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Clarke
OCTOBE R 201 8
Hearing Aid Services & Sales Celebrating our 50th Anniversary continuing our mission to provide a Healthy Hearing Community
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INSIDE CLARKE FEATURES
540-667-7100
Local Author Weaves Story of Local Enslaved Woman
1825 W. Plaza Drive in Winchester, Virginia
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hearingaidservicesinc.com
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The Mystery of Sigismond Dangerfield
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By Jesse Russell
ON THE COVER Octoberfest comes to Winchester, and it’s better than ever. The Alt Washingtonian Band and Dance Troupe, photo courtesy of Full Circle Marketing.
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As the Crow Flies
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Around Clarke County
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Exploring Nature Nearby
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Clarke County Education Foundation Welcomes New Director
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Winchester Little Theatre
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Snickers Gap Hawk Watch Gets New Sign
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Babysitting for Charley Barrett
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Timeless Glam Boutique
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“No Kid Hungry” Grant
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Sipping a Glass in the Colors of Autumn
OCTOBE R 2 01 8
Clarke STAFF
David Lillard, Editor/Publisher Jennifer Welliver, Associate Publisher Aundrea Humphreys, Art Director Hali Taylor, Proofreader
CONTRIBUTORS Karen Cifala Jennifer Lee Rebecca Maynard Keith Patterson Doug Pifer JiJi Russell Claire Stuart
COVER IMAGE Full Circle Marketing
ADVERTISING SALES
Jennifer Welliver, 540-398-1450 Rebecca Maynard, 540-550-4669
Advertising Information: 540-398-1450 (Mon-Fri, 9-5)
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 Letters containing personal attacks or polarizing language will not be published.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.
CLARKE MONTHLY
PO BOX 2160 SHEPHERDSTOWN WV 25443
540-440-1373
www.CLARKEVA.com
Clarke
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FROM THE EDITOR Community Is Bigger Than Politics By my calculation, and math has never been my strong suit, this edition of Clarke marks our sixth year of publication, 72 editions in all. Through these six years we’ve noticed something truly remarkable about Clarke County. Kids grow up, move out, move on; but somehow no one over the age of 40 gets any older! How is this possible? Okay, maybe Clarke County isn’t Camelot, but that doesn’t diminish the reality that it’s a special place. We at Clarke monthly are grateful to be part of the community. We thank our advertisers, some of who have been with us from the beginning and many who make our monthly a part of their seasonal advertising plans. Without them, there would be no us. Their support pays for printing, mailing to nearly every mailbox in the county, and every other expense a small business pays to stay afloat. Most of them are individually or family owned, operating on the tightest of margins. It’s been our honor to collaborate with them to tell the stories of the people and public life of Clarke County. Thanks to our writers — some of who have contributed their missives nearly every month, and some who helped us get started and still reappear from time to time in our pages. They are Clarke. Each of their stories combines over time to create a snapshot of life here at this moment. Thanks, especially, to you, our readers. You
are why we do this. You tell us what you like, bring us stories, share your opinions, occasionally offer insights on the historical facts in stories, and point us toward fascinating people whose lives, work, and businesses deserve a community shout-out. These are polarizing times in the public sphere. Political divisions rip at the fabric of our daily lives. We don’t have the answers to solving this malady. But we do believe that a community is bigger, and more important and vital, than the issues that sometimes divide us. Clearly, the readers of Clarke feel the same way. Onward, with gratitude.
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Clarke
OCTOBE R 201 8
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As the Crow Flies
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Friday, November 2 8–11pm (doors open at 7) Barns of Rose Hill
95 Chalmers Ct., Berryville Featuring the music of
Those Three Guys Costume Contest Thriller Dance Lesson Cash Bar tickets: $20 in advance @ www.eventbrite.com $25at the door All proceeds benefit our Scholarship Fund
At a time when there seem to be fewer insects every year, I’ve been pleased to see more buckeye butterflies this summer. Despite their cheerful aspect, butterflies lead a tough life. We used to live near a busy highway where I walked daily down a long driveway to get the mail. By the mailbox I often picked up butterflies that had been struck and killed by passing cars. I gathered up the intact ones and made detailed sketches of them back at the studio. Among my favorites to draw were the buckeyes. Striking bright eye-like spots dramatically decorated their two-inch wingspan. While sketching various buckeyes over the years I noticed subtle variations in intensity, design, and pattern of oranges, tans, and browns. Along that same driveway, buckeyes and many other butterflies would gather at mud puddles after a rain. They didn’t drink directly from the water, but uncoiled their long tongues to sip moisture from the mud along the puddle’s edge. Where we live now an occasional buckeye visits our perennial garden. Opening and shutting its wings in the sun, it
displays its trademark “buckeyes.” Biologists believe these eye spots serve as a defense mechanism. When the insect opens its wings, the sudden appearance of such spots supposedly unnerves a would-be predator, which sees what looks like a bigger creature staring back at it. Like the more famous and charismatic monarch, buckeyes are migratory. They move north in early summer from the southern states, traveling as far as Canada, where they breed and die. The next generation then migrates south in the fall. Butterfly migration made major news headlines last October when weather radar picked up sheets of color that turned out to be massive numbers of painted lady butterflies, a species similar in size to the buckeye, flying high over the Denver, Colorado, region. Other migratory butterfly species include the red admiral and the mourning cloak. Migrating butterflies pass overhead at altitudes of up to 3,000 feet, which is why we seldom see them. But marine and weather radar reveals when and where butterflies migrate, not just between the U.S. and
Mexico, but also between Europe and Africa. Radar can also detect the direction and speed they’re traveling. Buckeye butterflies lay eggs upon common weeds such as broad leaf and narrow leaf plantain, which their caterpillars prefer to eat. Like the adult butterfly, a buckeye caterpillar has an understated beauty. From a distance it appears dark, spiny and unremarkable. But look closer and you’ll see each shiny black spine grows out of a bright blue spot. Interspersed on the caterpillar’s skin are smaller bright orange dots. Besides the spines, the buckeye larva has another defense mechanism. The plantain leaves it eats have high levels of an iridoid glycoside compound which builds up in the caterpillar’s body, making the caterpillar distasteful to predators. After they turn into adult butterflies, the buckeyes feast on flower nectar. In the early spring they visit flowers of all colors, but as fall approaches they tend to prefer yellow flowers. This fall when the first cold fronts appear, the buckeye butterflies that grew to maturity up north will depart on their mysterious journey southward.
Clarke
OCTOBE R 2 01 8
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New Book, Juliet: From Slavery to Inspiration
Local Author Weaves Story Of Local Enslaved Woman Sixth-generation Clarke County resident Jesse Russell is an author of many newspaper and magazine articles — including in Clarke Monthly — related to the history of his birthplace. He has worked on his first book for the past couple of years, and Russell is delighted that it arrived from the printer in time for an event Saturday that honors a woman who is a central character in the creative nonfiction work.
