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your complete home resource guide and lifestyle magazine
Swing in to Spring
Essex • Northern Neck • Middle Peninsula • Gloucester • Richmond • Williamsburg
On Painted Wings Butterflies
IN THE
A Blooming Business
Floral Flavors
GARDEN
2018 Historic
Garden Week Randall J. Kipp Architecture Doing a Little Window Shopping www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com
DREAM
CATCHERS A Safe Haven for Special Needs
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PUBLISHER James L. Blanks EDITOR Janet Evans Hinman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda Barnes Captain Bob Cerullo Janet Evans Hinman Jackie Nunnery Deb Weissler ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Kirstin Canough ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES James L. Blanks: 804-929-1797 Chris Pierson: 804-393-2849 JLB Publishing, Inc. P. O. Box 2564 • Tappahannock, VA 22560 Office: 804-929-1797 • Fax: 1-888-747-2267 thehouseandhomemag@gmail.com
The House & Home Magazine is a free, four-color publication that specializes in providing home ideas, real estate, and lifestyle articles. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from JLB Publishing, Inc. The information contained herein are opinions of sources and interviews. JLB Publishing Inc. claims no reliability or accuracy to any information contained within. The House & Home Magazine is published for reference purposes only and is not materially responsible for errors. The House & Home Magazine is published bimonthly and is distributed at over 500 locations throughout Essex, Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Gloucester, Richmond, and Mechanicsville as well as subscriptions, direct mail, and trade shows.
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Contents
The House & Home Magazine • April/May 2018
14 On Painted Wings What’s in a name?
54 Dorn’s Body & Paint 74 Dream Catchers A half-century of experience
20 Historic Garden Week 56 Doing a Little 36 King and Queen Window Shopping Courthouse Tavern Museum 60 Swing in to Spring In the garden 40 Randall J. Kipp Architecture 66 Safe at Home Avoiding common 42 Floral Flavors household hazards Are a blooming business
48 Virginia’s First Emancipator
And his Deed of Gift
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as you age
A Safe Haven for Special Needs
80 Acme Antiques And a makeover takeover
84 Fine Properties 94 Emergency Care That is ready even when you are not
71 Williamsburg Taste Festival
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Painted Wings ON
By Deb Weissler
W H AT ’ S I N A N A M E ?
Giant Swallowtail
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hey are neither made of butter nor are they flies. Worldwide, there are approximately 28,000 species. Some are the size of a teacup, while others so tiny they can fit on the head of a tack. North America is home to 725 varieties, and Virginia hosts almost 150. Many know no borders. For all the ones you see and can identify, a host of others are rarely seen or recognized. Meet Lepidoptera, whose family includes butterflies and moths, and whose name means they have wings covered with scales
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The Anglo-Saxons used the word ‘butterfloege’ to describe their most common butterfly, the Yellow Brimstone. The name traveled to the British Isles and later to the American colonies. What began as a visual description took on negative connotations during those dark, superstitious sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in parts of America. People claimed that at night witches turned into winged creatures and stole their butter. In other cultures, the butterfly’s name meant ‘licker of milk’ and milk thief. The ancient Greeks were kinder, calling them ‘Psyche’ or soul, and many cultures still believe that when we die, our April/May 2018
souls rise to Heaven as butterflies. In France they are called Papillion. Those famous French parking tickets, printed on large pieces of yellow paper, are also called ‘papillion’, as they flutter and flap in the wind like a large, yellow butterfly. Throughout the ages, butterflies, moths, and their Hesperiidae cousin the skipper, have been loved, revered, and feared. Butterfly colors come from every spectrum imaginable. The colors are determined by the layering and overlapping of its scales, which creates a dusty or powdery look. These colors offer a variety of advantages, from camouflage to warning off predators. Some are ultraviolet, detectable only by other butterflies. The darkened areas in the wing patterns and veining are referred to as melanism, which assists in thermal regulation. The wing veins are hollow tubes through which blood flows, creating a micro topography that helps repel water. Lepidoptera scales have helped scientists in determining just how long butterflies and moths have been on the planet. In 2017, scientists found fossilized butterfly scales, the size of a speck of dust, inside a chunk of ancient rock from Germany. The findings push back their existence at least 200 million years. Using acid to dissolve the rocks, they found perfectly preserved remains that belonged to a group of Lepidoptera whose descendants are still alive today. Once believed to evolve and coexist with flowering plants, and whose proboscis or tongue was designed to gather nectar and pollen, butterflies may have instead fed upon the sugary nectar of Jurassic gymnosperm plants, such as conifers that dominated the planet. Unlike many species, Lepidopterans survived the mass extinction at the end of the Triassic, and clues indicate butterflies and moths thrived worldwide on every continent except Antarctica. Moth species outnumber butterflies 16 to 1. Butterflies are typically more colorful, and while most butterflies are active during the day, most but not all moths are mostly active at night. It’s their antennae that often help differentiate the two. Leps (as they are commonly called by biologists) use their The House & Home Magazine
antennae for both smelling and feeling. Butterfly antennae are straight and thin, ending in a bulb or ball on the tips. Moths have simple tapered filaments or complicated feather-like affairs with numerous filaments. Skippers have straight antennae that curve like a fishhook. Like so many other pollinators, Leps are in danger. Although new species are being discovered regularly, many more species face extinction due to habitat loss and insecticides. As wildflower meadows and diversified farms are replaced by urban sprawl and monoculture, and genetically modified crops produce their own insecticides, Lep habitat continues to shrink. Whether you live in a rural or developed locale, you can do many things to help butterflies beat the odds. Butterflies require color and fragrance from flowers that produce pollen and nectar. Ponds, woods, even mud can make your space butterfly friendly. With both simple and compound eyes, butterflies can see the colors red, green, and yellow. This makes plants like azaleas, buddleia, coneflower, bee balm, yarrow,
coreopsis, dianthus, alyssum, cosmos, impatiens, marigolds, nasturtium, sage, parsley, and zinnia particularly appealing. Plan in advance to ensure you have flowers blooming spring through fall, guaranteeing an endless source of food to attract them to your garden. Some butterflies are plant speciesspecific and will only use one type of host plant on which to reproduce. Monarchs select only milkweed, a plant that has been heavily eradicated as a noxious weed. Milkweed is one such plant and, as it has been eliminated, the number of Monarchs has declined. Zebra Longwings prefer passionflowers. Other butterflies enjoy a wide variety of host plants.
Metamorphosis Regardless the species, their stories all begin with a hungry caterpillar that has just emerged from its egg. The tiny larva immediately begins to stuff itself with leaves, feeding day after day, around the clock, slowly growing. When they’ve outgrown their current skin, they molt. After five molts, the larva stops Throughout the ages, butterflies, moths, and their Hesperiidae cousin the skipper, have been loved, revered, and feared.
Monarch
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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
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feeding, hangs upside down from a twig or leaf, and either spins a silky cocoon or molts into a shiny chrysalis. Inside its encapsulation, a remarkable transformation takes place. Cells in the larva’s muscles, stomach, and salivary glands are digested, each cell programmed to self-destruct via enzymes called caspases. The caspases destroy the cells’ proteins, releasing butterflymaking material. Once the caterpillar has disintegrated all its tissues except for its imaginal discs, these discs use the protein-rich soup surrounding them to form the wings, antennae, legs, eyes, and all the other features of an adult butterfly or moth. Metamorphosis isn’t just a display of physical transformation, but also a stunning display of evolution at work. No other creatures look or behave so differently as caterpillars and butterflies, morphing from a creature that crawls to one that soars; co-existing rather than competing within the same ecosystem. The day arrives when the butterfly breaks forth, spreads its wings and soars, to begin the cycle again.
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What Are They? Flip through a field guide about butterflies, and your head fairly spins with the sheer number of species and sub-species. Here are few of the most common butterflies you are likely to encounter in your garden. The large and showy Swallowtails and Parnassians are often the first butterflies spotted in the garden. Its most notable feature is the club-like projection extending from its hind wing. These are used as decoys to thwart attacks, the thin bobbing tail mimicking an insect to avian predators. One snatch and all the bird has caught is a bit of wing. The Eastern Tiger, Eastern Black, Zebra, Spicebush, Giant, and Pipevine are all regional favorites. The Eastern Tiger is Virginia’s state butterfly. The Brush-footed includes favorites like the Monarch and its look-alike, the Viceroy. Brush-footed prefer pastures and sunny gardens. All are powerful fliers. Monarchs that emerge near the Autumnal Equinox begin their spectacular migration from Canada and the US to Mexico. Some of the most
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Spicebush Swallowtail
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Greater Fritillary
Two American Snout butterflies. Courtesy of Johnny Dell
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colorful are Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Buckeye, and Baltimore Checkerspot. The Gossamers are often overlooked. Small, delicate, and drab compared to the showier varieties, these are often the very first butterflies to emerge from winter’s sleep. The caterpillars of the Blues and Coppers produce a honeydew liquid from glands on their back, which attract ants that in turn protect the larvae from predators. The American Copper, Hairstreaks, and Spring Azures enjoy early bloomers like dogwood and lilacs. All the yellow butterflies are called Sulphurs and often linger longest in our fall gardens. These bits of airborne sunlight are easy to spot, regardless of size. Drawn to home gardens to feed on nectar-rich flowers, they prefer to lay their eggs in weeds and field grasses. As a group they are commonly referred to as yellow Sulphurs, regardless of the variegation. Those small white butterflies seen gathered in groups around a puddle or pond shoreline are simply called Whites. These will often visit your vegetable gardens, as they are rather fond of Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and
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People claimed that at night witches turned into winged creatures and stole their butter. In other cultures, the butterfly’s name meant ‘licker of milk’ and milk thief. other vegetables. The Cabbage White’s caterpillar stage is quite often referred to as a cabbage worm, a misnomer for what is truly a prolific butterfly. Introduced into Quebec in 1860, a single butterfly escaped its captors, and its descendants have now spread across all of North America. Skippers are often mistaken for moths; small, hardy, hairy, and not very colorful. Their habit of resting with their wings open adds to the moth misconception. Named for their flight pattern that resembles a stone skipping across the water, it’s most often seen bouncing along the fringe of a clearing. Regional gardeners often see this green caterpillar, sprinkled with yellow and black dots and large brown head, playing havoc in our vegetable gardens.
