Clarke Monthly February 2023

Settling an Estate in Virginia; Where to Begin?

By Brenda Waugh

When a loved one passes away, close family or friends are relied upon to settle the estate. In Virginia, we do not have a separate probate court. If the decedent had a will, the executor files the document with the Circuit Clerk of the County where the person resided. While it can be filed anytime after the person’s passing, many attorneys recommend that it be filed within 30 days of the decedent’s death.

The executor will bring the following to the Clerk’s office to file: the original copy of the will and any codicils or amendments to the will, if there is one. They must also bring a certified copy of the death certificate, valid photo identification, a listing of names, ages, and addresses of heirs at law, payment for the probate tax, and the decedent’s last home address. The ex-

ecutor will be required to file other documents, including a listing of assets.

When the decedent dies intestate or without a will, all property subject to probate will be divided among heirs per the Code of Virginia, generally split between a surviving spouse and children or other surviving relatives.

In cases where the person’s assets to be distributed are less than $50,000, the estate is a “small asset estate,” and no formal administration is usually necessary. The will will be probated (proven and recorded), and no further action is required. People with substantial assets may nonetheless have a “small asset estate” when property passes to another upon death due to a designation of beneficiary, a joint asset held with a right of survivorship, or when the asset con-

veys due to a “transfer on death” deed or provision.

The steps to settle an estate, even when it is not a “small asset estate,” are straightforward. When the person has a will, the executor may file requisite documents with the court to begin the process. If there is no executor, any beneficiary may be appointed. When a person dies intestate, beneficiaries will need to agree on the administrator of the estate.

If the person had a will, the executor would follow those directions. If not, the administrator will divide the assets following the Virginia intestate statute that requires the property to be divided between the spouse, the children, and other descendants. In addition, the executor or administrator will generally need to post a bond equal to the estate’s value, which

may be posted with real property in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, a bond is optional when the will waives the requirement of surety or if there is only one beneficiary.

The duties of the executor or administrator involve the following:

•Determining the assets and debts of the estate.

• Notifying the beneficiaries.

•Resolving the debts.

•Filing an accounting with the Commissioner of Accounts.

One of the debts that must be paid is outstanding taxes. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, those will include the final state and federal income tax return for the decedent, the final state property tax return, and the probate tax. The state and federal income tax

return must also be filed if the estate has income. Finally, in some larger estates, estate taxes (both federal and state) may be required. However, the executor or administrator can usually be compensated for the work in resolving the estate.

In Clarke County, the Circuit Clerk’s office is at 102 North Church Street, Berryville. However, appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling (540) 955-5116. More information is available online at tinyurl.com/ mv9a38wv. And www.vacourts. gov/courts/circuit/resources/ probate_in_virginia.pdf.

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

84+ acres $2,400,000

Lucky Hit is one of the oldest of the important houses in historic Clarke County. Built in 1791 it is located in a beautiful area of the county, surrounded by large farms and across from the 400 acre State Arboretum of Viginia.

17+ acres $1,200,000

Elegant French Provincial style house located near the small and lively village of Millwood. Designed and built In 2000 by architect/owner with high quality materials inside and out. Seven stall center aisle barn, four turn-out fields.

2 acres $350,000

Solid brick rambler from the 70’s with many attractive features that were added in 2002. This could be a charming home in the country for someone who is willing to do some needed repairs. Being sold “As Is”.

3 acres $899,000 Built in 1799, has all the charm and character of a 200 year old house with the modern amenities of one that has been well-loved and beautifully cared-for over the years. Located just outside the town of Berryville in historic Clarke County.

Lucky Hit Woodland

280 Bishop Meade Aurora

Berryville Celebrates Its Quasquibicentennial

By Cathy Kuehner

When the Town of Berryville celebrated its 225th birthday on January 15, everyone at the big event at Johnson-Williams Middle School learned more about the town’s history — and learned that a 225th anniversary is officially called a “quasquibicentennial.”

After greetings from Berryville Mayor Jay Arnold, Board of Supervisors Chair David Weiss, and Boyce Mayor Zack Hudson, featured speaker Maral Kalbian explained how a crossroad community once called Battletown developed into Berryville and, ultimately, Clarke County’s seat of government and commerce. Her presentation was aptly titled, “Berryville Matters.”