“Juliet: From Slavery to Inspiration” weaves together the story of a slave in Clarke County — Juliet — and her great granddaughter — Ella Nora Phillips Stewart — who was born near Berryville in 1893. Russell’s third great grandfather had a manumission clause in his will to free more than a dozen of his slaves, including Juliet, who was born in 1815. “When he died in 1848, a second will appeared that was by most accounts suspicious. The wills were in court for eight long years and, in the end, Juliet and others lost their quest for freedom. They were auctioned off in 1856,” Russell said, noting the case was known as “Bennett Russell and Others v. Negroes Juliet and Others.” Harriet and two of her children were among the “others” who were ultimately sold to Bennett Russell’s sister. Jesse Russell found Harriet in the 1870 census, and went from there. Harriet Phillips was a mulatto woman married to a white
man who was Bennett Russell’s nephew. Bennett’s sister, Jesse Russel discovered, had in fact purchased her own daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Harriet Phillips was also the grandmother of Ella Phillips Stewart. Ella Nora Phillips Stewart had a remarkable career as a pharmacist; however, she also worked for the Eisenhower Administration, UNESCO, the NAACP, and the National Women of Colored People. In 1916, the Berryville native became the first African-American woman to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy. That year, she passed the state examination, becoming the first African-American female pharmacist in Pennsylvania and one of the first African-American female pharmacists in the country. Ella Phillips first worked in a pharmaceutical company and then a drug store before establishing her own business, Myers Pharmacy, in Pittsburgh. After marrying fellow pharmacist William Stewart, the couple briefly lived in Detroit before opening Stewarts’ Pharmacy in Toledo, Ohio, in 1922. By 1957, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce
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planned to honor Stewart as a “Distinguished Virginian,” but rescinded its invitation after learning of her race. Stewart died in November 1987 at the age of 94, having never received the honor. The April 18, 1957, edition of The Clarke Courier newspaper quotes Stewart as saying, “Never before in my life has anyone sent me an invitation and then asked me to return it.” “Juliet: From Slavery to Inspiration” covers all of the twists and turns of an African-American family’s history, from the years-long court case over slave ownership in the 1800s to Stewart’s life-long struggle against discrimination in the 20th century, Russell said. For more information about Russell’s book, contact the Josephine School Community Museum at 5 4 0 - 9 5 5 - 5 5 1 2 or jschool515@verizon.net.
Clarke
OCTOBE R 201 8
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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.
October
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–14 Art at the Mill Final Weekend
Burwell-Morgan Mill. 15 Tannery Lane. Millwood. Approximately 300 artists display more than 1000 pieces of art of all descriptions. Sunday–Friday 12–5pm, Saturday 12–6pm. Adults $5, seniors $3, children 12 and younger free. 540-955-2600.
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Eric Byrd Trio and Exhibit Opening
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Swing, bebop, gospel and blues with exhibition by Deborah Conn of watercolor portraits of women. $15 in advance, $20 at door, ages 12 and younger free. 8pm. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Cash Party
John H. Enders Fire Hall. 9 S. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Barbecue chicken and beef dinner with $1500 grand prize. Doors open 5:30pm, dinner 6:30pm, first number drawn at 8pm. $30 per ticket. 540-9551110. travis.sumption@gmail. com.
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Karen Daly Lecture
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Karen Daly provides a historical overview of art looting in the Nazi era and the subsequent response of the museum community. Free. 7pm. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Nature Nurtures Event
Blandy Experimental Farm. 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Boyce. Vendors, demonstrations, workshops, nature crafts, goat yoga, forest bathing, bird walk, energy practitioners, herbalists for you and your pets, Tai Chi, fresh local cuisine cooking demonstration, backyard farming, yoga in nature and meditation. $5 per car. 9:30am–4pm. 540-837-1758.
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“We Were Eight Years in Power” Discussion
Josephine School Community Museum. 303 Josephine St. Berryville. Discuss Ta-Nehisi Coats’ timely and relevant essays on race and the aftermath of the Obama presidency. Book available at Winchester Book Gallery and the Handley library
system. Free. 3pm. 540-9555512. www.jschoolmuseum.org.
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Grassroots Fundraiser
Town Run Tap House and Community Pub. 202 E. Washington St. Shepherdstown, W.V. Pickin’ on Rockwool will be an afternoon of roots music and activities to raise funds and awareness to Stop Toxic Rockwool. 4–8pm. 304-876-0502.
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Second Sunday Wellness Series
Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Nutritionist Christine Kestner will speak about what she learned at the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine. 2–4pm. Email christine4forceswellness.com or call 571-277-0877 to register.
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Clarke
OCTOBE R 2 01 8
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Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Spiritual Pastor Sunday Cote will lead a meditation/discussion based on Rick Hansen’s book Resilience. 7–8:30pm. Register ahead. www.sanctuaryberryville.com. 540-227-0564.
Property of Ron and Beth Light, owners of Lighthouse Woodworking. RSVP for location details. Ron Light and solar experts from Mountain View Solar will be on hand to show his solar power system, a 25,200-watt ground-mounted solar array expected to pay for itself in 8.7 years, as well as answer any questions. Fully catered by Up in Smoke Barbecue. 11am–1pm. 304-886-3389. www.mtvsolar.com/ lightopenhouse.
Resilient Meditation Workshop
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Soul-Full Community Meal
Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 210 E. Main St. Berryville. All are welcome to partake in a meal provided by different churches the third Thursday of each month. Free. 5:15pm. 703-477-8940.
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Hiroya Tsukamoto Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer Hiroya Tsukamoto takes listeners on an innovative, impressionistic journey filled with earthy, organic soundscapes that impart a mood of peace and tranquility. $15 in advance, $20 at door. 8pm. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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4th Annual CCYFL Cash Party
Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire and Rescue. 131 Retreat Road. Bluemont. Silent/live auction, basket themes, dinner, snacks, beverages and fun. $25. Doors open 5:30pm, dinner served at 6:15pm, numbers called at 7pm. 540-955-4000.
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Survey Day and Historic Farming
Clermont Farm. 801 E. Main St. Berryville. Includes hands-on surveying and hayride; sponsored by Clarke County Historical Association. Members $5, nonmembers $10. 2–4pm. 540-955-2600. director@clarkehistory.org.
Solar Open House and Picnic
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“Faces Places” Film Showing
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Two French image-makers take a road trip through rural France to shoot this highly praised and entertaining documentary. Using a special “camera truck,” they photograph and film villagers along the way, creating huge posters to plaster on available walls. Members $5, nonmembers $8. 4pm. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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In HIS Service Community Meal
Boyce Fire Hall. 7 S. Greenway Ave. Enjoy food and fellowship with neighbors and friends, prepared jointly by Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Boyce and Shiloh Baptist Church of Millwood. 5:30–6:30pm. 540-247-6311.
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Health Care in the 18th Century
Burwell-Morgan Mill. 15 Tannery Lane. Millwood. The Clarke County Historical Association presents “Broken Bones and Rotten Teeth: Health Care in the 18th Century.” Members $10, nonmembers $15. 7pm. 540-955-2600. director@ clarkehistory.org.
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Colin Thompson Band Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Slide guitar mix of swampy blues and soul-infused rock creates something that is truly special. $15 in advance, $20 at door, children 12 and younger free. 8pm. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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21st Annual Treasures of the Valley Fundraiser Gala Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. 134 Golf Club Circle. Front Royal. All are welcome to attend, with individual tickets at $95 each, $680 for a table of eight, and $850 for a table of ten. Hors d’oeuvres, steak dinner, open bar, photo booth, dancing and live and silent auction, all to benefit the Clarke County Education Foundation. 6–11pm. To purchase tickets visit ccefinc.org/events/ treasures-valley-ccef-annualgala/ or call 540-955-6103.
