January/ February

A REGIONAL MAGAZINE SERVING GREATER RICHMOND NORTH OF THE JAMES VOLUME 24 No 1/2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

BETH

Sfell headtanford over heels in love with music when she was just a little girl. But self-consciousness would prevent her from pursuing a life on stage. That is, until a couple years back when she began performing with The MelBays. And this past year she had an idea to put together what she called the Women Rock Festival. The response has been overwhelming for this day-long event to be held on March 24 at Hardywood. continued on page 16

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2 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • January 2018 TABLE of CONTENTS

4 FEATURE The Nature of Real Monuments: Words and Silence We had an objective here—to see as many monuments as possible, walking to all of them, even in the bone-chilling cold of the Arctic blast that was settling in, a sort of pilgrimage to broaden our understanding of what makes a great monument, one that unites rather than divides. There’s no other city in the world with as many monuments of this order than Washington, D.C.

11 BOOK REVIEW The Secret Lives of Bats Author Merlin Tuttle discovered his first cave gray bats when he was 17. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair, and the start of a decades-long quest to educate the world about bats. Bats, it turns out, are intelligent and gentle, yet these misunderstood animals are often persecuted by a bat-fearing public.

12 COLUMN Art Selena Tosh Show at Corner Office, Click IV Invitational Photo Exhibit at Glave Kocen Gallery 4017 MACARTHUR AVENUE 16 COVER STORY Beth Stanford: This Woman Rocks Beth fell head over heels in love with music when she was just a little girl, but RICHMOND, VA 23227 self-consciousness would prevent her from pursuing a life on stage. That is, (804) 525-4576 until a couple years back when she began performing with The MelBays. And [email protected] this past year she had an idea to put together what she called the Women Rock Festival. Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm 22 WHAT’S NEW HOBNOB: Destination, Neighborhood Dining Kristin and Tracey Thoroman love food. Everything about it, too. Its origins Friday & Saturday 5pm – 11pm and preparation, its presentation and how it’s served. Opening HOBNOB in the space The Hermitage Grill occupied for two decades was a dream come true, as Sunday 5pm – 9pm well as a marriage of the couple’s passion for food and community.

24 RESTAURANT REVIEW Brooks Diner If you live in Northside you’ve driven by it a thousand times. But it’s been around for years run by the same nice person serving exactly what you would expect—basic comfort food in warm surroundings. Next time you’re driving by, pull in and give it a try. It’ll become one of your favorites. demis.13b.0717.indd 1 6/12/17 12:41 PM 26 COLUMN Rainbow Minutes The History of Black History Month, Tony Washington and The Dynamic Superiors, Gun Toting, Cigar Smoking, Mary Fields ClassicTouch COVER PHOTOGRAPH by REBECCA D’ANGELO Cleaning Simplifying Lives R One House At a Time! editor/publisher Independently owned and operated. CHARLES G. MCGUIGAN art director NORTH of the JAMES® magazine is published DOUG DOBEY at Dobey Design every month. Letters to the editor are welcome, ® account executive/sales manager but become the property of NORTH of the JAMES MARY ANNE CONMY magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Although we invite unsolicited manuscripts, contributing writers we cannot be accountable for their return. The DALE M BRUMFIELD publisher is not responsible for errors. Copyright Residential Cleaning BRIAN BURNS 2018© by NORTH of the JAMES magazine®. All rights ORION HUGHES reserved. Views and opinions by our writers do not 1229 Bellevue Avenue JACK R JOHNSON necessarily represent those of NORTH of the JAMES ANDREW CHURCHER magazine®. NORTH of the JAMES magazine® is not Richmond, VA 23227 ANNE JONES responsible for claims made by our advertisers. CATHERINE MCGUIGAN (804) 262-6979 JUDD PROCTOR For media kits and ad rate information, write or call: FRAN WITHROW NORTH OF THE JAMES MAGAZINE® E-mail: [email protected] contributing photographers PO Box 9225 REBECCA D’ANGELO Richmond, VA 23227 Website: www.classictouchcleaning.com editorial: [email protected] (804) 218-5265 advertising: www.northofthejames.com maryanneconmyotjadvertising@gmailcom January 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 3 FEATURE The Nature of Real Monuments Words and Silence by CHARLES MCGUIGAN

