Senior management has fostered innovative ideas that set them apart from the competitive set. In 2010, the property opened a rooftop garden to grow fresh herbs and vegetables for their own special version of ‘farm to table’. The staff worked with a local landscape company to select indigenous plants and utilized the air conditioning run-off water for irrigation. The hotel is a Virginia Green participant and adheres to the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s guidelines on green best practices.

General Manger Carol Simon has taught a hospitality courses at James Madison University and is active in college recruitment. As part of this initiative, the property annually hosts interns to provide practical work experience affording students a springboard from college life to career life.

About Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the company presently manages 47 hotels, resorts and conference and convention centers with nearly 8,400 rooms in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline Hotels & Resorts manages 9 independent properties in major US markets including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Crestline also manages properties under such well-regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Sheraton, and Crowne Plaza. For more information visit: www.crestlinehotels.com.

About the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center
The 124-room Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center in Staunton, VA was originally built in 1924. The hotel underwent a $22 million expansion and restoration and reopened in 2005. The property, managed by Crestline Hotels and Resorts, is a member of Historic Hotels of American and features a fitness center, indoor pool, indoor parking garage, dining, bar and 8,500 sq. ft. of elegant meeting and banquet space. For reservations or more information visit www.StonewallJacksonHotel.com

Greg Beam, SDDA Board President remarked on the grant award:  “Receiving this grant significantly increases our ability to continue a number of Design, Economic Development and Promotions projects that have been in the works for years.  The new lighting will make the targeted areas more inviting for evening business and better connect the many unique areas within our Downtown Service District.” 

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants of up to $25,000 per designated community were made available for special, one-time projects. The grant opportunity is designed to offer communities the ability to complete a Main Street-related project for which financial resources are not otherwise available. Grant criteria included economic, measurable impact or deliverables, committee or volunteer project leadership/involvement, leveraging of other fund sources, local government involvement/support and short duration of project. 

Current Lighting Does Not Illuminate Sidewalks

There are 42 fixtures in the target areas that were installed a part of the Downtown Streetscape Plan in the 1980’s.  Currently, existing fixtures emit 3,200 lumens from 42 watt compact fluorescents.  Much of that light is lost up into the sky and does not illuminate sidewalks.  The Main Street grant will fund new luminaries with 70 watt metal halide lights that emit 5,500 lumens directed toward the walkways. The new lights will use less energy and satisfy the dark sky initiative. It is estimated that this will increase the light level on the walkways by 3 to 4 times. 

Example of New Lighting

This upgrade will be completed through the leveraging of a strong partnership between the Staunton Downtown Development Association, the City of Staunton and the Public Work Department. “Thanks to the hard work of Julie Markowitz, downtown Staunton will be look brighter at night, and continues to get better,” said Tom Sliwoski, Director of Public Works. 

The SDDA’s Design, Promotions and Economic Development Committees will be involved in the project development as well as businesses in the affected areas. 

 “The additional funding will drastically improve the lighting in the Wharf and the Train Station creating better connection for those businesses and driving evening traffic to their doors,” said Julie Markowitz, Executive Director of the SDDA. “The upgraded lighting will look similar to the new lighting installed on Churchville Avenue and be a vast improvement in visibility for those businesses.”

This month marks the 5th anniversary for Jennifer L. Jones as a member of the American Shakespeare Center family. For those of you who come to the Blackfriars Playhouse, her face is likely familiar. Whether she’s assisting a patron, managing the Box Office staff, or troubleshooting a maintenance issue, Jennifer is always ready to do what needs to be done to make each patron’s visit to the ASC the best experience it can be.

In honor of her 5 year anniversary, we sat down with Jennifer to learn more about her:

Where are you from and what brought you to Staunton?

I am originally from Montgomery, AL. I moved to Staunton in 2003 with my now husband who attended the MLitt/MFA program at Mary Baldwin College.