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Local Food Bazaar
Schenck Foods parking lot. 3578 Valley Pike. Winchester. Shop and mingle with chefs, farmers, artisan producers and foodies. Free admission. 2–5pm. 540-869-1870. www.schenckfoods.com.
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The Great Pumpkin Cooking Class
Four Forces Wellness, Inc. 424 Madden St. Berryville. Nutritionist Christine Kestner will show how to make whole food, plant-based dishes using pumpkin. 2–4pm. Register ahead. christine@4forceswellness.com. 571-277-0877.
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Trivia Night
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. CCHA and the Clarke County Library team up once again to bring you live team trivia. Categories include History, Movies,
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Clarke
OCTOBE R 201 8
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Kenny’s Auto and Trike Shop Cars and Trucks
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Love at First Bite Catering & Event Planning
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Literature, Science and more. Prizes are donated by local area businesses. Barn doors open at 6:30 p.m. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
November
2
–3 Holiday Bazaar
Enders Fire Hall. 9 S. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. 9am– 8pm Friday and 9am–1pm Saturday. Crums United Methodist Church’s annual holiday bazaar features unique craft items, attic treasures, baked goods and lunch and supper. Live gospel music Friday from 6–8pm. Free admission. 540-955-1852.
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–4 Fall and Holiday Craft Show
Clarke County Parks and Recreation. 225 Al Smith Circle. Berryville. Arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods and more. 9am–5pm Saturday, 10am– 3pm Sunday. Free admission. 540-955-5140.
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8th Annual Heritage Day
Burwell-Morgan Mill. 15 Tannery Lane. Millwood. Hands-on 18th century activities for the whole family. Free. 11am–4pm. 540-955-2600. director@clarkehistory.org.
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Pancake Breakfast
3
–24 Woolen Wonders Exhibit
Boyce Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall. 7 S. Greenway Ave. 7am–12pm. Call or email for price and more information. 540-837-1393. chapelgf@gmail.com.
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. First ever traditional and punch hooking exhibit in the northern Shenandoah Valley features more than 20 artists from a five state area, including national award winners Judy Carter, Cindy Irwin and Denny Seyller. Tuesdays– Saturdays, 12–3pm. 540-9552004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Election Day
Various polling places throughout Clarke County. 6am–7pm. Call 540-955-5168 or visit http://clarkecounty. gov/residents/voterelectioninformation.html.
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Fall Bazaar
Boyce Volunteer Company social hall. 7 S. Greenway Ave. The White Post Methodist Church will be serving a light breakfast and lunch. 9am– 3pm. Call for more information. 540-837-1393.
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The Woodshedders Concert
Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Americana shape-shifters deftly move between various styles of roots music. Award-winning barbecue from Jordan
Springs Market available for purchase 7–8:30pm. Concert begins 8pm. $18 in advance, $25 at door, children 12 and younger free. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.
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Wellness Series: Brain Matters
Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Registered Medical Herbalist Geo Giordano will deliver a presentation on prevalent neuro-diversity issues and neurological disorders. Scientific research will be included and audience participation is welcome. 2–4pm. $20 preregistered, $25 at door. Call 540-227-0564 or email info@ sanctuaryberryville.com.
Ongoing Farmers Market
Saturdays, May–October, 8am–12pm. Town parking lot next to Dollar General. 20 S. Church St. Berryville. Many vendors selling meat, produce, cheese, vegetables and much more. clarkecountyfarmersmarket.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.
Clarke
OCTOBE R 2 01 8
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Charles Town: Exploring Nature Nearby
Cool Spring Preserve Shimmers in Fall By JiJi Russell
(540) 450-8110 You can explore the Cool Spring Preserve on your own or take part in one of the many birding programs offered by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. On a finally-sunny fall day, I laced up my hiking boots and took a stroll around the “campus” of my delightful new workplace: Cool Spring Preserve in Jefferson County, W.Va. It seemed in this moment of sunshine after a water-drenched summer and fall that all life came bursting forth in the space of a one-mile walk through woods and meadow. The trail vibrated with birdsong; it buzzed, hummed, and chirped with insects; and the meadow seemed to reflect the very sun itself, as orange glimmers of monarch butterflies skimmed the tops of goldenrod flowers. All of it a marvel after the months of rain we’ve experienced, and a wonder for me, personally, as I call this place my new professional home. For those who have not yet discovered Cool Spring Preserve, the 32-acre property, which is operated by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS), is situated just 15 minutes from downtown Berryville. The preserve offers a woodsand-meadow one-mile loop trail with frontage along the Bullskin Run. According to PVAS Executive Director, Kristin Alexander, the property is considered a Shenandoah wet prairie, unusual for this locale, and boasting an array of unusual plants. It’s also a birding hotspot. The nature center, located at 1469 Lloyd Rd., outside of Charles Town, W.Va., hosts field trips for pre-school through fifth-grade students,
along with home school and preschool programs on site. Amy Moore, lead teacher and naturalist with PVAS, said: “The idea is to get both children and parents outside. We give them a framework to use nature for teaching. We often find that parents have trouble getting their kids to leave our programs; they’re always so excited learn about nature and eager to come back again.” Currently, Potomac Audubon is partnering with the American Conservation Film Festival to share an exhibit called “Backyard Wilderness,” which accompanies a film of the same name, both revealing the proximity of nature’s abundant and sundry inhabitants even in our own backyards. Cool Spring Preserve is open from dusk to dawn for walking/hiking, offering a gently-hilly terrain; a contemplative gazebo overlooking the meadow; and an outdoor classroom for camps and field trips. Dogs are allowed on leash, but owners are asked to please pick up after them. Download a map of the preserve and bring it along for your next outdoor adventure. Or, visit the preserve and get a map on site. To find out about children’s programs at Cool Spring, visit potomacaudubon.org. A full schedule of summer camps at the preserve will be open for registration by February as well.
