Country Spirit Magazine Winter 2018

P iedmont M edia , LLC

Winter 2018

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

Karen H. White Angela H. Davidson and Gwendolyn Murugu

WINTER 2018

$4.95

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

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Mount Gordon Farm

Red Gate Farm

Mayapple Farm

The Plains, Virginia • $11,750,000

Aldie, Virginia • $3,750,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,400,000

128 acres and immaculate 3 level, 13,000+ sq ft stone & shingle main house • 5 BR • 8 FP • Exceptional finishes on every floor • Caterer's kitchen • Elevator • Spa • Separate guest cottage • Pool • Farm manager residence • 3 additional tenant houses • 12 stall center-aisle stable • Pond • Extraordinary land w/incomparable views extending beyond the Blue Ridge Mts • Orange County Hunt Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

149 acres along the historic and scenic byway between Aldie and Leesburg • Open, usable, rolling farmland • 2 ponds, windmill, lots of road frontage • 5/6 BR Victorian farmhouse plus converted water tower • Charming setting, large porches, beautiful specimen trees, large garden side pool • First time offering in 50+ years • Currently in Land Use - not in Conservation Easement Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905 Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

“Mayapple Farm," purist delight • Original portion of house built in 1790 in Preston City, CT • House was dismantled and rebuilt at current site • Detail of work is museum quality • Log wing moved to site from Western Virginia circa 1830 • 4 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA, 9 FP & detached 2-car garage • Historic stone bank barn and log shed moved from Leesburg, VA • Private, minutes from town • Frontage on Goose Creek Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Aurora

Belvedere

Old Fox Den Farm

Aldie, Virginia • $2,900,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $1,95,000

The Plains, Virginia • $1,900,000

Lovely residence situated atop a knoll overlooking President James Monroes's famed Oak Hill • Property consists of 5 bedroom main house and tenant house • All on approximately 40 cross-fenced acres • 6 stall barn with wash rack and tack room • Top level finishes and construction throughout • Turnkey and private Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Gracious home with 5 BRs • Gourmet kitchen • Two-story floor-to-ceiling window display of the Blue Ridge Mountains • 3 FPs, coffered ceilings, random width rustic cherry floors • Large home office, gym, rec room, multiple porches and patios • Three finished stories, approx. 10,000 sf. • Carriage house • Garage • Privately situated on 27 acres Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930 Margaret Carroll (540) 454-0650

Restored 3 bedroom 1830's farmhouse on 65 acres • Multiple porches & fireplaces, lots of charm • Lovely pool, shared pond, 4 stall barn, workshop • Expansive mountain views, rolling open pasture & fully fenced elevated land • Gorgeous setting in the protected valley between Middleburg and The Plains • Conservation easement permits 2 more homes to complete the compound Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Bust Head Road

Stoneway

Winchester Road

The Plains, Virginia • $1,325,000

The Plains, Virginia • $1,195,000

Marshall, Virginia • $895,000

82.69 acres • Mostly wooded, mountain views, bold stream in very protected area • Conservation easement • Can not be subdivided • Prime Orange County Hunt location • Halfway between Middleburg and The Plains Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Well designed stucco single story • 3 BR • 4 full BA • 2 half BA • Master bedroom w/his and hers dressing room/bathroom en suite • Library • Sun-filled sitting roomdining room • Kitchen with breakfast nook and chef’s caliber appliances • 2 FP • Large mudroom off 2 car garage • Cutting garden • Nestled on 10 private wooded acres in sought after Orange County hunt Alix Coolidge (703) 625-1724

1.69 acres with frontage on Route 17, right off Route 66, currently zoned R-4 • New Marshall code zoning calls for Gateway District, potential office building, etc. • Solid stone house on property • Sold in "As Is" condition • Owner licensed real estate agent in VA Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Firethorn Lane

Oak Ridge

Willow Hill

The Plains, Virginia • $795,000

Warrenton, Virginia • $675,000

Delaplane, Virginia • $645,000

Located in a sought-after area between Middleburg and The Plains • Main residence recently renovated • Large master suite and two additional generous sized BRs, each with their own full BA • Large gourmet kitchen • Lovely living and dining rooms • Wrap around porches with western views from the elevated site • Charming guest house • Beautiful gardens and stonework Alix Coolidge (703) 625-1724 Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Prime location, off Springs Road • Surrounded by large farms & estates • House circa 1890 with 2 BR, 1 1/2 BA, FP, hardwood floors, new kitchen • Garage • 2 sheds/studio potential • Tenant house • Property shares large spring fed pond • Private setting on 13.21 acres Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

77.77 acres recorded in 3 tracts • Improved by log cabin and 2 sheds • Very private, mostly wooded with frontage on Goose Creek • Historic site of remains of Cobbler Mountain Hunt Club octagonal horse barn • Potential for subdivision or tax credits • Hunting preserve Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

110 East Washington St. • P.O. Box 1380 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-5588

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

Editor’s Note

A Very Special Month

Karen Hughes White and her sister Angela Hughes Davidson, two of our three captivating cover photo subjects, both grew up in the Freestate area of Fauquier County, mostly attended segregated schools and have gone on to make a major difference in this area.

They’re both all about history, and with February designated nationwide as “Black History Month,” their front-page presence is most appropriate.

Karen is the founder and head of the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County (AAHA) based in The Plains, and Angela is coordinator of special PHOTO BY VICKY MOON events. A nurse by training, Leonard Shapiro with Karen Hughes White.

Karen had always wondered about her own family’s history, and in the early 1990s began a genealogical study.

She and a friend eventually traced her heritage all the way back to Wormley Hughes, a slave who was a gardener and outstanding horseman at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home. And it goes without saying, the rest is history.

The AAHA started in a small office in The Plains in the mid-‘90s, then moved into its more spacious current location hard by the railroad tracks in 2002. The association has always been a treasure trove of information for scores of locals, researching and tracing family roots or simply fascinated by local history.

Karen, Angela and AAHA collections manager Norma Logan have tried to help them all. Over the years, voluminous paper and digital files have been amassed, unlocking many doors. They’ve also established a museum filled with artifacts, artwork, photographs, and old posters that have attracted hundreds of local school children.

They also host many programs throughout the year—lectures, films, concerts—open to the public, with 400 active AAHA members, and more than 1,000 on the email list.

“It’s just exciting and so rewarding when you have people coming in and trying to find out a little more about where they came from,” Karen White said.

“And when you see the excitement in their faces when they discover something about their past, you feel like you did something really special that day.”

That warm and fuzzy feeling frequently envelops Gwendolyn Murugu, the third woman on our cover. She’s just up the street at The Plains Community Center, where she’s community programs director, including a growing after-school tutoring program for local youngsters.

You can read about Gwendolyn on the inside, as well as other intriguing stories about the vibrant local African-American community, including a still very lively 104-year-old preacher, an entrepreneurial vintage clothing merchant and a fabulous film-maker whose latest effort on a long-ago Fauquier County lynching is a troubling but must-see documentary.

Our first magazine of the year offers a profile of Middleburg’s newest clergyman, a look at an Aldie professional golf instructor who found a new life-changing calling and a story on Middleburg’s wonderful Wisdom gallery and its owner.

As always, we’ve got music, sweet music, a story on the young-artist friendly conductor of the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra and another on a world-class pianist soon to perform in The Plains. There’s an illuminating book excerpt about one local family’s tie to The National Zoo. And we’ve got regulars Barbara Sharp almost in her garden, Emily Tyler hanging around the kitchen, and Tom Northrup focusing on education.

There’s plenty more to enjoy, as well, in a respected magazine of true substance. So, as we always say, catch the Spirit.

Leonard Shapiro Editor Badgerlen@aol.com

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

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COVER PHOTO

The next issue of

Published 6 times a year by Piedmont Media, LLC ADDRESS 39 Culpeper Street Warrenton, Virginia 20186 PHONE: 540-347-4222 FAX: 540-349-8676 Editor: Leonard Shapiro badgerlen@aol.com

comes out

April 11th!

Executive editor: Kari Pugh kpugh@fauquier.com

P iedmont m edia

, LLC

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

Visual design editor: Chris Six, 540-347-4222 csix@fauquier.com

July 2017 Spring 2017

Page designer: Taylor Dabney, tdabney@fauquier.com

Winter/Spring 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

o Buddhists and

Fall/Winter 2016

Friends

o Local Authors

Photographers Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe once again bring Country Spirit an inspiring cover photo. For this issue celebrating African American history, we have three influential women from The Plains. Karen H. White and Angela H. Davidson run the AfroAmerican Historical Association of Fauquier County and its fabulous museum. Gwendolyn Murugu is the community programs coordinator at the John Page Turner House.

It all came together quickly for another museum-quality photo and voila…we have our cover. Many thanks to all involved.

Contributing photographers: Caroline Fout, Missy Janes, Douglas Lees, Middleburg Photo, Crowell Hadden Contributing writers: Justin Haefner, Sebastian Langenberg, Sophie Lagenberg, Lizzie Catherwood, Amanda Scheps, Leland Schwartz, Pat Reilly, Emily Tyler, Barbara Sharp, Missy Janes, Caroline Fout, Sean Clancy, Megan Catherwood, M.J. McAteer Advertising manager: Kathy Mills Godfrey, 540-351-1162 kgodfrey@fauquier.com Ad designers: Cindy Goff cgoff@fauquier.com Taylor Dabney tdabney@fauquier.com Annamaria Ward award@fauquier.com For advertising inquiries contact Leonard Shapiro at badgerlen@aol.com or 410-570-8447

IN THIS ISSUE: o Middleburg Mayor Betsy Davis

o Jill Vogel in the Country Spirit

o Heavenly Fruitcakes in the Air o There’s Music

Arboretum o Polly Rowley’s Tribute o Randy Rouse: A and A o Sandy Lerner Q

IN THIS ISSUE:

o Saving the Elephants o Afro-American Museum o A Horse in Motion

Andy Bozdan, huntsman of Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, and his wife, Erin Wakefield Bozdan, whipper-in.

IN THIS ISSUE: o All About Art

Artists Robin Hill and Lynne Donovan are among the gifted masters of the area art scene

Katy Tyrrell, executive director of the Middleburg Community Center.

o An Iconic Builder o Sweet Charity Ears o Music to Their 1 o Walls of Stone

Olivia Wagner White and Vogel Are Wheeling Toward The Hunt on Country Stable Tour Memorial Day Weekend.

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B-13.75 -- CMYK

Karen H. White Angela H. Davidson and Gwendolyn Murugu

CMYK B-13.75 -- CMYK

B-13.75 -- CMYK

Contact Len Shapiro for advertising details.

410-570-8447 | badgerlen@aol.com Piedmont Media

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

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3318 BUST HEAD RD, THE PLAINS

Offered at $1,799,000 17 ACRES | 4 BR | 4/2 BA Located on 17 wooded private acres includes terrace and pavilion!

Stunning main entrance with large rooms and high ceilings. Perfect for entertaining - gourmet kitchen including Vulcan and SubZero appliances. Lower level with large rec room including wet bar, study and full bath.

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835 Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

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Sold at $1,400,000 24 ACRES | 6 BR | 2 BA Extraordinary historic farm with two main residences and a tenant/ guest house, amidst towering trees, stone walls, brilliant gardens and a spring fed pond. Two stunning stables including 20 stalls with huge lofts, opening to the paddocks and overlooking the pond.

Pristine condition and absolutely charming!

Jane Hensley (571) 550-2728 Kim Hurst (703) 932-9651

34380 BLOOMFIELD RD, BLUEMONT

Offered at $1,795,000 19 ACRES | 4 BR | 3/2 BA Gorgeous Colonial in the heart of Piedmont. 2 spring fed ponds, mature trees, English gardens, mountain views. Large bright, open floor plan with gourmet kitchen, oak and heart pine floors, high ceilings, mahogany library, exposed brick fireplaces. Au-pair suite with sep entrance, pool, courtyard.

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399 Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

3672 HALFWAY RD, THE PLAINS

Offered at$1,750,000 90 ACRES | 3BR | 2BA Wonderful opportunity for complete country living. Charming stone and stucco 3 bedroom, 2 bath farmhouse with 5 stall banked barn, 1 BR/1 BA guest house. Wide plank hardwood floors, fireplaces, large porches for entertaining. Plenty of room for horses!

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835 Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

ND LE LA R SA FO

40124 NEW RD, ALDIE

Offered at $1,195,000 30 ACRES | 2 PARCELS Two separate parcels 14.9 & 15.2 acres, AR-2 zoning. Beautiful rolling fields & woods. Well-designed contemporary on west parcel, sited for views and gorgeous setting. Superbly located close to shopping and commuting, just east of Middleburg. Great investment: Build, incorporate into 30+ ac farm or sell off 2nd parcel.

Carole Taylor (703) 577-4680 George Roll (703) 606-6358

20252 UNISON RD, ROUND HILL

Offered at $1,170,000 11 ACRES | 4 BR | 4 BA Custom all brick, quality built Flemish bond home, privately sited on 11+ acres between Purcellville and Middleburg. 4 Br, 4 Ba, 4500+ finished sq. ft. Elegance abounds in large bright rooms with stone fireplaces and high ceilings. Vulcan gas range. Potential 1st-floor master suite.

Jane Hensley (571) 550-2728 Kim Hurst (703) 932-9651

R T DE AC UN NTR CO

17971 YATTON RD, ROUND HILL

Offered at $1,099,000 20 ACRES | 4 BR | 2 BA Beautiful Runnymede Farm, c. 1777 upgraded for today’s lifestyle, it’s rich historic character preserved. Stone manor home sited on rolling fenced acres. Gourmet kitchen, dining room and cozy library with fireplace, stone tavern room with built-in wet bar and brick floors. Covered porch, terrace, springhouse, and small barn. Very commutable.

Carole Taylor (703) 577-4680 George Roll (703) 606-6358

240 ASHLEY WOODS LN, BLUEMONT

Offered at $885,000 34 ACRES | 5 BR | 4.5 BA Gorgeous custom home with stunning views. Three open levels with guest suite and master suite. Inviting 2 story great room with floor to ceiling windows and a fabulous gourmet kitchen. Wrap around deck, porches and patios to enjoy sunsets. Access to Appalachian Trail!

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399 Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

34642 ATOKA CHASE LN, MIDDLEBURG

Offered at$849,900 11 ACRES | 3 BR | 2.5 BA 11+ scenic acres with view of Blue Ridge Mountains. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Cape Cod is just minutes from downtown Middleburg. Large, bright rooms, main level master suite. Great rideout!

Jane Hensley (571) 550-2728

Kim Hurst (703) 932-9651 *represented the buyer

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

By Barbara Sharp It’s never too early to begin planning and preparing for growing spring flowers. If you have a greenhouse, a cold frame, or even a kitchen window ledge, begin by planting seeds in peat pots or in a seed-starter soil mix.

Though I try to harvest seeds from my cutting garden, there are plenty of other good sources in and all around the Middleburg area.

Southern States in Middleburg and Purcellville, Abernathy & Spencer in Lincoln, and Greenworks in Chantilly are all convenient and have good seed selections. Other options include mail order (for example, direct from producers like Burpee) or on-line, like Amazon.com.