Kalbian, a local historian and author, used old images and current photos to illustrate how much of the town’s 21st century streetscape still includes buildings from the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s. She used archival newspaper clippings and anecdotal stories to explain who and what shaped the community.

As everyone arrived for the anniversary event, they were each given a slip of paper printed with Berryville trivia and a unique number.

While the Clarke County Community Band set up on stage, emcee and Berryville 225th Anniversary Committee chair John Hudson went into the audience to ask people what they had learned about their town. No doubt everyone learned something new about Berryville history.

The band played a few pieces. One, “A Clarke County Portrait,” was commissioned by the band a few years ago.

At the end of the event, Hudson drew numbers to see who would win Berryvillethemed gifts. Some won 225th

Berryville’s 225th anniversary celebration on Jan. 15 featured local historian and author Maral Kalbian, who explained — with engaging images and stories — how a crossroad community once called Battletown developed into Berryville and

anniversary commemorative glasses and T-shirts. One lucky winner went home with a solid silver commemorative coin, and another received a copy of the hard-to-find “Berryville Celebrates” book from the town’s 200th birthday in 1998.

But everyone had been eyeing the magnificent birthday cake from the Sweet Elephant Bake Shop. It sat on a pedestal

on stage throughout the event. Clarke County Historical Association director Nathan Stalvey held the winning number for the cake. He later shared the cake with the Clarke County Senior Center.

The talented Sweet Elephant bakers also baked, decorated, and wrapped 250 cookies, so each audience member left with a delicious souvenir.

The Berryville 225th Anniversary Committee has been working tirelessly for a year to plan a number of events, beginning with the “Berryville Celebrates” program on January 15. Coming up, there will be an historical exhibit and history lectures in March and an art show in April; all are at the Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville’s wonderful cultural and performing arts center.

Other community events being considered — such as a parade in June and picnic in September — will require a cadre of volunteers. Anyone who would like to assist by volunteering with “Berryville Celebrates” programs should contact berryville1798@gmail.com or message “Berryville Celebrates” on Facebook.

Clarke County’s seat of government and commerce. Photo by Cathy Kuehner.

Nathan Stalvey, director of the Clarke County Historical Association. He won the cake made by the Sweet Elephant Bake Shop. Photo by Cathy Kuehner.

Est. 1976

Poe’s Home Improvements New Building & Remodeling No Job Too Small

Bobcat and Small Backhoe Work Land Clearing • Interior / exterior painting Tree & Brush Removal • 60’ Man-Lift Service

A.B.

Poe, Jr. “Pig Eye”

540-955-3705

Veterinarians:

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Phone: 540-955-2171

• Fax: 540-955-1716

Now accepting new patients!

3823 Lord Fairfax Hwy.Berryville

LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/battletownanimalclinic2021

Mediation • Collaborative Law • Litigation

Brenda Waugh, Lawyer & Mediator

waugh@brendawaugh.com

304-728-3660 (Charles Town) • 540-501-5501 (Leesburg)

—Schedule your free initial consultation online at brendawaugh.com

CLARKEVA.COM

Painting A Sycamore

Story and images by Doug Pifer

March 10-25

Watch hilarious comedy as a TV staff tries to write for a world famous comedian.

winchesterlittletheatre.org • 540-662-3331

Atop the stairway of our house stands a big sycamore tree — not a real one but a painted facsimile. It seemed like the perfect subject for that space, spreading its silvery limbs across the upstairs wall. When I prepared for and researched my mural, I learned a lot about sycamore trees. Much of what I discovered was visual and not generally described in books.

Among the largest of our native deciduous trees, sycamores are among the last trees to leaf out in the spring. Their leaves expand slowly to their full size, which is often broader than two open hands. Because of the widely spaced branches, the gradually expanding foliage looks sparse until late spring.

