following in the footsteps of his father. “My father was very instrumental in my choosing that career path,” he says.

However, just prior to becoming a firefighter, he worked, for a time, as a bartender. “I always thought the two occupations would be great to mesh together,” Gregory says. In fact, he says he had kicked around the idea of a firefighter-themed restaurant/bar for about twenty years before his ideas were brought to fruition.

In 2008, his dream became reality when he opened The Halligan Bar & Grill in Shockoe Bottom (3 N. 17th St.). “It was a small, hole-in-the-wall spot, but it was the first place that I wanted to try my fire bar idea,” he says. If you’re familiar with firefighting, you’ll appreciate the

restaurant’s name. If you’re not, don’t make the same mistake I did and go in asking for Mr. Halligan.

Gregory admits he was unsure if his venture would be successful. How-ever, “It turned out to be super popular,” he says. “That’s what sparked the Short Pump location in 2011 (2451 Old Brick Rd., Glen Allen).

“Incidentally, the fire truck that serves as the very unique bar in the Short Pump location is the same 1967 Oren fire truck that Gregory’s father drove and rode on as a young man with the fire department in 1971. “I’m very proud to have that piece of equipment memorialized in The Halligan Bar,” he says.

That brings us to 2014, and Shawn Gregory has become quite the entrepreneur. When an opportunity opened up to put a third location in the Northcross area of southern Hanover, Gregory jumped on it, but by now, he’d come up with a new concept…, a concept that could serve as a lynch pin for eventual growth into other cities and towns.

FLAVOR restaurant spotlight

By Steve Cook

the halligan bar on the grow again

It was a small, hole-in-the-wall spot, but it was the first place that I wanted to try my fire bar idea.


Explaining his new concept, Gregory says, “It’s not a full-service restaurant. It’s more of a walk-up, quick-service restaurant, much like a sub shop.” As regards the new concept, known as The Halligan Bar-B-Q Grill, he says, “You order and pay. We make your sandwich, and give it to you ready to go.” He says you can take your meal with you, or dine in, if you prefer. There will be a few tables for dine-in customers.

Elaborating on his decision to experiment with the new concept, he says, “We had the opportunity to negotiate a deal with the developers of Northcross, who were looking for a barbecue spot, primarily because of the presence of the Green Top [outdoor sporting equipment] store. Green Top has always had a barbecue presence outside of its doors. We are really excited to have our presence at the new Green Top.”

Now, that brings us back to the barbecue, which, as we told you earlier, is slow cooked over hickory or pecan. “The thing that makes our barbecue unique are our wonderful sauces,” Gregory says. “Our sauce is very complementary with the barbecue. Basically, what separates our barbecue from a lot of others is that we choose to hand pull every piece. It’s not chopped, it’s not minced, and it’s not broken up and served to the customers. Every piece has passed through someone’s hand. That removes all the fat, membranes, silver skin, gristle, and bones, so that you get good, lean, high-quality barbecue every time.”

In addition to great barbecue, such as brisket, chicken, and ribs, as well as a wide selection of side dishes, Gregory says he will also be offering breakfast at the Hanover location. “It’s not something we’ve done before, but we’re going to have an interesting spin centered around barbecue,” he says. “For example, instead of having sausage-and-egg biscuits, we’ll have brisket biscuits, smoked sausage, and things like that that, all centering around the barbecue concept.”

With the new Halligan Bar-B-Q Grill concept, Gregory is poised for future growth. “I think it’s really neat to be growing to the point where we now have three stores in Richmond,” he says. “We’re looking to follow this up with a fourth store, possibly breaking ground on this sometime later this year.”

10180 Lakeridge Pkwy., Ashland | TheHalliganBar.com

Fresh • Family • Fun

www.mexico-restaurant.comLocal Family Owned & Operated

Patio Open at All Locations!

* banquet and meeting rooms available

A Richmond Tradition for 24 Years!

