Public art can grow a community

Public art can grow a community

Public art can grow a community

From a Harley Davidson to a well proportioned building, there can be beauty created by the human hand. We can design something that has grace and beauty or something that does not. This is a choice that is made by someone in the process to an end. These choices impact the influence a creation has over those that encounter it in the future. If there is a nicely designed and maintained landscape, there is more care taken not to step on it and trample the beauty. Where there is a beauty created, the human spirit is lifted.

public-art-1public-art-2public-art-3

So why does this matter? How does this shape human activity. In Roanoke, there was once a tall wall next to the road. The cars driving through this neighborhood traveled at a high-speed just passing through. A neighborhood came together and decided this wall needed beauty. So they went through the process to get permission, hire an artist, organize volunteers and painted the wall. The result now is that cars slow down to look at the wall. The yards surrounding the wall across the street are kept a little more manicured than before. The restaurant across the street is going to be renovated because “corporate thinks it should be a better resident in such a beautiful neighborhood.” Even better, the community came together, got to know each other, and crime rates went down. This is the power of design. When you introduce beauty to an object, it radiates out into those experiencing the place.

public-art-1

This is the power of a beautifully designed outdoor park in the middle of a downtown. It brings people together, inspires creativity, sparks economic growth, reduces crime, and empowers those living in the place.

public-art-4

However, it is not just the walls that need painted or parks that can be built. It is the everyday objects that impact our lives. We need design even in our benches and buildings because we need beauty. It brightens our spirits and in this day and age of so much turmoil, we all need brightness.

public-art-5

2016: What Did We Get Done And What Is Next?

I have heard from some of you and I know you agree, 2016 was not the best of years…. There seemed to be a cloud of negative over much of the year. Certainly this happens each Presidential election cycle, but this year seemed somehow more sticky. In addition, I faced some of the most challenging times of my adult life this year resulting in some burn-out through the year.  There seemed to be more death this year or perhaps I am just coming to an age where more people who have had influence over my life are passing. In any case, it was sad to see so many go including my Aunt Debbie and my favorite musician of all time, Prince. Violence around the world somehow seemed louder and closer to home this year more than I ever remember – especially through the hate filled comments on social media. Let’s face it, 2016 had a lot of wrong going on.

However, there was good that came out of all the rubble over the last 12 months. There is a silver lining. In face, so much was GOOD that happened in 2016, here are some of our stories.

Right at the tail end of 2015 I ran in the Harrisonburg Glow Run with these folks and had a great time.

Harrisonburg Glow Run

I started my year off right with these beautiful souls and a trip to see my mom, dad, brother, and nephews – our New Year Day tradition. Each day I get to spend with them is truly a treasure. I need to make sure I focus on that as I do love to give my time to all sorts of efforts around the community – this is the one that is most important.

Our Rotary Club continues to change the world by putting service above self. We have so much in this community and together as a group of Rotarians, we can share our gifts with the world. This year we raised money for many good local organizations, packed food for the hungry around the world, hosted a Soapbox Derby, and so much more.

Rotary

We moved into our new office at the DEPOT!!!! also HERE. I have literally fallen in love with this building. I am so thankful to Jim Monger for allowing us to be part of the project and to have our office here. It is such a joy to work in a building like this one.

Harrisonburg architectural office

Harmony Square Dairy Queen opened their doors this past January. Talk about wonderful clients – it has been such a gift to have Jane and Mike as clients. Not only are they wonderful people, they have soft serve ice cream!

Dairy Queen Harmony Square

We helped to organize the first ever Harrisonburg Homesteading Festival. I hope this becomes an annual tradition and grows this year (at the SVBA Home and Living Expo).

homesteading festival

I got to bowl for Kid’s Sake on the SVBA team! I do love events that help kids, this one especially benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County. Want to be part of my team this year?

Bowl for kids sake

I was able to go on a field trip with Sophia to Washington D.C. Each day I get to spend with my girls is such a treat. 