Sycamore bark tends to exfoliate in spring, falling to the ground in great flakes shaped like pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle. Next time you stand under a sycamore tree, look up at its branches and you’ll notice how the layers of brown and gray bark peel off the upper surface of the limbs but tend to remain on the underside. Smooth, silvery bark exposed on the topside of the limbs highlights and emphasizes their many

curves, lumps and contours. Sycamore branches often break off in the wind when very young. And then the next twig down from the break continues growing, turning the limb in a different direction. This gives sycamore branches their characteristic twists and crooks. Lower limbs curve gracefully downward and the upper branches twist upwards toward the sun. The crown of a mature tree is airy because the branches extend well away from each other. This allows sunlight to filter through to the larger limbs, enhancing the dappled effect of light, shade and peeling bark. Haloed with golden morning light, a big sycamore evokes the grandeur of a cathedral.

Sycamore trees are truly emblematic of the Potomac Valley where we live. My model was a majestic specimen that stands at the edge of a field just down the road from our house. I could have picked one of our own sycamores standing along the stream beyond our barn. Their stunning appearance is intensified some evenings as gray clouds depart and the setting sun turns their silvery branches golden. The effect is heightened

Dr. Brittany Jones, DVM

Dr. Holly Nightingale, DVM, CVA Dr. Erin Rockwell, DVM

Dr. Rachael Nuzzo, DVM, Owner

“American Sycamore tree I selected as a model because of its classic shape”

when there’s a dark, stormy sky behind them. Such dramatic effects would be overwhelming if painted on a wall but are sheer perfection when seen outside in nature. Instead, I chose the roadside tree because of its classic shape. I portrayed the tree simply and sparsely, as if just leafing out during the month of May.

Covering an entire wall with a big tree was a daunting experience. I wanted to distill what’s distinctive about the tree and to memorialize the birds that live in the wonderful habitat surrounding us. Among the upper branches I depicted some of our local birds. Partially hidden

by limbs or foliage are a roosting turkey, a great blue heron, and a nesting pair of wood ducks. Some smaller songbirds perch in plain view. To make the presence of so many birds more believable, I created some drama. An assortment of small birds harasses a barred owl whose rounded head is barely visible inside a tree cavity. A tiny blue-gray gnatcatcher settles on its diminutive nest. Meanwhile a crow wings through the upper crown of the tree, chasing a fast-departing hawk. A pileated woodpecker swoops down to land on the lower trunk. We see these birds all the time in our sycamore trees.

“Sycamore trees behind our barn lit by the sun with a dark sky behind them.”

View of Doug Pifer’s mural from the top of the stairs.

Animal Shelter Begins New Year with New Staff

Animal Welfare Remains Paramount

By Cathy Kuehner

The adverse effects of a years-long global health crisis affected every aspect of life for humans — and as a result — their pets. Like shelters across the country, the Clarke Animal Shelter experienced staffing challenges, handled record adoptions, and then filled to capacity with animals no longer wanted.

As 2023 begins, the Clarke Animal Shelter has new employees, dedicated volunteers, and a renewed sense of purpose: Provide the best possible care to every animal, and find the perfect home for each cat, dog, and occasional rabbit, guinea pig, or horse.

Katrina Carroll, 39, is Clarke County’s new shelter manager. The Maine native and professional riding instructor began working at the shelter as a volunteer before being a part-time paid employee in October 2022. She was pro-

moted to full-time manager as of January 1. She reports to the county administrator.

Jared Schneck, 30, is the full-time kennel attendant and serves as lead when Carroll is out. He began volunteering at the shelter in January 2022 and was hired after five months of exemplary work.

There are also two part-time paid shelter employees, who also began as volunteers.

“Caring for animals is physically demanding work, and the necessary technical and interpersonal skills add to the job requirements. Finding the right people is difficult,” said County Administrator Chris Boies who oversees the shelter.

“We were fortunate to hire Katrina and Jared. They rise to the daily challenges with calmness, kindness, and dedication.”

In 2022, the Clarke Animal Shelter cared for 322 cats, 148 dogs, and 34 other animals such

as guinea pigs and rabbits. At year’s end, 320 animals found new homes, and 61 strays reunited with their owners.

“I accepted the job because I saw a need, and I have the skill set to manage the shelter, its staff, volunteers, visitors,

and the animals,” said Carroll.

“Clarke is a place that cares deeply about its animal population. The shelter should be a place where people can find support and resources for their animals in addition to being a place to find the perfect pet.”

She continued, “A large part of our work will be public education, so we keep animals out of shelters.” That education includes conversations about the importance of spaying and neutering, and teaching how to care for each breed of animal.