7162 Mechanicsville Tnpk.

Mechanicsville804-559-8126 *

5213 Williamsburg Rd.

SandstonSandston804-226-2388

7001 Forest Hill Ave.

Richmond804-320-1069*

12031 Southshore Pointe Dr.

Midlothian, VA804-763-5640 *

11621 W. Broad St.

(Short Pump) Richmond(Short Pump) Richmond804-360-9446

4040 G. Cox Rd.

(Innsbrook) Glen Allen804-290-0400*


FORM & FUNCTION LLCCreating and implementing functional,

integrated, and harmonious Interior Design and Landscape Design solutions. From

consultations to turn-key construction for projects large and small. FORM & FUNCTION,

LLC turns your priorities and needs into creative designs for additions, renovations, new

construction, outdoor living, and landscapes.

HELPING YOU BUILD YOUR DREAMS! visit FormandFunctionllc.com for more

Vicki O’Neal, ASID, CID, VSLD804.897.8558FormandFunctionllc.com

Landscape Design

Interior Design


STEVE: Hey, here’s some potentially great news for those who have been missing those fantastic breakfasts since Ma-cLean’s on Staples Mill Road closed down a few months back. There are signs of life out there, including a sign that says “Eat 33” and another that says “Opening Soon.” Although I haven’t actually been able to speak with a real, live human, since no one seems to be around when I’ve stopped by, it sure does look like we just might be getting a new old-fashioned breakfast place soon. I sure hope so.

There’s also a new restaurant at Virginia Center Com-mons. I’m not sure if it’s a chain or an independent. It’s Dragon Buffet, and those who know me know how magical the word “buffet” is to my heart. Calls to the folks at the mall had not been returned by the time we went to press.

JOEY: Finally, let me tell you about a cool new in-town restaurant that I’m heartily recommending. I attended the soft opening of BRUX’L Cafe (1731 W. Main St., BRUX-LCafe.com). The place is owned and operated by the folks who brought you the recently closed Belle Vie in Midlo-thian. Much of the menu and the staff have been brought over from there to BRUX’L. Everyone was very knowledge-able and attentive. They truly provide a great restaurant experience. The décor is quite quaint, offering a cozy, homey feel. I sat at the bar and ordered their Truffle Burger. It’s a beautiful burger made of ground filet mignon, topped with truffle mushroom mix, salad, tomato, red onion, and truffle mayo. And it’s served on a pretzel bun. You can check out their full menu online.

Gotta go. Don’t forget to join Steve and me each Thursday at noon on The Flave (102.9 FM). You can also listen to past shows at RichmondNavigator.com.

STEVE: While Joey and I have different tastes and often fre-quent different restaurants, there are many things about the city’s culinary scene on which we agree. One thing we have in com-mon (along with Annie Tobey, our managing editor and co-host of The Flave Radio show) is our appreciation for the emerging craft beers being produced in and around Richmond. So you can imagine our excitement as regards the upcoming National Beer Expo. Alex Papajohn of Variant Events, the executive producer of the expo, says, “The National Beer Expo ushers in a new era in the craft beer event space. [Craft beer] requires an event fo-cused on high quality experiences allowing participants to enjoy and learn about fine craft beer but free from the crush of large crowds, loud music, bad weather, and lousy food. Until now, a craft beer event of this type did not exist.”

Come July 15 through the 20, Richmond will play host to just such an event. Really, it’s a series of events. The biggest beer-and-foodie event is CRAFT (July 17), presented by Richmond Magazine and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. Papajohn says, “This is your chance to get up close and personal with chefs and brewers at this exquisite farm-to-table craft beer and food pairing experience at the Virginia War Memorial.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to Natio-nalBeerExpo.com/Schedule and select CRAFT. You need to get a look at the A-list of chefs who will be participating. This is one event that I do not want to miss.

JOEY: I share Steve’s excitement. This will be one fantastic expo. Speaking of craft beers, there’s a new craft beer shop in town – in Glen Allen, actually. It’s called Wink (11355 Nuck-ols Rd. in Twin Hickory Town Center). Wink’s Dutch name is De Fles Winkle, which means “The Bottle Shop.” Owner Lou DiCello says he plans to carry about 500 beers, along with some 40 wines and 20 ciders.