My first day in Staunton, I found out that I had something in common with ASC Co-Founder and Director of Mission, Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen. He is also from Montgomery and we both went to Sidney Lanier High School. Go Poets!

When did you start working at the ASC and in what capacity and when did you become the Box Office Manager?

My first day at ASC was December 18, 2006. I started as a bartender that Holiday season. I started working full time in the box office in March 2007, and I became Box Office Manager in October 2007.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is talking to folks who are coming to the Blackfriars for the first time. I love how excited people are to see our playhouse and our shows.

What is your favorite thing/part of the Blackfriars Playhouse?

I don’t know that I have a favorite part of the Playhouse itself, but my favorite part of being in the Playhouse is the Actors’ Renaissance Season every year. The performances that come out of those seasons are simply amazing.

I still remember when we did Pericles in the 2007 Actors’ Renaissance Season. I hated Pericles when I read it, but I wanted to see the show anyway. It was nothing short of magical. I think I ended up watching Pericles four or five times that season.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen at ASC and/or in Staunton while you’ve been here?

I have loved watching downtown Staunton grow over the last five years.

What is your favorite Shakespeare play and why?

Hamlet will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the first Shakespeare play I remember seeing live, and the first show I memorized a soliloquy from.

With which Shakespeare character do you most identify and why?

If I had to pick, I guess Horatio. He has a kind of blind loyalty to his friends that I (mostly) admire.

What do you hope that people get out of their visits to the Blackfriars Playhouse?

I hope that people feel the passion that everyone at ASC has for what we do. One of the greatest parts of working for ASC is getting to work with people who are passionate about what they do everyday. To me, it makes the difference between a job and a career.

When you’re not at the ASC what do you like to do?

I read (fiction); I spend time with my wonderful husband, Noah; and I watch ridiculous TV with my best friend, Christina. As much as I enjoy the intellectual stimulation of working at ASC; when I go home, I like to turn my brain off.

Thank you, Jennifer, for being a part of what makes the American Shakespeare Center so special.

Want to feature one of your employees or learn more about someone from downtown Staunton?  Send us an email at sdda_assistant@ci.staunton.va.us and we’ll feature them on our website, blog and in the eblast!

Staunton, Virginia – January 17, 2012 – When the Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA) launched its low-tech gift card program in late 2007, the idea was to create a convenient, inexpensive and easily administered way to stimulate sales at downtown shops and restaurants.   With increases in Gift Card sales topping more the 38% in 2011 and participation by downtown merchants reaching more than 90 businesses, the SDDA believes the program has provided a much needed shot in the arm to downtown’s economy and empowered consumers with a visible way to participate in the Buy Local movement.

Julie Markowitz, Executive Director of the SDDA describes the program’s growth: “We sold more than $50,000 in downtown gift cards in 2011 that can be redeemed at most businesses in our downtown district.  That’s going to be a significant boost to our merchants in the early part of 2012 as the cards are used.  Because this program is operated with low administrative costs and is free for merchants and consumers to use, it’s really a wonderful way to engage the community in being an active part of supporting downtown.  It’s not only become a great gift, but also a powerful reward incentive that is being used by local lodging establishments and businesses to encourage visitors or employees to explore downtown.  It’s exciting to see the community truly rallying around our ‘Buy Local. Give Local.’ message. ” 

The Downtown Staunton Gift Card is sold in denominations of $5, $10, $20 and $50 and can be used just like cash.  They are available at Pufferbellies Toys & Books, Turtle Lane, The Sacred Circle, Schmid’s Printery and the SDDA office at 110 W. Johnson St. and there are no fees involved for consumers or merchants.  The SDDA has worked to raise awareness of the cards the past few years with special giveaways and promotions, the most successful being a $10 bonus with the purchase of a $50 card and the introduction of ELFis, an Elvis Elf who promotes gift card sales during the holiday season.  