Clarke Animal Shelter on Ramsburg Lane opened in 2004. The Clarke County Humane Foundation raises funds to support the shelter. Clarke County government operates and staffs the shelter. Photo provided by Clarke County.

Schneck grew up with animals and worked on farms as a young adult. “I like that there is purpose in what I do every day at the shelter,” he said, adding, “I take pride in working with animals that arrive scared and timid to help them become confident and comfortable, so they can be adopted.”

He said working at the shelter has also taught him about himself. “I’ve learned I’m capable of more than I thought. I’ve surprised myself with how much can be going on, and I remain calm.”

Carroll shares Schneck’s sense of purpose. Both believe it is essential that every animal is well cared for and feels secure. No matter what circumstances brought an animal to the shelter, its life improves when it comes through the door.

A cadre of volunteers, who are essential to the shelter’s day-to-day operations, support the small paid staff. On average, 10 to 15 people help each week by cleaning cages and kennels, walking dogs, and organizing donations. “We could not accomplish all that we do without our wonderful

volunteers,” Carroll said.

Clarke is also fortunate to have a “state-of-the-art facility, thanks to everyone who donated to make it so,” said Carroll. “We want to utilize this facility the way it was intended.”

Before the Clarke Animal Shelter on Ramsburg Lane opened in 2004, stray and unwanted cats and dogs were kept at the Warner-Lloyd Animal Shelter on Rt. 608 (Parshall Road). Built in 1983, the facility was named for two Clarke residents who worked tirelessly on behalf of animals. Garland Lloyd was its longtime animal control officer, and Mary Warner, who in the 1960s established a grassroots organization — later known “Action 81” — dedicated to stopping the then-rampant theft of dogs and cats that were being sold for medical research, dogfights, and other uses.

The Parshall Road facility was too small to meet the county’s needs. So, in the early 2000s, residents formed the nonprofit Clarke County Humane Foundation and set about to find more land and raise funds for a bigger shelter.

Betty Casey donated 10 acres along Ramsburg Lane, and the Humane Foundation raised $929,000 (with $200,000 from the Board of Supervisors) to build the 6,400-squarefoot Clarke Animal Shelter. It opened in fall 2004.

Clarke County government operates and staffs the shelter. The CCHF continues to raise funds to pay for spaying and neutering animals adopted by Clarke County residents and partially covering the cost of spaying and neutering for outof-county residents.

Two years ago, the shelter expanded with a 1,093-squarefoot isolation room also funded through generous donations. The addition has a separate entrance so new animals can be quarantined to prevent the spread of illness until they are deemed healthy enough to be placed alongside other animals in the shelter. Clarke County Sheriff’s deputies specially trained as animal control officers use the isolation room to drop off lost and stray animals.

The Clarke Animal Shelter also has a small pasture and run-in shed for large animals. It has been a temporary home for

Kennel Attendant Jared Schneck and Shelter Manager Katrina Carroll are dedicated to providing the best possible care for the hundreds of animals that arrive at the Clarke Animal Shelter each year. Photo provided by Clarke County.

Celebrating 35 Wonderful Years!

cattle, sheep, horses, and goats over the years.

It will soon be “kitten season” at the Clarke Animal Shelter, and abandoned dogs and cats will continue to arrive. Carroll said, “Our goal is to manage this shelter so it is never full and we never have to euthanize any animal.”

The Clarke Animal Shelter is located at 225 Ramsburg Lane, west of Berryville. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. It is closed on Wednesday and holidays. Contact the shelter at (540) 955-5104 or animalshelter@ clarkecounty.gov.

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office handles Animal Control for domestic animals and livestock throughout the county. Contact Animal Control 24 hours a day at (540) 955-1234 or animalcontrol@clarkecounty.gov.

How to Volunteer or Support the Animal Shelter

The Clarke County Humane Foundation is a local, nonprofit organization established in 2000 to help unwanted, homeless, and abandoned animals in Clarke County. Its eight-member board and its fundraising efforts support the Clarke Animal Shelter. The 501(c)(3) foundation is not affiliated with the national Humane Society or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The Clarke Animal Shelter accepts hundreds of cats, dogs, and others pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits each year. All require daily care, food, and water, even on holidays when other offices and businesses are closed.