N THE DAY and then applause that brought a We climbed over a low stonewall and after Christmas, smile to my son’s face. were surrounded by thousands of St. Stephen’s Day, Late that night, as my daughter and white headstones. my son Charles her beau headed south for Richmond Once inside the cemetery, we walked and I drove (they both had work in the morning), along the maze of narrow winding north up 95, fol- Charles and I drove over to a motel roads often venturing off the flat as- lowed closely by where we would be staying for two phalt and onto the frost-crisp blanket Omy daughter, Catherine, and her nights. They were the cheapest ac- of grass, treading carefully in among boyfriend, Tyler, and though we had commodations I could find at a place the white headstones, hundreds of killed no wren, nor placed its small called the Inn of Rosslyn built right thousands of them scattered across corpse in a sprig of holly, we hon- along Route 50, Arlington Boulevard, the rolling hills that pour down to the ored the feast day by going to my just a mile from Washington. This was Potomac River. sister Fran’s home in Falls Church a three-story pink brick building with where most of the family would Each headstone, this time of year, is bleached pink wrought iron rails, all decorated with a deep green balsam gather for a night of Southern fare squares and rectangles from the win- and yuletide spirits. wreath wearing a bright red bow. It’s dows to the rooftop, a throwback to a tradition started in 1992 by Morrill A ninety-minute drive turned into a the 1960s, but the rooms were clean Worcester, president of the Worces- five-hour just barely creeping stand- and warm and there was cable and ter Wreath Company in Harrington, still. Our average speed was just eight- internet, and the woman from China, Maine to honor the men and women een miles an hour. Cross my heart. who had been the concierge here for who have served in our Armed Forc- But it was well worth it. fourteen years, was pleasant, giving es. All of these wreaths are donated, precise walking directions to Arling- and placed by volunteers. plantation when Custis died in 1857, Nephews and nieces, brothers and ton National Cemetery, our destina- and vacated the site just four years sister, and their spouses, were there. tion tomorrow. After wandering through the cem- later when the Civil War began. On As always I was amazed by the peo- etery for a little over an hour, we made I woke early the next morning, at about about the time of President Abe Lin- ple I’m privileged to call family, by the our way to a small plot sprinkled with coln’s Emancipation Proclamation, a breadth of their pursuits, professional six, and the temperature was in the smaller and older headstones, seques- lower teens. I got a cup of coffee in the portion of the estate became what was and otherwise. Among them are doc- tered from the rest. This is the burial known as Freedman’s Village, a place tors and lawyers, teachers and scien- lobby and squirrelled away a couple of site of enslaved African-Americans bagels and two apples, and took them where recently liberated enslaved tific researchers, artists and musicians, who had lived in bondage under the people lived and received training, interior designers and historians. back up to our room where Charles former owner of this 1,100-acre es- still slept. He rose about nine and, af- education and medical care to prepare Two of my nephews are off to college tate, George Washington Parke Cus- them for lives of freedom. now, and both, just coincidentally, ter eating, we left the room, layered in tis, Confederate General Robert E. are studying history and philosophy, clothing, and walked over to Arlington Lee’s father-in-law. Lee inherited the All the while, as we strolled through one at Loyola, the other in Scotland. National Cemetery. That day we would the cemetery, I was looking for famil- My nephew Martin, home from the walk a total of twelve miles, but never iar ground. A couple hours later we British Isles for the holidays, played cross over into Washington. reached the top of a hill, and looking my niece’s mandolin, strumming with We had an objective here—to see as downward I could see the conver- ease any song requested. He has the many monuments as possible, walk- gence of two familiar lanes, and we be- knack, and an ear for music. My son ing to all of them, even in the bone- gan weaving slowly among the grave- Charles later played an original song chilling cold of the Arctic blast that stones, looking for our own names. on my sister’s grand piano, and sang was settling in, a sort of pilgrimage to I found my grandfather’s headstone, words that he wrote just a few weeks broaden our understanding of what and Charles found his grandfather’s, before, and I was floored by his deft makes a great monument, one that which are less than fifty yards away use of language and his profound un- unites rather than divides. There’s no from one another, though they were derstanding of what it is to be human. other city in the world with as many interred thirty years apart. He sang: monuments of this order. As we wandered, we literally stum- “You’re screaming, there’re tears in From the Inn of Rosslyn we strode bled on the gravestone of a man who eyes that are closed today. briskly down Fairfax Drive and made served in the Second World War, a right on North Meade Street, pass- and when he returned to Mississippi We are devastated, you’re not here, fought in numerous battles on the and I hope you’re breathing tonight.” ing the US Marine Corps War (Iwo Jima) Memorial and the Netherlands home front for Civil Rights. He was And the refrain: Carillon, skirting Fort Myer, then ultimately shot to death by a coward who hid behind a cluster of honey- “Don’t fear, you will be alright. made a left on North Marshall Drive. To the right of us is an open field that suckle in Jackson, Mississippi. A white The sky is clear, and we will never die.” stretches all the way to the horizon, supremacist ambushed this American When he finished, there was silence, uninterrupted by any development. hero, Medgar Evers, who was just 38 years old at the time of his death. After 4 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • January 2018 My Outdoor Project

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January 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 5 FEATURE

I explained to Charles who this man was, we knelt, at my son’s bidding, by his graveside, and each placed a small rock on his headstone. In the late afternoon we found the grave of John F. Kennedy, another veteran of World War II, who, like Medgar Evers, would fight battles on the home front to secure justice, and would ultimately be killed by another coward in another Southern city. There is no likeness, no gargantuan statue of this American hero, just a fire that burns night and day, a reminder to us that human freedom and dignity are inextinguishable. The words of John F. Kennedy, cut in granite slabs facing the Eternal Flame, ring with undeniable truths. These are quotes of a thoughtful man who was known for his devotion to the Republic, a man whose words Pizza - Pasta - Subs continue to inspire even in times of na- Potomac, you can see the monument tional doubt and divisiveness. honoring President Abraham Lin- coln, the man who saved the Republic FULL ITALIAN MENU Here are just two of them. and helped the nation begin the slow N.Y. Style Pizzas “LET THE WORD GO FORTH FROM path toward redemption from one of THIS TIME AND PLACE TO FRIEND its two Original Sins. This juxtaposi- Baked Spaghetti - Fettucini Alfredo AND FOE ALIKE THAT THE TORCH tion is beyond inspiring. Lasagna - Manicotti - Ravioli - Tortellini HAS BEEN PASSED TO A NEW GEN- Throughout the afternoon, though ERATION OF AMERICANS. LET EVE- the sky was blue and the sun was Veal Marsala - Chicken Marsala RY NATION KNOW WHETHER IT bright, the temperature continued to WISHES US WELL OR ILL THAT WE drop. We continued on toward the Veal Parmigiana - Chicken Parmigiana SHALL PAY ANY PRICE - BEAR ANY Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Brav- Eggplant Parmigiana - Calzone - Stromboli BURDEN MEET ANY HARDSHIP - ing these frigid temperatures, some SUPPORT ANY FRIEND OPPOSE ANY eighty people were gathered, bundled Selection of Subs - Selection of Salads FOE TO ASSURE THE SURVIVAL AND against the cold, to watch a sole mem- THE SUCCESS OF LIBERTY.” ber of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, Tiramisu - Canoli - and Much More! “AND SO MY FELLOW AMERICANS or The Old Guard, keep constant vigil ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN over the graves of men and women DO FOR YOU ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO lost in battle whose names we’ll never FREE DELIVERY FOR YOUR COUNTRY. MY FELLOW know. Another member of The Old CITIZENS OF THE WORLD - ASK NOT Guard would replace this one at the Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm; WHAT AMERICA CAN DO FOR YOU - appointed hour. The vigil is kept 24 BUT WHAT TOGETHER WE CAN DO hours a day and 365 days a year. Be- Friday & Saturday, 11am-11pm; FOR THE FREEDOM OF MAN.” sides the wind that sliced through the Sunday, Noon-10pm To the left of JFK’s burial site, there is branches of trees and rustled the last a small slab of white marble lying in a clinging leaves, there was no other bed of grass, behind it a simple white sound. Even the clack of the sentry’s 4026 MacARTHUR AVENUE cross. It stands solitary in honor of the leather soles was muted by a cushion former president’s younger brother that runs the length of his watch. Not 264-5370 who also died in service to his coun- even a stray cough, or the clearing of try, assassinated just five years after a a throat. Complete silence. And all gunman killed his older brother. On eyes were trained hypnotically on the the other side of the Eternal Flame, Tomb of the Unknown. 1/2 OFF SUB there is a white gravestone like the By the time we left, the sunlight was Buy One At Regular Price, Get 2nd of hundreds of thousands of similar fading fast, and when we got back headstones scattered across the roll- to the Inn of Rosslyn, it was already Equal or Lesser Value, 1/2 OFF! ing hills of this cemetery of heroes. dark. We ate at District Taco on Must mention coupon at time of order. With coupon only, Not valid with any other offer. This one honors Joseph Kennedy, Lee Highway in Arlington, and af- Delivery available to limited area. Offer valid through 3/2/18 JFK’s older brother, who also gave his ter we ordered, Charles recounted life for his country as a World War II the day, and marveled at the more FOOTBALL SPECIAL pilot who was shot down by the ene- than 400,000 thousand monuments my. Above these burial sites, perfectly to men and women we had seen 2 Large Cheese Pizzas with Chicken Wings aligned with the Eternal Flame, there that day. And the words carved into $19.99 is a flagpole flying Old Glory, directly stone. Sometimes just the names and Must mention coupon at time of order. With coupon only, Not valid with any other offer. in front of Arlington House, formerly dates of birth and death and service Delivery available to limited area. Offer valid through 3/2/18 the home of a Confederate general. to country. But other times words And from this spot, looking across the that transcend the Republic itself and 6 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • January 2018 Your Local Full-Line Dealer Since 1969!