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Luna Moth. Courtesy of University of Georgia The Harvester and Snout butterflies are rare, with only one of each species living in North America. Rather than laying its eggs on a host plant like other butterflies, Harvester eggs are placed singly inside a colony of wooly aphids, the larvae’s favorite food. Snouts, as their name implies, have overdeveloped
mouth parts. A butterfly’s life span is brief; just 2-14 days (although a few can live almost a year). During its brief existence, its beneficial pollination has ensured plant diversification, and its visual manifestations have delighted millions who have discovered the world of Lepidoptera. H
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2018 Historic Garden Week COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG Lightfoot House (120 East Francis Street) Photo courtesy of Colonial WIlliamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg Tuesday, April 24, 2018 10:00am – 5:00pm
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elcome to Williamsburg, a city known for gracious hospitality, beautiful homes and an abundance of history. Two restored 18thcentury residences, a children’s garden, and an escorted walking garden tour in Colonial Williamsburg are paired with four 21st-century stately homes and gardens in Governor’s Land at Two Rivers, a waterfront golf community. Complimentary bus transportation is available from designated parking in each area.
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Lightfoot House (120 East Francis Street). This Georgian mansion was likely a two and one-half story, double tenement when originally built c. 1730, then converted to serve as a townhouse for the prominent Lightfoot family. The house is distinguished for several architectural features including a belt course of molded brick complementing the Flemish bond pattern of the outside walls, an unusual wrought-iron balcony reconstructed in 1940-1941, a decorative fence of Chippendale design, and ceiling heights on the second floor as high as those on the first. Open by Nancy and Colin Campbell, residents.
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Governor’s Land at Two Rivers 1240 Two Rivers Point. The street is aptly named, lending this stately brick home views of the James River from the front and Chickahominy River from the rear. The foyer leads to a large great room filled with books, art, antiques and collectibles. Walls of windows bring the outdoors in, mirrored upstairs with the same show-stopping view. The spacious kitchen is equipped for both home cook and caterer. Outside, a grassy lawn is separated from a conservation area by a low wall where an inviting path leads down to the river’s sandy beach. Open for the first time by Diane and John Goody, owners. 1270 Two Rivers Point. This 2011 three-story home was designed for gracious and casual entertaining. A two- story mural depicting sunset on the Chickahominy River presides over the fireplace in the great room. A dream kitchen features hand painted tiles, informal dining and living areas, and a hearth fireplace. Off the kitchen is an outdoor living space for grilling, dining and relaxing. The exterior focal point is an infinity pool with views of the Chickahominy River beyond. A stone path leads through a resource-protected area to the sandy beach. Open for the first time by Carol and David Pulk, owners.
1796 Cypress Isle Photo courtesy of Sigmon-Taylor Photography
1240 Two Rivers Point 1270 Two Rivers Point Photo courtesy of Craig Davenport
1796 Cypress Isle. Built by a native Virginia couple who wanted “stately but not stuffy,” this home is designed to maximize its setting on the James River. The rooms of the home flow from formal to comfortable. Oil paintings of Virginia subjects reflect the owners’ interest in historical figures. Dining room walls are an interpretation of antique Chinese panels beneath a gold ceiling. Extensive windows at the rear provide expansive views. A bronze sculpture of a great blue heron keeps watch over the grassy shoreline, tall trees and native plants. Open for the first time by Jean and Ray Compton, owners.
1809 Cypress Isle 1809 Cypress Isle. Built in 2001, this brick Cape Cod home achieves a tone of relaxed living sought by the owners. Their eclectic style mixes modern and antique furnishings reflecting time spent living in Asia and Europe. A furnished porch with skylights overlooks a rear garden anchored by crepe myrtle trees. From there, brick paths lead to a second peaceful garden with a koi pond. Mature trees provide privacy and shade for several varieties of hosta and just enough sun for a thriving fig tree. Open for the first time by Stephanie Heller and Cliff Neilson, owners. The House & Home Magazine
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2018 Historic Garden Week
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Tayloe House 207 East Nicholson Street Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Mattey’s Garden at Mathew Whaley Elementary School 301 Scotland Street
Tayloe House (207 East Nicholson Street). Built between 1752-1759, this gambrel-roofed home has two separate slopes providing more second-story headroom. Noted interior details include floor-to-ceiling, raised-panel walls in the dining room, an 18th-century bracket table in the entry hall, and an early 19th-century pendant light in the entry. The most interesting of the surviving outbuildings is the office with its ogee (bell-shaped) roof. Today the home contains items from the resident’s needle arts collection and a large assortment of books, furniture, and decorative items reflecting her interest in 18th-century American history. Open by Kay Wilkinson, resident. Mattey’s Garden at Matthew Whaley Elementary School (301 Scotland Street). This children’s garden was a project of the Williamsburg Garden Club and gift to the City of Williamsburg for its 300th anniversary. Students actively participate in developing and maintaining various garden types. This award-winning garden is listed on the National Garden Association’s Children’s Garden Registry. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. H 22
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Escorted Walking Tour (207 East Nicholson Street). An escorted walking tour of several Colonial Williamsburg gardens begins at the Tayloe House. Colonial revival gardens with flower and shrub borders are featured. Tours start at 10 a.m. and depart every hour. The last tour leaves at 3 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
TOUR Information: Contact: Cathy Adams, Ticket Information & Lunch Reservations, (757)220-2486, cbtbka@cox.net. Advance Tickets: $40 pp credit card sales online at www.vagardenweek.org; locally, cash or check only, at Seasons of Williamsburg, 1308 Jamestown Road, and Wild Birds Unlimited, 4625 Casey Blvd., through Saturday, April 21, 4 p.m.; or by contacting Cathy Adams directly. Tickets: $50 pp cash, check or credit card available at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center on Monday, April 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Tuesday, April 24, 9 a.m.-noon. Also Tuesday, April 24, at the Tayloe House and at Two Rivers Country Club. Children ages 6-12: $25 when accompanied by an adult. Lunch: Contact Cathy Adams by April 15 to reserve and pre-pay $17 per lunch. Pre-ordered box lunches will be served at the private Two Rivers Country Club between 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. Cash bar available.
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2018 Historic Garden Week AUBURN (11 Old Auburn Road) Photos courtesy of Sandy Geiger
Gloucester And Mathews Counties
the Garden Club Of Gloucester
Historic Gloucester/Mathews HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR Saturday, April 21, 2018 10:00am – 5:00pm
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hese houses have stories to tell. Auburn (1824) and Dunham Massie (1845) have long histories and, therefore, the lore of many generations, but Cottage Point (2005) passes on the legacy of its “mother ship” Lowland Cottage (c.1670) and the history of its families. Expect to be beguiled by the tales of many generations as these homeplaces have persevered through the days of antebellum tension, Civil War fighting and occupation, and reconstruction readjustment — all this on the banks of our beautiful rivers. 24
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Auburn (11 Old Auburn Road, North, VA)
Auburn Plantation, on the North River, has been one of the historic and architectural showplaces in Tidewater Virginia for almost two centuries. Completed in 1824 by Dr. Henry Wythe Tabb, Auburn is a Federal-style mansion of three stories over an English basement. A pair of simple satin slippers on display in the front hall, tell a tragic story. One of Dr. Tabb’s daughters, Mary Eliza, was wearing the slippers when she fell down the curving staircase in Auburn’s front hall and died several hours later. Her ghost is said to appear on occasion. After passing through various owners, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Auburn was purchased by the current owners in 1997. Today Auburn comprises 31 acres of expansive lawns and gardens with broad views across the river to Ware Neck. Mr. and Mrs. Claude S. (“Chip”) Hornsby, owners.
TOUR Information: Headquarters: Ware Episcopal Church, 7825 John Clayton Memorial Highway, Gloucester. Tickets and maps available on tour day. Lunch: Pre-ordered box lunches will be available for $12 from 11 am to 2 pm at Nuttall’s Country Store, 6495 Ware Neck Road, Ware Neck. For more information, call (804) 693-3067, or email nuttallstore@gmail. com. Good Life Kitchen is providing lunch at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, 7900 Daffodil Lane, Gloucester, from 11 am to 2 pm. Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 on day of tour. By April 9, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with a check payable to GCG c/o Margaret Singleton, PO Box 1388, Gloucester, VA 23061. For more information visit the website www.vagardenweek.org or call Jane Worthington at (804) 815-5057.