Participation in the beginning years of the program averaged around 60 businesses and sales grew slowly.  Markowitz believes in addition to constant emphasis by the SDDA, the increasing popularity of Buy Local programs and publicity surrounding national events like Small Business Saturday and Independents Week have helped raise awareness. 

For more information about downtown gift cards, visit www.stauntondowntown.org

The ornament is a depiction of the Dixie Window in beautiful brass and enamel.  The note cards are a color photo of the three Dixie windows, including envelopes.
The ornament is $15.
Pack of eight cards is $15.
They can be purchased at the Staunton Performing Arts Center office at 103 East Beverley Street, Staunton or at Bookworks, 101 West Beverley Street, Staunton. They can be ordered by phone at 540-885-3211. MasterCard, VISA, and American Express are accepted. Add $5 for shipping and handling, if needed.

Dixon Studio Gifts!

Make Christmas more meaningful -and more beautiful- with gifts from the Priestly Life Catalog at Dixon Studio. And, make it easy on yourself with free gift wrapping! We have searched through all the seasonal silliness to find a few wonderful pieces that are engaging and inspiring, as well as appropriate gifts for and from priests.

 Check out the Christmas Shopping page for the free giftwrap items. And remember: free shipping site-wide this week AND all books always on sale! This is too good and too easy!

Pamper Your Canine Friends This Holiday at Turtle Lane. Turtle Lane has gifts for your canine family members! We carry locally made gourmet dog treats, collars and charms! Bring your pooch by anytime for a free sample!  We also carry great locally made gifts, featuring work from over 30 of your friends and neighbors. 

Turtle Lane ~ 10 East Beverley Street ~ (540)886-8591 ~www.turtlelanegifts.com ~ turtlelanegifts@yahoo.com

The Wine Cellar Holiday Wine Case 2011  ($149) 

Gruet Brut (New Mexico) This Brut offers a crisp and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors combines with the allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor.   

Angeline Sauvignon Blanc ( Russian River, California) –  This wine, produced 100% in stainless steel is the ideal refreshment by a warm fire on a cool day. Fresh floral, honeydew melon and bright tropical aromas lead to crisp and lively green melon flavors. This wine finishes soft and light with a lingering touch of citrus. Try with mango shrimp, light spiced halibut with lemon or crab-stuffed flounder. 

Man Vitners Chenin Blanc (South Africa) – Bright yellow, cool aromas of melon, kiwi, lime zest and herbs and Juicy and densely packed, with a bit of sweetness balanced by brisk acidity. A crisp, clean midweight with a  lively finish.  A versatile food wine to go with most poultry, fish and salad dishes. Also fabulous as an aperitif. 

Santa Julia Torrontes (Mendoza, Argentina) – An organic, dry wine that pours a pale white gold with an aromatic nose with notes of grapefruit, rose, and peach.  The wine is light-bodied and refreshing with vibrant tastes of grapefruit, orange, pear, ginger and lively acidity; a long finish and the flavors linger on with a hint of orange peel. Delicious with spicy dishes, smoked salmon, or composed salads. 

Barren Ridge Tinkling Spring (Virginia) – The Shenandoah Valley in a glass by way of vidal blanc, vignier, traminete, chardonnay and riesling. With an intriguing lime ice nose, spritely lime and ripe green fruit palate and medium finish. Cool, crisp and fruity, this exclusive wine features the artwork of local artist P. Buckley Moss.  Pair with seafood, lemon chicken, curry, tajines. 

Ruca Malen Chardonnay (Argentina) – Ripe, luscious pear, apples, peaches, and apricot share a ride on a creamy texture with notes of caramel and toasty vanilla spice. It is also surprisingly bright with acidity and a great food match for turkey, stuffing, and creamed pearl onions. 

Evodia (Catalyud, Spain) – This wine offers up a slightly exotic nose of earthy minerality, mocha, black cherry, black raspberry, high-pitched aromas of strawberry preserves, and pungent flowers. Concentrated but not at all heavy; sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors are lifted by a hint of violet.  Pairs well with cured pork and aged cheeses.