For general tips on sowing seeds, a recommended read is “The Cutting Garden” by Sarah Raven, Penelope Hobhouse and Pia Tryde.

Three important principles: —Follow directions on the seed packet.

—Mark with a wooden stick the date on which seeds are planted.

– William Blake

—Plant in intervals of about three weeks, so that blooms keep coming.

It’s also important to develop a routine for watering to keep the seeds moist, but once your garden starts growing, give it a really good soak at least every other day.

In my garden, I like to lay down a one-inch base of seed starting mix.

Then, I place my seeds on top of the mix, and gently cover them with another eighth of an inch of starting mix.

I also find it helpful to cover my newly planted seeds with an all-purpose frost and pest-protection fabric.

The fabric acts as a germinator for the seeds while also protecting them from birds, cats, dogs, squirrels and other hazards. You can water right on top of the fabric, because it’s quite porous.

Though I usually plan my spring garden in the fall, when I harvest seeds from my own garden, there’s still plenty of time to plant a beautiful garden for the coming spring/summer seasons. Some of my favorites— the seeds from which can be harvested next fall—are zinnias, sunflowers, celosia, cockscomb and millet.

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Emmanuel Episcopal Church Welcomes New Rector

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

T

By Megan Catherwood

LeCouteur finds

he directions from Fredericksburg are the intimacy of a fairly straightforward. The drive only smaller congregation takes a little over an hour. But The Revappealing and also erend Eugene LeCouteur, the new rector at Embelieves in the manuel Episcopal Church, took the long way around traveling from his Virginia birthplace to Episcopal tradition of welcoming everyone. his present position in Middleburg.

It could not be said that a Southern Baptist upbringing, an MBA from Cornell University, and a career in marketing and policy research/ analysis are common milestones on the road to Episcopal priesthood.

This is LeCouteur’s first time leading a congregation, although the calling appears to be lifelong. The newly installed cleric at Emmanuel said during his late teens he became disenchanted with the type of Protestantism he grew up with.

“It then took me awhile to find the Episcopal Church,” he said.

While in business school (following an unGene LeCouteur is the dergraduate degree at The College of William & new rector at Emmanuel Mary), “I started to think the ministry might be Episcopal Church in a place for me. I then spent many years searchMiddleburg ing for a meaningful job…while also trying to explore and serve every way a lay person could in the church.”

An extensive volunteer resume is testament to his deep commitment, including, since the mid-1980s: Sunday school director, vestry member, diocesan commissions and committees, worship leader, choir member, “Christmas Elf ” and founder/manager of The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s (Richmond). Mission work and youth pilgrimages have involved journeys to Ireland, Italy, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, rural New York and West Virginia.

Born to a family “with lots of teachers on my mother’s side,” there’s also a decades-long thread of having developed and led youth and adult discussions on the Bible, spiritual practices and church history, not to mention shepherding young ones in Sunday school classes.

When someone mentioned to LeCouteur that it was possible to actually get a degree in Christian education, it was a light bulb moment. Union Theological Seminary in Richmond had a strong reputation in the field; ultimately, LeCouteur enrolled in the Master of Divinity program “with the idea of going for a PhD.” But as they say, God had another plan.

A related internship at St.Stephen’s led to a full-time job there as associate rector for Christian formation and education, where he remained until his most recent appointment. The rector at St. Stephen’s encouraged and supported LeCouteur’s Ordination to the Holy Order of Priests in December, 2014.

Teaching remains central and LeCouteur is developing several new series in Middleburg, where he replaces the popular Reverend Anne Hallmark, who retired last year. Emmanuel is a much smaller church than St. Stephen’s, which had 4,500 members served by four full and two part-time clergy.

“The size made it harder to have relationships with people,” he said. “People would know me—say hello in the grocery store— but I didn’t always know them.”

“Whether you need a place of rest, prayer, or contemplation, our doors are open to anyone, 24-7. We also need to go out the door and into the community.”

His first day on the job (Nov. 1) coincided with the preview party for Emmanuel’s hugely popular “Christmas Shop.” The large-scale annual undertaking, now entering its 70th season, raises funds for outreach programs and the upkeep of the historic church.

It was not quite baptism by fire, but the event would nonetheless have captured the newcomer’s attention with its kindling of community goodwill and the warm glow of Emmanuel’s welcoming and spirit-filled fellowship.

Alex and Jill Vogel

Paul and Ann Haefner

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Jill and Alex Vogel entertained friends and neighbors at their home Oak Spring in Upperville.

PHOTOS BY CROWELL HADDEN

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

Piedmont Symphony Conductor Glenn Quader

Glenn Quader Conducts The Piedmont Symphony And Gives Tender Loving Tutoring

By Leonard Shapiro It was only natural that Glenn Quader would make the violin his instrument of choice in the fourth grade. After all, both his grandparents were violinists, and classical music was often coming out of the radio or record player as he was growing up.

A year later, the local high school band in Mount Vernon visited his school for a short demonstration. That’s when Quader noticed a beguiling saxophone and “I just fell in love with it,” he said. “Then I picked up the base guitar in the seventh grade, and from then on it was all sax and base.”

Music has been Quader’s life for as long as he can remember. And while he doesn’t have much time to practice either instrument these days, he knows how critical it is for youngsters to get involved at an early age, and to be exposed to more experienced musicians along the way.

These days, Quader, 51, and a Washington native, is the highly-accomplished conductor of the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra (PSO), based in Warrenton and attracting fine musicians from around the area. He has a Masters degree from the prestigious Peabody Institute in Baltimore and has been with the PSO for 12 years.

In addition to preparing for performances, he and one of his early mentors, George Etheridge of Middleburg, developed a music mentoring program through the Fairfax Symphony years ago and, with the PSO, now are doing the same for a number of Fauquier middle and high schools.

In addition, the PSO has a separate Young Artists Competition for musicians from Fauquier and nearby counties. On Sunday, Feb. 18, it culminates with a young people’s concert at Highland School in Warrenton starting at 3 p.m.

Over the last few months, three young artist finalists who had already rehearsed with the PSO have been selected to compete for the grand prize.

They’ll perform with the orchestra and be evaluated by a panel of judges.

Scholarships of $1,500 for the grand prize, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third will be awarded.

Quader’s enthusiasm for both programs is palpable. Going back to his early music teaching days at a South Florida prep school, he’s come up with countless strategies and techniques to keep young musicians engaged.

The mentoring program includes two visits to each school, with hands-on instruction from orchestra members. In the second session, the children sit in an ensemble and Quader conducts a rehearsal, with each student at some point demonstrating their skills.

“The kids are very impressionable,” he said. “The best way to get better is to play with people better than you are. You see how they do it and they can pick it right up…We know all the tricks in the book, and they get very directed instruction. We also adapt to any kind of student.”

About 35 young muscians selected by their instructors usually take part.

And Quader believes it’s vital for them to see how experienced musicians help each other.

“When we’re playing with them, they see us interact,” Quader said.

“Someone will suggest something on bowing, and we show them. The kids see it and say ‘Wow! I can do that!’ We try to make it fun. It’s a great program, something we’re very proud of.”

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Mt. Olive Baptist Church 1867-2017 PHOTOS BY VICKY MOON

Friends, family and church members gathered recently to celebrate 150 years of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rectortown. They sang their anniversary song, composed by Faithe L. Smith, which concludes: In this small place called Rectortown, Mount Olive stands on solid ground.

In thanksgiving, we remember yesterday, For Your blessings, we rejoice today.

In good times and in bad, in our joy and sorrow, We will reach for tomorrow.

Above, the members of the anniversary committee gathered for a group photo.

(Seated) Vanessa Joyner, Georgia Coates, Mattie Yates and Eura Lewis. (Standing) Linda Trammell, Earsaline Anderson, Anna Bolton, Kimberly Stewart and Erma Grant Robinson Left, Nancy Christian and her husband Rev. Lewis Christian

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

Top row (from left to right): Denise Thornley and Jaeda Hill, Juanita Smith, Grace Smith is the widow of Rev. Dr. Norman W. Smith, Sr. who served as Mount Olive’s rector for 50 years. Middle row: Frank Watkins, Jerry Caison, Norman D. Smith. Bottom Row: Rev. Lewis Christian of Shiloh Baptist Church in Middleburg preached for the anniversary celebration during the morning service and Rev. Nelson Sneed of Little Forest in Stafford, VA did the afternoon service. Lisa Hill and Robin Hill, Reneé Mott.

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

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The Fence Post: The Lucky Dog

E

By Chandler Van Voorhis

ver wonder how this old fence post came into being? No, not by digging a post-hole. It’s about how we started to enclose the land and call it our own.

Think of all the lines we’ve magically carved across the countryside, just to say we own this piece of dirt. That “this here is yours” and “that there is mine.”

And just like that, we each tend to the land, planting crops, managing timber, caring for livestock and partaking in the enjoyment of our property. Sun up to sun down and from fence post to the bedpost, we kneel in prayer; we sweat and work the dirt within the confines of lines that bestow these powerful rights and awesome responsibilities that come from ownership.

We take this notion of owning a piece of dirt as a fundamental right, but this right has not always

been around. Today, one can hardly fathom what life would be like if we were not here to care for this dirt.

John Steinbeck said it best, “If a man owns a little property, that property is him, its part of him and like him...and in some way he’s bigger because he owns it.”

Our identification, our association with our home and property are powerful symbols of self-expression. Or as Bel Mooney stated, “when you enter my home you are walking into the pathways of my mind and heart.” This notion of ownership seems to reflect and project our sense of soul and self-worth.

But to own something, one must know what one does not own. So, this fence line, this post in the ground is a marker of where my identity stops and yours begins.

Indeed, there have always been forces at work that kindled the imagination and tapped into the human quest for property--whether it was inflation or growing population or any number of root

Love

causes. The reality is a world in perpetual motion is always calibrating itself between today and tomorrow, between the known and unknown.

As we move across land and time, we create space and separation. Within separation, we anxiously seek our identity. As Andro Linklater, author of the book, “Owning The Earth,” once wrote, “the space we occupy always has the double function, a carapace that is intended to protect us and a canvas where we paint our inner secrets.”

So while we stand here contemplating what this post means, my old yellow Lab knows no such boundary, no such line. He just runs, jumps and plays until it’s time to rest. I guess I know the true meaning of lucky dog.

Chandler Van Voorhis is the co-founder and managing partner of ACRE Investment Management and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

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he partnership between The Plains Community League (TPCL) and the Windy Hill Foundation recently achieved another milestone with the hiring of Gwendolyn Murugu as the community programs coordinator at the John Page Turner House in The Plains.

Murugu, 30, came to The Plains from the Multicultural Clinical Center in Springfield, where she served as its lead behavioral technician, providing in-home support for families whose children have symptoms on the Autism spectrum. No stranger to the after-school setting herself, she grew up in Reston, where she was a regular at the Southgate Community Center while attending Flint Hill School in nearby Oakton.

“I found out about this new position in The Plains while I was job searching for a position where I was directly involved with a community and could offer support and resources,” said Murugu, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marymount University. “I’ve always known that I wanted to be involved in a career where I was helping people.”

She wasted little time getting involved in her first days on the job, helping facilitate two sessions of TPCL’s well-respected after-school tutoring program, meeting with the principal of the local elementary school and attending a resident services team meeting.

Murugu’s programs will cater to the entire community and all demographics. “Starting in January, along with tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we’ll have a game day on Monday and family night on Friday,” she said.

She’s also well-supported by TPCL board members Ellen Richmond-Hearty and Joan Kuhns, local tutoring guru Rita Fenwick and of course, Debbie McLaughlin, the president of the TPCL. “We’re currently working on gathering additional funding for our popular and effective free after school tutoring program which fills a critical community need,” McLaughlin said. “There are currently a dozen students, and we expect the number to swell to 24 students by the end of the school year.”

McLaughlin said she feels lucky to live in The Plains because it offers the best of two worlds: the qualities of small town life, with the diversity of a big city.

“We’re Redskins, Ravens, Eagles, Steelers, and Packers fans,” she said.

“We’re Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Dog, chicken, parakeet, cow, cat, sheep and horse owners. Christians, Buddhists, and atheists. Working class, upper class, and bohemians. Venture capitalists, artists, and bookkeepers.”

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Gwendolyn Murugu is the new director of the afterschool program at The Plains Community League, sponsored

by The Windy Hill Foundation.

The small town atmosphere clearly permeates the community.

“We all greet each other warmly by name on the street and at the post office,” she said, adding that she often watches residents clearing each others’ sidewalks and driveways in the snow, or bringing food to neighbors going through a hard time.

The biggest expense and at the same time the biggest asset (beyond the devoted volunteers) at the community center is the John Page Turner House.

The center offers all types of programs, events, celebrations, and meetings at little or no cost. They pack baskets for those in need for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and more and are developing movie nights, yoga, community composting, ice cream socials and local music.

The after-school program, which has been around since the late 1990s, has also had a significant impact. Joan Kuhns, one of the program’s founders who still tutors, explained it best.

“Numerous scientific studies have shown that the more adults involved in a positive way in a child’s life, the more successful they will be in every area of their lives,” she said.

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15

Helen MacMahon: Yes, Indeed, Her Roots Run Deep in Middleburg

Helen MacMahon is the youngest of Ann and Dr. Edward MacMahon’s six children, growing up on her parents’ High Acre Farm in Halfway, between Middleburg and The Plains.

She went to Hill School and Foxcroft in Middleburg and then Washington College in Maryland, where she met her future husband, Mark “Mugsy” Mickum.

“I moved away from the farm,” she said, “then moved back, got married and we’ve raised our daughter Annie on the same farm where I grew up.”

Clearly, her roots are firmly planted in Middleburg.

These days, she’s an associate broker and one of four MacMahons involved in Sheridan MacMahon Real Estate located in a lovely frame building at 110 East Washington Street on the east end of the village. Her mother Ann, brother Paul and sister Margaret are also in the business, and she also has two nephews involved in real estate, though not in Middleburg.

The family dynamic of being together in the same enterprise “actually works out well,” she said.

“We can all speak to one another in shorthand and there’s no competition among us. We all work together to complete the transactions and fill in for one another when needed. Pretty unique for this business.”

Indeed.

She recalled one particularly satisfying transaction.

It didn’t fetch the largest price of her career, but she actually sold that same large property twice in one year. It was, she said simply, a “nice achievement.”

Indeed.

While many real estate people in Middleburg have met interesting and even well-known clients, MacMahon recalled one buyer in particular.

“She was not famous to me, but I was driving her around all day looking at property and couldn’t figure out why she looked so familiar,” MacMahon said, “When I got home that night I recognized her photo on the back cover of the book I was reading.”

Appropriately, she preferred not to reveal the client’s name.

Another time, she said: “I had clients who’d been looking for a farm for a long time and this was before everyone had a smart phone so things took longer. But I went to an open house, knew it was what they wanted, wrote the contract in my name and got the property under contract for them. They bought it--without seeing it prior to settlement.

Luckily they wired the funds. Now with virtual tours and other digital tools, it doesn’t seem like as much of a leap of faith now. But it was then.”

Indeed.

Helen MacMahon described the best part of her work as “access to some incredible properties. We learn so much history about the area during showings or researching the land records.