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January 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 7 FEATURE Come join us... Off the Beaten Path propel us to become a better people. shall not perish from the earth.” We talked about the words of JFK Later in the day, we walked around and those of his brother, Bobby. the Jefferson Memorial and stopped “So monuments are about words?” in front of the Southwest Portico to I asked. read these words Thomas Jefferson Charles nodded. “But they’re also penned for our Declaration of Inde- about no words,” he said. And then he pendence. “We hold these truths to reminded me of the absolute silence at be self-evident, that all men are cre- the Tomb of the Unknown. ated equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable We both slept soundly that night, the rights, among these are life, liberty, and deep slumber at the end of a winter the pursuit of happiness, that to secure Straight Up Comfort Food day. In the morning we ate breakfast, these rights governments are instituted and after chatting with the concierge, among men.” Without All the Hype walked into Washington, D.C., crossing the Potomac on Memorial Bridge. And right next to this, an excerpt from 7 Days A Week • Orders to Go We saw the monuments to Albert a letter Jefferson had written:“I am Monday-Friday 7-3 • Saturday & Sunday 8-2 Einstein, and took his words with us, not an advocate for frequent changes particularly these two quotes. in laws and constitutions, but laws and Breakfast and Lunch Served All Day institutions must go hand in hand with “As long as I have any choice in the mat- the progress of the human mind. As 1600 Brook Road • Richmond, VA 23220 ter, I shall live only in a country where that becomes more developed, more en- civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of lightened, as new discoveries are made, 804.225.8577 all citizens before the law prevail.” new truths discovered and manners “The right to search for truth implies also and opinions change, with the change a duty; one must not conceal any part of of circumstances, institutions must ad- what one has recognized to be true.” vance also to keep pace with the times.” We circled the Tidal Basin, read the We spent a full three hours at two words of Abraham Lincoln from his other monuments dedicated to more Second Inauguration. modern Americans, marveling at the beauty of their words. From President “With malice toward none; with char- Delano Roosevelt: ity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us “Men and nature must work hand in strive on to finish the work we are in; hand. The throwing out of balance of to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care the resources of nature throws out of COME DANCE WITH US! for him who shall have borne the battle, balance also the lives of men.” and for his widow, and his orphan--to “I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, do all which may achieve and cherish ill-clad, ill-nourished. The test of our a just and lasting peace, among our- progress is not whether we add more selves, and with all nations.” to the abundance of those who have And his Gettysburg Address. “Four much; it is whether we provide enough score and seven years ago our fathers for those who have too little.” brought forth on this continent, a new “We must scrupulously guard the civil nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedi- rights and civil liberties of all our citi- cated to the proposition that all men zens, whatever their background. We are created equal. . . that this nation, must remember that any oppression, under God, shall have a new birth of any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge freedom -- and that government of the designed to attack our civilization.” people, by the people, for the people, “Unless the peace that follows rec- ognizes that the whole world is one neighborhood and does justice to the whole human race, the germs of another world war will remain as a constant threat to mankind.” (Natalie and Audrey) at “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and SCOTT BOYER TEACHES DANCE active faith.” And carrying the same torch of equal- Ages 3 to adult, priced from $210. ity and universal freedom, the im- mortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 804-798-9364 “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends [email protected] toward justice.” “Darkness cannot drive out darkness,

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January 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 9 FEATURE