Arriving FREE in Clarke County mailboxes since 2012
The Pond House
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths - 3300 sq. ft. home on one level - On beautiful, large pond in central Clarke near Old Chapel – 20 acres – Very private - Contemporary stone home completely renovated in 2017 – Open floor plan – New kitchen – High end Thermidor appliances – New oak floors – New ceramic bathrooms – New Anderson windows & doors – New roof – New HVAC – 1 add’l DUR – Viewshed beyond pond in conservation easement. $745,000
540-247-5408
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110 East Washington Street - P.O. Box 1380 - Middleburg, VA 20118
Clarke
OCTOBE R 201 8
Tiffany Ford, Realtor® (703) 946-0191 - cell tiffany.ford@cbmove.com Clarke County resident
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Clarke County Education Foundation Welcomes New Director All invited to celebration fundraiser October 29 By Rebecca Maynard
The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF) has announced its new executive director, Beth Williams. Williams was born and raised in Clarke County, and is a 2007 Clarke County High School graduate, where she served as class president, was on the state champion soccer and cross country teams, and an officer in both DECA and FFA. She also danced at the Blue Ridge Studio for Performing Arts. She also was awarded United Way of the NSV’s Youth Volunteer of the Year. After graduation, she attended Radford University where she earned her Masters degree in early childhood/early childhood special education (ECSE) and met her husband, Matt. She has spent the past eight years teaching in the public school setting in both ECSE and kindergarten and also was able to travel to Malawi, Africa where she taught for a month. Williams, her husband, and their 1-year-old son Wesley are excited to return home to grow their roots, after living in Austin, Texas for the past several years. She says she feels honored to get the opportunity to work with such an incredible organization and use her skills to help students and teachers in a new and exciting way. “When moving back to the area, I was initially looking for a position which would allow me to work part-time to be able to spend more time at home with my son,” Williams said. “When I heard about this position, the more I thought about it, the more it just felt “right.” I love that I’m still involved with teachers, students, and schools while being able to help make an amazing impact in their
classrooms. I love that I get to interact with the community and have the opportunity to make a big difference.” “The entire CCEF Board, Dr. Bishop and the entire staff at CCPS, and every person I’ve had the chance to meet or interact with have been so supportive and positive,” Williams said. Amy Lowell (the previous executive director) has been an amazing mentor and so helpful and supportive during this transition. She did amazing things for CCEF during her tenure here as well Kim Stutzman prior to her. I have amazing women to look up to as I begin this new role and I’m thankful for their leadership and support.” The organization’s annual fundraising gala, the 21st annual Treasures of the Valley, will be held Saturday, October 27 from 6 to 11pm at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Front Royal. All are welcome to attend, with individual tickets at $95 each, $680 for a table of eight, and $850 for a table of ten. The gala will include hors d’oeuvres, a steak dinner, an open bar, a photo booth, dancing and a live and silent auction. Auction items include trips (one to Fiesole, Italy valued at over $14,000), sports memorabilia (NASCAR, Redskins, Steelers, Orioles), wine tastings, art, jewelry, hand bags, Clarke County pieces, adventure items, and more. Upcoming events include a holiday open house at Historic Rosemont manor on December 11 and the second annual cornhole tournament February 23. The organization gladly accepts volunteers. “The Clarke County Education Foundation is thrilled
with our new executive director, Beth Williams,” said Suni Mackall, CCEF president. “We are especially excited that Beth is a product of our Clarke County schools. Beth has all the makings of a superstar and I am not even kidding. We look forward to utilizing her energy, enthusiasm and brain power as the Foundation continues its mission of enhancing and augmenting the public education experience in Clarke County.” The Clarke County Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a current board of 14 members and a part-time executive director, is dedicated to providing private support to the Clarke County Public Schools to enhance its tax-supported programs. Founded in 1991, the CCEF has provided more than $2.5 million in student scholarships, teacher grants, system demonstration grants, and donor-defined projects through a combination of fundraising and endowment income since its inception. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://ccefinc.org. Click on events. Or call 540-955-6103.
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The Martians are Coming!
Winchester Little Theatre to Present War of the Worlds By Claire Stuart
On October 30, 1938, in celebration of Halloween, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre broadcast a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel War of the Worlds, in which Martians invaded New Jersey. It was staged as a series of news bulletins, and it was so realistic that thousands of listeners panicked. On October 27 and 28, Winchester Little Theatre will present a special re-creation of that historic broadcast at Handley Library, in a joint benefit for the Little Theatre and Friends of the Handley Library. It will be performed in the style of an old-time radio broadcast, with actors reading scripts into mi-
crophones and using a variety of radio-era special effects. It will be great fun for everyone. Winchester Little Theatre was organized in 1929-1930, and they presented three or four plays a year in local theaters, churches, schools, and empty stores. They took a hiatus during World War II and resumed in 1946, but they still had no permanent home. Given use of an old bark mill in 1955, they performed as the Bark Mill Players for 18 years. In 1974, they finally found a permanent home in the old Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Station, which they purchased for $55,000. Winchester Little Theatre now presents seven plays per
Winchester Little Theatre Old Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Station 315 West Boscawen St. Tickets and information at the web site: wltonline.org Upcoming Special performance: War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast at Handley Library Auditorium: Saturday, October 27 at 7:00 pm; Sunday, October 28, matinee at 2:00 pm. The performance benefits Winchester Little Theatre and Friends of Handley Library. All seats $25 (fees included). Performance followed by a dessert reception. The Importance of Being Earnest: performances November 9 to 24. Auditions November 11-12 for January’s play The Music Lesson. You can download audition form at website.
season — five for adults and a play and a musical especially for kids in summer — with a radio play for Christmas, and a musical every three years. In addition, the theatre offers adult workshops in acting, directing, light and sound, as well as theatre classes for kids age 10 and up. Actor/director Sally Anderson, 75, has been with Winchester Little Theatre since 2002. She has been acting for decades, in the U.S. and abroad, and teaches acting at Shenandoah University. “It’s the biggest joy of my life,” she declared. At Shenandoah University, Anderson teaches in the Standardized Patient Care program. Actors learn to train health care practitioners by posing as patients in hospitals, medical schools and humanitarian aid organizations. “I was assigned to mental health issues,” said actor Reed Personius. “I improvised a scene where I was an alcohol abuser, training professionals how to deal with this.” The lifeblood of Winchester Little Theatre is a core of over 40 regular volunteers who act,
operate lights and sound, build sets, make costumes, sell tickets and do all the other countless jobs necessary to put on a show. Volunteers come from all walks of life and age groups, sharing a love for theatre. Said Anderson, “New people are always coming in. We put them on stage or in production.” Retired pharmacist Steve Nichols, 66, has been acting for 39 years. He is is happy to be able to spend more time on it now and recently finished a three-week run in the mystery, Sleuth. “The small size of this theatre is the charm of working here,” he reported. “There are just 97 seats. It’s an intimate relationship with the audience — the farthest seat is in the fifth row.” Personius, 21, has been a part of Winchester Little Theatre for five years, acting, building sets and working with the summer programs for kids. He played in musicals as a student at Handley High, “and I was hooked! Lots of people here are older and had professional acting experience, and they’re now doing it for the enjoyment,” he observed. “And there are young people here, waiting for their ‘big break,’” smiled Anderson. “Some act in films and TV here. Lots of indie movies have been made in the area. One member won an Emmy for a documentary.” Winchester Little Theatre’s plays range from old familiar classics to contemporary. Anderson explains that they have a play-reading committee that meets once a month, and they choose plays for a balanced season. “For our January slot,” she said, “we try to do plays that we wouldn’t normally choose—
edgy, small cast. We did Sam Shepard’s Buried Child.” “It was a very dark comedy,” Personius agreed. “It’s nice to be a provider of straight theatre,” said Anderson. “The theatrical world out there is shrinking for actors. Now about all that is out there is Shakespeare, children’s theatre, or film and TV — the latter is where most young actors plan to go. Cruise ships and theme parks are possibilities for work. Teaching and patient care work are opportunities for actors because they are ‘day jobs’ that leave actors free to act at night.” Anderson is glad to report that Winchester Little Theatre is thriving, and most performances sell out. There is a good community of people who come out for every play. “At my age,” said Anderson, “I’m happy that the theatre is here and that I have this to look forward to until I drop dead! Hopefully not on stage!”