Monte Sciavo Rosso Piceno (Italy) – Rosso Piceno is a red wine from Marche (“The Marches,” the Italian region across from Rome, on Italy’s eastern Adriatic coast. It’s made from at least 60 percent Sangiovese (the Chianti grape), plus some of Marche’s native Montepulciano.  Similar to Chianti in style, pairs well with pasta and pizza, and roasted herbed meats. 

McManis Family Vineyards Petit Sirah (California) – Deep purple in color with bright hues, the Petite Sirah is full of boysenberry and blueberry fruit aromas. Mocha notes contributed from oak aging are also present. The wine is big, rich and full of juicy red and black fruit flavors. Serve with game, roasted garlic, and filet mignon. 

Gabriele Rausse Cabernet Sauvignon (Virginia) – Attractive and inviting black cherry palette, nicely seasoned with a wisp of spice.  Produced in Italian style with clean structure and clear fruit flavors, most likely the only stainless steel aged Cabernet Sauvignon in Virginia. Classic with steak au poivre, aged cheeses like Parmeggiano Regiano and of course, chocolate. 

Santa Julia Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – Dark violet with brilliant purple colors. Good complexity in the nose with aromas of ripe fruit such as figs, plums, and blackberries.. Notes of vanilla, tobacco, coffee, and chocolate. Full-bodied red wine with sweet tannins, good structure, and long finish. Pairs perfectly with a juicy steak, beef bourguignon, pasta with red sauces, or dark chocolate. 

Xavier Cotes du Ventoux  (France) – Dense ruby/purple color followed by a warm elegant nose of red and black fruits and spice; intermixed with subtle herbs, forest floor and spring flowers. Noteworthy length and balance.  Perfect for enjoying with roasted meats or a simple wild mushroom pasta dish and cheeses.

Open Monday through Saturday from 11 until 6
Visit us on the web: www.stauntonwinecellar.com
Contact Us: The Wine Cellar, 8 Byers St.,540-213-WINE, winecellar@mail.com

Naughty or Nice? Give the Gift of Shakespeare this Holiday Season.

NICE
Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim return to the Blackfriars Playhouse in Charles Dickens’s classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol.  Bring the whole family* to see the 2011/12 Almost Blasphemy Tour as they offer up a production full of music, laughter, and cheer. 

NAUGHTY
Enjoy the snarkier side of the holiday season with Ginna Hoben’s The Twelve Dates of Christmas and David Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries. Leave the kids at home,* grab a drink at our bar, and escape the holiday rush.  

Give the Gift of Shakespeare
Share your love of the American Shakespeare Center this holiday season.  Whether it’s a package under the tree or the anticipation of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the ASC can provide the perfect present for everyone on your list. 

All’s Well Massage Holiday Hours for Gift Card Sales! 

Fri.,   Dec. 16, 4-7pm
Sat.,  Dec. 17, 2-6pm
Sun., Dec 18, noon-5pm

Gift Packages from All’s Well Massage Studio.  Choose from:
½ hr. massage with soft hands or sole cleanse treatment just $40
1 hr. massage with both soft hands and sole cleanse treatment just $80

11 E. Beverley St., Suite 17  540-213-1975  Laura & Lisa.  www.allswellmassage.com

Staunton Augusta Art Center presents the annual Art for Gifts exhibition and sale November 19-December 31 .  Art for Gifts is open seven days per week with extended hours: 10-6 Mon. – Sat. and 1-4 Sun.  Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  Located at 20 S. New Street in the Smith Center building across from the Visitor Center and parking garage in historic downtown Staunton.  Art for Gifts features affordable, unique gifts of art and fine craft by over 70 Virginia artists, many participating for the first time.  No admission charge.  Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.  For more information, visit www.saartcenter.org or call 540.885.2028. 

