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JAN 2020
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INSIDE CLARKE Health Insurance? When a client leaves our office No and says: “I’m hearing things I haven’t heard in years” We can help! …. we’re doing our job! Offering medical care &FEATURES pharmacy services to uninsured folks since 1986.
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Needles & Pins Knitting Group Donates Teddy Bears to Local Law Enforcement
CLARKEVA.COM
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By Rebecca Maynard
ON THE COVER A Baltimore Oriole, “Sunny,” perched on a feeder in Clarke County. Photo by Kimo O’Connor.
4
The Berryville Beat
5
As the Crow Flies
6
Around Clarke County
9
Blue Ridge Rain Band
10
Clarke County Hosts an Agripreneur Seminar
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A Word of Thanks
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Guest Commentary
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Barns of Rose Hill
JAN 20 20
Clarke STAFF
David Lillard, Editor/Publisher Jennifer Welliver, Associate Publisher Aundrea Humphreys, Art Director Hali Taylor, Proofreader
CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Maynard Keith Patterson Doug Pifer Jesse Russell JiJi Russell Claire Stuart
COVER IMAGE Kimo O’Connor
ADVERTISING SALES
Jennifer Welliver, 540-398-1450 Rebecca Maynard, 540-550-4669
Advertising Information: 540-398-1450 (Mon-Fri, 9-5)
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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 Letters containing personal attacks or polarizing language will not be published.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.
CLARKE MONTHLY
PO BOX 2160 SHEPHERDSTOWN WV 25443
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Clarke
3
FROM THE EDITOR I Can’t Believe He Said That Let’s talk about firearms in public places. Pause. You were ready, weren’t you? You were ready to counter with your position. If I had said that in the second amendment, the phrase “the right to keep and bear arms” stresses the word bear as much as keep, and that I should be able to carry wherever I want, half of you might have called me a gun nut, or said I had no regard for the safety of our children, or . . . fill in the blank with this and worse. Then you might excoriate me and cancel me on social media. Or, let’s say I had written: “The second amendment does not take away government’s responsibility to enact reasonable gun laws to protect public safety and public health.” Half of you might have said I was a communist who coddled criminals and terrorists and wanted to destroy America. Then you might excoriate me and cancel me on social media. If you had disagreed with either statement, chances are — based on studies by people with lots of letters after their names — nothing else I had written, even if it respected your point of view, would have mattered. Canceled. What we have here, as the line from Cool Hand Luke goes, is a failure to communicate. More accurately, it’s a failure to listen. For some reason, we humans have never been good at listening. Someone tells a personal story, and we filter it through our own experiences. Someone tells
about losing a parent, and we say, “I know how you feel; I remember when my dad died.” Guess what? You don’t know how this person feels. You know how you felt. Let’s start there. These failures to listen are hugely magnified around the pressing public issues of the day. Most times, we fail to listen. While someone else is speaking, we are waiting to make our point — rather than listening to theirs. And we get a little louder and less patient. Then we’re talking (or shouting) over one another. Would all the world’s problems be solved if we listened to each other? Probably not. We might, though, understand each other more, and appreciate how we each arrive at our own points of view. That’s a step. Then we can respectfully try to persuade one another. Fact is, you can’t change someone’s mind unless you’re open to changing your own.
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The Berryville Beat Happy New Year, Berryville! As many of us traditionally set New Year’s resolutions, or goals to accomplish this year, we wanted to share with you what we recently adopted as our fiscal year 2021 budget goals, and offer an update on the status of our fiscal year 2020 goals. Each fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year, so we currently find ourselves halfway through fiscal year 2020. We will soon start deliberating over the fiscal year 2021 budget, which we will likely adopt in June, with the real estate tax rate set the previous month. Ahead of last year’s budget cycle, we adopted three budget goals: for the town police department to begin the process for accreditation from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice; to pursue a branding and marketing study; and to participate in a partnership with Clarke County on a traffic analysis for the planned southeast collector road. All of these are ongoing, and will likely continue into the next fiscal year.
2021 Budget Goals
At our December meeting, we adopted three budget goals for fiscal year 2021.