COTTAGE POINT
Cottage Point (access via Shuttle) Located on the Ware River in Ware Neck, includes “The Studio” and the main house and garage. “The Studio” was constructed in 1998 and was used as a weekend retreat from Washington, D.C. until the main house followed in 2005. The five-and-a-half-acre property was part of a 1642 land grant to Thomas Curtis and belonged to the Lowland Cottage tract until 1972, when Mrs. Grant inherited it from her father. Lowland Cottage was owned by Dr. William Taliaferro of Churchill and his descendants for six generations. With its The House & Home Magazine
setting on Cottage Point, the house was sited by the Grants to take full advantage of both upriver and downriver views of the Ware River. A spacious riverside porch is the most noticeable feature. The interior contains many artworks by Mrs. Grant’s grandmother, Harriotte Taliaferro Montague, and other objects originally from Lowland Cottage, with all their many stories. “Hallie” Montague studied painting in Europe (at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts) for five years, and then spent one more year in Paris (1897-1903). The Studio at Cottage Point houses artworks by Mrs. Grant herself and a number of her artist friends. Mr. and Mrs. Willard S. Grant, owners. 25
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2018 Historic Garden Week
Dunham Massie (7420 Dunham Massie Lane, Ware Neck, VA) An ancient red oak and an American flag greet visitors to Dunham Massie Farm. The welcoming avenue of willow oaks leads past wildflower meadows and a pond created for wildlife. This warm and inviting home was built in 1845 on a picturesque peninsula on the North River. General William Booth Taliaferro, Gloucester’s highest-ranking officer in the Civil War, lived in this house and raised a large family here. The present owners, only the fifth family to have owned Dunham Massie, purchased the property in 1986. The interior and gardens are furnished with a cozy mix of rustic antiques, family pieces, and a unique and whimsical collection of folk art and memorabilia reflecting the owners’ love of animals. The 50-acre farm incorporates lawns, an eco-friendly shoreline restoration and several colorful cottage gardens tucked around the house. Its many outbuildings include a tiny two-story cottage, a sleeping porch at the river’s edge, a smokehouse, a garden shed, an outhouse and a corn crib. Dunham Massie’s gardens are popular with visitors and include shade and sun gardens, a kitchen herb garden, a meditation garden and a woodland path leading to a secret garden. Mr. and Mrs. Dean Williams, owners. H 26
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DUNHAM MASSIE (7420 Dunham Massie Lane)
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2018 Historic Garden Week St. John’s Episcopal Church (916 Main St., West Point 23181) Photos courtesy of the Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula
Historic West Point The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula
WALKING TOUR OF
West Point
Friday, April 27, 2018 10:00am – 5:00pm 28
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ust 40 miles east of Richmond is West Point. West Point was founded by Captain John West in 1658 and is nestled where the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers form the York River. By the late 1800s, the town had become a fashionable vacation spot with a large hotel overlooking the rivers. Steamboats from Baltimore brought goods and tourists to its ports while railroads connected it to Richmond. Walking the cherry- and pear tree-lined streets surrounding the downtown buildings with the stately Victorian architecture brings back images of those long-ago days while a contemporary environmentally “green” house reminds us of our life today.
BLAND HOUSE (1205 Main St., West Point 23181)
St. John’s Episcopal Church (916 Main St., West Point 23181) is headquarters for the tour where tickets will be purchased and passes and E-tickets redeemed for tickets. St. John’s Parish was founded in 1699, and the original 1734 church building (ten miles northwest of West Point) is still standing. The present St. John’s church in the town of West Point began in 1879 and the building constructed in 1882 remains the core of the present day church. A massive renovation in 2011 restored the foundation, corrected structural problems, and revived the original heart pine flooring. The church will be decorated with flowers to represent a wedding, and a tablescape in the Parish Hall will represent the reception.
Cawley House (215 Main St., West Point, 23181)
Bland House (1205 Main St., West Point 23181) The fancy ironwork surrounding the property and decorating the turret catches your eye at the Victorian house built in 1905. The decorative touches continue into the home and include lacy fretwork, a two-story turret, inlaid hardwood floors with different designs in each room, transoms, large bay windows, and stained glass. Attention was given to The House & Home Magazine
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Brockwell House (115 Main St., West Point 23181) restore many of the features, including the original light fixtures. The 1950s kitchen was enlarged and remodeled, adding a clever four-sided grouping of cabinets surrounding an unused chimney. There are many family antiques in the house; the most notable being the English china cabinet in the dining room. The owner, an avid antique car collector and restorer, will have several cars on display. Ty and Anne Bland, owners.
Cawley House (215 Main St., West Point, 23181) The house, built in 1884 on one of the highest points in the historic district of West Point, was the perfect fit for the present owner who loves all things Victorian. The home has been restored with a lot of detail, including replicas of the old push-button light switches with a modern twist. The wallpaper was made by a small Wisconsin company that reproduced vintage rolls of paper. Dental instruments were used to clean about 20 30
coats of pink paint off a mantel. Most of the antique furniture has been purchased in Virginia. The kitchen and back porch have recently been upgraded. In 2017, the owners purchased the lot next door to create a Victorian garden to complement their backyard oasis. Mr. and Mrs. William Cawley, owners.
Brockwell House (115 Main St., West Point 23181) When walking up the flower-lined sidewalk onto the wrap-around porch, one can glimpse the gardens and hidden retreat surrounding the 1850s Victorian home. The thought and care that went into making this a family home, while attempting to honor each family who lived there, shows in every detail. They searched out trim to match the home’s original, had tiles made to match the ones that once surrounded the fireplace, spent three years looking for globes to fit a ceiling fixture, and personally hand painted all the exterior trim. The
furniture is an eclectic mix from the mid1800s to mid-century modern, from the simple to the glamorous, and from the clean lines of the 1960s to the highly decorative lines of an ornate gilt pier mirror. James and Debbie Brockwell, owners.
Diggs House (24 Lee St., West Point 23181) Built on the lot where he grew up, the contemporary house is the dream home the owner envisioned while erecting Lego block houses as a boy. Built in 2017, its exterior is strikingly different from those around it. Much thought went into reducing the family’s carbon footprint. The house is situated on the lot to enjoy the view of the York River just 100 feet from the back deck and pool. Tall glass windows not only provide panoramic river views but add to the industrial feel of its interior. The maple floors were reclaimed from the Dan River Mills and complement the exposed beams, ceiling, and ductwork. The walls are filled with April/May 2018
original art from David Gill to James Ware, and include watercolors by the owner’s mother. Paul and Mary Diggs, owners.
Sandelin House (711 Lee St., West Point 23181) The stately Victorian house with a carriage house was built on a foundation of oyster shells between 1901 and 1905. It was thoroughly modern in its day, with a built-in safe, gas ceiling fixtures operated by wall switches, and a floor button underneath the dining table to summon the next course. Sometime in the 1920s or 1930s, it became a funeral home. After the funeral home moved in the 1950s, several families have lived in the home. The present owners have brought new life to it. Clever use of re-purposed old furniture is found in many of the rooms along with PGA memorabilia, including a golf club owned by Bobby Jones. Gardens and raised beds for vegetables abound under stately trees, and the backyard art cottage is a retreat for their daughters. Jon and Cindy Sandelin, owners. H
Diggs House (24 Lee St., West Point 23181)
Sandelin House
TOUR Information:
(711 Lee St., West Point 23181)
Lunch: Local restaurants and fast food are available. Attraction: A marketplace of regional vendors will be open during the tour at the Town Park on 8th St. between Kirby and Main streets. The market will feature jewelry, crafts, art and plants. This is a walking tour along sidewalks and open fields. Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes) are highly recommended, not only for your comfort but for safety as well. Tickets: $25 in advance. $30 on the day of the tour. Tickets are available only at St. John’s Episcopal Church, tour headquarters, the day of the tour. All passes and E-tickets must also be redeemed for a ticket at headquarters. For more information, and to buy advance tickets, see the web site www.vagardenweek.org or call Kelly Gwathmey at (804) 769-2601.
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2018 Historic Garden Week
Richmond County Garden Club of the Northern Neck
HISTORIC GEMS
Shine On
Photos courtesy of the Garden Club of the Northern Neck
MOUNT AIRY (361 Millpond Road)
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
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he Garden Club of the Northern Neck presents “Historic Gems Shine On” as part of the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week. Located in the Northern Neck, between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, Richmond County is home to a rich history dating back 300 years. Visitors experience a multi-faceted tour of five private properties: the unique preservation of Menokin, the eighteenth-century gardens of Sabine Hall, the home of a former congressman, an original Georgian plantation and the Mount Airy renovations recently featured on HGTV.
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10:00am – 4:00pm
Mount Airy (361 Millpond Road) — This imposing stone edifice was built by John Tayloe II in 1761 on land the Tayloe family acquired in 1682. The home includes a main house connected to symmetrical dependencies on either side by curved passageways, and a formal forecourt facing a deer park and terraced gardens. In 2011, the tenth generation of the Tayloe family took up residence and began work to maintain the historic character of the house while balancing the needs of modern family life. In 2014, the family began an extensive renovation that was documented in a 10-episode series on HGTV called “American Rehab: Virginia.” Many of the new spaces will be featured for the first time during Historic Garden Week. Mount Airy is both a Virginia and a National Historic Landmark. Mr. and Mrs. John Tayloe Emery, owners.
