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Merry Christmas
Clarke
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Guest Commentary
Honesty Is Not A Theory By Adeela Al-Khalili
Renee Locklear White’s article (Clarke County’s First Peoples, November 2021) coincided with a Nov.7 Washington Post piece, “400 years later, regrets over the first Thanksgiving”. Both pieces’ no-nonsense assessments from Native people reminds readers that popular history ignores the unsavory details of America’s mistreatment of them, while omitting positives about Indigenous history, culture, values, and contributions. So many broken treaties, racist “laws” and violence committed in
the name of presumed Manifest Destiny, a.k.a. racial superiority! Worse still than these well-documented moral failings by folks lauded as heroes and leaders is to continue the nefarious mythology that people of color have been inconsequential at best, but more often, ineligible and unworthy for rights enjoyed by Euro-Americans. And yes, we do have to talk about the Civil War — with its victimization and monetization of black bodies and its aftermath of discrimination, domestic terrorism, and
segregation — if we are to fully comprehend the political schism our nation faces today. We may all love America, but racial castes create vastly disparate worldviews, privileges, and treatment in the judicial system. Thus, it shall be until we promote a more honest account of what occurred in the past, for whose benefit, and to whose detriment. What is needed is a critical (definition: vital, important, objective, crucial, essential) examination of America’s darker history — pun intended. Honesty is not a theory, nor should
it be an occasion for paranoia, hysteria, suspicion, guilt, finger-pointing, partisan flag-waving, and more. Instead let’s embrace the opportunity to discuss the invaluable role ALL people of color played in establishing America, the place where liberty, justice, and dignity for all should be the guiding principle — for our children’s education as well as in our daily social interactions. Isn’t it the patriotic thing to do? As Abraham Lincoln wrote, “History is not history unless it is the truth.”
PENDING | $1,275,000
SOLD | $1,110,000
SOLD | $890,000
SOLD | $817,500
PENDING | $785,000
675 LIME MARL RD
976 FIERY RUN RD*
721 KENNEL RD
127-131 CHESTER ST*
986 KENNEL RD
PENDING | $710,000
SOLD | $681,000
PENDING | $650,000
SOLD | $650,000
SOLD | $605,000
422 MILLDALE VALLEY DR
315 HANDLEY AVE
115 CHESTER ST*
466 LOCKE’S MILL RD*
712 BLACK SWEEP RD*
BERRYVILLE
FRONT ROYAL
LINDEN
WINCHESTER
BOYCE
FRONT ROYAL
FRONT ROYAL
BERRYVILLE
BOYCE
WARRENTON
Happy Holidays! Thank you for your continued support. Anne McIntosh | REALTOR®
Maria Eldredge | REALTOR®
M 703.509.4499 O 540.687.6321 x 103 annewmcintosh@gmail.com
M 540.454.3829 O 540.687.6321 x 214 maria@middleburgrealestate.com
MCINTOSHANDELDREDGE.REALTOR LICENSED IN VIRGINIA | 540.687.6321 | MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM OFFICE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 *REPRESENTED BUYER SIDE | **REPRESENTED BUYER & SELLER
DE C 20 21
Clarke STAFF
David Lillard, Editor/Publisher Jennifer Welliver, Associate Publisher factoryBstudio, Art Direction Ralph Welliver, Proofreader
DECEMBER CONTRIBUTORS Adeela Al-Khalili Cathy Kuehner Rebecca Maynard Samantha Piggot Aden Rounds JiJi Russell Claire Stuart Brenda Waugh
COVER IMAGE Courtesy of Clarke County
ADVERTISING SALES
Jennifer Welliver, 540-398-1450
Advertising Information: 540-398-1450
AD DEADLINE 1ST OF EACH MONTH Clarke prints signed letters-to-the-editor of uniquely local interest. Letters containing personal attacks or polarizing language will not be published. Letters may be edited. Send letters to the editor of 300 or fewer words to: editor@clarkeva.com.
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3
FROM THE EDITOR Shopping Locally Is Important, So Is Giving Locally This is the time of year when we at Clarke monthly remind our readers just how beneficial buying from local merchants, craftspeople, farmers, and artisans is for our community. Here is our annual reprise first published in 2012. When you buy from an independent locally owned business, significantly more of your buying dollar stays in the community and is used to make purchases from other local businesses, which helps strengthen our local economic base. When you buy from local businesses, you’re supporting local nonprofits. Studies show that small business owners donate an average of 250 percent more to local nonprofits than do large businesses. Buying local keeps our community unique. One-of-a-kind local businesses give a distinctive character to a place, and add to quality of life; they also bring in more tourist dollars. When you buy local, you invest in community. Local businesses are owned by your neighbors, people who live here, who are less likely to leave, and who — like you — are more invested in the community’s future. Buying locally puts your taxes to good use. Local businesses, particularly those in town centers, require little public infrastructure investment, as compared to nationally owned chains built at the edge of town with taxpayer money for improved roads, water and sewer service. You can buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on the needs and requests of local customers, assures a buyer-friendly range of product choices.
Buying local encourages local prosperity. A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive hometown character. Best of all, in a place like Clarke County, you can buy things actually made or grown here. While we prepare our homes for holidays, let’s open our hearts to our neighbors who need a hand. You can do this by donating to one of the wonderful nonprofit charitable organizations based in or active in Clarke County. Now that’s the spirit! Be safe; be well.
Merry Christmas!
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Long Branch Historic House and Farm Presents:
Holiday House Tours and Art Show The house is fully decorated for the holidays!