In no particular order, the first of these goals is to, in partnership with the county, work to create Annexation Area C to facilitate the expansion of the Clarke County Business Park. We feel this is an important economic development initiative for the town, as the business park is continually in demand and often completely full. This goal also dovetails nicely with the ongoing traffic analysis to construct a southeast collector road. Another goal is to complete a compensation study for town staff. We recognize the hot job market in the Northern Virginia area, and want to ensure we are staying current in order to retain and attract high-quality government employees. Finally, we have set as a goal providing the funds necessary to complete the Town Run/ stormwater control work as identified by the town’s engineer in preliminary engineering reports. Some of our most well-attended committee meetings in the last two years have involved discussion of ponding issues in town neighborhoods. The preliminary engineering reports have identified a series of projects that could be undertaken to address these issues in areas throughout town, including the Town Run, and parts of
Academy, Dorsey, Treadwell and Walnut streets. More engineering research must be done before we can begin the process of deciding how to fund these capital projects, but our goal states the intention of addressing some of these issues. The adopted goals do not have numbers attached to them, as of yet, and could end up not being adopted as part of the fiscal year 2021 budget. But, the goals help the town manager to understand where the Town Council’s initial priorities lie. As we begin the budget process, please let us know where your priorities are for the budget. You are always welcome, and encouraged, to contact us via email, or attend our monthly meetings, at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. As a reminder, all of our meetings, whether work sessions, business or committee meetings, are open to the public.
This monthly column is authored by the members of the Berryville Town Council. For more information on town government, including meetings, agendas, and contact information for the Town Council and town staff, visit www.berryvilleva.gov.
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Clarke
5
As the Crow Flies
Party Time For Crows Story and illustration by Doug Pifer
People might say a crow is a crow, but in the Potomac and Shenandoah valleys, when you see a crow, it could be one of three different species. By far the most common is the American crow, followed by the slightly smaller Fish crow. Occasionally, a Northern raven will join them. All three species nest here, and can be seen all year. But they’re more evident and easier to see in winter. My fondness of crows started at age ten on a walk in the woods one morning just before Christmas. I discovered an American crow that had died sometime during the night, possibly from a gunshot wound. I stopped to examine it where it lay among the brown leaves in a natural position, every feather in place. I admired the polished ebony bill, feet and toes. Shiny black feathers caught the winter sun, reflecting a steely blue like the barrel of a newly polished gun. I realized that crows were beautiful. In high school I learned to know crows firsthand from a free-flying pet crow I had for two years. Later, when my wife and I moved to the Shenandoah Valley, we learned to know the Fish crows that migrated up the Potomac Basin into the Shenandoah River from the coast in winter. Ravens were always a bird of the wilderness to me before I lived in the Shenandoah Valley. Here the sight of an occasional raven is commonplace. Our three crow species, called corvids, can best be told apart by their voices. Most calls of the American crow are some variation of “caw.” A fish crow has a falsetto, nasal twang, like “unk” or “ah-ha.” A gathering of Fish crows sounds like a boisterous bunch of adolescent boys. Ravens sound like a crow using a megaphone. Most common is a growling “awk” or “cruck.” Many ravens can mimic a tolling church bell, a train whistle or a car horn. A raven in our neighborhood gives an exact rendition of our donkey’s alarm snort and our dog’s “let me back in the house” bark. With some practice, it becomes easy to identify corvids in flight. American crows have deep, strong wing beats, but their flight sometimes seems lumbered by wings slightly too big for them.
Against a strong headwind, they seem to make little progress while working too hard. Fish crows have a similar flight silhouette, but their way of going is light and buoyant with more frequent sailing and gliding. Ravens’ heavy bills, tapered wings, and longer tails give them more balance and stability. They can power along with slicing wingbeats, almost like pigeons, or soar like eagles with outstretched wings and fanned tail. A raven’s wedge-shaped tail, emphasized in field guides, looks rounded when the tail is fanned wide. Aerial acrobats, ravens entertain themselves with barrel rolls and steep dives. I’ve watched pairs of ravens fly close together, almost in tandem, with synchronized wing beats. Where a corvid decides to land might be a clue to its identity. American crows are comfortable anywhere but prefer to avoid utility wires, while Fish crows commonly perch on them. Ravens prefer remote areas like rocks, tall bare trees or telephone poles. All three can be seen scrounging at dumpsters or landfills, often gathering side by side where comparisons between them are easier. On the ground an American crow and a Fish crow are hard to distinguish, even by size. The American crow is trim and elegant, and walks with a dignified, marching gait. Up close you’ll notice some shiny feathers edged with a dull fringe, as if it’s wearing fish scales or chain mail on its back. A Fish crow by comparison is overall shiny black. Bills of American and Fish crows appear about the same length as their heads. A raven in profile appears to have an oversized, Roman nose. The heavy beak and low forehead give ravens a severe, eagle-like look. Seen near the other two species, a raven looks enormous. No wonder they retreat if he gets too close. Regardless of their identity, all crows are clever birds that seldom fail to entertain with their antics.
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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.