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MENOKIN (4037 Menokin Road)
Menokin (4037 Menokin Road) — Former home to Francis Lightfoot Lee, Menokin (c.1769) is the only house of the seven Virginia signers of the Declaration of Independence that is not fully protected and saved. Rather than being reconstructed, new preservation and display techniques highlight the historic fabric of the building. The exterior is partially encased in structural glass. Indoors, plans include a glass catwalk and transparent floor to allow visitors to see from the third floor to the basement. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971, the Foundation is currently working on Phase 1 of the Glasshouse Project. Menokin Foundation, owner.
The Jones House (5705 Richmond Road) — This striking three-story Victorian home was built by Congressman William Atkinson Jones in 1887. At the age of fifteen, Congressman Jones fought for the Confederacy as a VMI cadet. He is best known for authoring the Jones Act of 1916, which provided for the independence of the Philippines. The house is located on four acres in the town of Warsaw. Portraits dating to the colonial days tell the story of the Jones family and its prominence in our nation’s history. Original woodwork and family antiques contribute to the overall elegance of the home. The Jones Family Trust, owners.
Grove Mount (755 Grove Mount Road)
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The Jones House (5705 Richmond Road)
Grove Mount (755 Grove Mount Road) — Robert Mitchell and his wife, Priscilla Carter, eldest daughter of Robert “Councilor” Carter of Nomini Hall, built a fine example of a Georgian plantation home, Grove Mount c. 1787. It is constructed of frame and brick nogging with a full cellar and foundations laid in English bond. The original dairy still stands and is next to the site of the original kitchen. Grove Mount remains basically unchanged since it was built. This beautiful property features spectacular views toward the Rappahannock River Valley, terraces, gardens, a lily pond and mature plantings. Grove Mount is a Virginia Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. and Mrs. M. Kirwan King II, owners. 33
[GW[
2018 Historic Garden Week
Sabine Hall (1604 Sabine Hall Road)
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April/May 2018
Sabine Hall (1694 Sabine Hall Road) — A fine example of a colonial Georgian house, Sabine Hall was built in 1738 by Landon Carter. Originally a classic Georgian brick structure, Sabine Hall reflects alterations by both the builder and later generations. The landscape includes six terraces sloping toward the Rappahannock River and a garden with its original eighteenthcentury design. The house has always been owned and occupied by direct descendants of Landon Carter and is both a Virginia and a National Historic Landmark. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carter Wellford IV and Mrs. Peter Drayton O’Hara, owners. Carter Wellford and Mercer O’Hara are siblings. H
TOUR Information: Tickets: Advance tickets: $25 per person via www.vagardenweek.org or by mail until April 16. Make checks payable to The Garden Club of the Northern Neck. Send a stamped, selfaddressed, legal envelope to: Cindy Lloyd, 5011 Richmond Rd, Warsaw, VA 22572. Day of tour tickets $35 per person, available at all locations. Lunch: Box lunches from The Daily ($15 each) will be served at Menokin. Payment is required by April 16. Vegetarian options are available. Contact Sandra Clements (804) 761-8774, or email: sclements719@gmail.com, for more information. Parking and Shuttles: Parking at all locations. Shuttles available at Menokin and Rappahannock Community College, 52 Campus Dr., Warsaw. Shuttles will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
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Courthouse avern T MUSEUM
KING AND QUEEN
THE KING AND QUEEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY TO FORMALLY HAVE THE OLD COURTHOUSE COMPLEX RECOGNIZED BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA AS An HISTORIC DISTRICT AND, WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE COUNTY, TO USE THE VACATED 1802 FARY TAVERN AS THE COURTHOUSE TAVERN MUSEUM.
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By Linda Barnes Photos courtesy of Jen Shelor
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real gem� is a comment made by many visitors since the King and Queen Courthouse Green Historic District and the Courthouse Tavern Museum opened in 2000. Visitors are surprised to find a professional museum supported by enthusiastic, knowledgeable, gracious and talented volunteers hidden deep in a rural setting.
In the late 1990s when a new county administration complex was built, the King and Queen County Historical Society seized the opportunity to formally have the old courthouse complex recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an historic district and, with the cooperation of the county, to use the vacated 1802 Fary Tavern as the Courthouse Tavern Museum. It was the only building to survive the Union forces 1864 burning of the area in retaliation for the killing of
April/May 2018
Visitors are surprised to find a professional museum supported by enthusiastic, knowledgeable, gracious and talented volunteers hidden deep in a rural setting.
Col. Ulric Dahlgren by Confederate troops and the Home Guard, surviving because someone inside was ill with smallpox. Matching grants were obtained from the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund for renovation of the tavern building, which also had been a hotel, private home and county offices. A local newspaper, described the process as “a perfect example of how public-private partnerships are supposed to work.” Members of the society formed a council led by Jack Spain to oversee the renovation and to make decisions regarding how the museum would tell the county’s story. The council, guided by professionals, began to envision the best manner in which to relate the history of the settlement and development of King and Queen County. One of the first actions of the council was a countywide search for artifacts that the citizens of King and Queen felt were vital to the county’s story. The King and Queen County’s version of “Antiques Roadshow” was held, and residents invited to bring their possessions of interest. And bring they did! A spyglass that had been used by generations of the Gwathmey family in the American Revolution and the Civil War; ribbons won at the 1946 County Fair; ration stamps and medals from World War II; a steamboat horn, oysterman’s gloves used in the York River; milk bottles from Salem Dairy; flyers for timber sales; vintage clothing; and hundreds of pictures from daguerreotypes to school pictures from the 1890s to events like the 1941 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the county’s founding. As the council sorted through the artifacts and pictures, three themes arose: Life: Making a Living; Liberty: Winning and Gaining Freedom; and Pursuit of Happiness: Building Community/Making a Home. Within the 4’ by 5’ panels, The House & Home Magazine
the themes were divided by centuries, 1600s-1700s, 1800s, and 1900s. The next step was to furnish the museum with period appropriate pieces. For example, the lower floor would be furnished as a mid-nineteenth century tavern, and tables and chairs taken from the jury room of the Circuit Court during its renovation would be used. Of the two original fireplaces, one would include racks and cooking pots that were in use at the time. Between the two fireplaces, a chimney cupboard, a gift from the Hutchinson family, would hold dishes and tableware that were appropriate to the era. On the second floor, a ladies’ parlor was furnished, and the other rooms on that floor were designated as exhibit space, a library, and storage. The two rooms on the third floor were furnished as bedrooms, one as a nineteenth century room used by visitors on “court days”, and the other as an early twentieth century room. With the assistance of county residents, the council, aided by Cinebar Productions, filmed a series of videos portraying early twentieth century life in the county. On filming days, citizens, young and old, donned period costumes, found in attics and closets, and for a day or an hour worked and played like it was 1920. The videos are available for visitors to view using touch-screens. The 1870 Eastern View School, and the Stevensville post office and Carriage House increased the campus. The log schoolhouse was moved from the Minor family home,
Turn-of-the-19th century tavern parlor where guests were welcomed
Eastern View Farm log schoolhouse, a private and then public school between 1870-1903.
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Restored Franklin buggy used for 100 years within King and Queen County. Eastern View, near Owenton and reconstructed on the museum grounds. The Stevensville post office façade was gifted to the museum when the post office was closed. In the carriage house at the rear of the post office, a carriage that traveled the county for 100 years and the accompany-
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ing tack, are displayed along with advertising posters for new conveyances. The museum, staffed entirely by volunteers, has increased opportunities to offer school tours consistent with the Standards of Learning. For example, the first-grade tour helps students differenti-
ate between “Then and Now”, one of that grade’s objectives. From churning butter to washing clothes on a washboard to lessons in the log schoolhouse, these handson experiences will be remembered. Instructional materials given to the teachers provide follow-up activities to reinforce the lessons learned at the museum. The museum campus includes the Old Clerk’s Office, the original home of the King and Queen Historical Society, which houses the climate-controlled archives vault. Recently restored, the building is now also being used to display exhibits. Since the museum opened, additional exhibits have been incorporated, such as the 1715 sundial from Apple Tree Church. Through the years “visiting” collections have also been displayed: antique tools; quilts from several eras; nineteenth century ladies’ dresses; photographs of steamboats and ships on the York and Mattaponi rivers, and, currently, the renowned Ivor Noël Hume Bottle Collection and artifacts from an archaeological dig at historic Newington Plantation. When the museum begins operations for 2018 in April, three new exhibits will open to the public with an overall theme of “History Beneath Our Feet”. The largest displays marine fossils from tiny shark teeth to a whale’s rib and are part of an extensive collection that Newell Randall has gathered from stream beds in King and Queen County. The exhibit will answer the question, “Why were sharks and whales in King and Queen?” The second portrays the story of the archaeological April/May 2018
The exhibit will answer the question, “Why were sharks and whales in King and Queen?” investigation of early eighteenth century vessels that were discovered sunken in the Mattaponi River beach at Newington Plantation. They are the oldest vessel remains investigated to date in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hurst provided the exhibit with artifacts loaned by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The third displays prehistoric tools and weapons, including projectile points, spears, cutting instruments, and personal tools, that were found in the Middle Peninsula and Tidewater areas by three generations of the Shelor family. The museum has become a destination for researchers from all over the country: those searching for historical information and those looking for their roots. The 4000+ archives either on display or in the vault, the 350+ books and periodicals focusing on the county, and the 60+ video histories of residents provide a comprehensive view of the history of King and Queen County. After eighteen years, the museum’s goal of preserving county history remains unchanged. It also continues to offer educational programs to enhance the understanding of rural Virginia life in previous centuries and continues to explore the possibilities for new exhibits that celebrate the land and people that are King and Queen County. Visitors are always welcome to discover the “real gem” during operating hours or by appointment. The Courthouse Tavern Museum operates from April to December on Friday and Saturday, 12:304:30, and Sunday, 1-5, except on Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Contact the museum by phone at 804-785-9558, via the web at www.kingandqueenmuseum.org, or by mail, Courthouse Tavern Museum, P.O. Box 129, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085. Admission is free. Donations are accepted. H
A comprehensive variety of large and small marine fossils found in King and Queen County are on display.