It takes many people to tend to all the animals – and wash endless loads of towels and blankets. Shelter Manager Katrina Carroll and Kennel Attendant Jared Schneck are always happy to talk with anyone who is interested in volunteering.

Clarke Animal Shelter volunteers must at least 16-years old and complete some paperwork and training. Groups that want to complete service projects are also welcomed.

Just as Carroll and Schneck are concerned with the animals’ welfare, they are equally concerned with the safety of all volunteers and visitors. Because some animals behave differently when they are frightened in new surroundings, training and safety precautions for humans at the shelter are essential.

In addition to volunteers, the Clarke County Humane Foundation relies on financial support to fulfill its mission. Send contributions as checks (payable to Clarke County Humane Foundation) to: Clarke County Humane Foundation, P.O. Box 713, Berryville, VA 22611.

Contact the Clarke Animal Shelter at (540) 955-5104 or animalshelter@clarkecounty. gov. Follow “Clarke County Humane Foundation” on Facebook.

Clarke Animal Shelter volunteer Braelyn Carey plays with a puppy that was found as a stray. Photo provided by Clarke County.

Prudence Anderson Receives Conservation Honor

By Cathy Kuehner

Boyce resident Prudence “Prue” Anderson accepted the 2022 “Wingate Mackay-Smith Land Conservation Award” during a luncheon at the Millwood Country Club on Jan. 13. Anderson was recognized for her years of dedicated, behindthe-scenes service to the Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority (CEA).

Anderson worked for the CEA from 2005 to 2015. “I did whatever Alison [Teetor] needed to be done,” she said, referring to the long-time county employee who has managed the easement program since it was established. “Alison needed to focus on really important things, so I was happy to do whatever I could.”

Anderson began by stuffing envelopes for mailings and then switched to mounting easement signs on Clarke County properties. “I put up most of the signs in Clarke County,” she said, noting she would receive addresses and a “decent map” from Teetor “and off I went. I really enjoyed it.”

“Prue has endless energy and enthusiasm,” Teetor said. Anderson admitted to being surprised and flattered by the recognition.

Prudence Anderson and her husband Don moved to Clarke County from Ontario, Canada, in 1990. Working for the Easement Authority “taught me a lot about the county. If I couldn’t find a property, I’d call Alison and we’d figure it out,” she said. She traveled to easement properties alone, which she appreciated because it was an efficient process. “It would be silly for both of us to attach a sign to a fence post.”

Easements are voluntary agreements negotiated between landowners and public agencies in which the landowners agree to place specific restrictions on the use and development of their property in exchange for payment and various income and estate tax benefits.

The Board of Supervisors cre-

ated the county’s Conservation Easement Purchase Program (CEP Program) by an ordinance adopted on June 18, 2002. The CEP Program helps fund the preservation of land with significant agricultural, natural, scenic, and historic resources. The Conservation Easement Authority was established to oversee the CEP Program, and it recorded the county’s first easement in 2003.

Today, the CEA has placed 9,390 acres in easement. When those CEP Program properties are included with other conservation holdings, such as those held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, about 25 percent — 28,566 acres — of open space in Clarke County is permanently protected, and 302 dwelling unit rights (DURs) have been retired as of January 2023. The county also maintains a slidingscale zoning policy that preserves large tracts of land by permitting fewer dwelling unit rights per acre for larger existing parcels.

In April 2012, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell honored the Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority with an Environmental Excellence Award. The CEA received the award for its successful efforts to protect and preserve land and for filling an important niche by enabling landowners who might not meet the criteria of other programs to place smaller parcels of land in easement.

In 2015, the CEA created the “Land Conservation Award” to honor Wingate Mackay-Smith, who served as the CEA’s first chairperson when it was established in 2002. She developed the criteria the Authority uses to value individual easements, and she created guidelines for accepting properties into the easement program. MackaySmith helped negotiate the Authority’s first easement purchase — historic Greenway Court — the colonial-era home of Lord Thomas Fairfax. She stepped down from

the CEA in December 2015.

The CEA immediately renamed the award the “Wingate MackaySmith Clarke County Land Conservation Award,” and presents it annually to individuals, groups, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the preservation and protection of open spaces in Clarke County. The award also draws attention to the need for land conservation and the role easements play in preserving natural and historic resources.