January
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Community Conversations: Race and Racism
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Community residents are invited to join discussions to share their experiences and learn from their neighbors. All viewpoints are welcome. Each conversation will be led by a facilitator and light refreshments will be available.1–3pm. Free. www.barnsofrosehill.org. 540-955-2004.
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Taarka Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Taarka is a virtuosic ensemble of 5-string violin, mandolin,
guitars, string bass and vocals featuring high-energy performance and innovative, beautiful compositions and songs, weaving the sounds of old and new from world folk, Celtic, bluegrass, jazz and classical with rock energy and master musicianship. 8–10pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door, 12 and younger free. www.barnsofrosehill.org. 540-955-2004.
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Western Centuries Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. The honkytonk super group takes their own personal influences as three very different songwriters and fuses it into a sound that moves beyond the constraints of country. Jordan Springs barbecue for sale at 7pm.
8–10pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door, 12 and younger free. www.barnsofrosehill.org. 540-955-2004.
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Soul-Full Community Meal
Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. 210 E. Main St. Berryville. 13 local churches get together to provide a meal open to all in the community the fourth Thursday of each month. Free. 5:15pm. 540-955-1264.
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Chili Cookoff
Clarke County High School. 627 Mosby Blvd. Berryville. The CCHS Jazz Band and Steel Drum Ensemble will perform. Basket raffles, cash prize, sides and dessert included, vote for your favorite chili. Proceeds benefit Clarke County Band
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Bluegrass and Barbecue Featuring Town Mountain Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Traditional bluegrass with a rough-hewn side that is not too slick or glossy. Described as a band of the here-and-now, they have a groove that is based on the bluesy and swinging sounds explored by the first generation of bluegrass pioneers of the last century. Jordan Springs barbecue for sale at 7pm. 8–10pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door, 12 and younger free. www.barnsofrosehill.org. 540-955-2004.
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Gallery Talk and Tea With Gail Guirreri-Maslyk Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. Join our current exhibiting artist, Gail GuirreriMaslyk, as she conducts a gallery tour of her solo exhibition, “The Tally-Ho! Art Show.” Gail will share the stories and inspiration for her magnificent paintings and answer your questions over a cup of tea. Free. 2–4pm. 540-837-1856. www.visitlongbranch.org.
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Community Meal
Boyce Volunteer Fire Company. 7 S. Greenway Ave. Free meal prepared by county churches on the fourth Tuesday of every month. 5:30pm. Contact Eleanor Lloyd at 540-247-6311.
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Corey Harris Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Corey Harris has earned substantial critical acclaim as one of the few contemporary bluesmen able to channel the raw, direct emotion of acoustic Delta blues without coming off as an authenticity-obsessed historian. Jordan Springs barbecue for sale at 7pm. 8–10pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door, 12 and younger free. www.barnsofrosehill.org. 540-955-2004.
February
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Simon and Garfunkel by Swearingen and Kelli Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. AJ Swearingen has been performing this music for twenty years with mastery of Paul Simon’s intricate guitar playing. His deep baritone blends perfectly against Jayne Kelli’s angelic vocals, which invoke a true sound in the spirit of Art Garfunkel. The duo has been performing music together since 2010. Together and separately they have shared the stage with Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Livingston Taylor, John McCutcheon and many more. 8–10pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door, 12 and younger free. www.barnsofrosehill.org. 540-955-2004.
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Agripreneur Seminar
Berryville-Clarke County Government Center. 101 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Expert speakers will discuss the ways farmers can increase the likelihood of success and become agripreneurs through focused planning, social media marketing, grant funding and other means. 6:30pm. Free. 540-955-5107. lcapelli@clarkecounty.gov.
15
Valentine Breakfast
Boyce Volunteer Fire Company. 7 S. Greenway Ave. Boyce. Bring your loved one to a delicious pancake breakfast, support your local volunteer fire company and meet some of the volunteers that serve you and the community. 7am– 12pm. 540-837-1228.
Ongoing “TALLY-HO!” Art Exhibit
Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. View all new original works by Gail Guirreri-Maslyk. Exhibit will be in Long Branch’s galleries through the end of February 2020. Free. 540-837-1856. www.visitlongbranch.org.
The Power of 8 Healing Group
Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Starting in January, the group of 6-12 will meet weekly to learn how to use the power of intention to open up our hearts and heal ourselves and others. Based on the book “Power of 8” by Lynne McTaggart. For more information or to register, please call Mercia at 540-550-3898. info@sanctuaryberryville.com. www.sanctuaryberryville.com.
Homeopathic First Aid Class Series with Certified Homeopath
Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. This January, learn to use homeopathic remedies for common ailments throughout all stages of life. $150 includes First Aid Curriculum. Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine book not included. Contact Kathy for more information or to register. kmillerhomeopath@gmail.com, info@sanctuaryberryville.com. www.sanctuaryberryville.com.