“I’ve made some of my closest friends through real estate. You never know when someone walks in the office or makes an inquiry if you’re ever going to see that person again. But a few have become lifelong friends. The process of buying or selling can be intense, so it is good to have this benefit.”

Indeed.

PHOTO BY VICKY MOON

Helen MacMahon and Lola.

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

Gearing Up In The Plains

By Justin Haefner

Haymarket Bicycles in The Plains is geared toward helping anyone with their cycling needs, not to mention a caffeine fix.

It’s a unique one-stop coffee and bike shop where Happy Creek Coffee and Tea joins Haymarket Bicycles for a quick personal pick-me-up for you, and a tune up for your bike.

“We work on every single bikerelated need,” said Jared Nieters, one of the owners and a competitive cyclist himself. “When we opened this place, we decided we were going to have to do something besides just bicycles because we had the bike shop seven miles away. Since cyclists are often well into coffee, it made perfect sense.”

In 2014, Nieters and business partner, Curtis Prosser, decided to add another shop in The Plains, adding the coffee component a year later in the space once housing the longtime Plains Pharmacy.

“We opened it in order to have fitting services in here,” Nieters said, “and then a place to start rides and do some personalized sales and service.”

They chose The Plains location for several reasons.

“We had some friends in town,” he explained. “This place was vacant and on our regular riding route each week so we thought it would be a good fit. It’s a pretty regular place for people to start their rides from.”

And the coffee?

“We sought out

Happy Creek out of Front Royal and chose to bring them in,” said Nieters.

That company has two other coffee shops in Front Royal, and Shepherdstown, West Virginia, but those locations have no bicycle components.

Happy Creek offers a wide variety of beverages, and also has a gluten free selection of baked goods.

Nieters, 40, has a common theme throughout his life in bicycles. He raced mountain bikes when he was in high school, went on to teach in public schools for eleven years, and since then, has focused on road racing and his business.

“I raced for about 12 years pretty competitively,” he said, ding that he reached his peak in 2012. He’s also raced abroad, as well, including China. The Plains shop has been shaped by its mission to helping anyone with two wheels and pedals, from beginners to veteran riders.

“It’s not the first, but it’s a very unique niche,” Nieters said. “There’s no one that comes through our door that we won’t take care of. We have plenty of experience working on kid’s bikes, professional race bikes, and everything in between.”

Haymarket Bicycles also has plans to expand beyond The Plains and Haymarket with two more stores at some point and “they should all be within a reasonable commuting distance” of each other, “Nieters said.

“We’re in this industry because we love bicycles, and health and fitness.

If there’s a cyclist, there’s not a single service that we won’t have for them.”

For Jilann Brunett, A Rewarding and Occasional Bumpy Road to Middleburg

By Leonard Shapiro

were considered bad luck” by the miners.

Still, she persevered and went on to get a MasIt did not take long Jilann Brunett very long to ters in engineering and science management. She understand that her path to becoming a geological thought about getting a doctorate and teachengineer would quickly take her down a long and ing. Instead, her thesis adviser informed her he’d rather rocky road. scheduled a job interview with a representative of A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brunett is the U.S. Geological Survey. now the co-owner with Kathy jo Shea of Second “I found out later (her advisor) had coached the Chapter Books in Middleburg. In the early 1960s, man on how to interview me,” she said.” When the she was a freshman at the Michigan College of interview ended, he said ‘I don’t want to hire you, Mining and Technology in Houghton (now but the General Services Administration says I known as Michigan Tech) and starting a chemis- can’t discriminate. So you’re going to produce and try class when she had a terribly rude awakening do better than any man on my staff.’ Well, don’t tell into the ugly world of sexual harassment. me I can’t do something. That’s how I approached Brunett was one of three women in a class of it. Eventually, he became my friend.”

135 when the professor walked into the lecture Brunett could do that job splendidly, and many hall and began by asking men in the front row to more in a USGS career that spanned over three move back. decades. She dealt with ground water and surface “Then he said to the three women, ‘come down water issues, learned data computer processing to the front row,’” Brunett recalled. “When we sat and eventually took her talents to Alaska, where down, he looked at us and said ‘cross your legs.’ she planned to live for two years and stayed 15.

After we did, he said ‘now that the gates are closed, She and Shea met in Anchorage, and that’s we can start class.’ We didn’t know what to say or where Brunett became an invaluable USGS asset do. It was common knowledge around the univer- in the field of containing oil spills, including critisity that he did that sort of thing. He’s lucky he’d cal work in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil never been socked.” tanker disaster. She also headed up an important Brunett survived that indignity, as well as fre- study focusing on offshore drilling rigs to make quently being told that even though the school certain they were not spilling anything into the had “Mining” in its name, female students were sea. That work earned her several promotions benot allowed to go underground because “women fore she eventually returned to Washington, then

PHOTO BY LEONARD SHAPIRO

Jilann Brunett of Second Chapter Books.

retired from government service in 1999.

Never one to sit around, Brunett decided to enroll in acupuncture school, complementing Shea’s massage therapy specialty. In 2010, they combined to open Middleburg’s popular bookstore.

“And the rest is history,” Brunett said, with

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Country Spirit 9.5” wide x 5.87” tall (revised size)

Now is the time to plant a plant 1.

Y

By Winnie Rees

ou might say that Lisbeth Prins knows the landscaping business from the ground up.

At one time or another, she’s done everything from design to installation, caring for plants and other nursery stock and retails sales, to operating all kinds of equipment— from a weedeater, to a Bobcat to a backhoe. Her knowledge—pardon the expression— has deep roots.

Prins began her full-service landscape business, Plant A Plant based in Aldie, in 1982. One of her most spectacular recent projects is at Samarate on Mt. Gilead in Loudoun County.

A native Virginian, Prins has had a fervent interest in plants and gardening since her early high school days.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors and Distinction from Mary Washington College and then went to work at the U S. Botanic Gardens. In 1983, she graduated from the Landscape Design Program at George Washington University in Washington before entering into her own business full-time.

For this 15-plus acre design, Prins said, “A brick wall was created to define a gentlemen garden, a 17th century pleasure garden.” It includes an orchard and vegetable garden because deer and bears had gone through every other structure. She added a dry stack wall to create the lower terrace using stones excavated on site.

For the plant material, Prins used dis-

ease-resistant boxwoods, plants used in 17th century Virginias’s finest gardens, and completed the look with ivy panes to soften the wall and Crepe Myrtles.

Prins’ designs have always portrayed her exceptional ability to discover her customer’s desires and implement them with a classical style and distinction.

She successfully selects plant material and suggests special features and techniques to enhance each particular site.

She said she always considers the client’s lifestyle and personal preferences.

Do they travel a great deal? Perhaps they’re gone in the winter, so certain considerations are met to accommodate this individual lifestyle.

“Even the smallest space can be reorganized and planted for quiet privacy,” she said. “So many people work inside all day and want to enjoy the outdoors, entertaining and dining,” And while many amateur gardeners believe that spring is the time to plant a plant, Prins is quick to point out that “basically winter is the best time to get ready for spring and think about the bones of the garden. Every garden needs a backdrop: a walkway, grass path or stone paved walk. Or walls and hedges.”

And so, just when you thought it was the time of year to hibernate for all those chilling days, perhaps it’s time to think again, shivering all the way, of course. There’s definitely work to be done in the garden. Go ahead, plant a plant, put down more mulch and dig a hole and install a new tree. Spring will be here before you know it.

2.

3.

4.

1. Plant materials used are disease resistant boxwoods and plants used in 17th century of Virginia’s finest gardens.

2. Specially blended soil was brought in prior to wall construction.

3. The view of the formal vegetable gardens through the garden gate, before installation.

4. Through the garden gate is an example of the formal vegetable gardens after the installation.

5. Prins’ signature designs frequently incorporate a flowering tree as a focal point.

5.

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

21

Love Against All Odds at Age 104

By Dylan Nicholls One thing became clear as friends and family gathered in Mt. Morris Church in Hume this past October to celebrate Reverend Alphonso Washington’s 104th birthday: the spiritual leader and native Virginian has led a truly remarkable life.

He and his wife of 15 years, Carol, entered into a scene of ecstatic joy that memorable day. As they took their seats, they were greeted by prayer, song, a specially-written poem, and countless stories and accounts from friends and family in attendance.

Reading his autobiography, “All in God’s Time,” it’s also abundantly clear even those heartfelt recollections barely scratched the surface.

Rev. Washington is a widely-respected preacher and a master plumber. He was raised in Virginia during a period of lynchings and Jim Crow discrimination, and also lived in Texas through some of the Civil Rights era.

Over the years, he’s survived the baseball that knocked him out cold as a youngster, the direct lightning strike that blinded him for days as young man, and car collisions, fights, and

22

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

PHOTO BY DYLAN NICHOLLS

Rev. Alphonso Washington

various forms of not so subtle discrimination. Yet as he described his life, his favorite story is clearly that of the long and winding journey that led him to his wife, Carol, who happens to be white.

One story he tells from his early life in Hume illustrates the tensions of the time.

A disabled black mailman, walking his route with the aid of a crutch, was accosted on the street when he forgot to address a white man as “mister.” A small crowd gathered with an assortment of firearms, and only the man’s grandfather (a businessman and religious leader) was able to take their guns and disperse white and black alike.

As a teenager in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Rev. Washington had none of his grandfather’s hardearned clout, and yet found himself in a situation that could have easily generated ten times the animus.

He worked at the time for a white family whose members, he said, treated him like one of their own. Over the course of his tenure there, he became friendly with their daughter, who behaved affectionately towards young Alphonso. She would sit next to him in the passenger seat as he drove, or perch on his lap at the kitchen table in the manner of a close friend or relative.

“It happened several times,” said Alphonso, “and every time my father went to my mother and said, ‘that boy

can’t be running around like that, because he just hasn’t met the right people around here yet. They’ll grab him out of that car and kill him.’”

So, despite enjoying his work, needing the money, and caring for the family, he quit his job and lost a treasured friendship.

Fast forward over seven decades, and Carol and Alphonso Washington were married on July 4, 2002.

They had originally met and chatted through email. It was at times a controversial union for Carol’s family, given Alphonso’s advanced age (88 at the time), and the fact that she had already lost a husband. But against all odds, more than 15 years later, the couple still looks down the road and anticipates happy days ahead.

This unexpected love story is part of the thematic center of Rev. Washington’s autobiography.

These days, when he attends church with his wife, it’s with the realization that such a drastic change in circumstance could only have been possible “All in God’s Time.” And, when Carol gets behind the wheel to take them home, she likes to joke that she’s “driving Mr. Daisy.”

Drawing Room

W E D D I N G & E V E N T AC C O M O DAT I O N S

THE

By Sophie Scheps

Leslie Guttenberg is one of those people with a passion for a job well done. Her dedication has spanned many interests, most notably as a golf teaching professional.

With her husband, Mark, also a nationally-recognized teacher of the game, they’ve run a golf school out of their backyard in Aldie for the past 30 years. Mark, a fine golfer at Florida State who also runs the teaching academy at Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket, actually taught Leslie, a college athlete herself, how to play and teach golf after they were married.

Through their travels around the country, Leslie Guttenberg has met countless people, but one student changed the course of her life forever.

“A pastor of a church in Manassas was a student of my husband’s and after a few years he asked me to come to his youth center and check it out,” said Guttenberg. “I have a background in special education and I thought I would come help out for three months or so.”

Those three months turned into 11 years and a small room within the church has grown into an entire separate building. Over the past decade, Guttenberg has developed The Union Youth Center with Living Faith Church, a place she describes as both non-denominational and non-traditional.

“We really believe in a very intimate relationship with God and each other,” she said. “It’s out of these relationships that these kids encounter god and once that happens, their lives shift immediately.”

At the time she first started, The Union had about 15-20 teenagers and young adults involved in its program.

Over the past decade, she’s helped hundreds of at-risk youngsters with

her counseling and creative services.

“The center has evolved into something that we call a dream factory,” she said. “There are a lot of kids that have grown up with no supervision and guidance. Our role is to be able to provide a hook for them. They find a home with us and we build a family for them.”

Within the center, Guttenberg has organized a space to enhance creativity. There’s a music room, recording studio, dance floor, ping pong tables, places to watch movies and a very “Starbucks” vibe. In addition to these creative outlets, Guttenberg runs a leadership program.

“It’s an internship for young adults who come in looking for direction in their life,” she said. “They haven’t been taught any life skills and we help them become leaders in their home, their jobs and their communities. These mentors then help the younger kids that come in and they impact each other’s lives.”

Guttenberg’s work with young adults came after much research on her part. She said she’s fascinated by the millennial generation and is perpetually making improvements in her approach to communicate with them effectively. She considers this work her life’s mission.

“I think we’re called to influence our sphere,” she said. “I can go to sleep at night knowing I’m impacting the world.

That’s all I can do, impact my sphere of influence. I try to teach all these young people that this is their job. To change the atmosphere around them and be a leader in their environment.”

Guttenberg said she’s fulfilled knowing she’s formed a strong connection to her faith and shared the power of that relationship with God with others.

“Everything that I’ve done in my life has prepared me to do this,” she said.

For more information about The Union and their events, visit http:// livingbyfaith.com.

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Golf instructor Leslie Guttenberg with Daniel Quintanilla at The Union

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

23

Walking into Wisdom Gallery is a Wise Decision

By Leonard Shapiro

Pauline Wisdom came to Middleburg over thirty years ago from her home in Oakton as a “tourist” and fell in love with the town. So much so, in fact, she never really left.

At first, Wisdom, a native of Great Britain, and a friend were planning to open an English Tea Room in the alley-way space now occupied by the Sidesaddle Cafe. When her partner decided to back out, Wisdom took her share of the deposit, moved to a nearby location and began selling imported furniture, art and lighting. A few years later, she moved the business to Madison Street, in what surely is the perfect space for her wonderful Wisdom Gallery.

She’s been there for about 20 years, with an eye-popping mixture of merchandise that literally can offer something for everyone.

Need a new chandelier? Glance up to the ceiling and pick one out.

Searching for the perfect greeting card for that certain someone, look all around at any of the 30 lines she carries, domestic and imported. Have a craving for something sweet? Check out the selection of rich chocolates that fly out the door and sometimes disappear before the

not likely to last very long.

Wisdom grew up near Cambridge and came to the U.S. in 1960 to visit a friend in San Antonio. She never went back. She met her husband, Andy, an Air Force officer then stationed nearby, through his roommate.

They married in 1964 and have lived in many places, including the Philippines. One of her favorite stories involves Imelda Marcos, the country’s former First Lady who had this thing about shoes, even in Middleburg.

One day, a limousine pulled up in front of Wisdom’s shop, and out jumped Imelda, heading to the old Coach Stop restaurant. As she PHOTO BY CROWELL HADDEN walked down the sidewalk, MarPauline Wisdom of Wisdom Gallery. cos turned and signaled her chauffeur. He immediately ducked into buyer heads out of town. country’s finest suppliers.

One local patron comes in reguThere’s also: furniture, candles, the car, pulled out blue spike-heeled larly to send her adult daughter in lamps, chandeliers, jewelry, prints, shoes and dashed over to make the Florida a box of butter creams, much paintings, custom china, desk accesso- exchange.