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Berryville Entrepreneur
The Mystery of Sigismund Dangerfield By Jesse Russell
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, the South was experiencing devastating economic impacts, ranging from worthless currency, devalued farm land, and fields that had been ignored for four long years, coupled with failing banks or banks that had little money to loan. Farms, once profitable, were now barely able to sustain a meager existence. But for some people, it opened up opportunities unavailable prior to the war. For an African American man named Sigismund “Sig” Dangerfield, it was a time of opportunity. Dangerfield’s contribution to Berryville had faded from memory, but while looking through old Clarke County Courier advertisements from 1884, I found something that caught my attention. It was a small advertisement offering for rent a commercial building on Berryville’s Main Street, by a “Colored” man named Sigismund Dangerfield. I was able to later determine that the building he owned and was offering for rent was a building I once knew quite well, but not for its hidden history. I realized that I had spent many hours of my boyhood on the second floor of this building where a once lively venue for entertainment had been converted to an apartment where my grandmother lived during the 1950s. The first floor was used as a general store and described by the newspaper as “the largest store room in Berryville.” The structure was located next to present day Bank of Clarke at the northeast corner of Main Street (Main and Church streets), and was initially known as “Dangerfield Hall.” Sig would later change the name to “Winston Hall” in honor of singer Jennie Winston who had once performed in this second floor “gentleman’s club.” Winston was born in Scotland and spent seven years with W.S. Lyster’s Italian Opera Company. She then moved to America and performed an early vaudevillian style act throughout the country. The “Dramatic News” described Winston as “unsurpassed as a comic-opera artist by anyone in the country.” On the east side of Winston Hall was a boarding house owned by John M. Lupton and
his wife Elizabeth. Across the street was a hotel owned by Thornton M. Glover. Winston Hall was at the very center of town, even more so then than today. Until the early 1950s, Church Street was the main north to south road passing through Berryville. So. Who was Sigismund “Sig” Dangerfield? Much of this is still a mystery, but I can say that an 1870 census for Berryville indicated that Sig was born about 1842 and was shown as a “domestic servant” living at a local merchant’s home named Joseph Griffith. Richard Hardesty was also living with the Griffith family and his occupation was shown as “clerk.” Further research found that Sig was enrolled at the historic African American school known as Storer College in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in 1873. Other Clarke County African Americans enrolled at Storer College in 1873 included Laura Blackburn, Benjamin Blackburn and Thomas Blackburn. Sig was also shown enrolled in the Storer College student catalog for 1875. In the 1880 census, Sig was living with a family with the head of household shown only as T. Parhall, whose occupation was a farmer. Sig’s occupation was now shown as “clerk.” Sig’s continued education was beginning to pay off for him, and it would be only several more years before Sig struck out on his own, paving the way to him becoming one of the most successful businessmen in Berryville of his era. Why choose Berryville as a land of opportunity? One has to suspect that Sig was familiar with Berryville and that he had not just randomly chosen this small rural town, or had specifically chosen it for the “great” opportunity it afforded. Common sense would dictate that Sig knew the area well and also knew other African Americans living in Berryville and/or the county. Census records for 1870 in Fauquier County, Virginia, included a number of African Americans with the surname Dangerfield. None were found in Clarke County, other than for Sig, but there was one woman living
in Winchester named Charlotte Ailstock whose father was Henry Dangerfield. Charlotte Dangerfield Ailstock was born in 1814, which would have put her one generation before Sig’s. She died in Winchester in 1914. Sig had a sister living in Philadelphia named Charlotte Dangerfield, who was shown to be handling Sig’s estate after he died on January 21, 1901. Whether there is a connection between Henry Dangerfield, his daughter, Charlotte Dangerfield Ailstock and Sig is for now, up for debate. What I do know from census records for the Philadelphia Dangerfield family is that their birthplace was Virginia. Sig strikes out on his own For those of us who grew up here in Clarke County, we referred to one of the buildings that Dangerfield built and owned, as “Scheuer’s,” which for the next 100 years operated as a clothing store catering to both men and women. In the October 30, 1884 Clarke Courier, it was announced that “L. (Louis) Scheuer was opening a store and renting from Sig Dangerfield.” After the death of Louis Scheuer, a former chairman of the Clarke County Board of Supervisors named Eustace Jackson purchased the property and business and continued to run the clothing store for nearly a half century before turning over the reins to Peter Levi who operated the store into the 1990s. Peter Levi would be the last owner of Scheuer’s Men and Ladies Store. Today, the old store is occupied by Adams and Jones, P.L.C., Attorneys at Law. Michelle Jones is a Clarke County resident and conducts her practice there as a secondary location to her main office in Winchester. The more that I saw in these old Clarke Courier advertisements with Sig Dangerfield’s name attached, served only to arouse my curiosity even more as to not only who Sig was, but exactly what all did he own? My curiosity then led me to the deed books in the Clarke County courthouse, where the name Sigismund Dangerfield showed up a total of 19 times as the grantee (purchaser of properties). I later discovered that Sig also owned properties in Charles Town,
West Virginia. All of this occurred in a mere 15 year period. For many of these properties that Sig purchased, they were sold at public auction by absentee heirs to settle estates. It was no doubt that Sig was looking for bargains and was an opportunistic businessman. To my knowledge, no one person owned more properties in Berryville than the mysterious Sigismund Dangerfield. The death of Sigismund Dangerfield Sigismund “Sig” Dangerfield died without a will on January 12, 1901. There is no indication that he ever married or had children, therefore his estate went to his parents and siblings who were living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the time of Sig’s death in 1901, he appears to have been living on the west side of North Church Street across from where the Berryville Post Office is located. It was at this location, or just off Church Street on Academy Street, that Dangerfield operated “a barroom.” Approximately 100 feet from Church Street on Academy Street are the remnants of an old cinder block steps that is purported to have been the entrance into Dangerfield’s tavern. The court records show that Sig’s mother was named Judith and his father named Benjamin, both of Philadelphia. The estate further showed that Sig’s sisters were Charlotte Dangerfield, Hannah Dangerfield Cooper, and two sisters deceased, named Emily and Ellen. Hannah Dangerfield Cooper’s son, William Dangerfield Cooper, became an M.D. in Philadelphia. I have found an Ancestry page for Sig’s Philadelphia family, but they had not listed him in their family tree. I have tried to make contact in order to tell them the story of their ancestor, but I have never heard back from them. Sigismund Dangerfield was buried in an unmarked grave at Milton Valley Cemetery in Josephine City, later to be incorporated into the Town of Berryville, Virginia and known as Josephine Street.