SHARED VISIONS Paintings by Husband and Wife Steven Parrish & Linda Volrath
Through December 31, 2021
House Open Monday - Friday 10 - 4 Saturday & Sunday 12 - 4
Grounds Open Dawn to Dusk Everyday
Free Admission
For more information please call 540-837-1856
ABOVE AND
BEYOND R YOU FO
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Addressing Wrongdoing with Opportunities for Healing By Brenda Waugh
“I just want to know why they did this…. and for them to say that they are sorry.” In the late 1990s, working as an assistant prosecutor, I often heard victims of crimes make this request. However, while I could prosecute offenders, obtain convictions, and mandate incarceration or probation, our legal system is not set up to provide the victim with opportunities to gain this insight or consider an apology. Around the same time, I first learned about “restorative justice” — a different way to address criminal wrongdoing. For example, one restorative justice process creates an opportunity for victims to request to meet the offenders in a facilitated discussion through a Victim Offender Conference. This approach appeared to provide greater potential for victims to have their needs met. Still, I was concerned that the conference could make things easier for the offender or would not adequately protect the victim. After watching “Meeting with a Killer” (a documentary easily found and freely available online at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qxk7X7PXCOY), I began to understand the potential. In this moving film, a mother meets with the man who murdered her daughter. The mother and her granddaughter requested the meeting, and I was surprised to witness how much these survivors benefited from it. The victim-offender conference or dialogue is just one restorative justice process. Another practice often employed is the “talking circle.” Based on methods used by Indigenous American peoples to structure discussions, the talking circle defines the conversation by restricting the speakers to speaking one at a time around the circle. Talking circles have been used in American and Canadian legal processes in situations involving offenders’ re-entry to a community, sentencing, and creating a structure for meetings on child dependency matters and remedial action for juvenile offenders. Many states now include restorative justice processes in their statutory framework to address criminal and quasi-criminal wrongdoing. For example, in child abuse and neglect matters, states such as Colorado and Texas employ Family Group Decision Making, where a collaborative team of family members, friends, and professionals develop a plan to best meet the needs of the family. Hawaii and Vermont include restorative justice in the process when an offender is released from incarceration. In addition, states
such as Massachusetts provide specific funding and guidance to permit a more restorative approach for juvenile offenders. The Virginia Code permits the inclusion of restorative justice in criminal cases by permitting judges to include restorative justice as part of a suspended sentence or probation. (§ 19.2303). The code also authorizes victim-offender conferences (Virginia Code § 19.2 -11.4). In addition, Virginia permits restorative justice to be included as part of a juvenile offender’s sentence when the offender is not tried as an adult (§ 16.1-278.8); 278.8). Virginia has several nonprofits or state-funded programs that offer restorative justice facilitation, including Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center in Warrenton, Prince William County Office of Dispute Resolution Restorative Justice Program in Manassas, Loudoun County Juvenile Probation Court Service Unit in Leesburg, and the Fairfield Center in Harrisonburg. Restorative justice also provides a framework for discipline in many school systems, including nearby Fairfax County. However, even when formal restorative justice programs are not implemented in a region, I have found many opportunities to incorporate the processes on a case-by-case basis. For example, in one situation, we recruited a volunteer from a Northern Virginia program who facilitated a victim-offender conference between neighbors after one injured another in a drunk driving accident. In another matter, we assembled an ad hoc Family Group Conference after a high school student initiated a physical fight at school. We are currently working on providing a Re-Entry Circle for a man who has been incarcerated for over twenty years and is being paroled into the community. Restorative justice processes can provide additional options in circumstances where the offender accepts responsibility for the wrongdoing, and the victims desire the process. In those situations, victims no longer need to be satisfied with the limited opportunities for addressing wrongdoing provided by the conventional judicial system. Restorative justice processes may create greater opportunities for healing and community building. Brenda Waugh is a lawyer/mediator with Waugh Law & Mediation, serving clients in the Blue Ridge region of Virginia and Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Clarke
DE C 20 21 Service Above Self
Rotary Club of Clarke County Takes Its Motto Seriously
5 The Fox & Pheasant Antiques • Decor • Interiors • Fabrics
By Rebecca Maynard The Rotary Club of Clarke County was chartered on October 6, 1998 and has been making both the community and the world a better place since then, thanks to its motto: “Service Above Self.” “The Rotary Club of Clarke County would like to invite businesses and community members to be a part of our club and to thank you for being a part of our projects and helping to make them possible,” said club President Dale Coumes. “We would like for you to feel that by donating to our projects, you become a part of those projects.” Community projects the club has been a part of include: • Barns of Rose Hill •
Clarke Animal Shelter
•
Clarke County Library First Step to Literacy Program
•
Clarke County Historical Museum
•
FISH Food Pantry
•
Clarke County Parks and Recreation Rotary Shelter Project
•
Senior Center Meals on Wheels
•
Froggy’s Closet
•
Laurel Center
•
International projects include: PolioPlus
•
Rotary Group Study Exchange and Student Exchange
•
Bangladesh water project
•
Village in India
•
Rise Against Hunger/Stop Hunger Now.