Wine Tastings Every Friday Night! Valentine’s Day only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Tasting, February 9 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an ines- One of the most extensive wine Special Pricing on capable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever af- and beer selections in Richmond… Champagnes and fects one directly, affects all indirectly.” something to fit every wallet. other beverages “I have the audacity to believe that peo- ples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equal- Nostalgic candies for the kids. ity, and freedom for their spirits.” “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of conven- ience and comfort, but where he stands Selection of cheeses, crackers, at times of challenge and controversy.” chips and sauces. Stock Up For My son and I feasted on these words for the rest of the day as we roved St. Patrick’s Day through the city, then back to North- ern Virginia, where we joined a dear friend of mine, Mark O’Brien, for a Saturday, March 17! very late lunch at a Thai restaurant in Irish Stouts, Ales and Beer Tasting Falls Church. We told Mark what we had seen and Drink Responsibly: the words we had read and how we Don’t Drink & Drive had come to understand that true Bring Your Growler monuments are not to men, but to Let Us Fill It ideas that propel humanity forward. Around the table, as we ate pad thai Many and drunken noodles, we told stories. Winter Ales Charles recited lyrics he had written. & Lagers They were pure words, honest words, words that defined the human condi- Available tion and urged the listener to move forward, not backward. Beer & Wine Tastings Every Friday 5-8 pm I quoted these words from Mother Teresa: “Words lead to deeds, they pre- Open 7 Days A Week pare the soul, make it ready, and move Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm it to tenderness.” Friday & Saturday 11 am – 11 pm. “That’s what monuments are,” said 4009 MacArthur Avenue Charles. “Words that lead to deeds.” Phone: 726-WINE (9463) FAX: 726-VINE (8463) “And that’s what your words do, To get on our e-mail list log on to [email protected] Charles,” Mark said. “You’re a monumental young man,” I Follow Us on JOIN US ON told my son. Twitter & Trinkin FACEBOOK

10 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • January 2018 BOOK REVIEW

The Secret Lives of Bats by FRAN WITHROW

WELL REMEMBER THE FIRST time a bat got into our house in Ginter Park. My small daughter came into the bedroom where I stood with a towel on my wet hair and calmly gave me the news, whereupon I let out a shriek, dropped to the floor, Iand sent her to inform her father, who was napping in the next room. The bat followed her, so I scrambled up and quickly shut the door on all three of them. Not my finest moment. So when I discovered “The Secret Lives of Bats,” I knew it this was a golden opportunity to learn more about these little mammals that peri- odically appeared in my house. Monday - Friday Author Merlin Tuttle discovered his first cave of gray myotis (gray bats) 7am - 5pm in 1959 at age 17. It was the begin- and their babies. He taught farmers ning of a lifelong love affair, and that burning caves full of bats meant the start of a decades-long quest to they would then need to use more Saturday - Sunday educate the world about bats. Bats, chemicals to control insects. Some 7:30am - 5pm it turns out, are intelligent and gen- cactus flowers can only be pollinated tle, yet these misunderstood animals by bats, and Tuttle braved the desert’s are often persecuted by a bat-fearing extreme heat, taking thousands of public. People are largely unaware of photos to get one showing a bat with their importance in maintaining the a pollen covered head. Now Offering Breakfast and ecosystem (except for their penchant From flying foxes with a wingspan Lunch Catering, and Space Rental for eating mosquitos). of five feet to bats so small they Tuttle, founder of Bat Conservation weigh as much as a nickel, Tuttle International, has traveled all over lovingly reveals to us the world of Contact Stephanie at the world to study bats, photograph these captivating animals. (A photo them, and, in the process, reveal their of an exquisite painted bat and one [email protected] critical role not only in insect control of a dwarf epauletted bat had me or 804 864 0264 but also pollination and seed disper- cooing warmly.) sal. From the United States to Africa I was totally engrossed in Tuttle’s ex- to Australia, he describes his quest citing adventures, his readable style, to find bats, often risking his own and his warm, familiar manner. I safety as he encounters lions, cobras, finished this book in a couple of poachers, and even moonshiners. I days, but kept going back to look at was fascinated to discover how easy pictures or reread a particularly en- it is to train bats, which Tuttle did thralling bat encounter. This engag- repeatedly to obtain stunning pho- ing book will give you, as it did me, a tographs for National Geographic new appreciation for those alluring (many included in the book). creatures swooping through our sky Tuttle is one dedicated bat lover, and I at dusk. was spellbound by his dedication. He The Secret Lives of Bats spent nights shivering in rivers, wait- by Merlin Tuttle ing to gently net bats for photographs $26.00 or tagging. (They were always care- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt fully released afterward.) He climbed 256 pages into and out of dark caves with little light so as not to disturb mother bats