“I’ve met some wonderful people to the dismay of the daughter, who ries, journals, address books and more. (sort of) complains that mom is ruWisdom has countless loyal local in here,” said Wisdom, who lives with ining her diet. Said Wisdom, “she customers but a good portion of her her husband in The Plains and still sends them anyway.” business comes from visitors. Once loves to visit all the big merchandise Wisdom is particularly proud of inside, they usually“Some stay of awhile be- shows to planning keep freshening heritincredus approach wealth by leaving entirely to of there’s us approach wealth leaving it entirely the personalized stationery she can“Some cause so much to see.planning Just the by inventory.

“I’ve to met Jimmy the ‘experts, ’ often notible fully understanding what it is Doothey have ‘experts, ’ often notrecommended fully understanding what it is they have offer both for business needs andthe other day, a battery-operated clock Forsythe, theupactor.

I’ve an we do,little, whileJohn some of us throw our hands special occasions—engraved wed-recommended mounted through front wheel of really had a lot of fun in this place.” we do,the while some of us throw up our hands and do nothing. Neither way is very wise.” ding, birth and engagement an-nothing. a bicycle sculpture With At the wonderful Wisdom GalNeither way isarrived. very wise. ” so —it’s Robert lery, B. Seaberg, PhD, Wealth Planning Managing Director at M nouncements—from “Some some ofofus approach the many cyclists pedaling all over, wealth planning by leaving it entirely to it shows.

Planning WealthWealth Planning You Can On Build On You Can Build Wealth Planning You Can Build On Wealth Planning You Can Build On Wealth Planning Wealth Planning You Can Build On You Can Build On — Robert B. Seaberg, PhD, Wealth Planning Managing Director at Morgan Stanley

Wealth planning — that the ‘experts,’ often not fully understanding what it is they haveis, the integration of lifestyle planning, a Wealth planning —of that is, the integration ofand lifestyle asset preservation andhands wealth transfer issues — can seem a daunting, recommended we do, while some us throw up our do planning, preservation and wealth transfer issues — can seem a daunting, almost overwhelming task.

And the more assets we have, the more com nothing.

Neither way is very wise. ” “Some of us approach wealth planning by leaving it entirely to the task can seem. task. And the more assets we have, the more complex the ‘experts,’ often not fully understanding what—itoverwhelming is they have PhD, Robert B. Seaberg, Wealth Planning Managing Director at Morgan Stanley the task can seem. recommended we do, while some “Some of us throw our hands and do of us up approach wealth planning byisleaving it family entirely to the ‘experts’, fully Stan This why our business, The CGE often Group not at Morgan Wealth planning — that is, thehave integration of lifestyle planning, asset nothing. Neither way is very wise.” understanding what it is they recommended we do, while some of us throw up our hands “Some of us approach wealth planning by leaving it entirely to encourages families to discuss their specific wealth planning goa is why our family Thea CGE Group at Morgan Stanley, preservation andThis wealth transfer issuesbusiness, — can seem daunting, almost and do nothing.

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These conversations along with a compre encourages families their specific wealth planning with — Robert B. Seaberg, PhD, Wealth Planning Managing Director at’ often Morgan overwhelming task.

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We invite you and your family to contact ours to learn more abo the task can seem. us in a private setting. conversations along with a comprehensive Wealth These planning — that is, the integration of lifestyle planning, asset nothing. Neither way is very wise.” we are helping families grow, protect and transfer wealth.

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We can help you plan we are helping families their grow,specific protectwealth and transfer wealth. encourages families to discuss planning goals with 440 W. Jubal Early Drive, Suite 260 charles.ellison@morganstanley.com First Vice President First Vice President for these events. us in a private setting. These conversations along with a comprehensive Winchester, VA 22601 www.morganstanleyfa.com/ellisonellison/ Financial Advisor Wealth Advisor The become CgE group atmore Morgan Stanley wealth plan even critical when families are faced with a We invite you and your family to contact ours to learn more about how charles.ellison@morganstanley.com transitional period, suchCIMA, as a ®significant event. We can help you® plan M. Ellison, CIMA, CPWA® C. greg Ellison, CPWA® lifeCharles we are helping families grow, protect and transfer wealth. www.morganstanleyfa.com/ellisonellison/ 440 Jubal Early Drive, Suite 260 for theseFirst events.

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Winchester, VA 22601 Financial Advisor

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SM FirstSMVice President First Vice President (with graph element),®Management and Certified Investment Management Analyst.SM Analyst (with graph element),® and Certified Investment Analyst. www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these Winchester, VA 22601 The CgE group at Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor Wealth Advisor Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services clients, each Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, eachtoofitswhich may create © 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1375812 CS charles.ellison@morganstanley.com of which may create a different type ofto relationship with different obligations to you. Please visit us at http:// aM. different typeCIMA, of relationship with different obligations you. Please visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com Charles Ellison, ® CPWA® C. greg Ellison, CIMA, ® CPWA® www.morganstanleyfa.com/ellisonellison/ Investment Managementwww.morganstanleyindividual.com Consultants Association, Inc. owns the CIMA, ® Certified Investment Management ormarks consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences. or consult with your440 Financial AdvisorEarly to understand these differences.

SM W. Jubal Drive,Management Suite 260 (with graph element), ® and Certified Investment Analyst.SM Analyst First Vice President First Vice President © 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1375812SPECIFICATIONS CSCRC1993244 8454708 12/15 JOB INFORMATION ©2018 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member 01/18 Winchester, VA 22601 Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers a wide array ofSIPC brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each FinancialMorgan Advisor Wealth Advisor 8454708/603534282 5" × 8" of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please visit us at http:// 5" × 8" charles.ellison@morganstanley.com WM Mktthese Byrnesdifferences.

CGE LocAd www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand NA Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA,® Certified Investment Management Country Spirit • Winter 2018 www.morganstanleyfa.com/ellisonellison/ JOB INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS NOTES 440 W. Jubal Suite® and 260 SM SM © 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1375812 CS 8454708 12/15 (with Drive, graph element), Certified Investment Management Analyst.

AnalystEarly 8454708/603534282 5" × 8" CREATIvE STUDIO Winchester, VA 22601 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each 23rd Floor 5" × 8" 1585 Broadway,

Greg and Charles Ellison

24

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GRANDVIEW

Most spectacular Blue Ridge views on the market in the heart of the Warrenton fox hunting country.

Large 1st floor master, 4 bedrooms up each ensuite, formal DR, library, very spacious family room with covered porch, winter garden, staff accommodations, 3 car garage, copper roof, stone and stucco, luxurious pool and gardens, barn, pond, 40 acres in two parcels. $2,975,000 WALNUT SPRINGS

Situated on coveted Springs Road close to historic district this spacious country house features large great room with lots of glass and fireplace, library, formal DR, two master suites, conservatory, impressive two story entrance with curved staircase.

On 54 acres in two parcels with wonderful distant views, 9 stall stable, near the country club. $1,975,000 WOODLAND COTTAGE

Situated privately on two wooded 10+acre lots with long frontage on Carter’s Run. Charming timber-frame with two stone fireplaces, soaring/beamed ceilings, wide-heart pine floors, screened porch, walkout lower level to large stone patio and koi pond with fountain.

Detached garage.

Miles of hiking trails. $549,000

ARBORVITAE

COMPLETE HORSE PROPERTY

C. 1890 and 1935. Intricate brick wall patterns, massive central chimneys, double barreled ceiling in entrance hall, paneled library, LR with marble fireplace and French doors to covered patio, delicate spiral staircase situated in turret, authentic old English feel on 111 acres, stable with cottage. $2,550,000

28-acres in two parcels with 12-stall stable, regulation dressage ring, 190x110’ professional ring, outside course, four board fenced paddocks. Very spacious country house with fully independent in-law/trainer suite, huge/ finished walkout lower level, large deck and screened gazebo overlooking heated pool with waterfall. $1,195,000

HISTORIC DISTRICT COTTAGE

200-ACRES

Situated among larger historic homes this cottage has living room with fireplace and built-ins and opens to a large screen porch overlooking a rose garden and fenced rear yard. Formal DR with built-in corner cupboards, 3 Bedroom, 2 baths up, master with balcony, walk to summer concerts and town festivals. $498,000

La Finca is a fabulous country property and a veritable resort for your retreat tucked away on 200 acres of Rappahannock countryside. Impressive stone country house off a quiet lane with gated entrance near world famous Inn at Little Washington with metal roof, high ceilings, hardwood floors, many updates, solid walnut cabinetry thru-out, generator, 4 fireplaces, patios, 50x22 pool, Geo-thermal, 2 BR guest house, tennis court, pond, barn. $1,600,000

THE HIGHLANDS

OLD MILL FARM

C.1935 stone country house in giant oak and boxwood setting. Magnificent walnut and butternut paneling, elegant woodwork, 6-fps, barreled ceilings, designer kitchen with “La Cornue” range and much more. Stone 3-car garage and workshop with office, billiards room, gym and bath above. 2-bedroom guest cottage, pool, tennis court, stables, fenced pastures and pond complete this impressive 30-acre estate in superb Warrenton hunt location moments from town. $2,250,000

Extraordinary location in the fox hunting country of the Springs Valley and Warrenton Hunt. Superbly private yet three miles from Warrenton. Beautiful rolling 27 acres with strong Great Run running through. Very comfortable country house, solarium, light and bright breakfast room, 2-fireplaces, small orchard, pool, lovely distant pastoral views, generator. Very protected location. $1,200,000

the Historic District • Est 1990 Joe Allen, Broker

540-229-1770

43 Culpeper Street • Warrenton, VA 20186

540-347-3838 • www.allenrealestate.com

Tray Allen, Broker

540-222-3838 Country Spirit • Winter 2018

25

Open House at the Afro-American Ellsworth Weaver is the head of the River Bank Choir, which was formed to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s signing of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation and the 150th Anniversary of the 1862 “Crossing the Rappahannock: A Pilgrimage to Freedom:” an act of self- emancipation by slave refugees at Cow’s Ford near Tin Pot Run on the Rappahannock River.

James Davenport

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

Peter Hughes

Aaron Hughes

Historical Association in The Plains

PHOTOS BY VICKY MOON

Above, Romero Cook and Tonya Doleman Right, Emma Baptiste

Carolyn, Viola and Lucille Bland

Janette Smith

Elizabeth Roberts

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

27

Raising America’s Zoo: An excerpt from Chapter 1

S

By Kara Arundel

tanding with straight posture and looking directly at the camera, Arthur “Nick” Arundel posed with his arms tightly and protectively holding a small gorilla to his chest. The little ape also stared intently at the camera. Both seemed at ease with each other among the surrounding grass and trees in the Belgian Congo.

Nick and the young gorilla had met only a few days earlier. Before this pleasure trip in February of 1955, Nick Arundel had never held a gorilla or even been to Africa before.

The female western lowland gorilla who seemed so comfortable in Nick’s arms was born almost two years earlier in the humid, forested area of the Likouala-Mossaka region near the Congo River in French Equatorial Africa. A French mining company reportedly captured her as a six-month-old baby, killing her parents in pursuit of the infant. Nick named her Moka to honor the place of her birth.

At Nick’s feet and out of the photo’s image, a baby male gorilla played in the grass, waiting for Nick to return his playmate, Moka, to the ground. He was smaller and slightly younger—a year and a half old—and was born in the same region along the Congo River. When he was about 10 months old, native hunters trapped him. He was the only member of his family taken alive.

Nick named him Nikumba for a village in the region where he was captured.

Soon after their captures, both gorillas were turned over to French colonial government authorities who housed the young apes together. The two gorillas formed a close bond by sleeping and playing together and giving each other the attention and touch they were missing from their mothers.

Nick held Moka as the camera took several more pictures. She was timid, affec-

Nick Arundel with two baby gorillas, Moka and Nikumba, that he brought back from the.

Belgian Congo in 1955. tionate, and content to be in Nick’s arms.

Nikumba, on the other hand, did not like being separated from Moka. He was curious and needy and would violently resist, even bite, anyone who handled him independently from Moka.

The gorillas lived most of their short lives in captivity in the French Equatorial African capital of Brazzaville. Now it would be Nick who would comfort, snuggle, and hand feed the babies while escorting them out of the Congo and to their permanent home at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. It took Nick several days to find an airline willing to fly the gorillas across the Atlantic Ocean. He finally called Sabena, a small Belgian airline with a reliable history of flights in the Congo. He made a promise to the airline that if it took him and the two baby gorillas out of Africa, he would have reporters and photographers on the tarmac in New York City taking pictures of its plane.

That was the incentive the airline needed, and it agreed to fly Nick and the apes.

Nick dressed Nikumba and Moka in diapers, packed a bag full of infant formula and baby bottles, and, with a gorilla in each arm, boarded the Sabena Airlines DC-6. The apes’

closeness with each other and their tameness from being in captivity at such young ages made them excellent airline passengers as they flew away from their homeland.

When they arrived at the National Zoo, Moka and Nikumba were placed in the same small barred cage in the Small Mammal House. As newspaper photographers captured the long-anticipated moment, Nick climbed inside thecage to play with the apes. Nikumba clung tightly to Nick’s neck and wrapped his toes around his finger, as if anticipating that Nick would soon leave the cage without him. In his other arm, Moka also gripped tightly to her surrogate parent.

Nick felt accomplished. His mission was to bring gorillas to the National Zoo and with militaristic determination, he met his goal. The journey to bring the baby gorillas from Africa to the National Zoo, however, was only the beginning of dramatic changes for the young gorillas, for the zoo that would be their home for the rest of their lives, and for Nick, who at first bragged about capturing the gorillas himself, but then spent the rest of his life dedicating his time, money, and energy to improving the National Zoo and protecting future generations of wild African animals.

Nick’s devotion to Moka and Nikumba would continue. The intertwined lives of Nick, Moka and Nikumba, and the National Zoo brought national and global improvements to the compassion and conservation of captive animals and their wild relatives.

But before evolving into an internationally respected center, the zoo—and its gorillas— first had a lot of growing to do.

Reprinted with permission from Raising America’s Zoo: How Two Wild Gorillas Helped Transform the National Zoo. (Mascot Books, 2017) More information can be found at www.RaisingAmericasZoo.com or karacarundel@gmail.com.

Kara Arundel’s new book about her late father-in-law Nick Arundel, the former owner of the Fauquier Times, and his quest to bring two wild gorillas to the National Zoo.

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

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31

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Brian Ganz will celebrate Frédéric Chopin at the 11th Annual Candlelight Concert fundraiser for the Community Music School of the Piedmont on Sunday, February 18 at the Ballroom at Barton Oaks.

Community Music School of Piedmont hits all the right notes

By Sebastian Langenberg

W

32

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

hen a community is lacking that certain something, its members often come together to fill the need. That’s exactly how the Community Music School of the Piedmont started.

“It started with a bunch of moms and one music teacher in The Plains,” said Martha Cotter, executive director of CMSP. “It actually started as a children’s performing ensemble. But we had a building that Andrea Courier was kind enough to let us use.