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Tai Chi with Chai Tea
Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Join Tai Chi instructor Adrian VanKeuren Wednesday evenings to practice this ancient Chinese healing movement and meditative martial art. Registration ahead is appreciated. Arrive early to socialize over Chai tea. 6–7pm. taichiAVK@gmail.com. 5 4 0 - 9 3 1 - 6 5 0 7 . www.sanctuaryberryville.com.
Genetic Mutations Support Group
Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. NLWGM members meet the first Tuesday of each month to offer support, resources and help to each other. Free and open to the public. 6:30–8pm. www.sanctuaryberryville.com.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tuesdays, 8:15–9:15pm. Grace Episcopal Church. N. Church St. Berryville. AAVirginia.org. 540-955-1610.
FISH Clothing Bank and Food Pantry
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am–12pm. 36 E. Main Street. Berryville. 540-955-1823.
Bingo
Boyce Fire Hall. 7 S. Greenway Ave. Thursdays at 7pm, Sundays at 1:30pm. Proceeds benefit the volunteer fire department. 540-837-2317.
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Offering medical care & pharmacy services to uninsured folks since 1986.
Apply online www.SinclairHealthClinic.org
301 N Cameron St Sinclair Health Clinic Winchester, VA 540-536-1680 Helps the Uninsured By Claire Stuart “Members of our community should not have to choose between their health and paying the rent.” That’s the first thing you read on the web site of the Sinclair Health Clinic. Right at the top of the list of things of concern to most American people is the cost of health care and prescription medicines. Those hit hardest are working people who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but don’t earn enough to afford health insurance. Sinclair Health Clinic has good news for some of those folks. Katrina McClure, Executive Director, is happy to announce that they have relaxed their income limits so that more people can qualify to use the clinic’s services. Formerly, the income limit was 200% above the federal poverty level. “Many working people fell just over the income limit, so on October 1, the Board expanded it to 300%.” The Sinclair Medical Clinic, formerly known as the Free Medical Clinic, has served the City of Winchester and Frederick and Clarke Counties since 1986, caring for low-income people who are uninsured or on Medicaid. They provide adult primary care and health promotion and maintenance, focusing on wellness and prevention. This includes care for acute and chronic illnesses. If patients have serious health problems, specialists from the clinic’s network of doctors come in regularly and see the patients for free. The clinic’s Women’s Health Program provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and health education. They do not offer pediatric care but they hope they may be able to do so
sometime in the future. “Urgent care” service is provided without an appointment for their patients, but McClure stressed that they are not an emergency room. “If someone comes in needing emergency care, the clinic calls an ambulance for them.” The Behavioral Health Department assists people coping with stress, grief, loss, change of life circumstances, and mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression. The staff can assess, diagnose and prescribe medications. Patients with more complex diagnoses are referred to outside facilities and practices. A vital part of the Sinclair Health Clinic is their state-licensed pharmacy. Their drug formulary lists a huge number of affordable medications. They can also help patients obtain more expensive medications through drug companies’ assistance programs. The pharmacy also fills prescriptions for the general public at prices that might be lower than insurance co-pays. McClure reported that some medications essential to the lives of typical patients are priced out-of-reach for many but can be had through the clinic. “They can get expensive meds for free – things like diabetes meds and inhalers for COPD.” Prospective clinic patients can apply on-line or call the clinic for help with the application. Expect to produce identification and proof of income and residency. Before the first appointment, lab work is necessary so that the doctor can be familiar with the patient’s baseline health status. “We require lab tests - liver function, kidney function, sugar,” says McClure. “They are
free through Valley Health. It usually takes about a week to get results.” Access to specialty medical treatment, medications, and necessary services are made possible by the clinic’s many dedicated and generous partners in the community. Valley Health, Winchester Medical Center and local pathologists, diagnostic and medical imaging providers provide services. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians volunteer at the clinic. Since diabetes is such a serious problem in the area, Valley Health reserves spaces for Sinclair Health Clinic diabetes patients. Other partners include the Virginia Department of Health, Shenandoah University Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies, and various community organizations. The clinic’s Community Health Worker offers educational programs on environmental, dietary and social factors affecting health and connects people to community resources such as access to food, housing, employment, transportation and social services. The Sinclair Health Clinic is located on the Kendall Community Campus of Our Health where a number of nonprofit health and human services are also conveniently located.