The club’s second annual Holiday Bundles of Joy raffle is underway, with a drawing held at 1pm Dec. 15. Five baskets of gift cards will be given as prizes, with the first valued at least $750, the second $500, the third $350 and the fourth and fifth $250. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20 and can be purchased at Family Antiques,
116A N. Buckmarsh St., Berryville, or by emailing jimdale138@outlook.com, calling 540-955-2722 or calling or texting 540-539-3712. All proceeds benefit Rotary Club of Clarke County service projects and a maximum of 500 tickets will be sold. Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a business owner wanting to give back to his community. Harris developed friendships with other business owners and they would meet, rotating meetings at the different business. Now known as Rotary International, the organization’s purpose is to bring together businesses and volunteers to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill around the world. The organization has 35,000 clubs worldwide, grouped into 529 districts, with a membership of 1.2 million. The eradication of polio is one of Rotary International’s longest standing and significant efforts. Along with its partners, it has helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. They have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide and have pledged not to stop until the disease is ended for good. The Rotary Club of Clarke County’s 20 members meet from noon till 1pm on Wednesdays at the Berryville Presbyterian Church Social Hall to enjoy fellowship and friendship, along with taking part in international projects and serving the community. Current community projects include: • Sponsoring Clarke County High School Interact Club •
Two $1000 scholarships to Clarke County High School Seniors
•
Rotary Student of the Month
•
Partnering with Berryville’s American Legion Auxiliary #41 to help serve veterans with gifts for Christmas and “Sweats for Vets”
•
Social Services food pantry
distribution and Angel Tree Holiday Program •
Clarke County Library Summer Reading Program
•
Shenandoah Arts Council
•
Disaster Relief project with Berryville Presbyterian Church
•
“Bundle of Joy” gift card fundraising raffle
•
“Egg my Yard” Easter fundraiser
•
250 American flag display planned for July in partnership with Bank of Clarke County Foundation
Gerald Dodson, a longtime member, and owner of Family Antiques in Berryville, got involved when a “persistent” friend invited him to join. “I’ve been a volunteer my whole life,” said Dodson, who said he learned from watching his grandparents helping others. “I think it’s in your blood— doing what you can and giving back.” “So much of what we do is in the community,” said Coumes, explaining that when Covid-19 hit, the Rotary Club expanded its Meals on Wheels program by bringing non-food items to those who needed them. “With them being shut in, there was a real need,” she said. The Rotary Club of Clarke County could not have helped so many people without the generous support of the community, and donations are always greatly appreciated. Those interested in joining are welcome to attend a meeting. Contact Dodson at 540-533-8257 or Coumes at jimdale138@outlook. com or 540-955-2722 to confirm meeting dates. “This community is very giving,” Dodson said. Coumes, also a lifelong volunteer, agreed. Both are lifetime Clarke County residents. “We love our community, and it’s always home to us,”
she said.
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-5 114 East Main Street • Boyce, Virginia
540-837-5589 CLARKEVA.COM
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Cardinals in Winter” Available for purchase at Hip & Humble
Cosmic Harvest Gallery Located in Berryville, VA
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Around Clarke County Promote your event in Clarke.
Send notices by the 1st of the preceding month to jennifer@clarkeva.com. Keep event descriptions to 125 words, following the format of these pages. One or two CMYK photos, saved as tiff or jpg at 200 dpi, are always welcome.
December
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Audley Winter Market
Audley Farm. 752 Audley Lane. Berryville. Huge selection of locally produced food and gift items, including Althouse Pottery, Audley Farm, the Bemer Group, Bre Bogert Photography, Castleman Carpentry, Chilly Hollow Farm, Great Harvests Bread, Harvue Cheese, Paddington Backyard Coffee, Persimmon Ridge Farm, Presto Dinners, The Sweet Elephant Bake Shop and Sweetgum Studio. 9am–12pm. 540-955-1251. angus@audleyfarm.com.
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Holiday Paint Party
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. 106 Island Farm Lane. Boyce. “Snow” the Arctic fox will be at the party to model in person. For ages 7 and older; all materials included, masks required indoors. Register ahead. $30. 1pm. 540-837-9000. www.blueridgewildlifectr.org.
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Caleb Nei Trio Holiday Show
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Caleb Nei and friends present a Swingin’ Jazz Show for the holiday season, a collection of Christmas tunes, love songs and originals for your enjoyment. Free; limited space and registration recommended. 7pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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10-Year Anniversary Exhibit Closing
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Last chance to see exhibit featuring archival photos, newspaper articles, and memorabilia that tell the story of how two old dairy barns were transformed into a contemporary cultural arts and community center. People new to the area, people who love history, and everyone who appreciates the Barns of Rose Hill will be fascinated by this exhib-
it. 5–7pm. Free. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Holiday Ornament and Gift Making for Kids
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Tables, free supplies and volunteers provided. Sign up for one of three 45 minute time slots. Registration and masks required. 12–3pm. Free. www. barnsofrosehill.org.
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Santa Rides a Firetruck
5pm Santa Claus rides through Berryville atop a firetruck to greet children of all ages. Follow “John H. Enders Fire and Rescue” on Facebook for specific routes. Contact John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue (9 S. Buckmarsh St.) at secretary@endersfire.com.
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Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. The 2021 Long Branch Holiday Gala will be postponed until 2022, and will be replaced with open house weekends featuring local garden club holiday decorations, lights, raffle items and donation “wishing trees.”. 12–5pm. Free admission. 540-837-1856. www.longbranch.org.
Historic Rosemont Manor. 16 Rosemont Manor Lane. Berryville. See the historic manor as well as the Rosemont Springs barn, both decorated for the holidays. Stop by the carriage house for light refreshments and to visit with representatives from seven nonprofit organizations. The Winchester Rescue mission will be accepting nonperishable food, laundry detergent, cases of water, men’s and women’s thermals, women’s pajamas, CVS, Walgreens and gift cards, and waterproof gloves. Adults $10, students $5, 5 and younger free. 3–7pm. 540-955-2834.
–19 Long Branch Holiday Open House
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Photos with Santa
Clarke Animal Shelter. 225 Ramsburg Lane. Berryville. Bring your pet, children, or just yourself. Meet Santa, enjoy refreshments and support the Clarke County Humane Foundation. Donations gratefully accepted. 1–4pm. 540-955-5104. animalshelter@clarkecounty.gov.
Rosemont Christmas Open House
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Candlelight Christmas Service
Stone’s Chapel. 4138 Crums Church Road. Berryville. Ecumenical service hosted by the Stone’s Chapel Memorial
Voted “Best BBQ in the Shenandoah Valley" since 2010! Locally owned and operated for over a decade, Jordan Springs Market is open 7 days a week.