Since we had the space we thought, ‘Well let’s have a music school.’”

They began to expand, slowly but surely.

“We had access to some music teachers and we developed a really good relationship with Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester,” Cotter said. “Then Christian Meyers, the director of music at Trinity Church, invited us up to Trinity.”

By sharing space at the Upperville church, the school was able to keep costs low, allowing it to focus on making music accessible. As the school grew, it stuck to this space-sharing model, allowing the school to continue to award more money to scholarships.

Last year they awarded an impressive $82,000 in need-based scholarships.

The goal of CMSP is to make music education as accessible as possible. In a world of school budget cuts, music classes, bands and individual instruction are often the first to go.

To combat this, CMSP also teaches in local schools.

“We teach strings at the Hill School,” Cotter said. “At the Middleburg Community Charter School, we teach general music and strings. At Powhatan, we do after-school strings and at Wakefield we also do strings.

Very frequently we partner with PTO’s for on-site after school programs.”

Learning music can be a tough process, but CMSP wants to make sure that the children are having fun. They put on one-day events and camps for kids, which fosters an atmosphere of learning and collaboration.

“When you get together with other children and make music. I mean that’s a team sport itself,” said Cotter. “In the spring we have Strings Day where junior strings players come together on a Saturday, about 25 kids, and they rehearse some of their pieces. They play cellos versus violins and then they put on a recital at the end of the day.

“The last week in June we have a chamber music camp. They do orchestral arrangements of modern pop music, which in some ways is actually harder. But they rise to the challenge.”

A great way to support CMSP is to attend their annual concert on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Barton Oaks. Brian Ganz has been invited to play his program entitled “Chopin the Traveler, Chopin the Teacher,” which is open to the public.

For more information, go to PiedmontMusic.org

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

33

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye, Call Larry Brissing

T

By Leslie VanSant

winkles was already old when we got her in 2006 when our daughter, Beatrice, was a baby. Nearly a dozen years later, the running joke around the shed row was that Twinkles was so old that that Mary rode her into Bethlehem.

Over the years, she was a great friend to Beatrice, even standing to be finger-painted by a crowd of little girls at her birthday party. She loved us. We loved her. It seemed like she’d just always keep on ticking, until that one morning in May, 2017, when she made it clear she would not.

That sad day, I was faced with the question of what to do with this pony, our friend and faithful servant.

So, I called Larry Brissing.

He owns and operates In Memoriam Pet Ser- Larry Brissing (center) with his wife Sarah holding vices in Chantilly, a “pet aftercare facility special- their youngest Edith Belle, middle child Elsie Claire izing in individual and private cremation of the and June Elaine on far right. family companion” according to the website. Services are provided for small and large animals. and rebuild their homes after a natural disaster.

Brissing arrived at the same time as the veteri“I enjoyed helping people rebuild after difficult narian. We all said our goodbyes and let Twinkles times,” Brissing said. “But I always wanted to have go. Then, gently, lovingly, respectfully, with a spe- my own business, so when my father-in-law, who is a cial plastic sled, Brissing carefully loaded her into small animal veterinarian, had this idea, it resonated.” a custom black trailer pulled by his black pick-up So he started researching pet cremation sertruck. Twinkles came home two days later in a vices. He visited other similar businesses across soft velvet bag.

“Larry is the best,” said Faith Fort, the stable the mid-Atlantic. He took classes and joined the manager at Huntland. “When it’s time to say good- International Association of Pet Cemeteries and bye, we all feel a little bit better knowing he is there.” Crematories, a global organization that develops Originally from upstate New York, Brissing holds and maintains strict standards and ethics for the a degree in wildlife management from SUNY Co- pet aftercare industry to ensure that grieving pet bleskill. He moved to Virginia in 2003, working as owners work with reputable aftercare providers.

In Memoriam opened a state-of-the-art Chanan environmental consultant, helping people recover

34

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

tilly facility in November, 2012. In addition to Brissing, there are now five carefully-chosen and trained full time staff. In Memoriam provides services to owners of large and small animals, offering private or communal cremation. In addition, there ’s a space where pet owners can hold private memorials with friends and family.

Private cremations take place within 48 hours, with the ash remains returned to the owners. Ashes are not returned after communal cremations that occur after a pet’s remains are held for seven days.

The ash from communal cremations also is being used to create a memorial garden at the Chantilly facility. The ashes are mixed with an organic compound that neutralizes the high sodium and pH of cremated ash to turn it into a safe soil base.

Brissing takes great pride in being able to provide caring, thoughtful and timely service to his clients.

“It’s an emotional time when the family companion dies,” he said. “We like to give people a chance to process the loss and then make decisions.”

“I can’t imagine working with anyone else to navigate the emotions,” said John Moore of Fairfax, who used In Memoriam when his mother’s elderly and much loved cat, Dirty, passed away. “Larry just understands how to help you through the tough times.”

For more information, contact Larry at 571–835– 0540, www.impetservices.com, or info@IMPetServices.com.

In Memoriam Pet Services 4500 Upper Cub Run Dr. Chantilly, VA 20151 571-835-0540 • IMPetServices.com

Nostalgia Shop in Purcellville Where Past is Present

By M.J. McAteer

Driving down Main Street in Purcellville it’s not difficult to notice Nostalgia. It’s the store where the tack shop used to be, with the dressed-up mannequins lounging on the front porch.

Lately, given the winter chill, they’ve been bundled up in fur-trimmed coats and boucle sweaters. In milder weather, PHOTO BY M.J. MCATEER they often sport flowery dresses Silas Redd shows off some of his that sometime flutter in the merchandise at his vintage clothing and breeze, an eye-catching sight. antiques store, Nostalgia.

So what is Nostalgia, exactly?

Most people probably would that good taste doesn’t get dated. guess either thrift store or pricFor label lovers, Redd’s inventory ey boutique, but Nostalgia’s owner, might at any time include such midSilas Redd, said it’s neither.

Vintage is different from second- century designers as Schiaparelli, hand, he said. His vintage clothes, Givenchy, and Chanel.

Women used to be a lot smaller than mostly dating from the 1950s,’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, probably have been they are now, as any vintage clothing worn, but they’re not worn. Frays, shopper can attest, but Size 2s don’t rips, saggy hems, missing buttons, sell so well anymore, and Redd has and stains don’t pass muster with made it a point to stock sizes that are Redd. He wants his clothes ready- likely to fit today’s shoppers. Plus sizes, in particular, “really snap,” he said. to-wear right out the door.

His age sometimes has been “a chal“I shy away from dumpster diving,” he said. Instead, he finds his lenge,” 28-year-old bespectacled Redd stock on monthly buying forays admitted. He could pass for a high along the East Coast. And his prices schooler, yet he’s no fashion neophyte.

One of his earliest memories is are quite reasonable, starting at about $30 for an accessory and running to sitting with his great grandmother, surrounded by fabric, and both his about $500, for a couturier coat.

“I love coats,” he said, and there grandmothers and his mother were are more than 100 in stock, including stylish influences. After earning a furs and Persian lamb. Redd’s hope is degree in fashion merchandising that by keeping his prices affordable, from Virginia Commonwealth University, he went to work in retail and he’ll occupy a retailing “sweet spot.”

“Why charge more on certain things opened Nostalgia about a year ago to satisfy his entrepreneurial instincts. just to make a bigger profit?” he said.

Redd is in his store pretty much Redd also invites browsing, with two full floors of vintage clothing and every hour that Nostalgia is open. antiques. The antiques, which tend to- He’ll also open after-hours for private ward the rustic, Redd buys on a basis events. Members of a book club, for of “what feels right.” And his offerings example, came to Nostalgia one night for men tend to run to ties and socks recently to discuss their selection, sip (new), along with the occasional bowl- wine, nibble cheese, and shop. er, trilby, or fedora. Vintage men’s wear It’s easy to imagine them trying tends to be either too downscale or too on selections from Redd’s wall of expensive for Nostalgia, he says. hats upstairs.

Besides, his real passion is womA feathered flounce of a hat, a la en’s vintage wear.

Lucy and Ethel?

“There used to be a lot more drama Or maybe a white bucket hat that in the clothes,” Redd said, approv- Twiggy could have paired with goingly, displaying a chartreuse dress go-boots? pulled from a bulging rack to make If no one actually bought anyhis point. It looks like something Pat thing, club members no doubt had Nixon might have worn. fun trying them on.

These are outfits of their time, with “Women deserve a good shopping period charm, but vintage garments can experience,” Redd said. “They deserve look contemporary, too. A little black to look good and to feel good about dress from the ’60s looks suspiciously themselves.” At Nostalgia, he is doing like a little black dress from 2018, and his best to make that happen. a lovely, rose-colored, beaded number, Nostalgia is located at 142 E. Main probably at least 40 years old, is proof St. in Purcellville. Call 540-571-8252.

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If you are considering selling I would love to talk with you our area. If you are considering selling I would love to talk with you year's top producer withestate consistent highMy yield about experience, a fresh approach to the real market. aimofisunits for aSOLD. fun, about a fresh approach to the real estate market. My aim is for a fun, Please contact Joyce Gates 540-771-7544 ~ joyce.gates@LNF.com exciting, seamless and successful selling experience.

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Historic Garden Week Comes to Middleburg in April Photos by Missy Janes

The countryside just west of Middleburg, nestled in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will come alive on April 22-23 for this year’s Historic Garden Week. The extraordinary and always-anticipated tour will feature four spectacular properties in Upperville and Paris. From an iconic Federal period mansion to a French stone farmhouse, visitors will be delighted by the diversity of these grand estates and landscapes that celebrate the open spaces of Virginia’s Piedmont.

OVOKA

Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains and commanding sweeping views of the Crooked Run Valley, Ovoka Farm is a stately and picturesque Federal manor house and estate.

Ovoka is of tremendous historical significance.

It was part of the George Carter land patent of 1731, deeding more than 3,000 acres to the son of Robert King Carter by Lord Fairfax. George Washington, who surveyed this land in 1769, later purchased acreage adjacent to Ovoka. The property also served as a temporary headquarters for both armies during the Civil War. Ovoka is a vibrant family home, with comfortable and elegant furnishing and antiques. The owners raise prized Black Angus cattle on their working farm, which is under conservation easement.

Numerous agricultural outbuildings, including an

early 19th century carriage house, orchards, mature shade trees and magnolias and boxwoods, complete the bucolic setting. The entrance and terraces surrounding the house are planted with spring bulbs.

KENILWORTH

Kenilworth is a beautiful 18th century fieldstone house with multiple stone additions over the years. The magnificent setting at the base of Ashby Gap and the colonial road over the Blue Ridge Mountains leading west to the frontier is exactly as it was during the Civil War. The fields around Kenilworth saw significant action during the Battle of Upperville in 1863.

Jacques Wertz, the world-famous Belgium landscape garden designer, was the inspiration for the owner in his landscape designs at Foxlease.

The owners are proud of a print from Harper’s Weekly dating from the Civil War that illustrates this same bucolic view.

A lovely tree-lined drive leads past a pond to a fieldstone paved circular drive at the entrance of the house. Crepe Myrtles are lined along the front of the house and the center of the circle is planted with roses and a central garden ornament. There are various beds and containers of spring bulbs around the house and are featured in the pool pavilion area behind it.

FOXLEASE FARM

Foxlease Farm is a large equestrian estate with training facilities for polo and foxhunting. The owner, with European roots, had a beautiful stone center building added to an existing 19th century house in the 1990s.

The essence of these new architectural additions is from Provence, France where the family has spent much time. Jacques Wertz, the world famous Belgium landscape garden designer, was the inspiration for the owner in his landscape designs. Wertz is known for his signature “clouds” of beautiful boxwood creating a green architecture, an impression of preserving and enhancing the spirit of place.

There’s also a weeping Kastura and a fairly extensive vegetable garden. The lovely lake, stream and waterfall are features at the back view from this spectacular house. There are fabulous outdoor entertaining spaces surrounded by peaceful green pastures.

Above, at Kenilworth, a lovely tree-lined drive leads to a fieldstone paved circular drive at the entrance of the house.

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

At Peace and Plenty, 17 significant outbuildings on the estate have been restored.

Ovoka is an excellent example of American Federal architecture and embraces neoclassical elements of design, including a graceful front portico. It is an iconic image as one travels near the Ashby Gap in Paris.

Originally a classic four-over-four bonded brick farmhouse, Peace and Plenty was transformed in 1849 into a grand example of the southern plantation manor in the Italianate style.

PEACE AND PLENTY

Driving up the long winding entry to Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook, one is immediately taken with the stunning countryside, almost unchanged since the early 1700s, when it was part of the Lord Fairfax Grant.

Originally a classic four-over-four bonded brick farmhouse, Peace and Plenty was transformed in 1849 into a grand example of the southern plantation manor in the Italianate style. The balanced, rectangular shape, the broad, low roofline, the towering central cupola, and the substantial double front doors are all hallmarks of this imposing style.

Soaring columns grace the balustrade front porch, welcoming guests into the gracious hundred-foot-long foyer and adjoining drawing rooms. The sixteen-foot ceiling, a winding staircase, beautiful millwork, fireplaces and period

Foxlease Farm is a large equestrian estate with training facilities for polo and foxhunting.

lighting fixtures lend a classic air to this thriving, 365-acre working horse and cattle farm, under conservation easement.

Paintings, silver trophies, and memorabilia throughout the house harken to a life well loved and lived in the Virginia countryside. A portrait of the glamorous owner, a three-time grand champion in the sidesaddle event at Madison Square Garden, can be seen in the grand foyer. Numerous paintings of animals attest to the owner’s fondness and commitment to the many abused and abandoned animals who now call this farm their home.

Seventeen significant outbuildings on the estate have been restored. Of particular note is the circa 1800s gothic style slave church and cemetery, and the slave quarters, which now serve as a pool house. The Cedar of Lebanon positioned in front of Peace and Plenty is over 200 years old and is a stunning specimen.

Historic Garden Week in the Middleburg area The National Sporting Library and Museum, housing world-class collections and exhibitions of fine animal and sporting art, enhances your tour in the heart of horse country, an area also filled with unique shops and quaint restaurants.

Sunday, April 22, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Advanced ticket price: $40 Day of ticket price: $50 Single site admission: $25 Children 13 and older: Full price Ages: 6-12: Half price Children 5 and under: Free Contact: Gail Clark, Chairman 585-737-2810 or gail.j.clark@gmail.com Country Spirit • Winter 2018

37

Perspectives on Childhood, Education, and Parenting “Talent is nothing but a prolonged period of attention and a shortened period of mental assimilation” – Konstantin Stanislavski

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Why is it that certain schools, teachers, or coaches develop a disproportionate number of outstanding scholars, musicians, and athletes?

What do the leaders of these “hotbeds of talent” know? What are they doing that is different from the herd?

Are their methods transferable?

Daniel Coyle’s book, The Talent Code (2009) provides an important framework to help us answer these questions.

While talent has always been viewed as something that needed to be nurtured and developed, it has also traditionally been seen as innate: either one has it or one does not. Coyle, while acknowledging the natural ability is significant, found that it plays a much smaller role than he had assumed.