A “late 19th century” view inside the schoolhouse, including the restored original schoolmaster’s desk.
The Courthouse Tavern Museum and Courthouse Green Historic District are located at 146 Court House Landing Road, King and Queen Courthouse, a pleasant ride from Richmond, Williamsburg, and Fredericksburg along Route 14, a designated Virginia Byway. The House & Home Magazine
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Modern architecture can be designed and built in rural communities and proves to be the ideal style to appreciate the surrounding views.
R A N D A L L J.
K I PP ARCHITECTURE
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Photos courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie.
w w w. k i p p a r c h i t e c t u r e . c o m 81 King Carter Drive, Irvington VA 22480
804.438.6287
April/May 2018
a Rural America and Modern Architecture aren’t often mentioned in the same breath but here in the Northern Neck, it’s not unusual. Randall Kipp brought modern architecture and design to the Northern Neck when he founded Randall Kipp Architecture, Inc. in 1993. The company resides in the town of Irvington where Kipp and his team work to bring the concept of modern architecture to life in Eastern Virginia. Kipp started his practice under the premise that modern architecture does not need to come from metropolitan areas like New York City or Washington D.C. Modern architecture can be designed and built in rural communities and proves to be the ideal style to appreciate the surrounding views, prevailing winds, sunlight, topography, and neighbors. “The spaces inside are thoughtfully placed adjacent to each other, and sometimes above each other, creating a logical almost lyrical thread of relationships so that the home flows easily. Each space is anchored to a view outside creating a visual and often physical extension of the interior space.” says Kipp. When designing waterfront homes, Kipp and his team create their designs with the intention of expanding the home to the
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outdoors and inviting the outdoors into the home thus creating the extension of the space. The minimalist style that often accompanies modern architecture creates space, both physically and mentally, to welcome the serenity and slower pace of life that is present in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The aesthetics of the home are largely determined by the materials used to build the home. “Modern homes often have floor to ceiling glass and polished concrete floors or large porcelain floor tiles. They may have the absence of baseboards and casing boards affording a sleek, simple, timeless architecture.” says Kipp In addition to the goal of merging the home and outdoor spaces, Kipp strives to use sustainable materials and products. “Steel, wood, glass, concrete, and porcelain are easily recycled materials that allow a home to be built and used for decades. When its life cycle is complete, the individual components can be repurposed.” says Kipp. Randall Kipp invites you to learn more about the home design and building process. Reach out to schedule an appointment by emailing rjk@kipparchitecture.com. H
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FLORAL FLAVORS
Blooming BUSINESS
ARE A
By Janet Evans Hinman
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April/May 2018
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hank goodness for spring! We’ve finally emerged from our long winter’s nap to greet each day with a new appreciation for nature’s fresh palette of color. Along with warm, comforting breezes, we welcome a bouquet of floral fragrances, in our homes and gardens and, yes, in our dining choices. One of today’s most important food trends is naturalness. It’s no surprise that consumers are seeking out natural ingredients combined with sophisticated taste sensations. The dining public is looking for local, healthy food choices with more interesting, global flavors and fewer artificial additives. Food and beverage companies are taking inspiration from products in the cosmetic and fine fragrance industries, as well as designs in home decor and fashion. Floral flavors have sprung up in many different food and beverage categories including sweet and savory appetizers and main dishes, cocktails, soft drinks, confectionary, ice cream and more. When we look at culinary products on a global scale, this is not a new concept. Lavender is a key ingredient in French Herbes de Provence, and rosewater is a favored flavoring in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. The treasured spice saffron comes from the stamen of the crocus, and vanilla extract is derived from orchids. Foragers and culinary stars have embraced edible petals for years, but floral inspiration is finally in full bloom in America. The fresh floral trend was highlighted in 2015 and 2016 at the Summer Fancy Food Show, and Whole Foods Market’s global buyers and experts named floral flavors as one of the most anticipated food trends for 2018. From adding whole
flowers and petals into dishes, to infusing botanical flavors into drinks and snacks, this top trend makes for a subtly sweet taste and fresh aromatics. Look for flowers used like herbs in things like infused syrups and honey, jams and jellies, seasonings, teas and cocktails. Lavender remains a favorite, as does rose-flavored everything, while elderflower is the new MVP (most valuable petal) of cocktails and bubbly drinks. Floral flavors Internationally, the most commonly used floral have sprung up flavors are rose, elderflower, in many different hibiscus and jasmine, food and beverage although this varies becategories including tween regions depending sweet and savory on culinary tradition and appetizers and main native species. According to dishes, cocktails, researchers, China accounted for 16 percent of all new soft drinks, food and drink products confectionary, ice with floral accents, followed cream and more. by Germany, France, India and the United States. Some floral flavors can be found on the shelves of most grocery stores — Herbes de Provence is a staple in spice sections, and flowery jams, jellies, syrups, honey and flavored drinks are often stocked as well. More and more, culinary blossoms and infusions are available at farmers’ markets and natural food stores. Online sources are plentiful. This spring, as you sit back and watch your garden grow, try a floral recipe and put a trend on your table. Dinner is blooming.
STUFFED DATES Ingredients: • 12-24 large Medjool dates, pitted • 1/2-3/4 cup shredded Manchego cheese • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, lightly crushed into small pieces • 12-24 slices of pre-cooked bacon, or 1/4-pound Serrano ham (thin slices cut into 2-inch strips) • Lavender honey/syrup, rose or elderflower syrup • Fresh or crystallized flower petals
Directions: Preheat oven to broil. Cover a baking sheet in foil or parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix shredded cheese and toasted walnuts. Open each date along the center line and, using a teaspoon, stuff with cheese/walnut mixture. Pinch edges of date around the filling. Wrap each date with a slice of bacon or ham. Secure with a toothpick. Place dates on the baking sheet and broil for about The House & Home Magazine
two minutes or until bacon/ham is crispy and golden brown and filling is melted. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a minute or two. Place dates on a serving platter and lightly drizzle with lavender syrup/honey, rose syrup or elderflower syrup. Garnish with fresh or crystallized flower petals — lavender flowers, rose petals, pansies, violas or hibiscus. 43
ROASTED CHICKEN PROVENÇAL
LEMON LAVENDER BUNDT CAKE
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
• 1 4-pound chicken • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1/4 cup herbes de Provence • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 4 large baking potatoes, skin on, cut into sixths lengthwise • Lemon wedges and lavender sprigs for garnish
• 3 cups cake flour • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 cup butter • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 tablespoons dried or 2 tablespoons fresh lavender flowers • 4 eggs • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt • 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest • Lavender sprigs and/or fresh or crystallized flower petals
Glaze: • 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar • 3 tablespoons honey • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry, inside and out. Remove any excess fat and trim the wings. Set aside. With clean hands, mix garlic, herbes de Provence, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub half of the mixture all over the inside and outside of chicken, including under the skin of the breast. Sprinkle the chicken cavity with salt and pepper. Truss the chicken and place it on the wire rack of a large non-stick roasting pan. Again, with clean hands, toss the potatoes with the remaining herb-oil mixture in a large bowl. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer around the chicken. Place the pan in the oven, with the legs facing the back, for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and shut the door. Lower the heat to 350 degrees. Turn over each potato wedge using tongs or a metal spatula and return the pan to the oven to roast the chicken for another 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken thigh reaches 170 degrees. Allow the chicken to rest at least 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken on a platter with potatoes and garnish with lemon wedges and lavender sprigs. 44
Directions: Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a bundt pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed, two minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add lavender and beat three minutes longer, scraping bowl often. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in lemon juice. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, scraping bowl often. Fold in lemon zest. Spoon batter into the prepared pan, spreading the batter so the sides are higher than the center. Bake 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan ten minutes. Invert onto a serving platter and cool completely.