Sinclair Medical Clinic 301 North Cameron St., Winchester, VA
Medical service hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am–5 pm; Tuesday, 10am–7:30 pm. Phone: 540-662-5321 Web: sinclairhealthclinic.org
Clarke
JAN 20 20
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Blue Ridge Rain Band Announces EP Launch on February 21 By Rebecca Maynard
Blue Ridge Rain. Contemporary country band Blue Ridge Rain, known for their blend of the modern and nostalgic, have long been a staple of live entertainment in the Shenandoah Valley. During the summer of 2019, the band began writing original pieces, and in November traveled to Benchmark Sound in Nashville to start recording tracks. The members, brothers Chad Laughlin and Chris Darlington, father and son Troy and Michael LeHew, and Brad King, are pleased to announce that their EP (extended play record) will be released digitally on February 21. Look for it on iTunes, Amazon Music, Pandora and other media outlets on February 21, or purchase CDs and other merchandise at the band’s EP release party/meet and greet on June 6 at West Oaks Farm Market in Winchester. Hailing from the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, the band is composed of seasoned musicians who have developed and honed their talents for pleasing audiences long before they could drive. Since 2010,
they have focused on delivering powerful performances with rockabilly rhythms, soaring solos, honky-tonk piano, as well as multifaceted vocals and layered harmonies. “My brother Chris has been down in Nashville before and met a friend of ours that lives there, Tim Galloway,” Laughlin said. Galloway has worked with artists such as Luke Bryan and Josh Turner, and he co-wrote Jason Michael Carroll’s “Livin’ Our Love Song.” “It was one of the most exciting days of my life, to actually go to Nashville to record our songs,” Laughlin said. “A huge thanks to our friend Tim Galloway for setting it up for us and bringing some of the best players in Nashville to play on our songs. This experience was completely awesome and it was even better to share this day with my family. “The process was really exciting, and it was the first time I’ve ever been part of something like that. It’s something I’ll always be proud of.” Clearly, musical talent runs in the family, as the brothers’
father, Frank Darlington, recorded songs in 1969. Frank played guitar with Patsy Cline when she lived and was performing in the area. “He was a big inspiration in our music, and one of songs is called Where I come From, inspired by him,” Laughlin said. “Our daddy had us playing music before we could drive.” The other songs on the EP are called She’s Fire, It Was More, and Wrong Side of the Tracks. Among Blue Ridge Rain’s influences are Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Little Texas, Shenandoah and Chris Stapleton. Over the years, the band has played hundreds of shows in a multitude of venues and opened for several notable artists, including The Kentucky Headhunters, Zac Brown Band, Kellie Pickler and The Charlie Daniels Band. Darlington lives in Clarke County, plays keyboard for the band and is a deputy with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department (FCSD). He surprised Apple Pie Elementary School students and FCSD Deputy TJ Roper (Clarke County Sheriff Tony Roper’s son) at an October 15 assembly when he sat down at the piano, impressing the students along with the more than 103,000 viewers. For the band’s performance schedule and other information, visit their website at www. blueridgerain.com or visit their Facebook page. Their next local performance is the Mountaineer Pride Bonanza on Saturday, January 25, at 7pm at Heritage Hall in Inwood, West Virginia “Everybody’s family,” Laughlin said about Blue Ridge Rain. “The only outsider is Brad, and he’s been with us since the ground up, so we’re really all family.” Check out the video on Facebook at ApplePieRidgeElementarySchool/ videos/526199601508191.
AUDITIONS For our 2020 Summer Kids Program for kids aged 12 (by June 1) to 18 WLT for Kids Audition Registration Form will be available to print on March 1, 2020 at www.wltonline.org Questions email (WLT for Kids in subject line): wlt@wltonline.org
Sunday, April 19, 2-5pm (Doors open at 1:30p) Monday, April 20, 5-8pm (Doors open at 4:30p)
directed by Roxie Orndorff
Program Dates: 5/26 - 6/20
Program Dates: 6/22 - 7/18
Prepare a 30-60 second monologue, memorized. For Peter Pan musical also prepare 16 measures of a musical theatre song.
315 Boscawen St. Winchester, VA 22601 wlt@wltonline.org
Get Your Tickets Early!
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BARNS OF
ROSE HILL
ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH THE ARTS, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Y LIVE MUSIC Z
WESTERN CENTURIES
TOWN MOUNTAIN
Appalachian stringband, Texas fiddle traditions, Cowboy songs, Delta blues.
Traditional bluegrass with a honky-tonk edge.
BBQ DINNER AT 7:00 P.M.
BBQ DINNER AT 7:00 P.M.
Sun., Jan.19
Fri., Jan. 24
LIVE MUSIC | FILMS | EXHIBITS | LECTURES, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | AND MUCH MORE!