We smoke Beef Brisket, Pork, Chicken, Ribs and more and make delicious homemade sides and sweet treats every day.
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TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION BULK AND JUNK REMOVAL Servicing Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah. Residential trash and recycling. We offer e-billing and online payments. Discounts for Municipal/Town pickups, HOA’s and subdivisions. Licensed and insured.
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Clarke
DE C 20 21 Association. Free will offerings benefit the ongoing restoration of the circa-1848 country church. 6pm. stoneschapel@gmail.com.
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New Year’s Eve Dance
New Year’s Eve Party with the Chris Darlington Band at John H. Enders Fire Company, 8pm–1am. Tickets are $40 per person and include light snacks and a midnight champagne toast. Purchase online at https:/EndersFire.square. site, by emailing Maria at secretary@endersfire.com, or call Van at 540-539-3619.
January
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One Street Over: Dinner and Show Series
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Four piece, traditional Irish band with haunting and foot-tapping melodies. Tickets are $10, or $5 plus a receipt from a dinner purchased from a Berryville restaurant the night of the show. 7pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Kate MacLeod Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Dynamic and versatile Americana musician brings her authentic music to you through her original songs, instrumentals and modern renditions of traditional music. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Bruce Molsky and Tony Trishka Workshops Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Fiddle and bluegrass banjo workshops. Learn from the masters. Participants are free to film and record but are asked not to post recordings on social media. $50. 2:30–4:30pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Bruce Molsky and Tony Trishka Concert Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Fiddle and bluegrass banjo music from two outstanding performers $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Longevity and Vitality with Geo Giordano Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. 3–4:30pm. Contact Geo for details: geosjoyRH@gmail.com. info@sanctuaryberryville.com. www.sanctuaryberryville.com.
Ongoing Self-Guided Decorated Homes Tour Maps available at Clarke County Recreation Center. 225 Al Smith Circle. Berryville. Dec. 1–31. 540-955-5140. ccpr@ clarkecounty.gov. Yoga at the Sanctuary: Virtual Gentle Flow Every Wednesday. 7–7:45am. Specials and class passes available at amyhopegentry.com/yoga.
H a p p y H o l i d a y s!
Yoga at the Sanctuary: In Person Yoga Basics Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Every Monday and Wednesday. 10:30–11:30am. Specials and class passes available at amyhopegentry.com/yoga. Yoga at the Sanctuary: In Person Gentle Flow Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. 5–6pm. Every Thursday. Specials and class passes available at .amyhopegentry.com/yoga. Yoga at the Sanctuary: V irtual Morning Flow Every Monday and Friday. 7–7:45am. Specials and class passes available at amyhopegentry.com/yoga. Yoga at the Sanctuary: In Person Vinyasa Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. 5–5:45pm. Every Tuesday. Specials and class passes available at amyhopegentry.com/yoga. Bridge Night Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Tuesday evenings. Wine, soft drinks and light snacks provided. 5–7pm. $15 per person. 540-837-1856.
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Clarke’s Wildlife Center Treats an Elusive Porcupine By Cathy Kuehner
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CLARKEVA.COM This now healthy porcupine – the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center’s 3,156th patient of 2021 – recovered well from a lung infection, and was released in late November at a safe, undisclosed location. Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. There are so few porcupines in Virginia the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) does not list the small mammal among the animals found in the Commonwealth. Yet, a porcupine was recently found in a Winchester parking garage. City police captured the porcupine on November 2 and delivered it to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce. It was the wildlife center’s 3,156th patient of 2021. “The DWR website says there are no porcupines in Virginia, but there have been a few dozen reports in the past 20 years,” said Jen Riley, director of veterinary services at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. She explained that the DWR typically requires known breeding populations before definitively listing any animal. Though porcupines are native to Virginia, they were considered locally extinct by the mid-1800s because of hunting
and habitat destruction. With populations recovering in West Virginia and western Maryland, they are likely traveling back into Virginia. Dr. Riley said it is possible porcupines found in Frederick, Shenandoah, and Clarke counties wandered there from nearby states, or maybe the porcupine population is recovering in Virginia. Earlier this year, the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center received a porcupine that was killed by a car in Clarke County, the first report of the species in this county. “Even though we didn’t have the opportunity to save the animal, we did collect ticks and blood samples for multiple research projects, and we collected weights and measurements that will help us learn more about porcupines in Virginia,” Dr. Riley said. The wildlife center previously treated a porcupine in autumn 2014. It suffered head trauma and lost teeth after
being hit by a car on U.S. 50 in Frederick County. When it was healthy, the porcupine was released. This year’s patient number 3,156 was suffering with a lung infection and was missing a few quills. The animal was treated, recovered well, and was released at a safe, undisclosed location in the general area where it was found. The wildlife center — one of only four licensed wildlife hospitals in the state and the only one in Northern Virginia — is receiving more and more animals each year. As of December 1, its staff had treated and cared for 3,258 animals. “Each year we are seeing about 20 percent more animals than the year before,” said Dr. Riley. She attributes the increase in wild animal patients to greater awareness, as more people learn about the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center and, perhaps, people finding more animals while home during the pandemic. “I hope these are the reasons. I hope it is not because there is an actual increase in wildlife diseases and injuries,” Dr. Riley said. She is certain of one thing. “Almost 100 percent of the animals we receive are injured or ill because of human behavior.” Dr. Riley cites vehicle collisions