Glaze: In a small bowl, combined powdered sugar, honey and lemon juice. Mix well, adding additional lemon juice, if needed, to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cake. Garnish with lavender sprigs and/or flower petals. April/May 2018
ELDERFLOWER GIN AND TONIC A floral twist on a classic cocktail
ROSE HIP COCKTAIL A rosy outlook for a traditional martini
Ingredients: • 1 1/2 oz. gin (Bombay Sapphire East, made with lemongrass and peppercorns, is an exotic choice.) • 3/4 oz. elderflower liqueur (St. Germain is particularly good.) • 4 oz. tonic water or more as needed • Squeeze of lime • Lime wedge for garnish
Ingredients: • 2 oz. gin • 3/4 oz. elderflower liqueur • 1/2 oz. extra-dry vermouth • 1/4 oz. rose petal liqueur
Directions: Add gin and elderflower liqueur to a tall Collins glass. Add ice to fill about two-thirds of the glass. Add a squeeze of lime. Top off with tonic water. Stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
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Directions: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass.
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LAVENDER CREME BRULEÉ Ingredients: • 4 cups heavy cream • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender flowers • 8 egg yolks • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided • Lavender sprigs, fresh or crystallized flower petals for garnish
Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter six (six-ounce) ramekins or custard cups and set them into a glass baking dish or shallow ovenproof roasting pan. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom. In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, add cream and lavender flowers; heat just to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow lavender flowers to infuse the cream for five minutes. Strain cream mixture through a fine
mesh strainer to remove lavender flowers. cups for about 60 minutes (but probably less), or until set around the edges Discard flowers. but still loose in the center. Cooking In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks time will depend largely on the size and 1/2 cup sugar until light and creamy. of the custard cups and your altitude. Slowly add the strained cream to the egg Begin checking at a half-hour and check back regularly. When the center mixture, blending well. Divide custard of the custard is just set, it will jiggle mixture among the custard cups. a little when shaken. That’s when you can remove it from the oven. If using Bring water to a light simmer on top of a digital instant-read thermometer inthe stove; carefully pour hot water into serted in the centers, the internal temthe baking pan to come halfway up the perature should register approximately sides of the custard cups. Bake custard 170 to 175 degrees. Begin checking temperature about five minutes before the recommended time. Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled. Remove cups from water bath and refrigerate at least two hours. Finishing the Creme Bruleé Finish the custards right before serving. When ready to serve, sprinkle approximately two teaspoons of the remaining sugar over each creme bruleé. For best results, use a small hand-held propane torch. Hold the torch four to five inches from the sugar, maintaining a slow and even motion. Stop torching just before the desired degree of doneness is reached, as the sugar will continue to cook for a few seconds after the flame has been removed. If you don’t have a torch, place creme bruleés six inches below the broiler for four to six minutes, or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown. Refrigerate creme bruleés at least ten minutes before serving. Garnish with lavender sprigs and/or flower petals.
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April/May 2018
The House & Home Magazine
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Robert Carter III dressed for a costume ball. Courtesy of the Virginia Historical Society.
Virginia’s
First Emancipator By Captain Bob Cerullo
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and his Deed of Gift
April/May 2018
(left) Francis Tasker Carter, wife of Robert Carter III. (below) The humble marker of Nomini Hall
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Describing Robert Carter III as a “councillor” is a grand irony. It is like describing President Abraham Lincoln as a country lawyer, Thomas Jefferson as a writer, or George Washington as a surveyor.
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here stands a lonely highway marker at State Route 202 and State Route 626 in Hague, Westmoreland County, Virginia, just about a mile from the location of what was once Nomini Hall until it burned down in 1850. The house was a fine colonial mansion. Oddly, the weather-worn marker simply describes its owner, Robert Carter III, as a celebrated “councillor.” It also indicates that Philip Fithian was a tutor at Nomini between 1773-74, where he wrote his journal. Describing Robert Carter III as a “councillor” is a grand irony. It is like describing President Abraham Lincoln as a country lawyer, Thomas Jefferson as a writer, or George Washington as a surveyor. While it is true these men once held those jobs, they all moved on to great accomplishments. Robert Carter III, although hardly known for his achievements, ranks right up there with his friends Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, James Madison and Patrick Henry, all members of the Revolutionary-era elite. The House & Home Magazine
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Robert Carter III was only four years old when his father died. He attended the Grammar School at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg at the age of nine years. This was two years earlier than most students. His matriculation was not a reflection of his brilliance, more likely it was a place he could be sent to get him out from underfoot of his mother and stepfather. Carter was not an enthusiastic scholar. He returned home early and was not placed under the care of a tutor, as was the custom of wealthy colonial-era children. At the age of 21, he inherited one hundred slaves and 70,000 acres, spread out across the Northern Neck, Winchester and Alexandria, plus a track along the Shenandoah River. Just four months after attaining his majority (the legal age of 21), when he was considered an adult, Carter promptly sailed for Liverpool, England. His traveling companion was Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s half-brother. In London, Carter was accepted to the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple, perhaps the most prestigious law school in England. However, he never took a class, never stood for the bar and did little studying. Obviously, he wasted his time in London and returned home with a bad reputation. His con49
Nomini Hall. Home of Robert Carter III, Westmoreland County, Virginia. Drawing by R. Collins. Courtesy of The Library of Congress
temporary, John Page, described Carter as “confused” as well as “vicious.” Page’s father said of Carter, “Yet another example of a young man ruined by London.” It is no wonder that in 1752, when he ran for the House of Burgesses, he finished last of three candidates. When he ran again in 1754, he did even worse. Stung by his election losses, Carter had by then caught the liberty fever spreading in Williamsburg at the House of Burgesses. Carter suddenly, in the spring of 1754 and at the age of 25, started a process of self-education and reinvention. He also married Frances Tasker of Baltimore, the beautiful
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and well-read 16-year-old daughter of one of Maryland’s most influential men, Benjamin Tasker. Robert Carter III undoubtedly inherited a natural affinity for business. His political fortunes changed in 1758, when he was named to a seat on the Governor’s Council. By 1791, he had moved to Williamsburg, where he grew intellectually and socially. He was one of the richest aristocrats in the South at the time, and he had accumulated a library to compete with the library of his friend Thomas Jefferson. He dined with the likes of George Washington and loaned money to Thomas Jefferson.
April/May 2018
How is it that his name is far from being nearly as well-known as those of his peers? What, one might ask, is the mystery which conceals the life of Robert Carter III? Perhaps it was because of his actions, four decades later, when he took an unprecedented turn. He created what he called his Deed of Gift. Carter’s Deed of Gift was essentially several pages listing the names of some 452 slaves. On August 1, 1791, he signed his Deed of Gift, which was then recorded in the Northumberland District Court on September 5. He wrote, “I have for some time past been convinced that to retain [these people] in slavery is contrary to the true principles of Religion and Justice and that therefore it was my duty to manumit [to release from slavery] them.” Over the years, Carter had become a prolific reader of the classics. He investigated several religions including the Baptists. In January 1788, he became enamored with the anti-slavery writings of Emanuel Swedenborg and joined the Swedenborg church in Baltimore. Carter’s epiphany was deeply influenced by the last will and testament of Francis
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Fauquier who stipulated his slaves be to the Virginia Court of Appeals, which ruled that the freeing of Carter’s slaves given “the liberty to choose their own was allowed even after his death. Some Master” and forbade his executors from separating mothers and their children. It historians believe as many as 600 men, should be noted that in 1768 in Virginia women and children were eventually it was illegal to free slaves in most cases. freed by Carter’s Deed of Gift. It is important to note that Carter Carter had a deep attachment to family, and in a special way, he considered his slaves as family. Ironically, he had “I have for some time past been more slaves than just about convinced that to retain [these anyone in Virginia, and he would eventually free more people] in slavery is contrary to slaves than anyone. the true principles of Religion His heirs did not take well to the idea of his and Justice and that therefore it giving away what one day was my duty to manumit [to release would be their “property.” Nor did his neighbors and from slavery] them.” peers agree, especially when he also joined the Morattico Baptist Church, which had a mixed congregation of white directed his slaves to be released over a period of several years and only when and black, free people and slaves. When they reached a certain age. The idea was Robert Carter died in 1804, members of his family filed an injunction in Frederto free no more than 30 slaves in any one year for their own wellbeing. In addiick County Court in an attempt to stop Carter’s manumissions. The case went tion, Virginia law intended to prevent
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unscrupulous owners from just unloading the young, old and infirm. The law specified that freed slaves must be sound in mind and body and be between the ages of 18 and 45 if females, and 21 and 45 if males. All others, if manumitted, had to be maintained at the expense of their previous owners. While he tried to keep former slave families together and went to great lengths to provide them with housing and acreage to
“Robert Carter III, a slave owner who became enlightened regarding slavery and had the faith and courage to do the right thing when all about him opposed his freeing of slaves.”