With Joey & StevetASTEBUDZtastebudz

- R IC H MON D F O ODI E S -

Got Restaurant News? Drop Us A [email protected]

RichmondNavigator.com


8324 Bell Creek Rd, Ste 700 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116804-496-1820 • 804-746-4153 • www.sweetlysmitten.com

Cupcakes, Gelato, Premier Cakes & More!

(Located Across the Street from the Food Lion Shopping Center)

Also Serving Specialty Coffees & Greek Pastries!


LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT windows for your home? In all likelihood, you want the most durable, the most maintenance

free, and the most attractive window you can buy, and at a reasonable price. Oh yeah, one more thing. You want to make sure that the work is done by true professionals, whom you can trust.

Here’s the solution. Call the folks at BNW Builders. Bruce Wiegan, owner of BNW, knows windows. He’s been professionally installing them for 25 years. Wiegan says, “BNW Builders has become one of the most trusted companies in the Central Virginia area therefore we are held to the highest of standards.” Wiegan goes on to say “My philosophy is to continually do extensive research to ensure that my customers receive the highest quality products at the fairest possible price.”

why fiberglass?Explaining his decision to switch from vinyl to Infinity’s Ultrex®, Wiegan says, “Ultrex is pultruded fiberglass, made of the same mate-rial from which glass is made. Vinyl and glass expand and contract at totally different rates, causing frequent shifting between a vinyl win-dow’s frame and glass. Ultrex and glass, however, expand and contract similarly, keeping the window weathertight and operat-ing smoothly.” Having worked with the Infinity window since 2011, Wiegan says, “The Infinity Ultrex fiberglass window is the most beautiful window that I have ever seen.”

The biggest issue faced by those who have chosen vinyl replace-ment windows is with the service, Wiegan says:“With vinyl, you’re going to have problems – weather stripping, frames cracking, glass seal failures etc. – no matter how good the installer is.”

While many readily acknowledge the superiority of fiberglass over vinyl, Wiegan warns consumers not to mistake other replace-ment window materials for fiberglass. “Just because the trade name sounds like it’s fiberglass based,” he says, “doesn’t make it so.” He cites Fibrex®, from Andersen Windows, which consists of vinyl and wood pulp, as an example.

Even beyond the fiberglass, Wiegan says the Infinity window pro-vides so many features that make it superior. “It’s truly a phenomenal product,” he says.

Some of those other features involve the aesthetics, which are also of vital importance to homeowners. With Infinity replacement windows, there’s no sacrifice when it comes to beauty.

First, the windows allow for more glass space – and thus more sunlight, and a better view. The standard soft white color is more natural than vinyl windows, fitting into a home’s décor better. Other exterior and interior colors are also available, including an optional EverWood® material, which lets the homeowner stain the window to

match existing wood finishes in the house. Other aesthetically pleasing options include various hardware

finishes, more transparent screens, decorative glass, and grille styles. BNW Builders also offers the Infinity line of casement and glider windows, bow windows, bay windows, sliding doors, swinging doors, plus creative architectural options like round top and octagonal.

Bottom line is, when you select Infinity Ultrex fiberglass replace-ment windows from BNW, you get it all. In addition to your beauti-ful, low-maintenance windows, which can effectively reduce your utility bills, you also get the expert craftsmanship offered by BNW’s professional team.

“A lot of companies sell stuff that provides temporary fixes,” Wiegan says. “We offer permanent solutions.”

[email protected] | bnwbuilders.com | 804-346-3300

Fiberglass : the clear choice in windows

After we replaced our windows with Infinity, our utility bill was so low the utility company came by our house because they were sure our meter was broken!”

-Randy & Lynn S.

“

HOME business spotlight


After

Before

WHEN IT COMES TO INDOOR AIR QUALITY, Air Resolutions is a Richmond-area expert. This locally owned

company offers a holistic approach to improving the air quality of homes that goes beyond equipment installation.

Chris Joyner and Charlie Martin partnered to create Air Reso-lutions over 10 years ago with the goal of looking at homes dif-ferently. With strong backgrounds in the heating and air industry and passions for improving air quality, the owners set out to give Richmonders more.