2016 in review

We helped to coordinate Canstruction Harrisonburg for the second year. This year we were able to raise 6,098 pounds of food for those in need in our community.

Canstruction Harrisonburg

Several on our Charlottesville team are now Construction Document Technologists (CDT)! Congratulations on passing this difficult exam Adrienne and Paul!

CSI construction specifications

James continues to serve the Charlottesville community as a Sherrif’s Deputy. Deborah gives her time to HDR to help grow our downtown. Ray continues to volunteer in the Albemarle County School district.  Our firm continues to have a strong emphasis on the importance of volunteering in your community. We can change our future for the better if we all work together doing it.

albemarle sheriff's deputy

Construction was completed on another design project we did for Innisfree Village. This organization does some great work in the community. We are so proud to be part of their team.

villageInnisfree Village Meadow II model

Deborah and I were able to teach 5th and 6th graders at Skyline Middle School sketch-up and several finished the design of “dream homes.” On the Road Collaborative is an organization making a difference in our community. Want to support someone doing good – check out these folks.

on the road collaborative

I was able to assist 6th graders at North Fork Middle School in taking their next step to building a zero-energy science lab.

North Fork Middle School

Progress continues on the townhouses we designed for Preston Lake Community in Harrisonburg. 

Preston Lake

Deborah finished her Master of Business Administration degree from EMU! She was able to do this while working full-time.

Deborah Smith

I had a great trip to D.C. including lunch with a wonderful friend (since 5th grade). Thanks for inviting me up to speak at the Department of Energy Mary!

Day Trip Washington DCDay Trip Washington DC

Construction finished on this beautiful farmhouse we designed in Rockingham County. This was another project we did with Beck Builders.

farmhouse

Nephew Jared graduated from high school and started college at PVCC.

2016 in review

We are once again able to host First Friday art openings in our new space and have had some incredible artists in our space this year. I love supporting our art community and it gives us a chance to show off our building each month. Mark your calendar, these openings happen every month on the first Friday.

Stronge DesignsDepot Tee Green

Gaines Group Christmas

W A Berkshire

First Friday Downtown

Open House

I helped to organize Valley Business Keynote and it was another amazing event! This year Dan Pallotta joined us. I absolutely love working with this bunch of leaders.

vbk 2016

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is helping the downtown thrive and grow under the leadership of Andrea Dono. We have now done three jobs downtown and are in our long-term downtown office space – this is my professional home. We have seen such huge growth downtown since arriving in 2004. Eddie Bumbaugh did a great job in building the framework for success. We look forward to seeing where Andrea takes our town.

michael sheeler depot harrisonburg

Michael Sheeler photography

We got to see Jamal Millner play a Prince Tribute Concert. I have known Jamal since before I can remember – literally. He was often at our house when I was very young. This concert that he organized was AMAZING.

2016 in review

Our family took a much-needed vacation to Williamsburg over the summer. It was hot, but I think we all had fun.

Williamsburg VA

2016 in review

2016 in review

I was once again a speaker at Construct, a national building industry conference that gathers people from all aspects of the construction industry to advance construction knowledge. This annual conference continues to be the best I attend each year. I have been an invited speaker at multiple events over the years. This one was in Austin, TX.

2016 in review

2016 in review

2016 in review

I got to see George Clinton lay down the funk in Roanoke. This was the third time I have seen him play live and probably the last time. He remains a great performer, but has lost some his gusto.

2016 in review

We broke ground on our Net-Zero house. This one is being built by Mark Bergman. Our clients make everything else we do possible, I am very thankful for those allowing us to design “green” homes in the community.

Net Zero Build

I attended City Works Expo and got to hang out with some cool people, learn some new stuff, and see this incredible art. Thanks to Brad for getting me to attend. This conference was inspirational. The oddest part was at this particular conference, I was one of the old guys. I guess it is a sign of the times, but also uplifting to see so many younger than me looking for innovative ways to build community.