See What’s Coming Up at www.BarnsofRoseHill.org 95 Chalmers Court | Berryville, VA | 22611 | P: 540.955.2004 95 Chalmers Court | Berryville, VA | 22611 | P: 540-955-2004
Clarke
JAN 2020
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Clarke County Hosts an Agripreneur Seminar Event is designed for those with an interest in 21st century farming
By definition a farmer is someone who owns, works on, or operates an agricultural enterprise, either commercially or simply to sustain self or family. In the 21st century, there is a new and growing breed of agricultural-based workers known as “agripreneurs.” Agripreneurs combine their love of farming and agriculture with professional and innovative business approaches. This also describes Clarke County, which has preserved its vast agricultural open space while adapting for 21st-century farming innovations. Clarke County’s Economic Development Office hosts “Become an Agripreneur” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the second-floor meeting room of the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center located at 101 Chalmers Ct. in Berryville. The program is free and open to the public. Guest speakers will focus on farming, agribusiness, and agritourism. The seminar is
specifically designed for individuals who currently operate farms of all sizes as well as those who are keen to begin farming. Each speaker represents an organization that supports agricultural businesses by assisting with business plans, grants, loans, business consulting, and identifying resources that will increase the probability of success. • Ryan Clouse, a loan officer at Winchester-based MidAtlantic Farm Credit, will explain the Farm Credit and its range of programs designed to assist farmers, agripreneurs, and farmrelated businesses. • Julia Clark, assistant director of agriculture, development, and innovation for the Virginia Farm Bureau, will discuss the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) program and how the Farm Bureau provides grants for add-on revenue production. •
Representatives from Lord Fair-
fax Community College Small Business Development Center will provide details about a variety of programs, including the Center’s confidential help with business plans, financial planning, budgeting, and general business consulting.
efits of a strong business plan. In 2017, the Haneys presented the winning business plan in the Regional Initiative Supporting Entrepreneurship (RISE) contest hosted by Lord Fairfax Community College and its Small Business Development Center.
• Kamran Gill of People Incorporated Financial Services will discuss the programs People Inc. offers, including micro loans and start-up loans.
• Stephen Versen, a marketing manager for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will provide an overview of Virginia programs designed to assist agriculturerelated businesses.
• Corey Childs, agriculture and natural resources agent with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, will discuss agribusiness and agritourism trends in 2020. • Janet Michaels, owner of social media and marketing firm Java Media and a local radio host, will help explain the importance of social media marketing for today’s farmers. • Ali Haney, who with her husband Dan owns and operates Shenandoah Seasonal farm in Boyce, will speak about commitment, hard work, and the ben-
• Allyssa Mark, program associate from the Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program (VBFRCP),
will also participate.
For more information about the free “Become an Agripreneur” program on Feb. 12, contact Director of Economic Development and Tourism Len Capelli at 540-955-5107 or lcapelli@clarkecounty.gov.
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Clarke
JAN 20 20
Barns chair bids farewell
Poe’s Home Improvements New Building & Remodeling
A Word of Thanks
Est. 1976
No Job Too Small
Diana Kincannon, chair of the Barns of Rose Hill 2014-2019 As I leave the board of the Barns, I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this vital, dynamic arts organization over the last six years I’ve served as chair. To all of you who have given of your treasure: You have brought beautiful sound, thought-provoking film, striking artwork and more to thousands of people through your gifts, and you have helped grow an endowment fund that will sustain this exciting work into the future. To all who have donated items for our Gala fundraiser, and all those who purchased them, thank you. To all of you who have come through the Barns doors to enjoy the enlightening lift that the performing, visual, and literary arts offer, thank you for coming in, for trusting that you will experience something of value. The time and talent of our volunteers, too, have been
so important to the life of the organization — thank you. And not least, thank you to David Lillard and the Clarke Monthly for publishing our many programs and events, and for offering many positive words of support. To our amazing staff and the extraordinary people who have been my colleagues on the board over the last six years, my deep thanks. It has truly been a privilege and a pleasure to work with them in supporting the mission of the Barns to enrich lives through the arts, education, and community. Their energy, insights, commitment, good will, and generosity have been lessons to me in how to live. I recognize them with gratitude and appreciation: Susi Bailey, Tom Cammack, David Conrad, Peter Cook, Lucy Dorick, Peggy Duvall, Diane Harrison, John Hill, Michael Hobert,
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Kathy Hudson, Tricia James, Bill Johnston, Donna McDonald, Julie Miles, Barb Murry, Kelli Patterson, Isreal Preston, Bob Randolph, Donald Rivers, Pat Robinson, Roma Sherman, Lily Dunning Widman, Jean Wilson, and staff members Sarah Ames, Nathan Borger, and Morgan Morrison. I look forward to serving as a volunteer in 2020 and encourage others to explore that possibility as well. The Barns of Rose Hill has taken on a vigorous life of service through the many people who value the arts, education, and community in our region, and that continuing support will sustain programs at the Barns. “I can nothing render but allegiant thanks.” (Henry VIII, William Shakespeare). See you at the Barns!