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Blue Ridge Wildlife Center veterinarian Jen Riley (left) takes an x-ray of the porcupine assisted by Jessica Anderson, the center’s rehabilitation program manager. Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. and cat attacks as the primary cause of wildlife injuries and illness with ammunition-related lead poisoning, window collisions, and lawnmower injuries as other common causes of admission. Glue traps intended to catch mice and fake eggs used to show chickens where to lay also cause injury and death to a variety of other animals. “We are treating the damage humans have done,” she said. Dr. Riley is frequently asked why the center goes to the trouble and expense of treating a squirrel or turtle or frog or snake. “We are never treating one animal, because every living thing is interconnected, including humans,” she said. “The health of one species is dependent on the health of all others.” By way of example, Dr. Riley pointed to the contaminants in water. Chemicals such as pesti-
cides adversely — and quickly — affect animals, meaning they will eventually adversely affect humans, too. Every animal that arrives at the center provides biological samples and detailed information about our environment. The center shares its extensive research on zoonotic and vector-borne diseases with wildlife experts across the state and the country to help protect human and wildlife health. “Our research is about animals in Clarke County and other counties from where we admit patients, but it is connected to humans everywhere.” Dr. Riley and the center’s staff also know that some of the animals they treat and release will become food for other wildlife. This is essential, too, for the ecosystem we learned about in elementary school. Every factor in an ecosystem — plants, animals,
organisms, water, air, etc. — depends on every other factor. As for porcupines, their quills are modified hair that grow back. Contrary to popular myth, porcupines do not throw quills, Dr. Riley said. “You have to physically touch a porcupine to have quills embedded in your skin.” For this reason — and because of other wild animals and birds of prey — she encourages everyone to keep their dogs and cats on leashes when outside. “If you or your pet is quilled by a porcupine, do not try to remove the barbed quills yourself,” Dr. Riley said. “Take pets to the vet or yourself to the ER. Quill removal requires anesthesia and professional care.” The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, like all wildlife rehabilitation facilities, does not receive any funding from state or federal government. The center relies solely on private contributions to continue its work. Learn more about the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center at blueridgewildlifectr.org or follow it on Facebook. Its website includes information about what to do if you find a wild animal. Reach the center at (540) 837-9000 or info@blueridgewildlifectr.org.
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Sale Ends 12/31/21
BERRYVILLE HARDWARE 600 EAST MAIN STREET BERRYVILLE 540-955-1900
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Clarke
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10
Battle of the Slump, Part 2
Strengthening Your Mid And Upper Back by JiJi Russell
Sitting or standing in a slumped over position, as last month’s article noted, doesn’t only look bad, it can create a cascade of discomfort and other issues affecting the entire back, and even the shoulders. Taking a little time to mobilize the upper back can counter the tendency toward slumping. Add to that a few strengthening moves, and you might stave off deeper issues. This month we’ll offer ideas for DIY strengthening of the key muscles that support good posture. “Muscles work best in midrange,” said physical therapist Leslie Williams. “When we take muscles to the end range [fully stretched], and then ask them to work, that’s asking a lot.” Williams pointed specifically to the upper trapezius muscles, which fan outward from the upper spine toward the shoulder blades. If we tend toward slumping in
8
HEATING TUNE-UP
the upper back, the trapezius muscles lengthen significantly while the opposing muscles of the chest and front side of the shoulders shorten, creating a potentially disastrous combination that reinforces poor movement patterns.
Small moves make a difference
Last month’s “Battle of the Slump” featured insights from Williams on some of the problems that can crop up with chronic poor posture. Issues include shoulder impingement, neck pain, and headaches. To complement last month’s selfassessments and mobility exercises that you can do at home, this month, the focus shifts to strengthening the muscles that support good posture. The exercises here are intended to offer an introduction to strengthening the trapezius
Proper Posture.
muscles of the upper and middle back, in order to reverse the
Slump Posture.
forward shoulders and head position. They should be good for
just about anyone, whether you have great posture or not, but
Find the videos that accompany this article on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLWnKxEN_ yBWCh_1e8Pe6I9vDhj0sJvhBY. Go directly to the videos via the link below, or search “jiji russell thoracic spine” within You Tube, and the results should include this video series. Berryville Physical Therapy & Wellness 322-A N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville, VA 22611 540-955-1837 * berryvillept.com
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please consult your therapist or physician if you have any reason to proceed with caution. You’ll need an elevated surface for the back strengthening exercises. You can use a coffee table, an exercise bench, an ottoman, or even two yoga blocks with a blanket draped on top of the blocks. Lie face down (prone), with your legs hanging off the end of your surface. The only part of you that needs to be supported is from about your collar bones to your navel, so if your surface is larger, inch back toward your feet so that the thighs drape off the end. Face downward; you can prop up your forehead with a rolled towel, or just hover your face above the surface.
Get ready, get set, lie down
Do the following exercises about six times each, taking a small break (one to two breaths) in between each move. For a visual demonstration of the exercises, see sidebar information. Prone “A”. Arms extended alongside your body, with the hands about 10–12 inches away from your hips, palms facing downward. Activate the muscles between your shoulder blades (trapezius) to lift your arms up and back, then lower them just below the level of your hips. Repeat about six to eight times. Keep your chest down on the surface the entire time for this exercise and all the ones that follow, so that the muscular engagement is limited to just the trapezius group between the shoulder blades. Prone “goalpost”. Stretch your arms out at a 90-degree angle from your body, so that you form a “T”, and then bend the elbows 90 degrees, palms facing downward. Activate the muscles between your shoul-
der blades to lift your elbows and arms up, then lower them a little bit below the level of your ribcage. Repeat six to eight times. Prone “T”. Same as above, except keep the arms in the “T” position instead of bending the elbows 90 degrees. Prone “Y”. Same as above, except form the letter “Y” with your arms reaching up and away from your shoulders, thumbs up. Pay attention as you activate and lift the arms that the action originates in the space between your shoulder blades and not just a hefty lift of the arms. This one might be difficult for a lot of people, especially office workers. Working on the mobility of your upper back and stretching the chest can help the prone “Y” improve over time.