20161006_124645 20161008_091956-01 20161008_100902 20161008_104959

I was able to host several school groups at my office and me in their classrooms this year. I am honored to have so many opportunities to share my passion for building science, architecture, and design with the next generation.

cvkxvy3xgaawvcg

I ran a few races, each time improving my time a little over the previous. One of the biggest lessons I have learned this year, I need to take care of me so I can better take care of others. The time has come to stop putting it off.

fb_img_1467686613092-01 fb_img_1467640834671-01img_20161016_081943710 img_20161016_102930804

We marched in Harrisonburg to raise awareness of climate change. Really, anytime I get to hang out with Charlie is a great time, but walking in this parade and showing my girls how much our future depends on them was powerful. We have a problem. We can, I hope, solve the problem. We just need to adjust our priorities.

20160704_181039-0120160704_173736

We broke ground on our Carbon Neutral House. This is another Beck Builders project and another client I am thankful for giving me a chance. I look forward to sharing more with you about this project.

carbon-neutral-house-2

I had a chance to do a BUNCH of energy audit to help folks in the community reduce their energy bills. There is so much work that can be done to reduce your monthly energy bills and our community impact on the environment. I have knowledge about the solutions and I am happy to share it with you. Just call for an energy audit.

ir_0301

I got to spend some special time with this beautiful lady. I need to do this more – I love my family and I need to spend more time with them!

20160714_215953

We added staff in both office locations, Ivan, Maggie, and Rebecca in Harrisonburg and Trevor in Charlottesville. Welcome to the team, the biggest our team has ever been. Wait until you see what we are able to accomplish now.

gaines-group-christmas-party-3

We attended Red Wing Roots! The Steel Wheels have quickly become my favorite musical group. We were in a position this year to be able to sponsor this event that it turns out a LOT of our clients attend. What a fun-filled three days of music and community!

20160709_204506 20160708_194946 20160708_155911-01 20160708_194907

The girls and I went to see this bush cut out in my likeness and to ride some rides .

20160707_111447-0120160707_150334-0120160707_150454-01

I had a chance to hang out with Hannah looking at cool art in Charlottesville. It is rare that I get invited to school functions at the middle school – glad I got the invite for this one.

Eastern mennonite School Eastern mennonite School

We attended a Tennessee Women’s Basketball game. I do enjoy seeing Tennessee play!

20161111_201452-01 20161111_201319

We started the Chesapeake Western Railroad history collection in our building. If you have not been by our space yet, please come and visit. If you are interested in the history of the building stay a while and check out the display.

depot-train Chesapeake Western Depot

I got to see this guy wearing this shirt on facebook! I think he may be a UVA Fan now!

fb_img_1480190607218

This project in downtown Harrisonburg is almost done. We love saving old buildings through design. This new apartment building on South Main street is being renovated by Nesselrodt Construction.

20161221_130328 20161221_133104

I ended the year with a run – the second annual New Year’s Eve Glow Run and improved my 5K time. Thanks to the guys at VA Momentum for a well-organized and fun event!

20161231_165958-01 20161231_171020-01-01

I hope you have a chance to remember all the GOOD that happened for you in 2016. Going through this list certainly lifted my spirits. I think I am ready for 2017.

fb_img_1482632285890-02

Check Your Home For Better Comfort To Start The New Year Off Right

Check Your Home For Better Comfort To Start The New Year Off Right

Many people make resolutions for the new year. These often fall by the side of the road as you carry on in a busy life. Here are some things to check your home for that will provide payback through reduced energy bills and increased comfort all year-long.

insulate attic access

Remember to insulate your attic access, it is an exterior door

We can check your home with an energy audit

attic insulation

From spiders to caulk, how to save money at home

vented crawl space

Is your crawl space working properly?

electrical outlets

8 steps to an energy-efficient home

insulate attic access

Common problems that you can fix to reduce your energy bills

harrisonburg spray foam

How much insulation should you have in your attic?

fiberglass insulation

You can find air leaks in your thermal envelope by looking at fiberglass insulation

Heating and cooling supply vents are almost never installed right costing you money

electrical outlets

Seal your electrical outlets to improve your home comfort

What is the most critical energy-efficiency product for your home?