Bobcat and Small Backhoe Work Land Clearing • Interior / exterior painting Tree & Brush Removal • 60’ Man-Lift Service
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—Diana Kincannon
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Clarke
JAN 2020
12
Guest Commentary
New Chapter For Shenandoah Valley Lacrosse Coach By Eric Voelkel
Hello, Clarke County! Thank you for embracing girls and boys lacrosse in our county over the past four years. I have had the pleasure to work alongside great coaches, Shenandoah Valley Youth Lacrosse (SVYL), Clarke County Parks and Recreation, US Lacrosse Association, and most of all, the players. There is no greater pride for a coach than to see players be challenged individually and as a team on the field, and see how they stand up to the competition and give 100 percent — win, lose or draw. My hope is lacrosse will be offered in every high school in surrounding counties. So far Handley, Skyline, and Strasburg high schools have boys teams, and Handley has a girls squad. Now it is the time for one more boys middle school and high school team in the area. It has been humbling to
coach and lead this lacrossebuilding effort in Clarke, but now it is time for me to move on. I have taken the opportunity to start a new lacrosse program at Eukarya Christian Academy (ECA) in Stephens City. This spring, along with Mike Hartman, I will be coaching a brand new ECA Boys Middle School Lacrosse (6–8 grade) team that was awarded a US Lacrosse First Stick Grant.. Jonathan Leake is spearheading the effort to coach the new ECA Boys High School team. ECA wants to offer the sport this spring with these two teams, but eventually have it run from youth through high school for both with boys and girls. The Trailblazers Middle School boys will be playing for the 5th season this spring with SVYL, thanks to Rick Wiita (Head Coach), Bryan Casey (Asst. Coach), and Courtney
A DV E R T I S E in Clarke — CALL 540-398-1450
Wiita (Team Administrator/ Manager). These volunteers are also trying to reignite the younger U12 Trailblazers boys squad if there are enough players so come on out! They all stepped up to continue the Trailblazers team which has brought so much confidence, competition, direction, team comradery and discipline to the players and I leave knowing the Trailblazers are in great hands! My other hope is the girl Trailblazers middle school team can be resurrected, also, if there is a girls coach around, and another girls HS team can be formed. Thank you again for all your support and for promoting lacrosse through the county. It isn’t just the fastest game on foot, it is also the fastest growing sport in North America. Parents, players, promoters, county officials, schools: Please
keep the lacrosse momentum going and don’t let it lose speed when your children hit their high school years. There is such a great opportunity to offer lacrosse in all the high schools! I can attest as a coach to how much value it will bring to each child’s life on the field and off, now and in the future. If you don’t believe me, ask the boys and girls playing
now and those who were able to continue playing into high school and beyond. I hope to see you all on the fields in the spring!
ECA Lacrosse contact information: ECAlacrosse@ gmail.com. Trailblazers lacrosse contact information: Clarke County Trailblazers Lacrosse Facebook page.
JAN 20 20
Clarke
Needles & Pins Knitting Group Donates Teddy Bears to Local Law Enforcement By Rebecca Maynard
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BATTLETOWN ANIMAL CLINIC Serving the community for over 30 years. 3823 Lord Fairfax Hwy, 1/2 mile north of Berryville
(540) 955-2171 On January 9, the Needles & Pins knitting group presented Berryville Police Chief Neil White and Clarke County Sheriff Tony Roper with more than a dozen bears with hand-knit sweaters for law enforcement officers to give to children in stressful situations. Wanting to express appreciation for law enforcement personnel work in the community, the members decided to let their needle skills speak for them. Many knitters have been in the group for more than five years, while others joined more recently. The group meets every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm at Needles & Pins Fiber Art Shop, located at 10 W. Main St. in Berryville. Led by shop partner Norma Johnson, the stitchers work on individual and group projects. Anyone interested in knitting is welcome to attend and registration is not required. “As you might expect, when kids are in stressful situations such as domestic abuse, having something to bury their face in helps them calm down so the officers can do their jobs,” said shop partner Micki Smith. “It’s something a lot of groups have been doing for awhile, and our plan is to keep supplying these as the sheriff’s office and police department need them, although of course we hope they don’t have to give them out too often.” The group had two surprises to offer as well: Sheriff Roper received a big bear named Clarke, and Chief White received one called Berry, both bears dressed in appropriate garb. “We try to be involved in the community, and it’s important for people to know about the good work they do for us,” said Smith. Smith said the group is currently exploring other organizations that might be able to use the bears for children in distress. “We have our fingers in a couple of pies,” she said. The group also makes pads for cats for the Humane Society. Needles & Pins Fiber Art Shop is owned and operated by three partners: Pam Hummel, Micki Smith and Norma Johnson. Each partner brings a different skill set to the business. Class information and event schedules can be found at www.NeedlesandPinsFiberArt.com.