Prone “breast stroke”. Start in the “goal post” position, engage the upper back muscles, and then pull the elbows toward the ribs. Slowly reach the arms out and up, letting them extend overhead, then return them to the starting position. Rest, and then repeat six to eight times. Of course, there are many other strengthening exercises and stretches that one can do in order to face down the slump. But if you keep it simple and consistent with just a handful of mobility and strengthening moves several times a week, you might just find yourself standing (or sitting) a little bit taller this season. JiJi Russell is a certified personal trainer and a registered yoga teacher. You can reach her at jijiyoga@yahoo.com.
317 First Street Berryville VA
Wed - Sat 10am-5pm "All Fair Trade, All the Time"
540-955-1711 www.myneighborandme.com
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on stage
Jan 7-22 Retired schoolteacher Eleanor Bannister is the most respected woman in town. That is, until a smooth-talking drifter does more than fix the hole in her roof, and tongues start wagging.
winchesterlittletheatre.org • 540-662-3331 CLARKEVA.COM
Worship in the Woods at historic
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Join us for Holy Eucharist on Sundays (11 a.m.) & Christmas Eve candlelight service (5 p.m.) For directions or to join us virtually, via Zoom, scan this QR Code:
Doctor Chris Aiello is parting ways with Berryville Medical Associates. Thank you for the opportunity to care for your health these past 20 years. I have felt honored to be a part of your lives. I have watched many families grow and many of you retire. The time I have spent at Berryville Medical caring for this community are treasured memories. It is time for me to make a change in my life as many of you have done. My book is not finished, however it does seem to be the time for a new chapter to begin. Thank you for the memories. Chris Aiello
With our ministers Rev. Deborah Rutter & Rev. Melanie Lewis
27 Good Shepherd Road, Bluemont, VA
(just west of the Appalachian Trail in the Village of Pine Grove, Clarke County)
Come as you are. All are welcome! The sanctuary is always open for prayer and meditation. www.goodshepherdbluemont.com |540-252-5825
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Introducing RWB Disposal With recycling beyond the ordinary By Claire Stuart
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Statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency show that the average American generates nearly five pounds of trash EVERY DAY, and a family produces about 18 pounds. That’s over 1,600 pounds per person and over 6,500 per family per year. The biggest part of this trash is food waste, followed by plastic and paper/paperboard. Trash has been piling up even faster during the pandemic, with so much online shopping (as well as food delivery) adding even more cardboard and plastic packaging. Of course, it all must go somewhere! Sadly, a lot of it isn’t being recycled that could and should be. Trash pickup service is provided for Clarke County residents inside the town limits of Berryville and Boyce. Berryville has limited recycling — paper, aluminum, and plastic — but Boyce does not offer any recycling. As you know if you live outside of Berryville or Boyce town limits, what you do about contracting for trash disposal service is up to you. Some people simply choose to take their own trash to the landfill, but this isn’t always a practical solution. A problem facing residents of the whole area is limited recycling, particularly the lack of glass and bimetal recycling. Trash collection isn’t the most glamorous profession, but there is certainly no doubt that it is essential for health and safety — not to mention the aesthetics of the community. Bill Dean of Boyce is pleased to announce that he is offering some assistance. He is introducing area residents to RWB Disposal, a new trash disposal, recycling and junk removal ser-
vice for Clarke, Frederick, Warren, and Shenandoah Counties. “I worked in trash disposal, mostly in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, for years,” said Dean, “and I decided to come ‘over the mountain.’” RWB began operations in November, and they are in the process of building their routes. RWB offers a subscription service for $25 per month (billed quarterly) for weekly curbside pickup of two cans up to 95 gallons combined (or 10 household bags). Backdoor pickup is available for $40 per month. Biweekly recycling service is offered to RWB‘s weekly customers for an additional $15 per month for up to 95 gallons. Dean reports that the place where he takes recyclables does take glass. Other acceptable recyclables include paper, paperboard, food and beverage cans, plastic bottles, and No. 1 through No. 7 plastic containers. Recycling can be co-mingled and does not have to be separated. Recycling is picked up on a different day than trash, assuring that it will be recycled and not confused with regular trash and discarded. Junk removal is available to anyone, although RWB’s regular subscribers will get a discount. Price, of course, depends on the items. Junk can include
furniture, exercise equipment, appliances, brush and yard waste, light construction debris, and miscellaneous items from your garage, attic, and other major cleanup projects. There is an additional charge to dispose of television sets and other electronics to meet the dump’s electronics fee. RWB’s trucks will operate in wintery weather if the dump remains open. If it is necessary to miss a pickup, customers will be notified by email or phone, and an announcement will be posted on RWB’s web site. If you would like to sign up for RWB’s services, Dean reports that you can have your first pickup the following week, or even the same week if you sign up on a Monday. You can phone in or sign up on the web site. Since RWB is building their new routes, Dean invites towns and homeowner associations and subdivisions to talk with him about being included. Subscription prices to towns, subdivisions and HOAs will be discounted. RWB Disposal is a licensed and insured, family and veteran-owned business. Bill Dean is a U.S. Army vet, and RWB stands for Red, White and Blue! Call RWB at: 540-837-5593. Or fill out the form on their web site: rwbdisposal.com.