By beginning with a conversation and visual review of your home, the experts at Air Resolutions see your home as a system. While you may think that your A/C unit is your problem, it’s actually only one piece of the puzzle.

Air ResolutionsMaking Your Home Healthier and More Efficient | By Erin D. Pittman

Air Resolutions’ goals are to improve air quality, increase energy efficiency and offer peace of mind to homeowners. By viewing your home as a system, they determine overall home efficiency. One piece is improving mechanical items, but they also address other issues at the source. Joyner and Martin seek out and seal off moisture leaks in your home and ductwork and improve your crawl space and attic.

“On a windy day, even with a thick sweater, you may still be cold. But if you put on a light windbreaker, you feel much warmer,” says Martin.

The same principle applies to a home. When you air seal a home, you make the insulation more eff icient. Rather than sim-ply adding insulation, Air Resolutions places a heavy emphasis on air sealing.

“No matter how efficient your equipment is, you’re trying to heat and cool the whole out-doors without air sealing,” says Martin.

Frequently, customers call Air Resolutions asking for air duct cleaning. Many systems cannot be cleaned because of the material they are made of, and cleaning alone will not fix the air quality issues.

“The ducts became dirty because they are leaky and are likely drawing air from a dirty crawlspace or dusty attic,” explains Martin. “Only sealing actually solves the problem.”

Air Resolutions takes a personal approach to each home. Following a visual review, they provide each homeowner with their improvement options. Breaking projects down allows homeowners to go step by step and make improvements as their budg-ets allow; it’s not an all-or-nothing deal.

As indoor air quality concerns grow across the country, many homeowners are even incorporat-ing home energy audits into the buying process. When they schedule home inspections, they are also learning about the heating and cooling costs and energy efficiency of their prospective home. With Air Resolutions, a basic visual review is free of charge. Customers can opt for a more thorough diagnostic testing audit for a fee.

Air Resolutions’ expert insta l lers have been with the company for years and del iver over-the-top customer ser v ice. They str ive to leave your home c leaner than when they arr ived. The company ’s A+ rat ing with the Better Business Bureau ex-hibits R ichmonders’ sat isfact ion with their ser v ices. To discover what Air Resolutions can do for your home, v isit a irresolutions.com or ca l l 804-887-0229 for your free est imate and consultat ion.

HOME business spotlight


SHOWERING IS NO LONGER about getting a good ol’ wash down. These days, shower stalls have evolved into luxurious spaces with every-

thing from wireless sound systems to pulsating, floor-to-ceiling nozzles. Whether you’re looking to refresh an outdated shower or planning the

ultimate showering experience in a new space, it’s good to figure out what works best for you before getting started.

“The latest trends in showers definitely revolve around unique customi-zation,” says Travis Rotelli, senior interior designer at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wisconsin. “From a drenching rainhead to a perfectly placed body spray, complemented by an adjustable hand shower, it’s really about understanding how the client wants to shower and what it is that will make their experience most enjoyable.”

Since showerheads moved out of the tub to occupy their own space, stalls have grown from little rectangular boxes into mini rooms with spa-like features. Now, in a reversal of roles, builders are getting requests to put the tub inside of the shower. Clients are asking for a “glass-enclosed wet room for bathing and showering,” says apartmenttherapy.com. “This configuration has an airy, spa-like feel and look.” It also takes up less space than designing separate tub and showering areas.

When space is an issue, many homeowners are passing on tubs alto-gether and expanding their showers to make room for built-in and recessed shelving, body sprays, multiple showerheads and benches that entice you to sit and enjoy a spa-like experience.

Roman and other open-plan showers – designed without doors, walls or ledges to step over and a floor sloping toward the drain – are also on the rise. While these are especially popular with those who use walkers or wheelchairs, they are making their way into some of the most luxurious homes.

When putting the finishing touches on your shower area, tiling continues to be the most popular choice for upscale homes. However, grout-

free and non-porous solid surfaces, like those sold by Venetian Marble in Powhatan, are gaining momentum because they are easy to clean and keep mold and bacteria at bay.