Wm "Willy" Steinmetz Call/Text 540-336-0003 William@VAMove.com Amy Longerbeam Call/Text 540-336-8889 Amy@VAMove.com
HELPING OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN CLARKE AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 15 YEARS Licensed in VA. Each office independently owned and operated. Office: 540.955.0911 Brett Sowder, Priciple Broker
Clarke
JAN 2020
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A Winter Ride Through Blandy
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Albert and Lisa Andersen drive their pair of Percheron-Dutch Harness cross horses – brothers Amos and Encore – through Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce for a long drive along miles of trails on Christmas Day. Their dog Chloe was secured in the back of the carriage. Albert owns Greenway Welding in Boyce, where he also works on his carriages. Lisa owns Suds & Stitches, a business that cleans and repairs horse blankets and saddle pads. The 700-acre Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia, located along U.S. 50 at 400 Blandy Farm Lane, is open dawn to dusk, free of charge, every day of the year. It has miles of trails and special parking areas for horse trailers. All dogs must be kept on leashes. Call Blandy at 540-837-1758, or go to blandy.virginia.edu.
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CALL 540-398-1450
Clarke
JAN 20 20
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Barns of Rose Hill Names Sarah Ames Executive Director Board officers for 2020 also announced The board of directors of the Barns of Rose Hill has promoted Sarah Ames to the role of executive director. “We’re very pleased to have Sarah in this important role,” said Michael Hobert, chair. “Sarah brings both experience and local roots to the Barns. We believe she will continue providing leadership and imagination which will enrich, reflect and shape the unique identity of the Barns as an organization created to serve our neighbors and the region. We are confident her organizational skills will strengthen the delivery of the arts and education to the community.” Ames joined the Barns of Rose Hill as office manager in November 2017, and was promoted to director of finance and development in 2018. She brought extensive business and project management experience, having served as a business specialist and project manager with the U.S. Department of the Interior in Herndon, Va. During her 14 years with the federal government, Ames filled many roles, gaining experience in finance, acquisition, auditing, internal controls, and IT. While earning her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Ames became a project management professional. She is also an American Council on Technology-Industry Advisory Council Fellow, graduating from the organiza-
tion’s Voyagers Program. She and her husband Michael are both natives of Clarke County, and currently live in Stephens City with their three children.
New Officers at the Barns helm
With the rotation off the board of several directors who have served the maximum six years permitted by the bylaws, the officers of the board have changed. The new officers are Michael Hobert, chair; Lucy Dorick, vice chair; and Donald Rivers, Treasurer. Kathy Hudson will continue to serve as Secretary in 2020. Michael Hobert was born and raised in Clarke County where he had a law practice on Main Street in Berryville. He believes cultural arts are integral to wellbeing in a community and has been a director of the board for the last four years. He served for many years as a Clarke County Supervisor and on many nonprofit Boards of Directors in the community. Also a native of Clarke County, Lucy Dorick has served on the Barns board for the last four years. She is an international fundraising specialist with over 25 years working for major museums, universities, humanitarian organizations and theaters including the Smithsonian Institution,
George Mason University, Medical Emergency Relief Internationals, World Resources Institute and Arena Stage. She now focuses on private international clients. Dorick studied theater arts at Ithaca College and earned a Master’s in Psychology at Leslie University. She recently returned to Clarke County, where she shares her passion for theater and the performing arts. Donald Rivers joined the Barns board in early 2017. He moved to Clarke County with his wife Geri in 2015. He’s an attorney and business consultant, and his background includes producing both films and music events — an entrepreneur with vision and extensive business and legal experience. Kathy Hudson is a 30-year resident of Clarke County, and served as the librarian at Boyce Elementary School for much of that time. She is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., with a B.S. in Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Hudson is an avid reader, with an interest in local history. She has served as the organization’s secretary since joining the board in January 2015. Serving with them on the board in 2020 are David Conrad, Peter Cook, Diane Harrison, John Hill, Julie Miles, Barb Murry, Isreal Preston, Pat Robinson, and Roma Sherman.
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