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The Singing Foxes
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Having lived in the country most of my seventy-odd years, I enjoy the night sounds made by various wild animals. I’m often surprised that so few people recognize or even notice them. This time of year, as the nights begin to turn cold, red foxes become more vocal. As I step outside on any given evening, I hear their harsh cries pierce the night. Young foxes, newly on their own, are now exploring and traveling. Adult foxes are establishing and defending their territories against these young newcomers. Humans accustomed to being indoors after dark might find such vocal exchanges a bit scary. Over the past fifteen years, as foxes have moved into more suburban and urban habitats, their sounds are becoming increasingly more familiar. I’ve come to recognize some cries foxes make as their love songs. Winter is their mating season and, like birds in the spring, foxes communicate by vocalizing. Late November and early December is when you’re most likely to hear foxes sing. Most often heard is the vixen call, a loud, harsh yell people often think is a woman’s scream or a small child in distress. It’s a
jarring, harsh sound you might expect from a bird, possibly an owl. When folks tell me they heard a bobcat ‘s scream I often wonder whether they’ve actually heard a fox. The vixen call can be heard any time of year and is made by both sexes. I frequently hear it played on the soundtracks of nighttime country scenes on British TV detective shows. The film makers might like to use the vixen call because it is scary, and possibly because English countrymen are familiar with fox sounds. During November foxes start barking. Usually it’s a threeor-four-part series of yapping barks, like “ow-ow-ow!” Frequently it ends in a highpitched squeal. Sometimes it’s made alone and other times in response to a call from another fox. A fox’s bark, like spring birdsong, is made to proclaim territory, or to respond or call to a mate. A very different fox noise, called “geckering,” is a chattering, screeching sound made by two or more foxes interacting, fighting, or chasing each other. It’s also the sound fox cubs make while playing together at night during the summer. This sound can vary in volume
and pitch with the excitement of the animals and is one of the most frequent sounds that make dogs bark at night. Foxes also emit a high, wheezy screech, believed to be an alarm call to their cubs. All fox calls can sound surprisingly loud when they occur at night after other sounds quiet down. I believe foxes are intelligent enough to use their voices to express a sense of humor. I’ll never forget the night when I took a short cut through a neighbor’s field on my way home from an evening walk. Suddenly a loud “Yaaah” from behind a row of hedges made me almost jump out of my skin. As its small, dark shadow departed, I was convinced that a fox intended to startle me. Like birds, foxes also seem to sing because they feel good. On that same farm, I heard a fox bark in the woods one bright winter day. A beautifully furred fox suddenly appeared at full gallop. Crossing the lane in front of me, he ran through a grove of cedar trees and continued up the hillside. Half-way up the hill he barked again, spun around three times, and then proceeded on his way. To me his bark expressed total joy.
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14
Llewellyn Farm: 200 years of Clarke County History By Samantha Piggot
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Licensed in VA. Each office independently owned and operated. Office: 540.955.0911 Brett Sowder, Priciple Broker
T
o borrow from the Clarke County Historical Association; “Our Land is our Legacy.” This statement resonates through the numerous estates in the county, properties that have remained intact with large parcels of land—names that roll off local’s tongues, like Audley, Long Branch, Blandy, Clifton, and Llewellyn Farm. Entering the grounds or attending a function at any of these estates is a walk through history. For the first time in 50 years, Llewellyn Farm is offered for private sale. The
parcel that became known as Llewellyn was originally deeded to Robert Carter, from Lord Fairfax in 1770. In 1818, Warner Washington, Jr—Cousin to George Washington—acquired the property and began plans to build the manor house around 1825. According to Marla Kalbian’s Rural Reconnaissance Survey, prepared in 1989, a great deal of growth happened in the time just following the Revolutionary War and many families moved to the rural area that would become Clarke County: “The Shenandoah Valley was considered prime for new growth because of its location and
rich natural resources. Land and improvement companies were established to lay out new towns or new lots around existing towns. Berryville experienced a boom. Opportunity was abundant as American trade opened. It quickly became evident that there were many crops that could be grown in the Shenandoah Valley, and acquiring large tracts of land was the way to grow one’s wealth. Among a group of entrepreneurial farmers and merchants were several of George Washington’s relations. Warner Washington Jr. is recorded as having built three homes in what is now
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Clarke County. First, Fairfax, then Audley, and finally Llewellyn Farm. Washington’s vision for Llewellyn Farm is evident in the placement of the home. The main house on the property is situated to be immersed in both the sunrise and the sunset and flanked by clear views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The original portion of the home remains fully intact and has been magnificently kept and meticulously updated over the past 200 years. The architecture, the integrity of construction, and the maintenance of this farm reflect the vision of the first families of Virginia. The formidable structure of the original home has had additions over time and now is approximately 9,000 square feet. The home tells the story of a strong foundation, solid material, and attention to de-
tail throughout the last two hundred years. It is a marvel to consider the passage of time this home has witnessed. In 1829 upon Llewellyn’s completion, men and women would have arrived at the home via carriage or horseback. The estate has maintained relevance and stature through the passage of time. Llewellyn was built in the customary style of the time, with a center hall, a grand staircase, and ‘two over two’; two rooms upstairs and two rooms downstairs. The home is recorded as being built of vernacular stone, meaning the construction was of local material available on the property or nearby. The staircase and the hand hewn and carved railing are original. The stone springhouse was also built by Warner Washington Jr. and remains intact today. The
strong spring is referenced by Thomas Jefferson in Notes on Virginia and flows to the Shenandoah River. The first Families of Virginia realized the value in the beautiful, verdant land of the area. In 1836, landowners of what would be Clarke County and the settlers living west of the Opequon, (in and around Winchester) were ready for their own county, Clarke was formed, breaking away from Frederick County — mostly for the purpose of farming and keeping the large tracts of land intact. Still, today, Clarke County has zoning laws in place that favor open land and the agricultural/ equestrian lifestyle. Llewellyn’s piece of history is well defined as a farm that has stood as guardian of the land over the last 200 years. With continued care it will easily stand well over another 200 years.
15
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REVEL
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Holiday Scenes Around Clarke
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Berryville Main Street hosted its 17th annual “Parking Meters on Parade” contest that invites everyone in Clarke County to create unique designs to cover parking meters from Thanksgiving through Dec. 31. On Dec. 1, members of the Berryville Architectural Review Board judged and placed four categories and the Grand Prize winner. The People’s Choice winner was determined by “likes” each meter received on Berryville Main Street’s Facebook page. Remember, covered meters mean free parking! Photos provided by Clarke County.
