Rachael Smith

Lynchburg

Reporter at @newsadvance Covers business and nonprofits and all around good feels. Enjoys a good taco, a great joke and the best people

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Articles

Growing community: Lynchburg Grows holds summer camp for second year

5 days ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

At Lynchburg Grows, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration of soil, sweat and shared meals. Now in its second year, the nonprofit’s hands-on youth camp, called Camp Grows, is growing in more ways than one, expanding to three weeks, and welcoming more than 30 campers across age groups. From harvesting vegetables to learning about food equity, kids get more than just muddy, they gain a deeper understanding of their community and where their food comes from.
Centra provides update on modernization plan

5 days ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

Centra announced its multiyear modernization plan just more than two years ago and since that time, significant progress has been made on the physical aspects of projects, such as the new medical office building to be known as Centra Langhorne Medical Center and two new hospitals at the Centra Simons Run Medical Campus. Construction of the Centra Langhorne Medical Center has been underway since March 2024.
After nearly 175 years, Court Street Methodist closing

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

After 174 years of ministry, Court Street United Methodist Church will hold its final service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The special service will be a celebration of the church’s legacy, commemorating nearly two centuries of reaching out with light, hope and God’s love to the Lynchburg community, a news release states. “Court Street UMC has been a beacon of faith and service, known for its vibrant music ministry, acts of compassion, and commitment to outreach.
Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation announces $100,000 Century Fund recipient

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation (GLCF) announced the Altavista Area YMCA is the 2025 winner of its sixth annual $100,000 Century Fund Grant. Funds awarded will be used for the YMCA’s child development center expansion project, a news release states. The development center is working to expand its child care facility and programs to better serve the community. The program supports children in Campbell, Pittsylvania and Bedford counties.
Grants awarded to area organizations by GLCF

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation (GLCF) announced Tuesday the recipients of its spring 2025 competitive grants. The GLCF Distribution Committee carefully reviewed each application received, resulting in more than $554,000 awarded in competitive grants, plus more than $36,000 in recommendations from donor advised funds to 73 organizations, a news release states. Competitive grants ranged from $900 to $25,000.
Third Wawa in the area under construction

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

A Wawa is under construction at 2731 Wards Road next to Cook Out in Lynchburg. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Tom Martin, community development director for the city, confirmed the new store. A timeline for completion is unavailable. The store is being developed by Thomas Bell, who is also putting a Wawa in at the new Rosedale development on Graves Mill Road.
LAYSi Day of Play to be held Saturday

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative's (LAYSi) biggest event, the Summer Day of Play, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 at the University of Lynchburg. The event offers free activities and lunch for children from first to eighth grade and expects about 150 participants. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts LAYSi is currently looking for 70 to 80 volunteers to help make the event successful.
Scratch Pasta Co. to make national debut at NYC’s Fancy Food Show

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

Artisan pasta maker Scratch Pasta Co., known for its small-batch, chef-driven flavors, is heading to New York City this June to exhibit at the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show, one of the largest and most prestigious events in the specialty food industry, a news release states.
Slice of Southern: Ashwood Manor is a home away from home

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

Just past the Sheetz in Forest, right off U.S. 221, there is a house with a story to tell. More than two centuries’ worth, in fact. Ashwood Manor, a stately 1790s home that once may have belonged to Thomas Jefferson himself, is now a flourishing creative business owned by Sarah Krycinski. The historic building, restored and reimagined, now serves as a multi-level retail space, a design studio and an emerging event venue, all while honoring its deep Southern roots.
Executive Director Series highlights housing crisis in Lynchburg

1 week ago | newsadvance.com | Rachael Smith

Local nonprofit leaders came together on Thursday afternoon at Isabella’s restaurant in Lynchburg for the third installment of the Executive Director Series — a collaboration presented by SHARE Greater Lynchburg. The event, designed to create collaboration and enable frank dialogue, focuses on key issues affecting the community — this time, the growing challenge of homelessness.