While the type of stall is important, it’s the water delivery methods that affect our senses and make showering a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Multifunction showerheads deliver a range of intensities – from pulsating blasts to gentle mists, while body sprayers target specific areas and can be built into a wall or strategically spaced on a pole within the shower. And, if you want the feeling of being drenched by a summer downpour, try a rain-style showerhead installed above the shower to deliver heavy water drops from overhead. Finally, hand-held, massage-delivering nozzles work well when you’re sitting on a bench or trying to get an overall clean. Steam showers are increasingly sought for their relaxing properties and their ability to remove toxins and impurities from the body. The steam control unit – with added options like fragrance, music and lighting – is usually installed in the wall.

And, if you like singing in the shower, there are plenty of brands that can provide the accompaniments with waterproof speakers, installed in the wall or a showerhead. For example, Kohler’s Moxie showerhead is a water-proof Bluetooth speaker, powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, that nestles right in the middle of the nozzle, letting you wirelessly connect to your smartphone, tablet or laptop, Rotelli says.

Another futuristic addition is Kohler’s DTV: a digital showering platform that allows users to control water, sound, light and steam in the shower with a single electronic control. “When it comes to luxury, you really can’t beat the digital shower offerings that Kohler showcases,” Rotelli adds.

Whether your idea of showering includes a tricked-out open stall with all the bells and whistles or a quiet retreat with steam and mood lighting, there’s something out there to make sure you’re not only clean but drenched in the lap of luxury.

HOME interiors

SUMMER SHOWERSBy Tammie Wersinger / Photos Courtesy of Kohler


THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING like the presence of water to metaphorically cool a scene. A water feature, whether a pool, spa,

or pond, instantly conjures a sense of relaxation and ease. Creating or enhancing an outdoor living environment to be centered around water is a wonderful way to maximize the enjoyment of your home and to in-tegrate a personal or family retreat. These outdoor havens bring all the best together for entertaining, fitness, or pure leisure. A water feature can be as small as a container with a pump and spout or as elaborate as you can imagine and your budget can accommodate.

POOLSA quick plunge into a sparkling pool is one of the most refreshing things possible on a hot summer day. Just looking at an inviting pool speaks summer. When the pool is open, summer has officially arrived, along with carefree times and fun with friends and kids. How great when the pool is in your own backyard! Having your own pool is a great way for the family to spend more time together.

Advances in technology and features have expanded pool offerings in recent years. Pools are of three basic types: gunite or concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl. Many pools are hybrids of the three. Pools may be in ground or above ground. If you’re considering adding a pool, there are advantages and disadvantages with each. Careful evaluation of your preferences and requirements will help drive project decisions.

Concrete, or gunite, was the conventional primary choice in the past and offers infinite possibilities in design flexibility and configura-tion. Gunite is the most labor intensive because it is completely built on site from scratch. Sophisticated options can enhance the overall ef-

fect. Vanishing edge, fiber optic and LED lighting, laminar flow foun-tains, deck jets, and underwater music are a few of the possibilities.

The installation process can be quite involved. Once the layout and details are finalized and permits are obtained, the hole is dug and shaped, steel rebar is installed, and, most often, the concrete shell is applied pneu-matically. To complete the pool, the shell requires an applied finish and installation of coping and tile around the perimeter of the pool. It’s quite the process!

Vinyl and fiberglass pools are quicker to install, less labor intensive, and therefore typically less expensive. A fiberglass pool comes to the site as a one-piece unit. Although choices are restricted to pre-manufactured shapes, many companies offer so many different configurations that shape limitation may not be an issue.

There are many updated systems for cleaning, balancing, and filtra-tion, including new salt systems. Your pool contractor can advise and help sort through the options.

For a budget reality check, a good rule of thumb is that the total cost of the completed project should not exceed 15 to 20 percent of the market value of your home. This number should include the cost of the surround-ing hardscape, which can be two to four times the cost of your pool. The choice of surface is very important because it has an impact on safety and can even affect pool maintenance.

When considering a contractor, remember the relationship with this company may be ongoing. Always hire a licensed, insured, and experi-enced contractor.