There’s a remarkably effective method for developing talent, but not through quick fixes or magic potions. In fact, just the opposite – talent is developed incrementally through a great deal of effort, hard work, and discomfort.

The student must accept discomfort to learn and grow, a guiding principle that echoes the theses of Wendy Mogel’s The Blessings of a Skinned Knee and Carol Dweck’s Mindset.

Coyle learned that fully cultivating talent requires three essential conditions: ignition, deep practice, and master coaching. Think of ignition as the motivational fuel, which inspires students’ desire to belong to a high achieving group. This connection could be triggered by a love of an activity (for example, playing a musical instrument or singing), or by their admiration of other students or teachers in a school (“I want to be like them”).

Whatever the source of ignition, Coyle learned that “talent hotbeds provide a complex collection of signals—people, images, ideas—that maintain ignition for the weeks, months, and years that skill-building requires.”

The leaders of these hotbeds establish a culture of learning and growing embraced by all its members, adults and children. Everyone understands that the process of struggle and failure is not only safe, but necessary, to the development of

Tom Northrup talent. And all this takes time. There are no shortcuts, a reality that is too often antithetical to our culture’s desire for instant gratification and a painless childhood.

What roles do deep practice and master coaching play? In my mind they’re inextricably linked. Deep practice requires that the teacher consistently challenge each student at the appropriate level. The master coach “sets the bar” to enable deep practice. Highly skilled in understanding why students make mistakes, a master coach knows when to push and when to pause, reflect, and regroup.

Coyle notes that most master teachers are older, because developing coaching talent also requires time and practice. In his book, Outliers, Malcom Gladwell hypothesizes that it takes at least 10,000 hours for one to become truly accomplished in any area. Coyle’s observations of and conversations with master coaches supports the validity of this thesis.

Konstantin Stanislavski’s observation more than a century ago, while not as fully developed as Coyle’s, partially prefigures his thesis.

Stanislavski understood the importance of practice and effort (“prolonged period of attention”). What is not explained in his quotation is why talented students have a “shortened period of assimilation.”

Coyle’s explanation of the role of deep practice and master coaches completes the circle.

Tom Northrup is the Headmaster Emeritus of The Hill School in Middleburg, the school he has served since 1981.

Senator Jill H. Vogel – Legislative Update Business in the Virginia Senate continues at a diligent pace with two months to complete this year’s business. So far, we have acted on 610 bills, passing 241 and laying the groundwork for many important proposals we will study over the summer and fall.

This week, my bill extending health insurance coverage for children with autism passed unanimously out of its final committee. When I first started working on this issue in 2009, it seemed as if the weight of opposition made this insurmountable. Finally, after years of work we secured coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism through age 10. This year, I am hopeful that we finally extend this life changing coverage to age 18.

Tackling Virginia’s opioid epidemic is one of my priorities this session. My first bill on the subject required pharmacies to take back unused prescription medications, while the other helped crack down on “pill mills” through better wholesale supply chain tracking. Just this week, it was reported that 20.8 million opioid pills were shipped to one town of 2900 people in West Virginia. We have to do more to address this issue and I am proud that we made progress on both bills and look forward to further study in the year ahead, as we work with all stakeholders on getting both life-saving bills passed into law. This will help curb misuse while also protecting legitimate patients who need their medication.

This week I also presented my bill prohibiting candidates from spending campaign funds on personal expenses. Unfortunately, it did not pass in committee. I am sorry to see this ethics measure fail but I will continue working until we join the 47 other states which prohibit the practice.

Our work continues on other important issues, from relieving congestion and improving safety on I-81, to ensuring we protect agriculture, our environment, and our open spaces. In response to your concerns, we will also be hearing legislation addressing the exorbitant tolls on I-66.

In the Senate Finance Committee on which I serve, we remain hard at work drafting a fiscally responsible and balanced budget without tax hikes. With billions of dollars at stake and 508 separate budget amendments to be heard, we will examine every dollar in the budget to ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely and on our highest priorities.

For our district, I am working hard to secure funding for a new career and technical education center, a new local barracks for our state police, and additional resources to protect survivors of domestic violence among other measures.

While public attention often focuses on high profile issues which generate the most headlines, we work on bills dealing with everything from occupational licensing, to tourism promotion, to fire safety.

Whether considering big issues like our budget or transportation funding, to lesser-known issues like adoption leave benefits, we have two months to get these bills right. That’s why we spend most of our time hearing bills in committee and meeting with stakeholders and representatives from home wishing to share their input.

I urge you to contact our office any time that you have questions or concerns. I can be reached during the General Assembly session at 804-698-7527 or by email atdistrict27@senate.virginia.gov. Our office appreciates the opportunity to serve and we are very grateful for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Senator Jill Vogel PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY VOGEL FOR SENATE Country Spirit • Winter 2018

39

Running of the Sheep at

No need to go to Pamplona, Spain for the running of the bulls, instead just get up at the crack of dawn in Hamilton, Virginia for the running of the sheep. Several times a year, Alan Cochran and his wife Nancy Griffith-Cochran move the sheep as they rotate to a new field at Stone Eden Farm.

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PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE CHATFIELD-TAYLOR AND NANCY C. GRIFFITH-COCHRAN

1. Back at home base for lambing 2. Past a one room schoolhouse 3. Off they go 4. Alan Cochran, with his canine assistants, is also a stone mason 5. Over the bridge and around the bend

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Childs Burden (center) presenting Aline Day and Ann MacLeod the Mosby Heritage Hero Award to the Fauquier Loudoun Garden Club for their preservation efforts at the Goose Creek Bridge.

Dianne Beal with artist Lilla Matheson Ohrstrom at a showing of her sculptures Truth and Tales at Youngblood Studio in The Plains. Ohrstrom, a professional artist for 30 years, grew up in the area and is deeply influenced by her natural surroundings.

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS LEES.

PHOTO BY CROWELL HADDEN PHOTO BY LEONARD SHAPIRO

Forrest Stone Allen and Dr. Krishna Dass, with Allen’s service dog, Toliver, at a recent screening at the Kennedy Center of a brilliant documentary by film-maker Susan Koch, “Music Got Me Here.” It’s the remarkable and stirring story of Allen’s recovery from a catastrophic brain injury, aided by music therapist Tom Sweitzer at Middleburg’s A Place to Be.

PHOTO BY LEONARD SHAPIRO

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (center) flanked by Civil War re-enactors from Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Tom Hutt and Phil Flowers at the historic fourarch stone Goose Creek Bridge as the Fauquier Loudoun Garden Club turned over the care of the property to the Civil War Trust.

Artist Alan Rubin of Delaplane has recently published an e-edition of his latest cartoons. “Getting Ahead of Yourself” is available as a Kindle iBook. His first book of Punjabs, “Gopher Broke”, sold 35,000 copies in the printed version 30 years ago.

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A Cup of Middleburg Coffee

Joe Stettinius:

Gone Away Far Too Soon

By Sean Clancy

I always say yes.

Whenever someone asks if I can write something, I simply say yes, then figure it out later. When Len Shapiro called and emailed (seemingly at the same time) on a Saturday in early February, asking/begging for a 500-word story about the Middleburg Spring Races, the Virginia Gold Cup, and the death of Joe Stettinius, well, of course, I said yes.

Knowing I’d figure it out later.

I’m still trying to figure it out.

Shapiro said he was desperate and I can see why. He wanted my memories, my experiences from two spring jump meets and my thoughts, my words on a loss that rocked our world.

In 500 words. Sorry, Len, I’m not that good.

With Stettinius, Middleburg and Virginia Gold Cup on my mind, the only thing I could do was go to my bookshelf and start going through the years.

Some people use scrapbooks. Some use memories. Some use Google. I use American Steeplechasing, the annual yearbook that preserves the history of every horse, every jockey, every race in this crazy game we play. It’s how I mark time.

It didn’t take long to find the right year. 1984.

Joey Stettinius rode Tyragon, owned and trained by Tom Carroll, in the Middleburg opener, they finished seventh, two lengths behind twin brother, Teddy, on Lease On Life for Evan Sinclair. Two weeks later (just as it is today), Joey rode four races at the Virginia Gold Cup, the last time it was run over the rolling Broadview course, picking up a third and a fourth. There’s a perfectly framed Douglas Lees photo on the final page of the ’84 book, veteran Billy Martin on Tingle’s Image leads, ‘84 champion Jeff Teter tracks them on winner Barcalow, Mark Stickley tips I Chase The Clouds for a look and Joey Stettinius slides his reins while saving ground on outsider Hill’s Delight.

Memories.

Growing up, I idolized anybody who rode a race, reciting their wins, their losses, barely needing the steeplechase book to prove them. Joey swam somewhere in that deep pool, picking up spares at Middleburg, Virginia Gold Cup and wherever the

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Sanctioned by The National Steeplechase Association PHOTO BY SEAN CLANCY

Joe Stettinius has a special place in the steeplechase record books.

National Steeplechase & Hunt Association took him, but was always just passing through. He rode his last NSA race in November, 1984, it was never going to be his gig, he was always going to do something bigger and better than being a jump jockey.

Commercial real estate became his muse, fox hunting his outlet.

Jack Holz called Friday morning to tell me about Joey’s passing. Well, not so much as to tell me the news but to just share the grief, commiserate over another reminder of the fragility of life.

“He went hunting, had a great day and then he was gone…” Holz stammered.

“Well, it’s not a bad way to go…”

I stammered, before realizing what was wrong with that statement. I corrected it quickly, “…if it were just 30 years from now.”

Yeah, 85, after a day of hunting, that’s something to celebrate. Dead at 55, that’s something to curse. Too young, way too young.

In two months, we’ll be climbing up and down the rocks to watch the Middleburg Hunt Cup and the Temple Gwathmey at Glenwood Park. Two weeks later, we’ll brace against the crowd to watch four mikes of perfection in the Virginia Gold Cup. Sometime during those rites of spring, I’ll stop and think about Joe Stettinius, the memories of Tyragon and Hill’s Delight playing in my mind and the yearning for another 30 years burning in my heart.

Races run rain or shine.

Photo by Tod Marks

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By Leslie VanSant Sitting at a table on the Common Grounds patio in Middleburg, the world passes by at an alarming speed.

Cars rushing east and west on Washington Street. People dashing into the coffee shop for a cup of caffeine only to be quickly back on their way. Folks walking head down, into the post office, avoiding eye contact that could ignite a conversation.

In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it takes a certain level of commitment to be still for a moment and, better yet, to let go of the accumulated stress of simply living.

And these days, there’s now a relatively new space in town created to help people do just that.

The Studio at Middleburg Massage Therapy is under the soothingly capable hands of Sherri Tweed, who studied massage therapy and hydrotherapy at Florida School of Massage (FSM).

For more than 20 years, Tweed has been working her craft as a massage therapist on the backs, necks, shoulders and

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Middleburg’s Magical Hands

Lucy Nalle leads a yoga class.

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

PHOTOS BY CROWELL HADDEN

Help Heal Body and Mind

legs of Middleburg, Warrenton and points beyond. Trained in neuromuscular therapy, connective tissue therapy, Swedish massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage and ACE massage cupping, there truly isn’t a sore muscle on a tired body that she can’t help revive.

Tucked into the basement at 103 B Federal Street since 2016, it’s a truly calm, welcoming space in soothing tones of yellow, turquoise, blue and tan. A hint of lemongrass and lavender also eases the senses.

“I’ve always believed that massage fits into a whole package of caring for our bodies,” Tweed said.

“So when the studio space upstairs became available, things just naturally fell into place to create a cooperative to help us restore our bodies and spirit.”

And now, enter yoga.

“Massage and yoga complement each other,” Tweed said. “You can warm up the muscles with yoga and stretching prior to a massage, or extend the positive benefits of a massage by doing yoga after.”

Lucy Nalle took her first yoga class when she was living in Los Angeles just after college. She described a popular teacher at the studio she attended.

“It was sort of ironic,” she said. “People were running, rushing, even shoving to get a space in the class, stressed about finding a place to relax and learn.”

Nalle and Tweed have known each other for “a long time,” they said simultaneously. So when Tweed decided to expand her space, Nalle was an obvious addition. Nalle will offer a variety yoga classes for all levels on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Nalle described her approach as focused on flow and breath.

“But what matters most is that people leave feeling better than when they walked in,” she said.

Mary Ashton will be offering yoga classes on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Ashton described herself as a “senior who has studied yoga for more than 50 years” and her approach focusing on the alignment of the whole body fits with Tweed’s ideas.

“I love sharing my practice with those who have work to do and talents to share and are looking for a reliable resource for caring for themselves,” Ashton said.

Tweed summed up her vision for The Studio as a place available and open to people who need “space” to care for their bodies. She envisions other possible users of the space to include meditation classes, Pilates, reflexology, writing workshops, even children’s ballet.

“It seemed like Middleburg needed a gentle space,” she said. “And I’m happy to help provide it.”

The Studio at Middleburg Massage Therapy, is located at 103 Federal Street, Middleburg. Learn more by visiting middleburgmassage.com. Yoga classes as scheduled open to the public, massage by appointment.

Sherri Tweed, CMT CMCP ​Middleburg Massage Therapy LLC

103 B West Federal Street | PO Box 1348 Middleburg Virginia 20118 Office - 540-326-4557 | Cell - 540-878-1567 middleburgmassage.com | stweed32@gmail.com

Sherri Tweed has been alleviating stress and sore muscles on backs, necks, shoulders and legs for 20 plus years.

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Spring Open House: April 16th Visit www.wakefieldschool.org or call (540) 253 7600 to learn more Country Spirit • Winter 2018

45

Jennie Darlington’s Antarctic Adventure Frozen in Time

By Jennie Darlington with Michael Parfit

Finn Ronne did not have much respect for the people he brought with him. But respect is not just important to receive. It is also important to give, even if it is not returned.

I looked at the rubber boat. No, I thought. I don’t need to do this to them. I went back down to my cabin. Don took the rubber boat to the shore without me.

Looking back, this decision set something up. It had a lot to do with the woman I was and would become.

And it helped me get through the tumultuous year in Antarctica that had only just begun.

There was no one here to help me, or to help any of us. In Antarctica there was no government, no older generation, no broad-based culture to keep a net of good behavior wrapped around our instincts and our choices.

We were on our own. Everything that happened now would be by our decisions alone.

I was starting to recognize that the harshness of the landscape, the darkness of winter, the coldness of the air, and the snarl of the wind would not be as difficult for us to handle as the human nature we brought with us to the white sheet of the unwritten continent.

Second of Two Parts

Excerpted from a manuscript of “Antarctic Woman,” a soon-to-bepublished book. Jennie Darlington, a long-time Middleburg area resident who lived for many years at Chilly Bleak Farm in Rectortown and Palm Beach, died on August 30, 2017 at age 93.

O

n the deck, dogs barked. On the launch, the official First Woman to set foot on Antarctica wrestled a winter parka she didn’t need in this Antarctic summer weather except for the photos.

Finn Ronne, our expedition leader, was impatient. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

That’s how he was.

But on the other side of the ship, two men in the little rubber landing craft were getting ready to take supplies to another part of the rocky beach. One of the men, the expedition’s doctor, Don McLean, saw me on the deck.