(above) Deed of Gift written by Robert Carter III, detailing the free of his slaves. On file at the Northumberland County District Court. (below) A proposal to slowly free slaves by St. George Tucker. 52
farm, there were hardships that resulted. The fact that a slave could not be freed before the age designated meant that mothers were freed while their children were not. This created a situation that proved painful to many slaves who were separated from their families. Although very few slave owners shared Carter’s view, there were some who shared his religious beliefs and were troubled over slavery. Most could not deal with the economics of abolition. Five years after Carter’s Deed of Gift, a book appeared, A Dissertation on Slavery: With A Proposal for the Gradual Abolition Of it, in the State of Virginia. The book was published in 1796 by St. George Tucker, a law professor at the College of William and Mary. It was presented to the General Assembly, but totally ignored. Philip Vickers Fithian, was a tutor who lived at Nomini Hall between 1773 and 1774. He taught the Carter children. Fithian kept a journal in which he noted day to day experiences of what he observed was happening at the Carter Plantation. In his journal he wrote, in the writing style of the time, this of Robert Carter III: “And Mr. Carter is allow’d by all, & from what I have already seen of others, I make no Doubt at all but he is, by far the most humane to his Slaves of any in these parts. Good God! are these Christians?” This is a poignant eyewitness testimony from a man who knew Carter well. He, like Carter, was witness to the inhumanity of slavery. Fithian talks about an overseer named Morgan who worked for nearby plantation owner Mr. George Lees. In his journal, April/May 2018
Fithian recalls Morgan recommending how to treat slaves for “Sullenness, Obstinacy, or Idleness.” Morgan’s suggestions were brutal, and would easily fit the definition of torture by today’s standards. Certainly, Carter knew of, and was troubled by, these atrocities and others Fithian documented. In his book, The First Emancipator, Andrew Levy points out that while other slave owners expected their slaves to sleep on the dirt floors of their slave cabins, Robert Carter had shelves built 18 inches above the ground for them to sleep on. The story of Sarah, a slave on the Carter Plantation, illustrates the plight of many. The story is brought to life by Ms. Sheila Arnold Jones, who portrays Sarah and other slaves in her live presentations across the country. She is the CEO and lead performer of History’s Alive! (www. mssheila.org) Through History’s Alive!, Sheila has given more than 600 presentations for schools, churches, professional organizations and museums in 26 states. In addition, she contracts with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to present historic character interpretation and to teach teachers at their Summer Teachers Institute. Her portrayal of the former slave Sarah explains in vivid detail the anguish slaves endured even after they were freed. Carter slave “Sarah” was set free in 1793, but continued to serve the family while she waited for her children to be freed. Why, one wonders, has Carter’s Deed of Gift been all but forgotten? Obviously, he was one of the few slave owners who acted on the notion that slavery was wrong. George Washington wrote in his will that his slaves should be freed after his wife’s death, which she believed put her life in danger. Others had good intentions they never carried out. However, it was Robert Carter III who had the courage of his convictions and actually did freed his slaves. He did it without much fanfare, quietly and determinedly. Some people believe his contemporaries wanted to avoid giving attention to what he had done because it shamed them. It is interesting to note that even one of the highway markers for Nomini Hall describes Carter as a “councillor” rather than the emancipator who authored the incredible Deed of Gift. It would seem appropriate that instead The House & Home Magazine
of a humble road marker at Nomini Hall, there should be erected on the site a grand marble monument with a bronze bust of Robert Carter III and the inscription cast in shiny bronze letters that reads: “Robert Carter III, a slave owner who became enlightened regarding slavery and had the faith and courage to do the right thing when all about him opposed his freeing of slaves.” It should be noted, that Robert Carter III owned his half-brother Baptist Billy, and he always knew it. Perhaps this fact weighed heavily on Carter’s mind over the years and may have contributed to his decision to eventually free all his slaves. H The First Emancipator, written by Andrew Levy, published by Random House, tells the incredible story of how the man who had more slaves than anyone in Virginia decided to free his slaves.
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dorn’s body and paint
A Half-Century of
EXPERTISE
A full house of vehicles awaits Dorn’s’ expert service.
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or 53 years, family-owned Dorn’s Body and Paint has been offering excellence in automotive service, collision repair and transportation/recovery assistance from its familiar location in Mechanicsville. An average of 100 vehicles a week pass through the doors of the 25,000 square-foot facility at 8190 Mechanicsville Turnpike, seeking expert service for every type of vehicle from every major manufacturer — including Tesla, Ferrari, Land Rover and BMW, among many others.
(804)746-3928 or (804)746-3945. For more information, visit www.dornsbodyandpaint.com. 54
The company’s transportation division carries vehicles large and small up and down the East Coast — even earth movers and military vehicles. Towing and recovery services are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Dorn’s technicians are certified by all major manufacturers, as well as ASE certified — an industry standard that guarantees Automotive Service Excellence. The collision experts are I-Car certified to a gold or platinum standard. I-Car is a program that ensures that every person in the collision repair industry has the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. Dorn’s has a substantial investment in state-of-the-art equipment, including an “aluminum room” certified as safe for the care of aluminum-body vehicles. Although they think big at Dorn’s, no job is too small — including state inspections, alignments or detailing. All service and collision work is done in-house and carries a lifetime warranty. April/May 2018
“There is no limit to what we can and will do,” said Tony Haboush, service director since August 2000. “We strive to do it right and as the manufacturer recommends.” Build sequence is an important standard in the automotive industry and Dorn’s’ technicians are trained to achieve it — to maximize efficiency, reduce waste and comply with every manufacturer’s standards. Company owner Raymond Dorn is justifiably pleased with his team’s performance and training record. “There’s a lot involved with working on these cars,” he said, “and we make sure we have the best equipment, information and skills to attend to every vehicle.” Haboush added, “We’re self-driven. We spend a great deal of time educating ourselves,” he said. “That’s something we’re really proud of.” When quality work is a priority, automotive owners can trust Dorn’s to get the job done right, every time. To reach Dorn’s Body and Paint, call (804)746-3928 or (804)746-3945. For more information, visit www. (top left) A Tesla is serviced in the “aluminum room.” (top right) Andrea Smith, front dornsbodyandpaint.com. H desk manager, greets customers with a smile. (above) Tony Haboush, service director.
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Photos courtesy of Andersen Windows and Doors
Window Shopping D OI NG A L I T T L E
By Jackie Nunnery
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS THAT CAN ENHANCE YOUR HOME
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our eyes are said to be the windows to your soul. Windows can be just as meaningful to your home. From an architectural standpoint, they work with other exterior elements to establish the architectural style of your home and provide curb appeal. On the inside, they can offer welcoming sunlight while framing beautiful views, bringing the outside in. Functionally, they can bring your home a breath of fresh air or keep the chill of winter away. With so many roles, there is a lot to consider when choosing between the many options available. 56
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IF CHOSEN PROPERLY, WINDOWS CAN INCREASE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND VALUE OF YOUR HOME, AS WELL AS IMPROVE ITS BEAUTY BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. Know Your Type The most important consideration is the window type, which should be in keeping with the architectural style of your home. You may have a contemporary home that would need the clean lines of large windows, or a traditional Cape Cod that would best be paired with multi-paned windows. Choosing window styles that clash with, rather than enhance, your home’s existing architecture, lessens their value. This is also the time to think about how the window would need to open, if at all. If you want to let natural light into a stairwell, but it’s not in a place where it will be accessible to be opened, you could opt for a picture window. Maybe you have a window in front of your sink that would be easiest to crank open. What if the window opens into a walkway or patio? You have a few options from which to choose: Double and Single Hung: Best for traditional architecture, this is the most common type of window in the United States. Double hung means that both the top and bottom sashes can move up or down. With single hung, only the lower sash moves. Awning: With the hinge at the top and opening outward, this style allows for good ventilation without letting in the rain. While they can be installed on their own, they also work well above a picture window for a transom effect. Depending on the configuration, this window style works with traditional or contemporary architecture. Casement: Like awning windows, they are hinged on one side. Casement windows however, open to the left or right. Because they open with a crank, this window is a great choice for over a sink, where reach is limited. This style window works best with contemporary-style homes. The House & Home Magazine
Slider or Glider: This operates like a horizontal double hung window. Since it slides to the left or right, it opens without lifting the weight of the sash, making it easier to operate — another window style that is best for contemporary-designed homes. Picture: Windows that do not open. Perfect for highlighting outdoor views or enhancing natural light, these work well in places where access to opening is not needed or possible. With endless shapes from which to choose — traditional squares and rectangles, contemporary circles and octagons — these can be used individually or together to create a window wall that truly makes a design statement. These can work in all types of architecture. Bay or Bow: Not a single window, but a combination of three or more windows that extend out from the wall. While they may look very similar, they have a couple of differences. Bay windows have a large center window with two smaller windows on either side; and bow windows are made up of four or more windows of equal size. This attention-getting feature gives you added views to the outdoors in addition to added space on the inside. If the space is large enough, the addition of a window seat can make the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. This style window is typically seen in traditional homes. Palladium: Like bay or bow windows, this is actually a grouping of windows. This focal point features a large, arched center window flanked by two shorter, narrower windows. This style window works best with traditional architecture. 57
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Know how to accessorize Just as windows can enhance your homes’ style, there are additional elements that will add to the architectural impact of your windows. Grilles, grids or mullions: There are many names for these inserts which mimic the divided lights or separate panes of glass that were traditionally used to make up windows. Some windows have grilles inserted between the layers of glass, making them easier to clean, while others fasten onto the surface of the window. You’ve probably seen the traditional rectangles which fill both sashes of double-hung windows on Cape Cods or Colonials; the distinctive diamond pattern of Tudor homes; or the look of no grilles, just clear glass, in contemporary homes. Casings: Interior mouldings that go around your windows to complete the look. The trim usually coordinates with the crown moulding and baseboard of the room. Because the trim is made up of individual pieces, it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it. Shutters: Shutters were originally designed to close over the window for privacy and protection. While some homes still have functional shutters, most shutters are merely decorative. The key to correctly choosing and installing decorative shutters is that they should look as if they could close over the window. There are four basic types of shutters: Raised Panel. Similar to the panel look on kitchen
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cabinets. This traditional style works with most architectural styles. Louvered. The classic, vented style most are familiar with on traditional homes like Cape Cods, Victorians, and Ranches. Board and Batten. With their simple construction of vertical flat boards and horizontal bracing (batten), they have a more rustic look which would pair best with French Country or Cottage-style homes. Bermuda. Visually similar to louvered shutters, but they hinge at the top instead of the sides. These are a popular, functional shutter choice in warmer, sunnier climates because they offer shade while letting in breezes.