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Clarke
17 A u dley H oli da y Open H ouse Wi n ter Fa rm Ma rket Saturday, December 18th • 9am until Noon 752 Audley Lane, Berryville Come out and enjoy a morning on the farm with us and several other local vendors for all of your last-minute holiday shopping. Joining us for our open house will be:
• Persimmon Ridge Farm • The Sweet Elephant Bake Shop • Harvue Cheese • Great Harvest Bread Company • Sweet Gum Studio • Althouse Pottery • Chilly Hollow Farm • Paddington’s Backyard Coffee • Presto Dinners • Bre Bogart Photography. We also have Texas Treys Chips.
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Above: Friends and families gathered at the Burwell-Morgan Mill on Dec. 5 to greet each other, meet Father Christmas, sing carols, and light Millwood’s Christmas tree. The event was co-hosted by the Clarke County Historical Association and the Millwood Community Association. Photo provided by Clarke County. Below: Santa Claus arrived in Boyce on Dec. 6 riding on a pumper truck from the Boyce Volunteer Fire Company after the town’s Christmas tree was officially lit. High winds and dropping temperatures did not diminish the warmth of season for the 70 or so residents who sang carols and then shared their Christmas wishes with Santa inside the fire company’s social hall. Photo Provided By Clarke County. Santa returns to Clarke County on Saturday evening, Dec. 18, when he will ride through Berryville atop a firetruck to greet children of all ages. Follow “John H. Enders Fire and Rescue” on Facebook for Santa’s specific route.
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Public news release
ConserveVirginia Tool Updated Improvements help prioritize land conservation projects impacting water quality Governor Ralph Northam’s land conservation strategic mapping tool has been updated to provide a more comprehensive approach to improving water quality throughout Virginia. ConserveVirginia harnesses current science and data to prioritize land conservation decisions. ConserveVirginia 3.0 incorporates three new data sources related to water quality improvement: Aquatic Life Conservation: These data identify lands that drain into waters of highest aquatic habitat values as determined by the Department of Environmental Quality using macroinvertebrate monitoring data to assess environmental conditions. Healthy Waters Conservation: As the health of fish, shellfish and aquatic insects are important indicators of their surrounding environmental conditions, these data identify lands that drain into streams ranked “outstand-
Worship Schedule: December 24: Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Holy Communion 10:00 pm Holy Communion December 25: Christmas Day 11:00 am Holy Communion December 26: The First Sunday after Christmas 9:00 am Christmas Lessons and Carols 809 Bishop Meade Road I Millwood, Virginia 22646 540-837-1112 I www.cunninghamchapel.org
ing” or “healthy” based on fish and macroinvertebrate communities under DCR’s Healthy Waters Program. Restoration Candidate Best Management Practices: These data identify lands where, if agricultural best management practices are used, improvements to water quality would be greatest, according to DCR’s Healthy Waters Program. These three biological datasets were added to water quality priorities in the update released in June 2020, which identify lands with greatest potential to reduce nutrient and sediment loads to waterways, if conserved. To be considered a success under ConserveVirginia, deeds for lands conserved under this more comprehensive category must require permanent vegetative buffers. The seven different ConserveVirginia categories that represent overarching conservation values now include 24 data sources. “ConserveVirginia, which is now codified into state law, provides an important roadmap as we work to prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Ann Jennings. “Investing in land conservation protects the environment now and for future generations.” For the Scenic Preserva-
tion Category, large patches of forestland near U.S. Forest Service national scenic areas and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area scenic zone were added. In the Protected Landscapes Resilience Category, priority lands for protection identified by the U.S. Forest Service were added. ConserveVirginia identifies a total of 7.8 million acres of highest priority conservation areas across the Commonwealth. These data guide a long-term land conservation strategy for Virginia by informing state land acquisitions, environmental mitigation projects and grant processes in the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation and Land and Water Conservation Fund programs. The categories are: • Agriculture and Forestry •
Cultural and Historic Preservation
•
Floodplains and Flooding Resilience
•
Natural Habitat and Ecosystem Diversity
•
Protected Landscapes Resilience
•
Scenic Preservation
•
Water Quality Improvement
For more details about ConserveVirginia and its map layers, visit dcr.virginia.gov/ conservevirginia.
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19
Community Dispatch
This Christmas, Let’s Help Animals By Aden Rounds
This year, why not help the animals at the local Berryville SPCA — since it is very close to Christmastime, a time all about being kind and helping others. I am in eighth grade and have been helping at the animal shelter since 2016. It is very special to me, which is why I want to encourage others to donate at least three items. That may seem like a lot, but some items don’t cost that much — like a can of dog food. Below are some examples of what is needed.
•
Cat and dog treats
•
Comforters (too big to regularly wash)
•
KMR & PMR (kitten/puppy milk replacer).
•
Large dog beds (too big to wash)
Animal care
•
Pillowcases
•
Puppy pee pads
•
Carpeted cat trees (can’t be disinfected)
•
Flea and tick medication (Frontline Plus, Advantix, advantage, Comfortis)
•
Pet Clothes (already have a good amount)
•
Scoop-able cat litter
Food •
Purina dry dog and puppy food
First aid •
Triple antibiotic ointment
•
Purina cat and kitten food
•
Vet wrap
•
Pedigree canned dog food
•
Gauze pads
•
Canned cat and kitten food
Donation they cannot use •
Fitted and flat sheets
Those are the supplies SPCA can and cannot take. You can also find a list on Facebook. I hope you are willing to donate at least one or two items or adopt a pet — but three would be awesome! If you already have a pet or don’t need one, tell a friend about the SPCA if they are looking for a pet. Those animals need a home, so please help spread the word and kindly donate something. However you celebrate the season, I hope you have a safe and joyful time.
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