During the Jan. 13 CEA luncheon, Authority chair Randy Buckley said, “Winkie is known a the Queen of Conservation.”

Other “Wingate Mackay-Smith Clarke County Land Conservation Award” recipients are: Holy Cross Abbey (2015); G. Robert Lee, Margaret Maizel, Robert Mitchell, and A.R. “Pete” Dunning (2016); Melvin Kohn (2017); Joe and Denise Sipe (2018); J. Michael Hobert (2019); the American Battlefield Trust and Shenandoah University (2020), and Charles “Chuck” Johnston (2021).

For more information about conservation easements, contact Clarke County Easement Authority Specialist Alison Teetor at (540) 955-5177 or ateetor@clarkecounty.gov. Learn more at clarkelandconservation.org

Prue Anderson accepts the 2022 “Wingate Mackay-Smith Land Conservation Award” from Clarke County’s Easement Authority Specialist Alison Teetor (left). Photo provided by Clarke County.

Around Clarke County

February

3 Winter Art Show Reception

Long Branch Historic House. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. Featuring Deborah Horton/Carlin Green/ Raymond Utz. 6–8pm. Free. www.visitlongbranch.org.

4 FISH Mobile Community Table

Church of the Good Shepherd. 27 Good Shepherd Rd. Bluemont. Dairy products, personal care items and snack packs, and food to take home “from our community table to your family table.” Find out what benefits may be available to you from the Department of Social Services. Held monthly. Free. 9–11am. 540-955-1823. www.fishofclarkecounty.org.

4

Alash Ensemble: Tuvan Throat Singing

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalm-

ers Ct. Berryville. Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a technique for singing multiple pitches at once. The technique includes a variety of styles, each associated with a different sound in nature, with the more complex styles creating rhythms or quickly changing harmonics to imitate the sounds of bubbling water or trotting horses. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

11Houseplant Love

Blandy Experimental Farm. 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Boyce. Learn tips and tricks to keep your houseplants happy and healthy Ages 13 and older. Registration required. FOSA members $20. 10–11:30am. www.blandy.virginia.edu.

17Jules and the Agreeables Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Juliana MacDowell is a sensational and

sensitive singer-songwriter, known for drawing listeners in with her “heart-on-yoursleeve” approach to songwriting and performance, melding velvety vocals and moving

originals to reach audiences in memorable ways. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

Josephine School Community Museum. 303 Josephine St. Berryville. For lo-

18Black Dramatic Reading Contest

cal students grades 2–5 with snow day of the 25th. Register by Feb. 11. 1:30pm. www.jschoolmuseum.org.

18Hot Chocolate Hike

Blandy Experimental Farm. 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Boyce. Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or tea and spy on our feathered friends with a naturalist. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Registration required. FOSA members $10, nonmembers $15. 2–3pm. www.blandy.virginia.edu.

18Astronomy for Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park. 11012 Edmonds Lane. Delaplane. Join NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in astronomy. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for a tour of the night sky. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for

your own exploration. 5–8pm. Free; parking fees apply. 540-592-3556.

18Neal Larrabee Benefit Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Nominated by the United States Information Service to perform under the auspices of the American embassies, internationally regarded pianist Neal Larrabee has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. Suggested donation of $25. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

19Celebrating Chocolate, Aphrodisiacs and Red Wine

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Registered herbalist Geo Giordano shares the health benefits of chocolate and red wine. Bring samples of your favorites to share with the class. 2–4pm. $40. Email to register. geosjoyrh@gmail.com.

20New Moon Drum Circle

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Ber-

ryville. Join us in a year of intentional drumming for harnessing the new moon energy. For all dates, visit www.lovenotesmusictherapy.com. No admission cost; donations welcome. No registration required. www.sanctuarywellness.com.

21Documentary Film:

“Harry and Snowman”

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. In his touching documentary, Director Ron Davis tells the true story of Harry deLeyer and his horse, Snowman. deLeyer, a Dutch immigrant, journeyed to the United States after World War II and developed a transformative relationship with a plow horse he rescued off a slaughter truck, bound for the glue factory. Free;

must register ahead. 1–3pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

23The Foreign Landers Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. As a couple, Tabitha and David have begun to carve their own path in the acoustic music world together. Their authenticity and originality in songwriting, tasteful multi-instrumental prowess, evocative vocals, and unique transatlantic touch all combine to create something inexpressibly foreign and yet strangely familiar. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

24Birding for Beginners

Blandy Experimental Farm. 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Boyce.