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION by DOUG DOBEY January 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 11 ART Selena Tosh Show at Corner Office Wonderful food, best ISH JELLY, Wonderfulbrunch in Richmond. food, best recent sculptural brunch – Urban in SpoonRichmond. works by Selena Tosh, will be on – Urban Spoon display at Corner Serving locally farmed Office from Janu- produce, poultry, and ary 27 through Serving locally farmed early February. Selena’s work toys with meat with vegetarian, Wcolor and artificiality through a meld- produce,vegan, & poultry, gluten free and ing of found plastics, and cast and poured clear epoxy resin elements. meatoptions with available.vegetarian, Selena, last year, earned her BFA in Wonderful food, best sculpture from Warren Wilson Col- OPENvegan, 11am & -10pmgluten Mon-Fri free lege a liberal arts school near Ashe- ville, North Carolina, in the Swanna- brunch9am - 10pmin Richmond. Sat & Sun options – Urban Spoon available. noa Valley. DINE IN • TAKE OUT Corner Office 3012 W Broad Street, 2nd Floor, OPENServingOPEN 11amDELIVERY 11am-10pm locally -10pm farmedMon-Fri Mon-Fri Richmond, Virginia 23230 produce,9am9am-10pm - 10pm poultry, Sat Sat & & Sun Sun and meatENJOY with BRUNCH vegetarian, DINEvegan, IN & • gluten TAKE freeOUT DINESat & INSun • 10am-2pmTAKE OUT optionsDELIVERY available. Weekly Specials: OPENENJOY 11am -10pmBRUNCH Mon-Fri Sat Sun & • Specialty Sun 9am-2pm Burgers Click IV Invitational Photo Exhibit ENJOY9am - 10pm5pm BRUNCH - close Sat & Sun DINE Mon •IN Vegetarian • TAKE & Vegan OUT WeeklySpecials Specials: all day at Glave Kocen Gallery SatTues &• Family Sun Style 10am-2pm Pasta Night SunDELIVERY • Specialty Burgers For fifteen years, Rebecca worked as 6pm - close 5pm-close shooter for The Washington Post. Her WWedWeekly • Wing it Specials:Wednesday w/ piece featured in Click IV is from a se- Mon •$5 Vegetarian wing specials & Vegan ries she did called “Skyscapes”. ENJOY Sun • Specialty BRUNCH Burgers HappySpecials Hour • Mon all day- Fri 3-6pm “Many of the photos took on a paint- Sat & Sun5pm 10am-2pm- close erly quality and were as much about Tues • Family Style Pasta Night Mon • Vegetarian & Vegan stillness, aloneness, and a subtle beau- Located 6pm-closein Richmond, VA's WeeklySpecials Specials: all day ty as they were about geometry and historic Bellevue District at color,” says Rebecca. This photo was TuesWed Sun • Family• Wing• Specialty Style it Wednesday PastaBurgers Night 4023 5pmMacArthur - close Ave taken from a summit above the coast- with $5 wing specials al town of Sorrento, Italy, overlooking Mon • Vegetarian6pm - close & Vegan the Bay of Naples. (804)HappyWWed • WingHourSpecials 716-1196 it• Mon-FriWednesday all day 3-7pm w/ The exhibit opens February 2 with an www.themillrva.comTues • Family$5 wing Style specials Pasta Night 6pm - close opening reception from 6-8 pm, and HappyLocated Hour in Richmond• Mon - Fri 3-6pm VA’s runs through February 24. Glave Ko- WWedhistoric • Wing Bellevue it Wednesday District w/at cen will, on February 17 at 11:30 am, $5 wing specials host a gallery talk called “Click & Tell” Happy4023 Hour MacArthur • Mon - Fri 3-6pm where the artists will tell their stories Located Avenuein Richmond, VA's After a four-year hiatus, Click, an invi- At least seventeen photographers will about their photos. For more information, call (804) 358-1990, or visit historicLocated Bellevue in Richmond, District VA's at tational photography exhibit, is back at show their work in this year’s exhibit. Glave Kocen with the work of Virginia From pinhole works by Steve Griffin GlaveKocenGallery.com historic4023 Bellevue MacArthur District Ave at 804 716 1196 photographers. “The mission of the to photomontages by Tom Chambers, Glave Kocen Gallery 4023 MacArthur Ave exhibit is to show the beauty and depth the exhibit highlights the limitless art 1620 West Main Street, of photography through a wide range of photography. Other artists included Richmond, 23220. www.themillrva.com(804) 716-1196 of process and perspective,” according in the show are Brent Cavedo, Lanvi www.themillrva.com to BJ Kocen. “Click also prides itself on Nguyen, Alex Nyerges, Zachary Reid, www.themillrva.com bringing together pro-shooters along- Jude Dizon, and North of the James side emerging photographers.” photographer Rebecca D’Angelo. 12 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • January 2018 Diamond DOG HOUSE

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February 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 15 BETH

Stanfordthis woman rocks

SNOWFLAKES FORM BLIZZARDS, and a single voice, of the right pitch, can create an avalanche. Disgusted by the views of the president-elect, Teresa Shook of Hawaii created a Facebook event inviting folks to march on Washington, D.C. the day after the inauguration. People would also take to the streets in more than 600 sister cities nationwide, making last year’s Women’s March the largest single-day demonstration in American history. Less than a year later actor Alyssa Milano tweeted #metoo. Since that moment, stories of sexual assault, harass- ment and rape have been shared by millions. And men of seeming limitless power have been toppled like hollow bowling pins. It just takes one person to start a movement.

A COUPLE YEARS BACK, nants of one of the early streetcar suburbs that sprang Beth Stanford, a local singer with the MelBays, was up along the defunct Richmond-Ashland Railway. teetering on the edge, felt like she was going to lose “It’s almost unbelievable the amount of s*** someone her toehold, and go tumbling down. She was in the has gone through or has had to deal with,” she says. final throes of a relationship that had been plummet- “You’re right there on the edge of the abyss when you ing south for years. There was control and manipula- sense, as a victim, this is so bad no one is really going tion, and a little gaslighting, for good measure. to believe you. Your toe is hanging off the edge of the We’re sitting in Beth’s dining room in a classic Sears cliff, and you might not survive this abuse. Whether bungalow just off Route 1 in Glen Allen, the rem- it’s emotional, physical, social. Whatever it is.”

by CHARLES MCGUIGAN photos by REBECCA D’ANGELO

16 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • February 2018 LISTEN From the WRIR archive, broadcast recordings of over 200 local, regional andnational artists since 2005. Hear them all at wrir.org/listen

February 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 17 She pauses, almost breathless, and International Women’s Treaty. “It’s Beth. “Neither one of us could breathe I’ve been in the MelBays for a couple then continues in a rhythmic and not about just women,” Beth explains. without music.” years now. Like me, they all love mu- sonorous voice: “And so I deliber- “It’s about understanding women and “I was always very musical,” Beth tells sic. They’re great guys, and so down ately hung there at that point. And supporting women so much that it ac- me, “But I had a lot of self-esteem is- to earth. Our mission statement, or it’s a scary place to be standing, but tually just becomes organic and invis- sues. I was outgoing, but really self- tagline, is: No drama. “I finally got to goddamned it, it is real, and I’m not ible to our culture. I am very proud of conscious.” She has spent the bulk of kind of express the musician and the jumping off the cliff. I’m not slipping. my son.” her adult career as a teacher, and that singer that I am, even though it’s later I’m on the edge, but I’m firmly rooted And the year before that, on about helped with her dreams of perform- in life. And I had a lot of mental and on this ground. And I’m not scared of the same time Beth was staring into ing, at least to a degree. “When you emotional hurdles to do that.” you, or scared of it. I’m not afraid of the abyss, she finally did something teach, you’re on stage all day,” she says. All of these things would lead her the abyss.” she had only dreamt about her entire “You’re engaging a 25-person audi- to one moment this past year when Gradually, Beth pulled back from the life. She backs up in the telling of her ence that has the attention span of a Beth was on a long, solitary walk, edge. “This is where I came two years story to her childhood. “From the ten-year old. So you’re tap dancing her mind drifting over the events of ago to my own sense of self,” she re- time I could stand up, I loved music,” and trying to be funny. So I would get the recent past, the relationship gone calls. “Once you’re there, there’s this she says. ”I was always dancing and it out that way. Somewhat.” sour, the abyss, a childhood dream illumination that occurs, and this singing in front of the mirror.” In the Yet there was still the yearning to let realized, her son Sam and his role sense of empathy and understanding car with her father, George Stanford, loose on stage, belting out songs that with Women Matter. overcomes you, and you can then turn Jr., she would sing along with what- could knock you over. And two years ‘I was just walking along and it all away from the edge of the abyss, and ever song blasted from the grills of ago, as she was backing away from the came to me in one big chunk,” Beth go back into your community, and be the speakers. “‘Wow, you just naturally lip of the abyss, Beth decided to give remembers. “How about a Women a better person and more supportive.” harmonize,” her father would tell her. it a rip. “I finally got up the nerve to Rock Festival? First it was going to be About a year ago, Beth’s son, Sam, And he knew a thing or two about sing back up for a band,” she says. “I just a musical thing and it could be a the oldest of her three children, be- music; he played bass in a local band met Gary Eaton and Ron Faw and fundraiser for Women Matter.” came president of the VCU chapter called Nickel Bridge, and later became Mark Seccia, and they folded me into a disc jockey. She describes her father The air seemed electric with a kind of of Women Matter, an organization, their band, the MelBays. And once synergy. She considered the Women’s founded in 2013 by Eileen Davis, and as a cross between Richard Pryor and I got comfortable, look out. I found Mell Brooks. “I get my sense of humor March of last January, #metoo. “It co- dedicated to the ratification of the out it wasn’t that scary to perform and incidentally dovetailed with my per- Equal Rights Amendment and the and my love of music from him,” says talk into a mic and sing into a mic.