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Snickers Gap Hawk Watch Gets A New Sign By Doug Pifer
Driving west on VA Route 7 toward Winchester Va., you’ll pass a landmark known as Snickers Gap. Located atop the Blue Ridge Mountains and intersecting the Appalachian Trail, it marks the site of an old Native American trail that became the gateway to the frontier in Colonial times. For years the site was marked by only a sign and a parking lot. Off to one side, mostly hidden by trees, is a marker for the Appalachian Trail. Soon a new educational sign will appear there announcing Snickers Gap Hawk Watch. Snickers Gap Hawk Watch was a name for the site given by groups of birders and naturalists from various organizations. Each fall, between mid-September until late November, birding groups have gathered for years to watch migrating hawks and other birds follow the ridge top to take advantage of the air currents there on their way south. Recognizing the site officially with a sign was the inspiration of John Turkel, long-time member of the Clarke County Planning Commission. Alison Teetor, Clarke County natural resources planning director and project leader, said, “The Hawk watch sign will provide great information to the public on the migration in a concise, easy to understand format. Funding was provided by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.” Tim Farmer, Public Relations Coordinator with Blandy Ex-
perimental Farm and the Virginia State Arboretum in Boyce, put the various elements of the Snickers Gap sign together. He has created many similar educational signs at Blandy Farm. “I pass through Snickers Gap each day on my way to work at Blandy,” Farmer said, “so the site is practically in my back-
yard. My role was to distill the extensive information and combine it with the illustrations into a logical, readable format. With the help of Blandy Director Dave Carr, a very knowledgeable birder, and Jessica Ruthenberg of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, I think we came up with a sign that will benefit Clarke County Residents and birders from all over for years to come.” I provided the artwork and graphics for the sign, including a map showing the eastern migration route of the Broadwinged hawk, by far the most commonly seen raptor at Snickers Gap. The accompanying illustration shows how the sign looked as sent to the manufacturer. Installation is planned sometime this fall. Each year, Broad-wings by the thousands pass the site on their way toward their tradi-
tional wintering grounds in Central and South America. Joan Boudreau is a veteran birder who has counted raptors and other migrants at Snickers Gap for years. “The biggest flights of Broad-winged hawks tend to pass through between about 15-22 September,” Boudreau said. She and her husband Bob Abrams led a field trip for ANS (Audubon Naturalist Society) and MOS/MBC (Maryland Ornithology Society/Maryland Bird Club) in September. According to Boudreau, many non-raptor species have been included in their counts and have been listed on ebird.org, the online census data base used by birders. As fall weather grows cooler, “high-flying flocks of swans and cormorants, and smaller numbers of loons” are often seen, said Boudreau, adding that the migration finale comes in November when “a good showing” of Golden eagles and occasional Northern goshawks pass through. Best times to see migrating hawks are clear, breezy days just after a storm or weather front has passed by. If you plan a visit, bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope with tripod, head gear to protect you from sun and wind, drinks, snacks and extra jackets. There currently are no facilities on site. Illustration provided by Tim Farmer, artwork and graphics by Doug Pifer.
CLARKEVA.COM
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Babysitting for Charley Barrett A Memoir with illustration by Keith Patterson
“Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord!” I picked up on the potential of that little nugget early on at Vacation Bible School, and always kept it close to my heart. And since the humiliations, injustices, and disappointments of childhood were heaped as coals upon my head, I have searched ceaselessly for scant good reason to commit these tales to carbon. One such good reason is called the Statute of Limitations. When I was twelve years old, the opportunity to help the Lord with some of his earthly workload alighted upon my presence in the form of an angel — the Angel of Armaments. On a return trip home from a family holiday, we stopped at a convenience store/fireworks stand. While my parents were inside buying snacks and paying the tab, my younger brother and I stuffed some choice ordinance from the unattended outdoors stand into our father’s golf bag in the back of the station wagon, and, “voila!” My favorite Bible verse got some wings and a chance to see
the light of day, although, truth be told, most of our missions involving righteous Godly vengeance and fireworks occurred at night. Our righteous daylight missions of vengeful indignation included ruining a couple of birthday parties that we hadn’t been invited to and at least one party that we had been invited to but — didn’t attend just so we could ruin it. Exploding bottle rockets were our pleasure. My younger brother, who wishes to remain anonymous, will be referred to as “Booboo” in this history. Booboo and I had received matching, miniature iron and wood cannon/radios for Christmas the year before. They were ideal launchers for our bottle rockets, and we quickly learned the fineries of successful mobile rocketry, adjusting the angle of launch and damping the recoil as necessary. And as we became masters of artillery, Booboo and I were both still attending Vacation Bible School where I learned about not
judging others so that I won’t get judged myself. “Vengeance AND a lack of judgement?” I was allin. And, just as it was becoming obvious to me that I was made for Vacation Bible School, it was also plainly obvious that God had gifted Booboo and me with the blessed bounty of ballistics. Or, at the very least, God had given us the ability to gift ourselves. Then the last day of Vacation Bible School revealed one last gem. “From those who have been given the most, the most will be expected.” That was us. Booboo and I were practiced, provisioned, ready and waiting for “a sign.” Summer turned to fall and we got immersed in the fresh brutality of another new school year. Our only salvation was walking to and from school through Finch’s Run, the last 400 acres of near wildness for many miles around the sprawling suburbs. Finch’s run is where we met, conspired, bought and sold, smoked, drank,and hoped to get a kiss. Best of all, on the tall-
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est of the dual hillocks in the center was Finch’s Hill, the most awesome sledding hill in seven counties. On the lesser hillock stood an impressive antebellum frame house in the middle of five acres of green grass, the Finches’ ancestral home. Then a bombshell rumor dropped down from the unforgiving sky and was quickly confirmed as fact: The Finches were selling Finches’ Run, all of it! The traitorous Finch family had sold out to a company that planned to build condominiums and a golfcourse. Our lives were over. Any chance of a decent adolescence was now done and gone. The word on the street was that the Finches were fleeing to Montana and buying a big ranch. My first lieutenant, Booboo, and I plotted a righteous sendoff, Knowing in advance that our parents were going out on a Friday night, we solidified our plans and checked our stocks. Friday night finally arrived. Our parents were going to a show with the next door neighbors, the Barretts. The Barretts had lined-up a babysitter for their 9-year-old son, Charley, but the sitter had thought better of it and cancelled at the last minute and the deck got shuffled. Our younger sister
was sent to her girlfriend’s house for a sleepover, freeing-up Booboo and me to babysit for Charley. “No problemo.” Charley had already had some early training in rocketry and retribution. The Barretts told Booboo and me to make ourselves at home, and that we could eat whatever we wanted to. And, if everything went as planned, Booboo and I would even get paid! As our parents drove off into the night, Charley, Booboo and I had only one obstacle, as far as I could tell, to keep everything from going as planned. It was beginning to rain. I asked Charley what he wanted for dinner. “Burnt toast.” Charley replied. “Of course.” I knew that. It was all that I had ever seen him eat. I burnt some toast for Charley. “It’s not burnt enough,” said Charley. I put the toast back in the toaster and carefully placed a cookbook on top of it to hold it down. Meanwhile, in the living room, Charley and Booboo were engaged in a gunfight with metal cowboy cap-guns. Charley, out of fake bullets, was forced to throw his gun and knocked over a lamp, breaking off one piece of the ceramic
Clarke
OCTOBE R 2 01 8 base, shattering the light bulb and sending shards of glass across the carpet. About this time I smelled something burning that wasn’t toast. The book on the toaster was on fire! I put on a pair of oven mitts, pulled the book off of the toaster and dragged it across the linoleum counter top and into the sink. I turned on the faucet and put-out the book. The charred remains of Charley’s burnt toast popped up from the toaster in a belch of black smoke, “Perfect!” said Charley, who poured himself a glass of milk and consumed every last bit of crisped carbon crust. Into the stormy night Booboo and I had already eaten dinner, so I said “Let’s get to it!” And we did. It was raining, hard and cold, so we had to make some slight adjustments to plans. Charley borrowed a cigar from his father’s humidor and lit it on the gas stove in the kitchen. “We need to let it burn for a while and then it won’t go out, even in the rain.” Charley knew things. But Charley refused to wear a rain-coat. “Of course not!” Charley never wore a rain-coat. I knew that. Charley wears a Redskins stocking cap, black rubber boots, and Winnie-thePooh pajamas. Dressed as described, Charley grabbed the fuming cigar off of the stovetop and we left the Barretts’ house and went out into the pouring October rain trailed by a thick plume of brown and black smoke. We would have time to air
the place out and fix the lamp later. We stopped by our house next door where we borrowed two green camouflage waterproof tarps from our family’s camping gear. We wrapped up our bottle rockets and cannon/ radio-launchers in the tarps, and scurried off into the night, bent on ballistic retribution and bound for Finches’ Run. The parents weren’t due home until midnight. It was only 8:30. Everything was going according to plan, maybe even better than according to plan! “Vengeance without judgement and get paid! That’s a trifecta!” We kept to the gullies, backroads and alley ways, avoiding traffic, crouching, sneaking, taking turns puffing on the cigar, keeping it lit for its big moment. We had to travel only about a half-mile to arrive at our destination, but because of the intensity of our evasive efforts we easily travelled twice as far. The rain continued, unrelenting. It was good cover. We marched on, crossed into Finches’ Run and at last beheld the object of our devotions, the Finches’ ancestral home, high on the hill and about to become condominiums and a golf-course, We stayed off of the long driveway and kept to the trails and paths. We emerged from cover within the perimeter of mowed grass that surrounded the big, white frame house. The lights were on and vehicles were parked outside. We put our tarps down within range of the house, then Charley, Booboo and I lay down between them, with Charley in the middle, puffing on the cigar.