Always wanted to give birding a try, but not sure where to start?

Join Blandy Director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr to practice birding basics. We expect to see winter birds including hawks, woodpeckers, sparrows and finches. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Registration required. FOSA members $20. 8–10am. www.blandy.virginia.edu.

24Fried Fish Dinner

Grace Episcopal Church, Parish Hall. 110 N. Church St. Berryville. The church will be holding a fish dinner each Friday evening during Lent, dine in or carry out. Fried fish, French fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. Parking lot in rear of the Parish Hall, entrance off Liberty St. 5:30–7pm. 540-955-1610 or 703901-5760. amzgrace@verizon.net or pamseek4@gmail.com.

25FISH Mobile Community Table

Shiloh Baptist Church. 1983 Millwood Rd. Dairy products, personal care items and snack packs, and food to take home “from our community table to your family table.” Find out what benefits may be available to you from the Department of Social Services. Held monthly. Free. 9–11am. 540-955-1823. www.fishofclarkecounty.org.

mona.hope@penfedrealty.com www.hopehometeam.com

25The Plate Scrapers Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Progressivelyminded Bluegrass band strives to maintain a healthy equilibrium between their diverse musical backgrounds and traditional Appalachian sounds. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

26The Enslaved at the Tuleyries Talk Blandy Experimental Farm. 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Boyce. The Tuleyries mansion was

a site of enslavement for generations of African-descended people whose labor assisted the Tuley family in maintaining their wealth. This presentation by third-year Ph.D. student Antonio Austin will trace this family’s relationship to slavery while bringing back into the historical narrative the individuals that they once enslaved. 2–4pm. Register ahead. Members $20, nonmembers $25. www.clarkehistory.org.

March 4

“Berryville Celebrates

225” Lecture Series/ Exhibit Opening

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. CCHA and the Barns of Rose Hill partner up to present a month-long series of talks focused on different aspects of Berryville’s storied history. Topic is “how our town developed.” 1pm. Opening reception for anniversary exhibit to follow. www.clarkehistory.org.

Ongoing

World of Wood Exhibit

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Jan. 14–Feb. 25. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

Winter Art Show

Long Branch Historic House. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. Featuring Deborah Horton/ Carlin Green/Raymond Utz. Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday and Sunday 12–4pm. www.visitlongbranch.org.

Mindful Meditations and Musings

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Twice weekly meditation classes for beginners with a focus on mindfulness. Typical class will consist of 30-45 minute lightly guided meditation followed by a brief discussion. Wear comfortable clothing and bring whatever you need to sit comfortably. Yoga mats and chairs available to borrow. $25 for individual class, $100 for five classes. 10:30–11:30am Fridays and 6–7pm Mondays. Email to register. tmgeorge126@gmail.com.

Intro to Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Vinyasa Flow yoga emphasizes the sequential movement between postures, coordinated with and guided by deliberate breath. $108 for six week series beginning Feb. 7. Tuesdays, 5:15–6:15pm. Register ahead. amyhopegentry.com/yoga.

Restorative Yoga with Ximena

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Invigorating sequences of asanas, united by rhythmic breathing. $25 for drop-ins, $80 for four classes a month, $100 for eight classes a month. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–10am. Email to register. stroubakisx@gmail.com.

Long Branch Historic House and Farm 2023 Speaker Series

• Sundays at 6pm •

February 19:

“ e Blue Ridge Wildlife Center: Progress and Promise”

Dr. Russ McKelway, BOD Chair B.R.W.C.

February 26:

“A Modern American Poetry Sampler”

Wendell Hawken, Poet Laureate Millwood, VA

March 5:

“90% Half True – A Collection of Short Stories” Keith Patterson, Artist & Author

March 12 :

“Clarke County, VA: History rough Architecture”

Maral Kalbian, Architectural Historian Clarke County

March 19

“Tales From a Wandering Sport Writer”

Len Shapiro, Editor Country Zest & Style Magazine

March 26:

“Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative”

October Greenfield, Wildlife Habitat Restoration Coordinator P.E.C.