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18 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • February 2018 And then she remembered a message painted on a rock. “When I had my kids and I would go to my midwife’s house for checkups, on her front porch she had a rock that was painted with one word, ‘Ask,’” Beth says. “What’s the worst thing that can happen if you just ask people? The worst thing that can happen is that they can say, ‘Hell no, go away.’ So that is now my thing. I just ask.” Beth sent an email to Hardywood. And waited, and waited. But there was no response. Three months later she received an email from the new manager that read, “Hey, I’m sorry nobody answered, but I’m really intrigued. Can you tell me some more?” In short order, Beth set up an inter- view, though puzzled over how to frame her pitch. It was straightforward enough, a day of music celebrating Beth flanked by her three children, Sam, Frances and Finn. women, and benefiting Women Mat- ter and the Richmond Peace Educa- sonal life,” Beth says. “But none of this As soon as the idea of the Festival began events, and it would fit the bill for what tion Center. is really coincidence. It’s the climate, crystalizing, Beth immediately thought she was hatching out. But Beth was a the atmosphere we’re all in.” of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on little reluctant at first, worried that her “So I went in,” says Beth. “And they Ownby Lane. She’d been there for many idea would be shot down. were like, ‘You can do whatever you

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20 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • February 2018 OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, February 6, 9-11 am 3418 Noble Ave Richmond VA 23222 were about eight hundred people “The thing about the Women Rock saying they were going. I was over- Festival, is it’s not a corporate thing,” whelmed. It caught on fire so fast.” she says. “It’s a community thing, Four bands--The New Misty Cen- and that’s what I wanted for it to be. trals, The MelBays, Suzie and the G- About women, and men who sup- Tones and Janet Martin—have already port women, who come together signed on, and because the event will and realize how much beauty, and run from 1-9 pm on March 24, there creativity and joy and positivity and are still plenty of other slots to fill. “But energy there is in Richmond. I want they would have to donate their mu- it to be totally grassroots tolerant, sic,” says Beth. because that’s the nature of women, She fairly gushes about Hardywood, bringing people together, whether it’s their staff, and all they’re doing for this family or friends. We’re nurturers, event. “Five percent of all the beer sales we’re community-minded.” the whole day will go to Women Mat- “If you give it just a little nudge, it will ter and the Richmond Peace Educa- snowball,” says Beth Stanford. “You tion Center, and the vendors don’t pay don’t have to micromanage stuff or anything,” says Beth. “Bikini Panini have corporate funding. This is just will be there, and Hardywood is going us as human beings coming together. to draw from their own well of wom- I’ve been brought to my knees many en-owned food trucks. The people at times in my life, but I always get back Hardywood are the best, and they’re up. And sometimes I don’t think I’m all about the community.” It was, by gonna, but then I’m standing up and I the way, the good folks at Hardywood don’t know how.” who recommended the date—March To learn more find RVA Women Rock 24—because of it’s proximity to Inter- Festival on Facebook. national Women’s Day. AllOPEN Saints is a schoolHOUSE of high moral expectations and academic rigor, offering an accredited pre-kindergarten through eighth grade education in Richmond’s vibrant TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH Ginter9:00 AM Park. - 11:00 We embrace AM families of all cultures, creeds, religions, races and economic standings and emphasize Or call (804) 329-7524 to schedule being safe, respectful, responsible and Christ-centeredAn Invaluable Investment an appointment. in Your Child’s Future. in all we do.

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February 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 21 WHAT’S NEW