Don was part of a hidden rebellion that had already started against what many of us saw as harsh and sometimes bizarre leadership behavior by Ronne. Now Don saw a chance to steal some of Finn’s thunder.

The late Jennie Darlington at Chilly Bleak Farm in 2016.

“Jump on, Jen,” I remember him saying quietly. “We’ll just zing in and get you there first.” He grinned.

I hesitated. Slipping me onto the beach was a nice idea, a laugh up our sleeve at this posturing about history. But putting Jackie Ronne, Finn’s wife, on the beach as the first Antarctic woman was part of a dream of recognition as an explorer that Finn had always pursued. Finn was our leader. Why should we try to thwart his dream?

Yet I wanted to, even though I

think it is abhorrent to want to hurt someone else’s dream. I’m ashamed to say it now, but I wanted to. And there lies the mostly secret heart of the story of our expedition, and the reason the decision I had to make was so hard.

I thought about it, and I thought about it. Don waited. I looked down at the dark rubber boat and the bright bits of ice, and at the nearby black rocks of Antarctica.

To me, respect is an important thing. It was already evident that

The next issue of

comes out

April 11th!

P iedmont m edia

, LLC

Winter 2018

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

July 2017 Spring 2017 Winter/Spring 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

o Buddhists and

Fall/Winter 2016

Friends

o Local Authors IN THIS ISSUE: o Middleburg Mayor Betsy Davis

o Jill Vogel in the Country Spirit

o Heavenly Fruitcakes in the Air o There’s Music

Arboretum o Polly Rowley’s Tribute o Randy Rouse: A and A o Sandy Lerner Q

IN THIS ISSUE:

o Saving the Elephants o Afro-American Museum o A Horse in Motion

Andy Bozdan, huntsman of Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, and his wife, Erin Wakefield Bozdan, whipper-in.

IN THIS ISSUE: o All About Art

Artists Robin Hill and Lynne Donovan are among the gifted masters of the area art scene

Katy Tyrrell, executive director of the Middleburg Community Center.

o An Iconic Builder o Sweet Charity Ears o Music to Their 1 o Walls of Stone

Olivia Wagner White and Vogel Are Wheeling Toward The Hunt on Country Stable Tour Memorial Day Weekend.

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1

PHOTO BY MIDDLEBURG PHOTO

At the Side Saddle Café for Happy Hour: Julie Kucks, Bernadette Boland and Samantha Ranker.

SCENE

35

PHOTO BY VICKY MOON

Jim Fitzgerald on his fabulous Badger at his Chilly Bleak Farm.

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Elizabeth Epley had at a trunk show of her stunning jewelry designs.

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Paul Cronin and Ginny Hunter at the Grace Episcopal Church Concert Series featuring the Peter and Will Johnson Jazz Trio in The Plains.

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Jerry Ann Dade, Rev. Phillip Lewis and Patty Nicoll prepared and delivered holiday baskets at Mt. Pisgah Church in Upperville.

Margaret Littleton, Helen Wiley, Gail Wofford, Barbara Augenblick, Tillie Cassidy, Beth Milner, Barbara Wilson and Judy Washburn past chairmen of the Hill School Auction gathered to present a BBQ dinner at Buchanan Hall to Nicky Perry and Andrew Stifler, the highest bidders for a Country Western party.

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T H E O F F I C I A L B A K E RY O F G R E AT M E A D OW Country Spirit • Winter 2018

47

By Emily Tyler

It’s a new year and I’d like to encourage you to break out of your routine and explore local international grocery outlets. In general, they carry a vast assortment of familiar and exotic fresh produce and a dizzying array of sauces, noodles, grains and condiments - all at reasonable prices. Don’t be intimidated by keeping ingredients and recipes authentic, cooking is an adventure and if it peaks your interest bring it home. Where else can you take an adventure without investing quite a bit of money?  Roasted Japanese Eggplant and Friend Paneer

Japanese eggplant is long and slender and has beautiful light purple tender skin. Cut it into 1” pieces and toss with oil – roast for about 25 minutes until golden and season to taste. Paneer, which is a fresh cheese, popular in south Asian countries, is similar to farmers cheese can be quickly pan fried without melting, just dice it into cubes and sauté with oil until lightly browned. Finish with cilantro, Sriracha, and lime and top with lightly dressed greens for a fabulous salad.

48

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

 Moroccan Harissa and Chicken Thighs

Harissa is a delicious blend of chili peppers, olive oil, preserved lemon, paprika, coriander, cumin, and garlic. This condiment is so packed with flavor just a few tablespoons transforms any dish. Toss chicken thighs with Harissa to coat, add chunks of bell peppers and carrots to roast on the same sheet pan at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.

 Roasted baby Bok Choy and miso glaze

 Red Curry Paste and Coconut Milk

 Pea Shoots and Kumquats

 Chinese Broccoli and Hoisin

Miso is fermented soybeans and the lighter the color, the milder the flavor. It is an umami boost to any dish. Baby Bok Choy is cheap and adorable, how can you resist. Cut the Bok Choy lengthwise and toss with oil, Roast for about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees and glaze with equal parts miso paste and melted butter and a squeeze of lemon. Sriracha is a nice touch too

These delicate little sprouts have a tender sweet flavor of peas and a nice all by themselves or added to any other salad green.

Kumquats can be eaten skin and all and make a bright clean dressing. Combine in a blender - 12 kumquats, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ cup rice vinegar –blend until smooth, then with the blender going slowly add ¾ cup of avocado oil to emulsify. Drizzle this dressing over the pea shoots – try adding avocado, roasted beets and some fresh dill.

These two items you should always keep in your pantry. Red curry paste (about 2 tablespoons) mixed with a can of coconut milk will become the base to any vegetable and/or meat curry which you simmer in this combination – I recommend sautéing onions and garlic, add curry paste, coconut milk, potatoes, red bell pepper, simmer until almost tender - then add raw cubes of chicken breasts and a handful of frozen baby peas and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked. Serve with cilantro.

A slightly bitter cousin to regular broccoli and stands up well to the sweetness of the hoisin. Boil for about 4 minutes, drain and toss with a combination on hoisin, Tamari, and a dash of sesame oil.

Local locations International Grocery Chains:

Lotte Plaza Market – Ashburn, Centerville and Chantilly Global Food – Ashburn and Manassas

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

49

A Little Local

African-American History

By Sebastian Langenberg

BARBARA PAGE She grew up in the hamlet of Willisville near Upperville in Loudoun County. Thirty years ago, Page moved to Berryville in Clarke County. Forty years ago she started to help her cousin out catering weddings.

Eventually, she became the queen of ham biscuits. “Every time I turn around someone is asking me: ‘Can you make a few dozen for me?’” she said. Last year, she made more than 2,000, including 600 during

Christmas. “It’s like crazy,” said Page, 79.

She gets the country ham-pre sliced from a local country store. She makes the biscuits from scratch. The secret, she said, is in the last step. She coats the top of the biscuits with honey butter. “It helps the salt flavor better.” The best part of her work she noted is “once they’re finished.” The 2018 price is $12.50 per dozen. Order early. After all, no Virginia party is complete without them.

PHOTO BY CROWELL HADDEN

BRYAN FOX Bryan Fox is a home-grown jazz star.

Fans of his music are just as likely to see him playing at The Red Horse in Middleburg on a Friday night as they are at President Barack Obama’s inauguration with Stevie Wonder or at Michael Jordan’s wedding. Born and raised in Middleburg, he still lives in town. He’s been interested in music his whole life. “I started the base first when I was eight or nine,” Fox said. “Then I graduated to the guitar. After that I

learned to sing and finally play the drums.”

After starting his working career as a groom working at the Middleburg Training Center, Fox got his big musical break at 22 and hasn’t looked back since. “It was in this place in Old Towne Alexandria called The Alamo,” he said. Playing three or four times a week, he was able to quit his “day job.” His favorite thing about Middleburg?

“It’s quiet.” Save for all that sweet jazz.

DELTONE MOORE “Please just call me ‘Tone,’” Deltone Moore has said. He’s the owner of the Popcorn Monkey shop in Middleburg at 101 West Federal. A lifelong devotee of the popped maize, he came upon the idea of creating different flavors, all making perfect party favors. Consider these sweet tastes: banana, blueberry, caramel, cherry, cornfetti, grape, green apple, orange or dark chocolate with sea salt. And then there are the hints of savory: blue cheese, buffalo wing, PHOTO BY VICKY MOON

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

butter, Cajun, cheddar, dill, loaded potato, ranch and more. Tone also has a location at 9401 Main Street, Suite 101 in Manassas.

“When I was a kid, I’d go to ball games or the circus with family and friends and I always had a bucket of popcorn,” he said about the name of his business. “Monkeys were often a part of the fun for me at the circus and they represent warm memories while munching on my favorite snack.”

DWIGHT GRANT “I grew up in and around Middleburg, and I was born in Washington, D.C.” said Dwight Grant, owner of Salon Aubrey for Men and Women on West Washington Street in Middleburg. Grant’s ties to the area go very deep. “On my dad’s side of the family we have traced back our ancestry to a slave who was brought to Marshall by John Marshall,” Grant said. “And on my mom’s side, we were able to trace her an-

cestry to a slave owned by James Monroe’s family on a farm in Leesburg. I’m basically in the middle now.” Grant originally wanted to be in the ministry and studied theology. He realized that his true passion was to become a barber. “I like that this business is one of a series of businesses that has been in this space,” Grant said. “They make sure that all the services in this town are just a little bit old fashioned.”

PHOTO BY VICKY MOON

LEO GRANT Leo Grant, owner of Mold Me Fitness, grew up in the townhouses on Pelham Court in Marshall. “We had a whole crowd of kids doing all kinds of backyard sports,” he said.

Grant moved to Warrenton and received as B.A. in Theology from Life Christian University at the Amissville campus. Grant, who is related to Dwight Grant, travels extensively. “I’ve been to Australia, many places in Africa. I’ve been to South Africa six or seven times, and Tanzania too,” he said.

He found his way into personal training almost by accident. “I was looking for a job, and started working at Old Town Athletic Club in Warrenton.” The owner encouraged him to try it as a profession and he’s now been a personal trainer for over ten years.

He bought his business in March 2017 and has a motto: “Your Will, Your Way.” He loves the town because “it’s very peaceful,” he said. “The people are very nice. It just suits the personal trainer studio.”

PHOTO BY SEBASTIAN LANGENBERG

SHEILA JOHNSON Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila Johnson is a 20-year resident of Middleburg. As a film producer, she launched the village into an international movie Mecca by starting the widely-respected Middleburg Film Festival. She’s the founder and owner of Salamander Resort & Spa on the edge of the village, the 340-acre flagship of her resort holdings which opened in 2013. The hospitality company includes golf resorts as well as management services for other properties. Johnson is vice chair-

man of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and president and managing partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. She is the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals and also on the board of the U.S. Golf Association. “I’m honored to give people from all over the world one more reason to visit this very special region,” said Johnson, also an accomplished concert violinist.

PHOTO BY VICKY MOON

TUTTI PERRICONE A Middleburg native who now lives in Marshall, she’s also an extraordinary caterer and a magnificent entertainer. Tutti started working in a local restaurant as a dishwasher, then waitress and finally bookkeeper. She opened her own business in 1991, now known as Back Street Catering. “I never had formal training in cooking,” she has said. “I learned a lot through observation. I love food, we have a personal relationship.” She also has a personal

relationship with music. A gospel singer as a young girl and a star in countless local productions, she’s known locally as a “culinary diva.”

After preparing the lunches at Middleburg Academy or cooking a birthday party meal or elegant poolside party, she changes clothes and joins a jazz trio or sings Happy Birthday dressed as Marilyn Monroe to a thoroughly enchanted gathering.

PHOTO BY VICKY MOON

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

51

The Studio

MIDDLEBURG

Tanya Gabrielian

Yoga Pilates Movement Awareness Group & Private Sessions Massage Therapy

SHERRI TWEED OWNER/MASSAGE THERAPY MARY ASHTON YOGA | LUCY NALLE YOGA MARIE COLANDREA YOGA/PILATES/MASSAGE THERAPY CATHERINE WYCOFF FELDENKRAIS, AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT

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www.middleburgmassage.com 52

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

Romance In The Air for Grace Church Piano Performance

By Leonard Shapiro

It took a dangerous maneuver and a serious head injury in a martial arts class, followed by two surgeries and a month in the hospital to push then 18-year-old Tanya Gabrielian into re-dedicating herself to making the sort of beautiful music she’d been producing since the age of three.

That’s when her parents started her off with piano lessons. Neither one was particularly musical, “but it was something they just wanted me to do,” Gabrielian said from her home in New York City. “I think they realized you have to start young with any instrument. And I just stuck with it.”

On Sunday, March 11 at 5 p.m., Gabrielian, a California native, Julliard-trained and proclaimed by the Times of London as a “pianist of powerful physical and imaginative muscle,” will perform at the Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains as part of its long-running concert series.

Gabrielian has never been to this cozy Northern Virginia venue, but has plenty of experience performing on some of the world’s grandest stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Sydney Opera House. Her program here is titled “Romantic Relations” and will feature works of Chopin, Gershwin and Rachmaninoff.

Growing up in the Bay area, she graduated from high school at age 16 and initially thought she wanted to be involved in the medical profession “because every human being should

help each other.”

She entered Harvard to study biomedical engineering, then took a year off to study music in London, where she suffered that serious head injury. She also grew to realize that martial arts disaster occurred mainly because she had deliberately avoided landing on her hands and jeopardizing her piano playing.

“What’s the point of living, what’s the point of existence,” she once told an interviewer. “We’re trying to make the world a better place and (playing the piano) is the way that I know how to do that.”

She’s also passionate about playing for people with mental illness, including work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It began with a series at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in her neighborhood in New York City.

The pieces she played were written by composers who suffered from mental illness themselves, and had been stigmatized during their lifetimes. For example, Beethoven, who likely would now be diagnosed as bipolar, had many of his own writings destroyed after he died because of what she described as “the “very negative view of life” they portrayed.

She talks about their illnesses during those concerts to counteract “this whole cliche of ‘the artist suffers,’ “ she said. “That’s the opposite of the point I’m trying to make.”

Her program in The Plains will be far different.

“It’s a very happy program,” she said. “I’m excited to be there.”

Making a Duel Point With Middleburg Academy’s Fencing Team

By Colley Bell IV

Before going to Middleburg Academy, I never thought much about fencing.

So few high schools in this area offered the sport that when I first heard the school had a fencing team, I wondered if it involved students dueling with light sabers.

Three years later, I know better. I’ve learned two disciplines—epee and foil fencing—and our team has doubled in size. We’re coached by a talented former Ivy League fencer and host some of the only high school fencing tournaments in the area. In short, the sport at Middleburg Academy is thriving.

It started as a club formed by Jack Kaylor, an alumnus and former prefect. It continued for three years under the guidance of Eric Hennigar, a faculty advisor, until fencing gained enough support from the administration to become a varsity sport.

This year, Turner Smith is our new head coach.

He’s a former collegiate fencer and graduate of Princeton who served in the Army after college and then, after a very long hiatus from the sport, took it up again following a distinguished career as an attorney specializing in environmental law.