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Booboo and I arranged our cannons and ordnance and got busy loading and aiming while Charley, alternating left and right, lit rocket fuses with the cigar. The plan was executed to perfection. An exploding fusillade enveloped the Finches’ home on the hill, filling the air with light and sound and fury! We fired off all of our rockets and looked out in wonder from our camouflaged cover at the wafting proof of 50-plus explosions. After the cacophony of the assault, the stillness was profound. I could almost hear the angels sing! It turned-out to be police sirens. The first police cars were upon us before we even had a chance to run, so we stayed put between our camouflaged tarps and they drove right past us. It was pouring rain. The police parked in front of the house and ran up onto the front porch. Charley stuffed the burningend of the half-smoked cigar into the mud. The sizzle made the cops on the porch look all around and shine their lights in our direction. We stayed still between the camo tarps; the front door opened and the cops went inside. We made our move. C L A R K E V A . C O M
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The fateful chase We left everything where it lay and bolted back downhill into the thicket towards the path that had brought us. More cops were coming up the driveway. We ducked down and hid as best as we could. It was just good enough; the second cop cruiser continued towards the Finches’ ancestral home where the first two cops were back out on the porch. Mr. Finch pointed our direction and hollered “THERE THEY ARE!” And we ran like rabbits down deeper into the thicket toward the bottom where Finches’ Run runs under the road on the western edge of the property. The small creek passed underneath Columbia Pike through a 50-foot concrete tube culvert that also ran underneath a storage shed and lot built upon reclaimed earth.
The concrete tube, too small for a large man to pass through, was constantly getting cloggedup. Kids could climb in, and we did, because it was a great hideout. But I’d never passed all the way through, and never entered at night, and the stream was swollen with rain water. I didn’t see any other way. I could see flashing lights out on Columbia Pike and there were flashlight beams coming our way from three directions. I led us into the culvert and we crawled on our hands and knees against the current of the swollen creek coursing through its cramped concrete confines. Charley Barrett was behind me and Booboo was bringing up the rear. We made good progress and hurried toward the far end underneath the western edge of Columbia Pike. The concrete
culvert was relatively clear of debris and the water was manageable. But as we approached the far side we ran into a tangle of sticks. I began breaking them. Things were getting tight. I made a passage and pushed Charley and Booboo out in front of me. I had to take off my rain-coat to get past the sticks. The rubber jacket got wedged in the sticks and clogged-up the culvert downstream of us. The stream began to back-up and rise upstream of us. I pushed and pulled and dragged Charley and Booboo as the water continued to rise more and more rapidly. We finally had to duck our heads down and swim underwater through the last few feet of the culvert and all came-up bubbling and spewing, safe, outside the perimeter of the Finch property. I could hear a pack of search
16 dogs barking and sniffing over on the far side of the culvert. The waters of Finches’ Run continued to rise. We climbed out of the swelling creek and scurried off upstream into the woods separating the main road through town from the neighborhood and the elementary school that we attended. As we reached the path through the woods that led to our school, I looked back and saw that the creek was backed-up and cresting the road-bed. We fled down the path toward the school. We heard the dogs again and kept running, avoiding street lights and the police perimeter that extended for miles along Columbia Pike. We had to pass through Annandale, Falls Church and Lincolnia, detouring through a graveyard on Mount Holyoke. We tried several times to right
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our course and get back home, but the police perimeter was a widely cast net. We had to retreat and reroute in the pouring rain and plunging temperatures many times. Charley never complained. He had even lost his rubber-boots and Redskins stocking cap. We walked and scurried and hid and ran in the rain for what seemed like hours and hours. At last we found a way home, hopping several fences through an unknown neighborhood and burst through the Barretts’ front door into the saving warmth of their foyer. We were filthy, freezing, and soaked to the bone. The smell of burnt toast and cigar smoke hung in the air. Charley was careful not to step on the broken glass, but when his bare feet hit the beige carpet in the living room, you could really see how badly they were bleeding. We would need some extra time to clean the blood stains off of the carpet. I looked-up at the clock on the wall. It was 12:45 am. The Barretts walked in. “I’m sorry we’re late! the road was flooded!” gushed Mrs. Barrett! Then she stopped dead in her tracks and her chin hit her chest and that is where — and this is when — I shall pull the rope and draw the curtain of charity to close down this scene. Postscript Analysis To my knowledge, Charley never gave us up . . . unless he’s written his own story by now, but I haven’t heard of it. And even though the caper was, technically a success, and nobody got killed, according to plan, I still had to give the Barretts everything in my piggy-bank and my savings account and mow their lawn for two years to pay for the damages to the ceramic lamp, carpet, cookbook, kitchen ceiling, and countertop. I was also put on total restriction for six months, and to this day have not done any more babysitting for Charley Barrett or anybody else.
Clarke
OCTOBE R 2 01 8
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Timeless Glam Boutique Brings Style to Main Street By Rebecca Maynard
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Serving the Shenandoah Valley for more than 80 yearsl Check out all of your movers at BBB.org
For Sale in Boyce
Cathy Bisel wearing a 1940 mink swing coat for sale; next to her is one of her favorite components of the store, a jewelry case from 1846.
Cathy Bisel spent six months searching for the perfect location for her new business, Timeless Glam Boutique, before coming to the conclusion that Berryville was the ideal choice. “I fell in love with this place,” she said of her location at 20 East Main Street. The generous floor space is filled with beautiful vintage clothing, shoes, costume jewelry and accessories. Styles include formal, retro, modern and casual, as well as coats, hats, furs, handbags and oneof-a-kind items. All are in excellent condition. Bisel, who lives in Winchester, is no stranger to the vintage fashion business — she spent 25 years buying and selling before taking seven years off for health reasons.
But she kept buying, and she is back in full force and enjoying meeting new customers each day since her grand opening in August. “All of the jewelry is for sale, but I don’t want to part with the case!” she said. The pricing of the merchandise varies, and while some rare items are beyond modest budgets, others are much more affordable. For the very budget conscious, there is an entire room where all items are $5. “There’s something for everyone, and my shop is really affordable,” Bisel said. If clothes could talk, the vintage items would no doubt have interesting tales to share. Bisel pointed out a dress that was worn by a senator’s wife at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. “When you buy anything
vintage, you are buying a rare and unusual piece of history with an antique destiny,” she said. Bisel has also enjoyed getting to know Angela Vitale, who has been helping in the store and enjoys modeling clothing. “This is my happy place,” Vitale said. Bisel does some online selling, but her favorite thing is doing business right on Main Street. “I’m a people person, and I just like to say, ‘Come on in,’” she said. “Berryville is such a pleasant place and I’m so blessed.” Timeless Glam is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm, Sunday 12 to 4pm, or by appointment. Call 540-431-0921 or visit its Facebook page at Timeless Glam.