HOBNOB Destination, Neighborhood Dining by CHARLES MCGUIGAN

RISTIN AND TRACEY time friends, happened to run into Thoroman love food. Waller McCracken, co-owner of the Everything about it, too. Hermitage Grill. They leaned against Its origins and prepara- their carts halfway down an aisle at tion, its presentation and COSTCO. Waller was looking for how it’s served. Open- a nighttime chef. Bill immediately ing HOBNOB in the thought of Tracey. space The Hermitage Grill occupied for “Well I might know somebody,” Bill Ktwo decades was a dream come true, as said. “But he’s probably looking for a well as a marriage of the couple’s passion little more than being a chef.” for food and community. “I’d still be interested in talking to When they do have free time, the Tho- him,” said Waller. “I’m thinking maybe romans love to watch cooking shows, in the next couple of years of selling.” their favorite being “A Chef’s Life” on PBS, which features Vivian Howard Tracey talked with Waller, and he and her husband Ben Knight, who agreed to come on as night chef this operate a restaurant in North Carolina past June. Five months later Tracey that specializes in locally produced and Kristin bought the business. “It food for seasonal menus. “In fact,” was an asset purchase,” says Tracey. says Tracey, “We went to their restau- “We fell in love with the bones of this rant, The Chef and The Farmer, on place. We thought it was a great loca- tion, and we really love the neighbor- our wedding night three years ago in Another cool thing about Richmond the menu, I thought it might be not hood. We love the idea of a neighbor- Kinston, North Carolina on our way is that people really support the local be something that connected with hood family restaurant. Love the fact to Savannah.” restaurants more than probably any- our customer base right off the bat,” that it’s small and manageable, and we where else in the country.” Tracey recalls. Kirstin knows a lot about presentation have a great little staff here.” and organization. She’s the exhibitions Even at this early date, HOBNOB is “What happened on opening night?” “And,” says Kirstin. “We live in Lakeside. manager at Lewis Ginter Botanical becoming known for certain signature asks Kirstin. Garden, the one responsible for put- The purchase was finalized on No- dishes, chicken pot pies, and shrimp “We sold out of it,” her husband ad- ting together seasonal offerings like vember 13, and four and a half days and grits among them. mits, grinning. “It was an instant hit.” Dominion Energy GardenFest of later HOBNOB opened. Which is just “I think another one that’s been re- Lights and Butterflies. short of miraculous. They completely A few weeks back they offered as a ally popular is the chicken and waf- redid the front of the house. “Waller special a twelve-ounce ribeye steak And Tracey has been in the food and fles we serve for Sunday brunch, says allowed us to start renovating that with roasted Yukon potatoes and beverage industry from the time he Kirstin. “Brunch has been just a huge Sunday night right after Hermitage grilled asparagus. It sold out. was little more than a boy. At sixteen, hit for us.” still in high school, he went to work at Grill closed for brunch,” Tracey re- “Our meat loaf has been very popular, “This past Sunday we did a hundred the Crossings Golf Club, and though members. and so has our lasagna,” Tracey says. covers from nine till three,” Tracey says. at first he worked on the links, he soon They had help. Dave Phillips, who “We want to feature something differ- moved into the clubhouse, washing live a block away, offered to paint. “The salads have been very well-re- ent each day. By changing the menu dishes, his passport to the kitchen. “He came here four o’clock that Sun- ceived,” says Kirstin. “I think a lot on seasonally, we’ll keep it fresh. As we our menu is right now seasonally for “I just sort of fell in love with the pro- day night and started painting, and continue to grow, we’ll continue to re- winter so it’s a lot of comfort food, cess, cooking food, and making peo- he stayed until 5:30 the next morn- source local farmers. We want to con- things people can warm their bellies ple happy,” he says. “During the winter ing,” says Tracey. “He went home for nect with some farmers who will grow with. But we want to be conscious of I used to work with Cater Corp.” five hours, came back and painted specifically for us. until four the next morning. He did those people who want a nice fresh “Like the Chef and the Farmer,” Kirstin Over the next two decades Tracey all the walls in white.” In that same salad with interesting ingredients.” would learn just about all there is to says with a smile, and Tracey nods. short time, a local subcontractor in the “One salad that’s been really popular know about running a restaurant, and “I think people also recognize that neighborhood installed a new floor. lately has been the crispy potato and how to create culinary wonders. He our focus is on hospitality and being arugula salad,” Tracey says. The po- worked for Paul Ivey, owner of Virgin- And community support has contin- a warm and welcoming place,” says tatoes are par cooked, then fried at ia Barbecue, managing their restau- ued. Tim Laxton, owner of Early Bird Kirstin. “And being a husband and the time of ordering, and served with rant up in Fredericksburg. For eight Biscuit Company, supplies HOBNOB wife duo working at a spot where fresh mozzarella, toasted almonds, years, on and off, he worked for Gar- with biscuits for their Sunday brunch- we are passionate about the food we Applewood bacon, arugula and a ma- land Taylor at the Hometeam Grill. “I es, and biscuit dough for the crusts of serve, and making people feel at home. ple vinaigrette. was the GM for the Twin Hickory lo- their chicken pot pies. What’s more, It’s more than just the food; it’s the ser- cation for about a year, but realized my he doesn’t charge them. “Tim’s been HOBNOB is also known for its beef vice, it’s the feeling you get when you love was in the kitchen,” says Tracey. an awesome supporter of ours and he brisket empanadas served with but- come into a space like this.” doesn’t let us pay,” Tracey says. “That’s termilk barbecue sauce. And a roast- Most recently he managed food and HOBNOB one of the things we love about Rich- ed cauliflower appetizer topped with beverage operations for three golf 6010 Hermitage Road mond, there are so many support- a caper, pistachio, garlic and lemon courses in New Kent County, a job (804)264-7400 ive restaurants now, so many people zest gremolata. he had for about three years. And who want to see other folks succeed. Tues-Fri 11-11; Sat 5-11; Sun, 9-3 then Bill Hatch, one of Tracey’s long- “Kirsten was pushing to put it on 22 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • February 2018 COME VISIT OUR EXPANDED TASTING ROOM AND BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT NOW! For booking information contact Cheyenne at [email protected]

FINAL GRAVITY BREWING CO. 6118 Lakeside Avenue Richmond VA 804-264-4808 www.OGGRAVITY.com Tasting Room Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11-7 Thursday, 11-9 Friday and Saturday, 10-9 Sunday, 11-6

February 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 23 RESTAURANT REVIEW Brooks Diner A Pleasant Surprise by ANNE JONES