10 Tips for renters to reduce their energy bills

 

 

Williamsburg, Va Trip Architectural Details

The architectural details in Williamsburg are truly special. The brick walls have moss growing over the top softening their surface and providing color. The variety of fence styles and types are diverse and varied. I have to imagine there is significance to the different styles, but I did not find any documentation of such.

williamsburg-details-16williamsburg-details-1   williamsburg-details-2 williamsburg-details-3williamsburg-details-4 williamsburg-details-9williamsburg-details-5williamsburg-details-38

There are many styles of gates and passages. The discovery that is allowed through these borders gives the visitors more depth to the experience. 

williamsburg-details-29williamsburg-details-1

There is a variety of signs marking the stores, taverns, and shops. These signs reinforce the architecture.

williamsburg-details-7

Even the hinges on the shutters have a variety of styles and types leaving the visitor opportunity to think about form and function.

williamsburg-details-8 williamsburg-details-14williamsburg-details-24williamsburg-details-19 williamsburg-details-10

The door locks range from sliding locks, chains, to padlocks. These locks add texture and detail that enhance the architectural story.

williamsburg-details-11 williamsburg-details-12 williamsburg-details-13    williamsburg-details-17williamsburg-details-32williamsburg-details-6 williamsburg-details-2  williamsburg-details-20 williamsburg-details-21 williamsburg-details-22 williamsburg-details-23  williamsburg-details-34williamsburg-details-28williamsburg-details-25  williamsburg-details-27

Even the hinges on the fences offer a variety of interests.

williamsburg-details-30williamsburg-details-18williamsburg-details-26

This bird house seems to be a luxury suite. 

williamsburg-details-31

The doors show their age while telling a story of time past.

williamsburg-details-33 williamsburg-details-36williamsburg-details-35williamsburg-details-43williamsburg-details-15

The wells offer interesting textures.

williamsburg-details-37

Window trim and shutters tell a story of function and style.

williamsburg-details-39  williamsburg-details-41

From the rich to the poor, those living in mansions to log cabins, Williamsburg tells a story of cultural development. The wall paper with intricate detail is such a luxury that many others could never even fathom owning.

williamsburg-details-42 williamsburg-details-40

You should visit Rockingham County Rotary Club in January, we have BACON

rotary_rock

One of the best decisions I have made in the last 8 years was to join Rotary. This organization amplifies the good you can do in your community and around the world. Rotary International is a service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. “It is the duty of all Rotarians,” states the Manual of Procedure “outside their clubs, to be active as individuals in as many legally constituted groups and organizations as possible to promote, not only in words but through exemplary dedication, awareness of the dignity of all people and the respect of the consequent human rights of the individual.” The Rotarian motto is “Service Above Self.”

20161220_2021131rotary-2rotary-1

Rotarians pledge the 4-way test at each meeting. This is a great reminder of how to live life, serve your community, and simply how to be better.

Our club, Rotary Club of Rockingham County meets each Tuesday of the week (except holiday weeks) at Golden Pony in Harrisonburg for breakfast at 7am.  We organize a soapbox derby in Harrisonburg and a car raffle to benefit Generations Crossing and First Step. We partner with other clubs (Harrisonburg Rotary, Bridgewater Rotary) to organize the Harrisonburg Strawberry Festival to benefit parks in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The Ronald McDonald benefit golf tournament done jointly with Waynesboro East Augusta is always a great event. We donate books to the Massanutten Regional Library, have a grant to help supply food backpacks at county schools, and work to end polio partnering with Harrisonburg-Massanutten Rotary with their Polio Tailgate party. Our weekly meetings raise money for the Collins Center and we have donated books to the Broadway-Timberville Rotary Little Free Library. It is a great group of people dedicated to “service above self.” If you want to visit to see if this club is a good fit for you – let me know. If a 7am breakfast meeting each week is not right for you, let me introduce you to members of one of the lunch clubs. There is work to be done and we need you to be a Rotarian to get it done.