Coach Smith and several other veteran fencers also are starting a club at Middleburg Academy that’s seeking new members of all ages and genders, no matter what their experience. (For further information, contact Coach Smith at tsmith@ rstarmail.com or 540-687-8023.)

During our varsity practices, Coach Smith often tells us about how his college team prepared

Middleburg Academy fencing coach Turner Smith (right) with sophomore Spencer Hutchens, a first year member of the team. for competitions. Last month, we participated in a three-school tournament against Georgetown Prep and Gonzaga College High School, with several more events scheduled.

“The team this year is young, but is working hard, learning fast, and gaining experience rapidly.” Coach Smith said. “In our first meet, they

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fenced two older, more experienced teams from well-established fencing programs at Georgetown Prep and Gonzaga, and did very well. I’m proud of them for what they’ve done so far, and I know they’ll continue to improve.”

After the tournament, team captain Yan Huang was definitely excited about our team’s performance.

“Everyone is doing so well and so much better than at the beginning of the season,” he said. “All of us love fencing, and you can see the seriousness on the fencers’ faces.”

Coach Smith’s passion for the sport and the support of Eric Hennegar have allowed the team to make great strides. Personally, unlike other sports I participate in—cross country and tennis— fencing has appealed to me because of its strategy and reliance on quick reflexes. All the different maneuvers also add to the thrill of the sport, and the enjoyment from practicing and competing has made me want to continue for as long as possible.

Our co-ed team is made up of a wide range of fencers from all grades and experience levels.

Three veteran members from the previous year have returned, Sam Justen ‘20, Yang Huang ’19, Amelia Baugh ’20. They’re joined by newcomers Peter Tot ’21, Forbes Condon ‘21, and Spencer Hutchens ’20.

“Though the team lost our valuable junior and senior fencers from last year,” Huang said, “with many new fencers, we’ve somehow managed to move on so well without the more experienced fencers.”

(Colley Bell IV lives in Middleburg and is a junior at Middleburg Academy.)

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Country Spirit • Winter 2018

53

A Fascinating Film from Tom Davenport on a Long Ago Local Lynching

By Leonard Shapiro

Tom Davenport has come a long way since he left Yale University in 1961 to teach English in Hong Kong.

More than half a century later, the Delaplane native who still lives on the family farm is considered one of America’s premier film documentarians, as evidenced by his latest and arguably most controversial production.

It’s called “The Other Side of Eden,” a story also chronicled in a book, “The Last Lynching in Fauquier County” by veteran reporter Jim Hall and released in 2016. Davenport’s riveting and obviously disturbing film documents the 1932 lynching of Shedrick Thompson.

The story of the lynching, Davenport said, “was generally known in the black community for many years.” And Rev. Alphonso Washington, a 104-year-old minister from Hume also profiled in this issue of Country Spirit and who is still alive, provided valuable assistance to the author and the film-maker.

The film will be screened at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Thursday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. Both Davenport and Hall will attend and discuss their work

and take questions from the audience.

The book and film focus on the story about Shedrick Thompson, a black farmhand who, on July 17, 1932, allegedly abducted and raped Mamie Baxley, a 35-year-old white woman who lived in Hume and still has relatives in the same area. There was an intense manhunt, without any success until two months later. At that point, Thompson’s decaying body was found hanging from an apple tree not far from the Baxleys’ home.

Davenport had been working on an unrelated film about the folklore of nearby Markham and said he’d heard about the lynching a number of times. He began doing some preliminary filming, and about six years ago learned that Hall, a veteran reporter in Fredericksburg, was working on a book on the same subject.

Davenport is properly proud of the documentary, which also can be viewed on a wonderful website he founded and launched (www.folkstreams.net) 15 years ago. It’s now a repository for close to 300 films about North American and world folklore and folklife, as well as written material.

“In 2002, I realized that the internet was an invaluable thing,” Davenport said. “Back then, if you were not

on network or cable TV, you were invisible. With the internet, you could have something like a public library in the sky. We started before YouTube. We’re also curated, which YouTube is not. The site is a national treasure and it has all the important films about American folklore.”

Including many of about 20 films made by Davenport.

The Yale University alumni magazine wrote recently that “the films range in length from a few minutes to more than an hour, and anyone with an Internet connection can view them all for free. It’s easy to lose track of time watching documentaries about preaching in the Virginia Blue Ridge, logging in backwoods Maine, eating salamanders at a Pennsylvania frat house, and singing the blues in the Mississippi Delta.”

Some film-makers intitially “were resistant to the idea of the internet,” Davenport said of the website. “They had worked so hard on these films, they were their babies and they weren’t sure about it. I’d say to them ‘do you realize you your film is probably already on YouTube?’ Now anyone can see them Folkstreams” and that’s good for everybody.”

Davenport’s film “The Other Side of Eden” was inspired by Jim Hall’s book “The Last Lynching in Fauquier County.” The film will be shown at The Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Thursday, March 1.

Filmmaker Tom Davenport

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1. Cathy Giambalvo, Amy Savell and John Smith in the winner’s circle for cooking awards.

Contact us for more information or to schedule an observation: (540) 253-5025 or office@mountainsidemontessori.com.

Please visit our website at www.mountainsidemontessori.com

2. Lizzie Rock 3.

3. Mike Long, MFH Bull Run Hunt welcomes the members and guests 4. Newlin Humphrey, Nika Ackenbom and Autumn Rogers

4.

5. Brian Cobb, Cynthia Monshower, Judith Draper, Randall Perrire, Alec Adams, Betty Adams, Jeffrey and Shelly Wygant

Family friendly club Limited space available for Summer memberships Summer Memberships:

Pool & Grille August Tennis Junior Tennis Camp

Full Memberships:

Tennis Dining Fitness Swimming Club House Special Events

5.

Contact: Vaughn Gatling, General Manager Middleburg Tennis Club (540) 687-6388 ext. 34

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REAL Estates:

The entrance to main house at Belvedere.

Belvedere features 10,000 square feet of comfortable living space

Belvedere is a gracious home influenced by stately Tudor design and Old World French country taste.

Located to the west and a bit north from the village of Middleburg, the main house features five bedrooms. A carriage house accommodates guests or live-in family. The gourmet kitchen includes Thermador appliances, a butler’s pantry, a six-burner commercial gas stove, multiple dishwashers, a Sub Zero refrigerator, an in-island prep sink, and a warming oven. There is every amenity imaginable, and each in immaculate condition.

The kitchen boasts a casual breakfast nook with a built-in three-desk homework area, and the family room incorporates a wood-burning fireplace.

The ceilings are high and the rooms are large, yet 56

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

juxtaposed into closeness conducive to family life.

Formal areas include the open dining room and the grand living room. Both are generous in scale and benefit from the two-story floor-to-ceiling window display of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. Additionally, the main level includes a music room, an adjacent billiard room complete with custom built cherry and leather bar, three fireplaces, coffered ceilings, and random width rustic cherry floors.

The northwest end of the home has a charming brick screened-in porch adorned with a wood burning fireplace and a gourmet gas grill. The three finished stories generate approximately 10,000 square feet of living space but the atmosphere remains comfortable.

The four bedrooms upstairs each feature a walkin closet and a private en-suite bath. A large home office is located just off the master bedroom suite.

The first lower level includes a guest bedroom alongside a full bath, recreational room, dance studio and exercise facility, as well as another half-bath. The rear of the house is graced with several porches and terraces showcasing western views of the mountains. The home was built to accommodate both comforts of daily life as well as large-scale entertaining. The space is luxurious, but privately situated on 27 pristine acres.

Listed at $1,950,000 million by Helen MacMahon of Sheridan MacMahon Realtors in Middleburg (540-687-5588), info@sheridanmacmahon and sheridanmacmahon.com.

1.

1. The rear of the house is

graced with several porches and terraces and a vast flawless lawn.

2. British inspired gardens complete the back terrace area.

3. The gourmet kitchen

includes high end appliances, butler’s pantry and an inisland prep sink.

4. The grand living room is

2.

generous in scale and benefits from the two-story floor-toceiling window display.

3.

4.

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Mosby Heritage Makes History Come Alive for Adults and Students

By Leonard Shapiro

Looking for a community bank with friendly faces & excellent customer service?

Call or stop by today!

At Sonabank we understand the value of personal service and the need for technologically advanced banking, that is why we offer convenient banking hours at our branch locations across Virginia and Maryland, as well as 24/7 banking with our ATMs, SonaOnline and SonaMobile App! Sonabank has a full line of services for both personal and business banking, including cost-saving checking accounts, high-yield savings plans and a number of loan programs to fit your needs. Call or stop by today to find out what Sonabank can do for you or your business!

We look forward to hearing from you!

01/17

58

10 West Washington Street • Middleburg, VA 20118 540-687-3893 • www.sonabank.com

Country Spirit • Winter 2018

For Jennifer Moore, executive director of the Mosby Heritage Area Association, an appreciation for history began back at Loudoun Valley High, with one special teacher inspiring her to make it her life’s work. Two decades later, he played a pivotal role in elevating Moore to her current position.

The teacher was Rich Gillespie, the former executive director of Mosby Heritage, who retired in January, 2017. He recommended that Moore, already working in the association’s circa-1826 building in Atoka, take his place in an organization founded in 1995 by Childs Burden and the late Janet Whitehouse.

A native of Hamilton, Moore fondly recalled that long-ago project assigned in Gillespie’s 11th grade American history class that led to her passion for preservation, with an emphasis on Loudoun, Fauquier and many surrounding counties.

“He would have these extra credit projects,” she said. “One was to photograph different kinds of architecture —federal, Victorian. That got me all around Hamilton and Purcellville. And his class made me look at the larger story of history and how it related to this area.”

Moore studied (what else?) history at Mary Washington, and after graduation took her first job at the Waterford Foundation, managing its historic properties. After four years, she moved to the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, then was recruited by Gillespie to join Mosby Heritage. When he retired, she was the natural choice to succeed a man who now is its Emeritus Historian.

Moore, 36, heads an equally young staff she said is “taking a vibrant approach to history education.” They’ve developed many programs, both for adults and area students. And while Col. John H. Mosby was a legendary and controversial Confederate fighter in the Civil War, Moore is particularly proud that, “we give them a very objective, balanced view and talk about both sides. There’s definitely no glorification.”

Because her staff is steeped in history and technology, they use all manner of digital platforms, as well as more conventional methods, to spread their message. The Mosby Heritage motto says it best: “Preser-

Jennifer Moore vation Through Education.”

“One of the goals,” she said, “is to teach school children about the history of this area so that they’ll possibly grow up to be preservationists themselves.”

Moore, director of education Kevin Pawlak and special events coordinator Travis Shaw also have a developed illuminating programs for adults, from an annual Civil War Conference to house tours, historicon-site lectures, driving tours of the area and even guided trail rides. Last year, more than 1,500 took part.

They also do presentations at many area schools, programs geared toward elementary, middle and high school students. In 2016-17, over 5,000 children were exposed to all that history, and not just the Civil War. It’s all about American history, from the Revolutionary War through Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era. Mosby Heritage also has student field trips, including the “Aldie Triangle” encompassing Mt. Zion Church, the Aldie Mill and Oak Hill, President James Montroe’s home.

The Atoka headquarters is now undergoing major renovation, attempting to make it more accessible, including a first floor orientation center.

“Once you learn about the history, you can’t forget what happened here and just bulldoze it down,” Moore said. “If you don’t know what happened, you won’t care about it.”

Mosby Heritage Area Association

P.O. Box 1497 Middleburg VA 20118 Physical Address: 1461 Atoka Road, Marshall VA 20115 540-687-6681 | info@mosbyheritagearea.org

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JOHN COLeS

“ Specializing in Large Land Holdings” OAkeNdALe

rALLYwOOd

wAverLY FArM

THe PLAiNS ~ Oakendale Farm is the epitome of an exquisite virginia hunt country estate in prime Orange County Hunt territory. From the william Lawrence Bottomley designed Manor house to the meticulously manicured gardens, grounds, dependencies and the hundreds of acres of surrounding pastures with protected view-sheds.

837 acres @ $17,990,000 ~ 333 acres @ $8,990,000

THe PLAiNS ~ world class equestrian facility comprised of 115 Acres in the OCH Territory. The u shaped complex encompasses an 80’ x 180’ lighted indoor riding arena connected by a breezeway to the 12 stall center-aisle barn and extraordinary living and entertaining quarters overlooking the outdoor ring.

Additional structures include tenant houses and large heated equipment barn. $4,750,000

MiddLeBurg~A graceful & charming 5 bedroom French Country home is set amongst nearly 40 serene acres enhanced by majestic trees, rolling lawns and fenced paddocks. This property also includes a 7 stall center-aisle barn with office, additional 4 stall barn with apartment, indoor arena, and tremendous ride out potential. Located in the Orange County Hunt Territory. $3,200,000

greeN gArdeN

LANdMArk

BLACk rOCk

uPPerviLLe ~ c.1823, with a stunning tree lined entrance, offers one of the grand manor homes on 34+ acres in the famed horse country of upperville. recently renovated, the home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living areas. Porches, gardens, barns, paddocks, riding arena, pond, pool and magnificent views from the Bull run to Blue ridge Mountains. $3,200,000

THe PLAiNS~Stone posts and walls mark the entrance to the 133 acre country estate of Landmark.

As the driveway gently rises, curves and then circles in front of the handsome two-story stone manor house, one notices that the home is sited perfectly to enjoy the expansive mountain views from the Bull run to the Blue ridge. The setting for this four bedroom, four bath residence is further heightened by the massive boxwoods and the stately trees. $2,790,000

HuMe~great elevation, fantastic views, open land, woodlands and river frontage on the rappahannock river. 726.66 acres in 14 parcels, all of which are 50 acres or larger.

Accessed from Hume road and from Black rock Ford. Mixed game for hunting. great opportunity for tax credits. $2,979,306

deSTiNAire FArM

MOuNTviLLe rd

ridgeview FArM

HuMe ~ impeccably maintained, this is an exquisite 118 acre horse farm with ten fields and paddocks of 4 board fencing, gently rolling land and panoramic views of the Blue ridge Mountains with glimpses of Skyline drive. in addition to the stucco and stone main residence, there are guest and tenant homes, numerous barns and run-ins to house 25 horses comfortably, and an indoor dressage ring. $2,750,000

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE (540) 687-6500 60

Middleburg, virginia 20118

MiddLeBurg ~ 145+ acres of land in sought after location on Mountville road near Foxcroft School.

Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000 feet of goose Creek frontage. Minutes from Middleburg with easy access to dulles international Airport and washington dC. Middleburg Hunt Territory. $2,465,250

540-270-0094

THe PLAiNS~ The lovely 22.8 Acre ridgeview Farm offers a private, 4 bedroom residence sited on a knoll, with spacious rooms and views into the trees that border Little river. Located in prime Orange County Hunt territory the horse facilities include a 6 stall barn with tack room and wash stall, machine shed, run in shed and 4 beautiful board fenced paddocks, fields and round pen. vOF easement. $1,095,000

www.Thomas-Talbot.com

Country Spirit • Winter 2018 Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.