8th Annual Bluegrass Festival February 10 $10 Doors open at noon HATCHER MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH 2300 Dumbarton Road Richmond, VA 23228 1pm County Seat 2pm Blue Steel 3pm Code Blue 4pm Bracey Junction F YOU LIVE IN NORTHSIDE a whole menu section centered 5pm Rocky Hill Bluegrass you’ve driven by it thousands around gravy – chipped beef or sau- of times on your way down- sage gravy on toast or biscuits. 6pm Appalachian town. “It looks kind of indus- There are also enough sides to satisfy Express trial; did it just change hands? I the pickiest pescatarian with a pen- 7pm Dust Cutters should stop there sometime...” chant for Cracker Barrel (that would you’ve said to yourself. be me). Beets, mac and cheese, but- Food, Drinks & More IBut Brooks Diner has been around ter beans, coleslaw, fried apples, mac for years, run by the same nice per- and cheese, mac and cheese, col- son, Kathy Deleguardia, and serving lards, mac and cheese, green beans. Virginia Folk Music Association up exactly what you’d expect – basic Pick three for a hearty $6 lunch. Did Bubba Overcash 804 370 3619 comfort food in warm surroundings. I mention the mac and cheese? It’s [email protected] And that’s the beauty part about it: just right. There’s also a tuna melt, you know exactly what to expect, catfish, salmon cake, fried flounder www.vafolkmusic.org nothing pretentiously innovative or – it’s not all meat and potatoes. annoying. There is nothing, as David The low prices are another big draw. McShin Foundation Sedaris said when irritated at his over- There is nothing over $8.50 on the Alden Gregory 804 836 5383 ly-fused fare, “smothered in aspirin menu. The grilled cheese is $3.75, [email protected] sauce”, no kale in the mac and cheese, for god’s sake, and breakfast is avail- nary a sunchoke on the catfish. able all day. That’s always a good www.mcshin.org What you will find is extra tasty, sign. And while the space is a little homemade, and hearty meat sauce big to be called cozy, it’s warm and on the spaghetti, tender and tangy welcoming. Last week there was a barbecue pork, a perfectly flat and fresh tulip on every table. buttery textbook grilled cheese So next time you drive by, go ahead straight out of a drug store lunch and pull in. Eat breakfast on your counter. It’s comfort food with no way to work, or at noon on Sunday. pretension, not your Waffle House You’ll be pleasantly surprised. comfort food, but your grandmoth- er’s-house-for-Sunday-after-church Brook’s Diner comfort food. The mashed pota- Monday – Friday 7-3; Saturday & toes are real, the fried flounder is Sunday 8-2 fresh, and the country-fried steak 1600 Brook Road is perfectly browned. There is even Richmond, VA 23220 (804) 225-8577

24 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • February 2018 WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

An Old-Fashioned Service Station Family Owned And Operated For 65 Years Full Automotive Service And Repair DISCOVER 266-3574 5515 Lakeside Avenue A COMMUNITY THAT'S FRESH, VIBRANT AND ENGAGING

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February 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 25 RAINBOW MINUTES

by BRIAN BURNS and JUDD PROCTOR

The History of Black History Month LACK HISTORY Woodson selected the second week Month is a remembrance in February for the remembrance, the of significant people and same week that Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas were born – since Tuesday-Friday 11am-11pm events in the history of African heritage. It is he believed they had greatly influ- Saturday 5pm-11pm, Sunday 9am-3pm celebrated in the United enced the lives of Black Americans. States in February. In 1976, Woodson’s organization suc- The remembrance was originally cessfully lobbied for the month-long Lunch, Dinner Bstarted by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a observance in February. Sunday Brunch leading historian who founded the As- President Gerald R. Ford was the first sociation for the Study of Negro Life president to officially recognize Black and History. Woodson felt the con- History Month, calling on the public To-Go Orders tributions of Black Americans were to “seize the opportunity to honor the overlooked or misrepresented, so he too-often neglected accomplishments 6010 Hermitage Road began lobbying for Negro History of black Americans in every area of Richmond, VA 23228 Week. It began in 1926. endeavor throughout our history.” hobnobrva.com 804.264.7400

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Tony Washington and The Dynamic Superiors The Dynamic Superiors were a Washing- casionally did concerts in drag. Some- ton, D.C. soulful, black male vocal group times he would turn lyrics around on that signed with Motown in 1974. Most stage. When the group sang, “Me and of their early material was produced by Mrs. Jones,” Tony would sing, “Me and the talented duo, Ashford & Simpson. Mr. Jones.” This was several years be- text 804 980 5604 call The Dynamic Superiors had per- fore high-profile Sylvester hit it big. formed together since their junior high Although the Dynamic Superiors contact DOBEY DESIGN for all your graphic needs school days. Tony Washington led the didn’t experience mainstream success, group with his flamboyant, falsetto they were happy to be doing what they voice. He was also an unabashed gay enjoyed. They made their last record- “Don't throw it away!” man, both on- and off-stage, and oc- ing together in 1980. WANTED Gun Toting, Cigar Smoking, old postcard posters magazines Mary Fields calendars scrapbooks catalogues Born a slave in Hickman County, In 1895, Fields was hired as a mail car- photos advertising sheet music maps Tennessee, in the 1830s, Mary Fields rier, since she was the fastest applicant earned her freedom in 1865. Six feet to hitch a team of six horses. Carrying BUY SELL APPRAISE tall, with a feisty attitude that often led the mail with horses and a mule named to fist fights, she made her mark in the Moses – and reliably at that – she earned Quality Painting American Wild West. the nickname, “Stagecoach Mary.” Guaranteed Results WHITING’S Free Estimates Finding her way to Cascade County, Never married, Fields wore men’s OLD PAPER Montana, Fields did men’s work at the shirts and jackets. Yet she earned a re- GREG WILLARD St. Peter’s Mission. But because she spectable reputation as the first Afri- 743-8237 746-4710 smoked, drank and swore, she didn’t can American woman to work for the last long there. U.S. Postal Service.

26 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • February 2018 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION by DOUG DOBEY WELCOME TO THE TENTH SEASON AT LAKESIDE TOWNE CENTER 6110 LAKESIDE AVENUE | HENRICO/RICHMOND VA 23228 OFFERING FARM RAISED PRODUCTS, BAKED GOODS, FRESH SEAFOOD, AND PLANTS AND FLOWERS YEAR ROUND FARMERS’ MARKET OPEN Saturday mornings and all day Wednesday

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February 2018 • NORTH of the JAMES magazine 27 Beautiful homes are created at the Corner of Lakeside&Dumbarton.

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28 NORTH of the JAMES magazine • January 2018