Ticket prices: $25 each / $125 entire series

To reserve tickets, please visit:

www.visitlongbranch.org

or call: 540-837-1856

830 Long Branch Lane Boyce, VA 22620

540-837-1856

www.visitlongbranch.org

Insect Relationships (or Their Absence)

Story and photos by Claire Stuart

Valentine’s Day is celebrated this month, so you might wonder what, if any, relationships are found in the insect world. Insect lives are short — mostly just a year or two — and most of that time is spent as larvae. The larval stage is for eating and growing, and larvae have no functioning reproductive system.

The adult stage is for reproduction and is very short — sometimes only a day or two, or even just a few hours — so there is little time for malefemale relationships. Adults do not grow and some adults don’t even eat. Females usually live longer than males because they have to lay eggs and, in some cases, provide food and care. Males seldom stay around after the mating act, but there are notable exceptions.

Only adult insects have wings (and a winged insect of any size is an adult) because wings are usually needed to find mates and egg-laying sites. The first thing adult insects need to do is to find each other, and there are many ways they do it.

The easiest way for potential mates to meet is to form a swarm. This is common in many types of tiny flies. They gather in large numbers over some landmark like a bush or fence (or even a person) so that they can be seen at a distance.

Female moths and butterflies and some other insects emit attractive airborne chemicals (pheromones). Males can sense it on the wind from miles away using sensors on their antennae, and follow it to the females.

Airborne sound and vibrations are other ways that insects get together. We are all familiar with the chirps of crickets. The male calls and the female follows the sound

to the male. Some male crickets call from the opening of a burrow or other place that amplifies the sound. I found a tiny cricket in my kitchen making a big sound as he chirped from the opening of a glass jar on the counter! Bush and tree crickets, katydids, and cicadas gather in male groups called choruses to call in unison; females fly into the chorus. Some insects such as stoneflies and plant hoppers communicate by

vibrations, striking a body part against whatever object they are sitting on.

Of course, we see fireflies lighting up summer nights. Each species has a unique flash pattern. The females stay in one spot and flash, while males fly around searching for them.

When a male spots a female of his species, he answers her, they have a dialog, and he lands to mate. Unfortunately, some females can mimic the flashes

Dung beetle adults work together to provision their burrow nests.

of other species and when a male of another species lands, she eats him!

Male dragonflies live several months and establish territories along ponds and slow water. Their larvae are aquatic and may live a few years. Adult males constantly patrol their territory and mate with any females that enter. After mating, the male grips the female and carries her over the water, dipping her abdomen into the water to lay her eggs, preventing any other male from mating with her.

A few male insects do stay around and play a role. Carpenter bees, familiar spring visitors, nest in holes in wood. Although only females can sting, the male stays with the nest until it is completed and eggs are laid. He is a great faker and flies in the faces of any large perceived enemies, including people, who get near the nest. He head-butts rival males and potential parasites or predators.

The common pipe-organ mud-dauber wasp male also defends the home while the female is out gathering building material and provisions for the larvae. Like all other male bees and wasps, he is stingless, but when he flies in your face you are wise to retreat because he could just as easily be a female, who can sting.

Dung beetle adults (rollers) work together to provision their burrow nests. The male finds some manure, rolls it into

a ball and presents it to a female. Together they roll it to a site suitable for digging, then tunnel under it to sink it into the ground. They mate, the female lays eggs, and the male departs. Male earwigs also help the females construct their nests, but depart before eggs are laid.

The large black beetles known as Bessbugs live in family groups in rotten logs. Males and females live several years, and live with and care for their larvae. The next generation of adults also stays for a while a nd helps.

The best insect father is the burying beetle that feeds on small dead animals, finding them by odor from over a mile away. When a male or female finds a body, it emits a pheromone to attract a mate. They meet and immediately dig a chamber to sink and cover it before actually mating. The female lays eggs, and both parents chew up the body and feed larvae. If something happens to the female, the male continues to care for the larvae until they pupate.

Send your insect questions to me at: buglady@wv.net.

The male mud-dauber wasp defends the home while the female is out gathering building material and provisions.jpeg The male mud-dauber wasp defends the home while the female is out gathering building material and provisions.

Male earwigs help females construct their nests, but depart before eggs are laid.