SPASImagine winding down after a hard day in the sheer relaxation, warmth, and comfort of your own soothing spa. Spas offer many therapeutic fringe benefits. Kit-packaged portable spas are the most popular, and current

A quick plunge into a sparkling pool is one of the most refreshing things possible on a hot summer day. WATER WAYS

Photography, Design & Story by Vicki O'Neal, ASID, CID, VSLD


manufacturing advancements offer powerful spas with loads of bells and whistles. The incorporation of a spa into a pool setting is a great option for blending the two functions into a cohesive design.

Custom gunite spas are the ultimate choice for plan flexibility and ease of integration with an in-ground pool. There are fewer features available, so the choice becomes a matter of the aesthetics you are trying to achieve and the relaxation experience you would like to create.

PONDSEnjoying the tranquil scene of a pond, and perhaps the sound of a gentle waterfall or fountain, can transform the stress of the day into an after-thought. The beautiful wildlife habitats typically created around a pond also add to the peaceful, meditative setting and rich connection to nature.

A quick and simple pond may be created with the use of a preformed or prefabricated shell. They do have limitations and vary in quality. If you’re considering a larger pond, an EDPM (rubber) liner offers near lim-itless possibilities in configuration and design. The type of filtration and its setup have a major impact on maintenance. A UV sanitizer is an ef-ficient add-on that works in tandem with the filtration system to produce a clean pond and healthy environment.

Ideally, the ecosystem created in a pond installation evolves over time into a well-balanced microcosm. The water, plants, fish, and filtra-tion system all work together to keep the system clean and trouble-free. The movement of water not only provides aeration and keeps mosquitoes in check, but also greatly adds to the overall ambiance and tranquility.

Around the pond I installed a few years ago, wildlife is plentiful. Songbirds love to bathe in our small stream, and several frogs have taken up residence. It’s almost as if they pose for us at night along a ledge near the waterfalls. Our underwater lighting shines along these ledges and lets us enjoy the nighttime entertainment of the koi. They know we are

present and wait eagerly for a few morsels of food. Koi have specific needs for maintaining good health and require a larger and deeper pond. Large birds can be powerful fish predators, but we’ve discovered some simple deterrents that effectively solve that problem.

SAFETY FIRSTThe incorporation of any water feature is always a safety risk, especially if you have young children, so never skimp on these details. There are very specific code requirements for pool settings, such as fencing, out-swinging and self-latching gates, and motion detectors at rear doors. Automatic pool covers offer maximum protection. Even filtration systems can be haz-ardous. Use of a pressure cleaner, not a suction cleaner, is a safer choice. As the saying goes, “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

THE BIG PICTUREIf you’re considering the addition of a water element, the area incorpo-rating this new feature should be thought of as an integrated part of the landscape. In some cases, the entire scene will naturally be focused around the water feature because of its visual and energetic dominance. Most importantly, and to enhance year-round enjoyment, consider the setting in total as an extension of your interior by locating the water feature in an area that can be viewed from the inside. Transforming your site in this dramatic way is a big commitment. It is therefore important to take your time, conduct up-front research, consult with a professional, and ulti-mately arrive at a plan that brings you enjoyment for many years to come!

Visit the FORM & FUNCTION Lifestyle blog by Vicki O’Neal for more design ideas on water features, landscape design, and interior design. FORMandFUNCTIONllc.com

Imagine winding down after a hard day in the sheer relaxation, warmth, and comfort of your own soothing spa.

Vicki O'Neal , ow ner of FORM & F U NCTION, prov ides commerc ia l and res iden t ia l in ter ior and land scape des ig n . She i s a profess iona l member of A SID, VA Cer t i f ied In ter ior Des ig ner (CID) , Ma s ter Gardener , and a VA Cer t i f ied Land scape Des ig ner (VSLD) and a Hor t icu l t ur i s t .

(804) 897-8558 F and F desig n.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VICKI O’NEAL


A8 SeriesThe Model of Choice for Training Camp

www.plamorpools.com

hanover lifestyle july/august 2014

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