Zoned Commercial/Residential • 2,000 square feet, 1/2 acre Interior Completely Renovated • Live/work Plenty of parking • Route 340 frontage
703-209-7828
$309,500
The Sweet Elephant
Delicious Cookies & Treats made to order in Berryville, VA
(804) 310-5186
TheSweetElephant@yahoo.com
etsy.com/shop/thesweetelephant Open
Wednesday – Sunday 11-9 for menu/specials Visit Lowryscrabshack.com Join us on Facebook | facebook.com/groups/LowrysCrabShack
Clarke
OCTOBE R 201 8
Private Parties Events
18
Clarke County High School Receives “No Kid Hungry” Grant
Fundraisers
Sheila Shriver, Fashion Consultant
540-664-0670
lularoesheilashriver@gmail.com
sheilashrivervip.com
SHENANDOAH SEPTIC, INC. ALL TYPES OF SEPTIC REPAIRS
• Drain Cleaning & Sewer Jetting • Video Sewer Cameras • Septic Inspections for Home Sale & Refinance Over 30 Years Experience Serving Clarke, Loudoun, & Fauquier Counties
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540-955-2072 • cell# 540-622-7158
No Kid Hungry Virginia is investing $57,400 to launch alternative breakfast programs in 15 schools across Virginia. The programs — known nationwide as Breakfast After the Bell — increase access to school breakfast by making it a part of the school day, providing breakfast in a way that is more convenient and accessible to students, resulting in increased student participation. “No Kid Hungry is proud to support the launch of Clarke County High School’s Breakfast After the Bell model,” said Claire Mansfield, No Kid Hungry Virginia State Director. “More and more high schools are implementing successful programs that bring breakfast into the classroom. Traditional breakfast programs in the cafeteria have been historically hard for students to access because of bus or carpool
schedules and other factors. Clarke County High’s new program will help ensure more students are eating breakfast at school every day.” More than 300,000 children in Virginia live in families that struggle with hunger. Research shows that hunger has long-term ramifications on children, including lower test scores, weaker attendance rates and a higher risk of hospitalizations and chronic diseases. Nearly 1000 schools in Virginia have Breakfast After the Bell programs, and research indicates that eating breakfast at school helps children improve classroom performance, have better attendance and promotes healthy habits. “We know one of the most effective ways to boost school breakfast participation is to serve it after the bell and
make it a part of the school day,” said Mansfield. “We’re excited that more schools across Virginia will be implementing Breakfast After the Bell programs this school year. No Kid Hungry Virginia is here to help schools and districts launch and strengthen breakfast programs so that students have the nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom.” The grant will help Clarke County High School purchase items such as “Grab and Go” kiosks where students can easily pick up breakfast in the morning, along with other supplies to assist cafeteria staff with launching alternative Breakfast After the Bell models are waimed at bringing breakfast out of the cafeteria to increase student access and participation. For more information, visit NoKidHungry.org.
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Clarke
OCTOBE R 2 01 8
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Old Town Winchester Celebrates Oktoberfest The sixth annual Old Town Winchester Oktoberfest returns on October 12-13. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy beer and food while experiencing sights, sounds and traditions of Oktoberfest. The, even, presented by Compass West Realty happens throughout Old Town, including the Loudoun Street Mall, historic Taylor Pavilion, and the 1840 Courthouse lawn. New this year, all entertainment is free to all attendees, not just ticket holders. Guests that choose to purchase a ticket will receive six tastings (for beer or wine) and a commemorative glass beer stein. Alcohol sales are limited to ticket holders only. Tickets are $20 until October 11 and $25 October 12 and 13 (event days). Guests
who have purchased a ticket can also purchase additional tastings or a full drink for $5 during the event. Two high-energy Oktoberfest bands will be returning to the Historic Taylor Pavilion this year for a pop/rock theme. Friday, The Bavarski Band, will be playing everything from Chicago-style Polish polka to rockin’ Oktoberfest party music. Saturday, the Continentals, a band with a wide repertoire specializing in different ethnic styles of polka and waltz, will take the stage. Also featured on Saturday is Alt Washingtonian Schuhplattler Verein, the “Original Bavarian Dance Club of Washington, D.C.,” bringing Oktoberfest traditions and over 30 dancers dressed in authentic German costume.
Old Town Winchester will celebrate its German heritage with traditional beverages, accordionists, dancing, stein holding contests, a costume contest (Saturday) and Bavarian inspired food. Tickets are available now at EnjoyOTW. com or one of the ticket outlets: Total Image & Workingman’s Store, Espresso Bar & Café, Compass West Realty, and the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Drink vendors in attendance will be local breweries, including Winchester Brew Works, Alesatian, Escutcheon, Broken Window, and Winchester Cider Works who will bring local drink favorites as well as some new Oktoberfest crafted beers. Ticket holders will also be able to sample famous brews
from Germany along with other American favorites. For wine enthusiasts, the event will feature wines from around the world to sample. Also NEW this year, drink sales will benefit the SPCA of Winchester, Frederick County and Clarke County. When: Friday, October 12 – Saturday, October 13.
Time: Friday 5 – 11 p.m., Saturday Noon–8pm. Where: Old Town Winchester Loudoun Street Mall, Historic Taylor Pavilion and Courthouse Lawn. Cost: $20 Advance Tasting Package, $25 Day-of Tasting Package
Revealing the Past Through Archaeology: Old Ways, New Ways Come and experience archaeology at current digs into the history of Clarke County at Clermont and Audley Farms. Learn about methods, talk to archaeologists, look at artifacts, and see how history in the ground connects to other kinds of history.
ASV Tour at Clermont
Saturday, October 13 • 1:30-4:00 • Clermont Farm The public is invited to participate. Annual State Conference of the Archaeological Society of Virginia TOUR OF CLERMONT SITES, Q&A WITH ARCHAEOLOGISTS WHO WORKED THEM. On Saturday afternoon, the official "local archaeological tour" of the State ASV Conference is at Clermont, with 6 sites including the main house, slave quarter, cemetery, tub mill, springhouse and smokehouse (3 of them "open") headed by experts who have done archaeological and historical work at Clermont. There will also be a demonstration of GPR (ground penetrating radar). The local public is invited to participate (no charge), as a highlight of local observance of October as Virginia Archaeology Month, courtesy of the ASV and its NSV and Loudoun Chapters.
2nd Annual Clermont Survey Day
commemorating George Washington’s survey of Clermont on Oct 19, 1750 .
Saturday, October 20 2:00-4:00 • Clermont Farm CCHA Members $5, Non-Members $10 Children 12 and under Free.
Demonstrations and exhibits about historic surveying, and how it relates to archaeology and to the Audley-Wadlington Store Project. With Clarke County Historical Association.
Clermont Farm • 151 Clermont Lane, Berryville 540-955-0102 clermontfarm.org
Pick up one of our shoeboxes to fill for Operation Christmas Child and get
Zero Enrollment Fee when you join! ($80 Value)
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