Smith Center Museum Store on One-of-a-Kind Items! The Smith Center Museum Store has placed two one-of-a-kind side tables on SALE! Made by local artist and fine craftsmen, Gary Hostetter. Wood includes Mahogany and Spalted Maple. All original, Shaker Style designs. More of Gary Hostetter’s work available in store. Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-4pm.
Smith Center Museum Store ~20 S. New St. ~  540-886-8755

Want something truly local and collectible for your home this holiday season that also gives back to the community?  Then be sure to buy one of the Staunton Augusta Junior Women’s Club’s (SAJWC) beautiful ornaments!  2011 marks the 19th year SAJWC has sponsored this sale and this year’s ornament is called Christmas in Historic Staunton.  The ornament features an image of the historic lampposts found in downtown Staunton with a lovely filigree boarder. 

 The Staunton Augusta Junior Women’s Club is a local group made up of women starting at ages 18 and up. They have been an organized Club for over twenty years in the Augusta County and Staunton area. Proceeds from this fundraiser support SAJWC’s service projects throughout the year.  In 2011 SAJWC provided New Directions with warm blankets, Valley Mission with meals, sponsored “Shop with a Cop”, donated earrings to breast cancer patients at Augusta Health and gave funds to various local community service organizations.  A favorite project among members was making and serving a meal at the Valley Mission. 

 In addition to the Christmas in Historic Staunton ornament, they have numerous other ornaments for sale.  Below is the availability and price list. 

• 2011 New! Christmas in Historic Staunton: $17 each
• Underpass, RE Lee, Mrs Rowe’s: $10 each
• DeJarnette, Lady Libby Trolley, Trinity Church, Augusta Military Academy: $5 each

 Ornaments can be purchase from members directly; during sales at St John’s Church, 1716 N. Augusta St., on Wednesday, Nov 30th, 5-7pm/Thursday, Dec 1st,5-7pm/ Sat. Dec 3rd 9am-noon; or at celebrate!!!, 16 W. Beverley St.  and Turtle Lane, 10 E. Beverley St. 

 Entrepreneurs Pitch Ideas, Hope to Turn 5 Minutes into $5,000 

 Staunton, VA – Do you have a small idea that might have a big community impact? The community of Staunton wants to hear it.

 This fall, Staunton Creative Community Fund teamed up with Mary Baldwin College to launch an innovative, community-minded entrepreneurial event called Ignite. 

Ignite Staunton is an information exchange designed to foster and inspire Staunton’s creative community. During an Ignite session, the audience listens to new ideas from the area’s creative, technical, and business communities. Local entrepreneurs are invited to take the stage to pitch a current project or favorite idea. Each presenter gets five minutes to make their case…and five thousand dollars in seed money if their idea is selected as the final winner after three rounds of presentations.

The event, which has been hosted in cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, and Raleigh, is a fun and fast-paced open-mic format where presenters share their creative ideas. Staunton is the first city in Virginia and the smallest city on record to offer an Ignite program. 

“While it can be entertaining, Ignite isn’t about watching a show – it’s about participating in the community and watching an idea take root,” says Meghan Williamson, Executive Director of the Staunton Creative Community Fund.  Each evening’s winners are picked via People’s Choice format. The winner for the September 15th Ignite was Michael Reeps with his presentation on “Staunton Fresh:  Local Food for Local People,” a member-driven, online farmer’s market offering weekly produce pickup.  The winner for the October 20th Ignite was Doug Sheridan with his presentation for the “Staunton Pavilion,” an outdoor performance stage in the parking lot of Sunspots. The final $5,000 winner will be selected by a judges panel of creative local entrepreneurs, including owners of Frazier Associates, Pufferbellies Toys and Books, and the Friendly City Food Co-op. Additional $500 grants will also launch student led Ignite projects. 

The final Ignite Staunton will be held on November 17^th at the Darjeeling Cafe at 7 pm.  If you are interested in presenting your concept and want to compete for the $5,000 award, contact the Staunton Creative Community Fund at 540-213-0333 or joelle@stauntonfund.com. 

“Staunton boasts a flourishing creative community and the Ignite program creates a can-do atmosphere – it’s our way to help launch the next great idea,” says Williamson. 

Williamson says startups provide more than just jobs.  They also improve innovation, placemaking, and social good – all on a local level. 

Amanda Glover, Assistant Director of Economic Development for Staunton, agrees, “Research shows that small business drives local economy. Creating a city of entrepreneurs and innovators is a key component of Staunton’s economic development plan.” 

The Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF) revitalizes communities by supporting and funding local entrepreneurs in the central Shenandoah Valley. SCCF is set up to finance, mentor, and launch multiple early- stage businesses quickly and systematically.  SCCF leverages existing resources in the local entrepreneurial community and fills critical seed capital and expertise gaps so that Staunton has a seamless foundation for exceptional economic development.  

Art for Gifts Participants, 2011 

Clarice Allen – hand-painted décor
Lisa Aronzon – blown glass
David Barnes – dichroic glass jewelry
William Bell – photography
Steve Berry – functional metals
Gerald Boggs – ironwork
Liz Brady – beaded jewelry
Barbara Buckingham – paper cuttings note cards
Jenni Campbell – smocked baby dresses
Jan Carter – statement necklaces, earrings
Sandra Carter – greeting cards
Barbara Cauthorn – clay figure vases
Alan Cleveland – wooden canes, letter openers
Lynn Hilton Conyers – enameled copper
Stephen Dalton – jewelry
Jayme Driver – silver jewelry
Kim Eubank – enameled metal quilts
Joanne Farrell – soaps
Jude Fchlotzhauer – fused glass ornaments
Kazuko Fuller – metal jewelry
Betty Gatewood – botanicals note cards, calendars
Eloise Giles – watercolor paintings
Diane Goodbar – hand-knit baby items
Darleen Green – sachets, gift tags
Cathy Guss –jewelry of silver and gems
Mary Hadden – pottery
Bruce Hanson – functional handforged metals
Saul Harris — photography
Pauli Hayes – bath and beauty products
Jane Hicks – art quilts
Richard Hicks – wood furniture
Richard Hines – turned wooden bowls, lidded vessels
Holly Horan – pottery
Whitney Jenkins – felted pins
Jill Jensen – art quilts and textiles
Liz Karaffa – hand painted décor
Hona Knudsen – porcelain
Brian Lacy — pottery
Charlotte LaRoy – art basketry
Audrey Maune – beaded jewelry
Robin McElwee – fabric art
Lindsey Mears – leather bound journals
John Mendez – wood boxes
Nikki Nargi – acrylic paintings
Maribeth Nolde – photography
Christine Norton – fine silver jewelry
Maggie O’Brien – lampwork jewelry
Vie Osvalds – stained glass
John Owen – decoys
Irene Peery – watercolor prints
Jim Phelps – panoramic photography
John Pluta – sculptural ceramics
Barbara Polin – marbled silk and leather
Patty Rousel – organic dog treats
Jan Russell – woven scarves
Ron Salomon – woven scarves
Susan Salomon – felted hats
Christine Severson – pine needle baskets
Karen Shapcott – felted apparel
Lilah Smith – basketry
Sandi Sprouse – bird ornaments
Katie Spurlock – engraved silver bracelets
Rudy Tucker – pottery
Penny Warren – bird seed ornaments
Susan Weeks – paper mache animal ornaments
Wendy Wrenn Werstein – pottery
Jessica Wertz – pottery
Angie Wiggins – jewelry
Jean Wilkerson – fabric ornaments
Fran Wohlfelder – art jewelry
Sharon Zarambo – painted fabric ornaments

Download a copy of this poster and post it for others to get the message!!  Lock’em up Lock’em out