Make a great first impression Don’t forget to include your front entrance when considering windows. Sidelights and transoms around your front door can transform the entryway and boost curb appeal. Just keep in mind the same rules regarding consistency in architectural style. If chosen properly, windows can increase the energy efficiency and value of your home, as well as improve its beauty both inside and out. While windows can be pricey, they are also one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make. So, take the time to look for inspiration online and in magazines to see how others have used windows to improve or update the look of their home. H
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Swing in to Spring IN THE
GARDEN By Janet Evans Hinman
Spring irresistibly beckons gardeners to get out there into the landscape, root around in the ground and get their hands and knees dirty. 60
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t happens so gradually you almost don’t notice it. The days get longer and warmer. The turf outside your window and fields along your familiar routes turn a special shade of emerald green that only appears once a year. Tender shoots of the crocus, daffodils and hyacinth push their brave faces up through the frosty soil, sometimes in spite of a late snowfall. Spring irresistibly beckons gardeners to get out there into the landscape, root around in the ground and get their hands and knees dirty. April/May 2018
Getting Started Before the real fun begins, there are some chores to tackle to get your garden off to a good start. Take an inventory of your tools. Clean, repair and sharpen your tools so they’ll be in fine shape just when you need them. Multipurpose garden tools are a good investment to make chores as efficient as possible. Rake or blow the last layer of winter leaf mold from the flower beds. Local experts recommend the Clog Free rake for making raking bearable. Top dress your garden beds with compost or a good commercial soil amendment — work it into the top one inch of the garden soil. Spring is the best time to divide perennials and transplant into new locations. Share or trade some of your plants with neighbors and friends. This is a cost-effective way to add more plants to the landscape. Also, eradicate those pesky early spring weeds before they get too comfortable in your garden. Add a three to four-inch layer of mulch to discourage any new weed growth. Prune any dead or unsightly branches from shrubs, trees and perennials after new growth has begun. Prune the spring bloomers like forsythia, azalea and rhododendrons as needed soon after flowering is complete. Thin and shape hedges after the first flush of new growth. Again, sharp and clean tools are key. With a few essential chores complete, you’re ready to go have a creative good time in the garden.
Garden centers are awash with bright, shiny new products and a virtual rainbow of colorful annuals, interesting perennials, shrubs and trees perfect for every corner of your terrain. Before you get busy, take stock. Walk through our list of tasks, garden design concepts and garden gadgets to consider topics of growing importance in the landscaping realm, with an eye toward providing pleasure to you and your guests in the garden — whether the aim is creating a relaxing space to share a meal or a conversation, growing new foods or ornamental plantings, or providing a refuge for wildlife. The House & Home Magazine
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Restoring Habitat at Home Most gardeners are aware that bees and butterflies are in decline, but habitat loss is also impacting birds, frogs and even turtles. Most dwindling habitat comes from expanding commercial and residential development — good things for the convenience of the human population, but less so for the needs of local wildlife. Yet there is no reason we can’t create beautiful landscapes that also serve the requirements of many, if not most, of our animal neighbors. Many gardeners are adjusting their plant selections and even redesigning their gardens to support local
Embrace the Small Space Whether you have a small area or a larger landscape, designers have embraced the concept of customizing garden spaces according to their purposes and integrating them into the larger plan. Secret garden ‘rooms’ provide welcome retreats for gardeners and their guests, turning a stroll through the yard into a series of cozy conversation spots. For years, outdoor dining spaces have been conveniently located just off the house, near the kitchen. However, it’s a noticeable trend that dining rooms are moving out into the garden. Construct a winding path to a more secluded, picturesque corner of the garden. Screen your new dining sanctuary with differing heights of ornamentals and container plantings for a feeling of privacy. Dwarf shrubs and ornamental grasses provide a visually interesting screen but aren’t overwhelming. The addition of a few small, lacy-leaved trees like Japanese maples adds subtle spots of color. Fire pits and water features also make for pleasing garden getaways and can be designed as separate garden destinations. Fire features can be bought as kits, portable structures, or handcrafted from scratch. Water features can be as simple as a fountain or as elaborate as a waterfall into a pond, complete with fish. Strategically placed garden flags provide focal points among the pathways. Hide a meditation bench along a side path for a peaceful place to read or contemplate. To cut down on the chore of lugging hoses and watering cans all over the yard, invest in self-watering planters and individual slowrelease drip irrigation. 62
wildlife. There are a few tips for creating a successful habitat garden. Grow both seed-producing and berry-bearing plants. Restrict the use of insecticides and consider replacing some of your lawn with garden spaces. Bird-friendly choices include sunflowers, lavender, lemon balm, honeysuckle, viburnum, roses, pyracantha, holly and Hawthorne; as well as tree specimens like dogwood, crabapple, silver birch, alder and beech. Of course any gardener who grows fruit-bearing shrubs or trees is accustomed to sharing the harvest with the birds. Charming bird feeders and bird houses provide an extra level of food and shelter for our feathered friends and are attractive focal points for humans as well. Although our squirrel neighbors need love too, we’d prefer they stick to the trees, even though they’re extremely ingenious at raiding the birds’ domain. One highly rated product is the Audubon Torpedo steel squirrel baffle — gardeners have reported that watching squirrels try to defeat this product is truly entertaining. April/May 2018
Bees and butterflies enjoy a patch of wildflowers and weeds — some particular favorites are alfalfa, clover, Queen Anne’s lace, and dandelions. However, there are plenty of decorative annuals and perennials that make a lovely landscape and attract bees and butterflies — rhododendron, lilac, aster, coneflower, daisy, daylily, marigold, rosemary, thyme and zinnia, among many others. Frogs and turtles are nature’s little gifts to boggy spots in the landscape and your water feature is sure to provide a happy home for them. You’ll enjoy watching these interesting creatures go about their daily life as you help them in their struggle to survive shrinking natural habitats. In addition to their entertaining nightly serenade, some frogs can benefit the gardener by eating their entire body weight in insects in a day. Turtles love an insect meal too and are especially fond of slugs. To attract amphibian/reptile friends to your habitat, design a water feature with lush native vegetation — wetlandfriendly plants, ground cover, ferns and grasses. Rocks and logs add interest and provide shelter.
Garden Experiments for Food and Fun Gardeners are an adventurous lot — always willing to try new things. Trend-watchers have noticed a growing interest in adding botanical variety to the garden with new plants and new ways to showcase them. Try adding a vegetable garden to the landscape with some interesting edibles, herbs and even edible flowers. There is a big, wide world of diversity available to gardeners through seed companies, seed swaps, garden centers and community gardens. A big part of the fun of food gardening is trying new edibles like quirky cucamelons (grape-sized watermelons with a taste of cucumber and lime), gherkin cucumbers, chickpeas, edamame or exotic greens. And don’t forget the flowers. Include plenty of bee-friendly flowers to attract pollinators. The best blooms for the veggie garden include sweet alyssum, zinnias, cosmos, nasturtiums and calendula. Raised beds are fabulously handy, whether they’re the do-it-yourself variety or one of the many styles available in kits online or from garden centers. They can be The House & Home Magazine
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designed to be natural or decorative. Some of the benefits of raised-bed gardening are fewer weeds, better water retention and drainage, no soil compaction from human feet, warmer soil earlier in the season, better soil composition and less erosion. A waist-high raised bed is a good choice for herbs and smaller veggies because it brings the work space up to you for less bending and no kneeling. Another emerging garden trend is experimenting with succulents — nature’s most durable plants. Get creative by cultivating a succulent garden or a collection of containers featuring them. Not too long ago the gardening public thought of succulents as only cactus or jade plants and dismissed the entire category as too plain. Today, exotic varieties are readily available at your local garden center or online. Succulents come in an immense variety of colors, textures and forms. One of the obvious benefits of gardening with succulents is that, unlike many other plants, they thrive on neglect. They are very drought tolerant and love light and heat. Given adequate sunlight, only occasional watering, and a bit of fertilizer in the spring, a succulent garden will flourish whether you have a green thumb or not. Succulents can be planted in small spaces in garden beds or in a collection of containers. They look nice grouped around a patio, near a fire pit, or as centerpieces for outdoor dining tables, and they instantly add personality and charm to outdoor spaces. Popular hardy choices include cacti, delosperma, sedum, agave, euphorbia, hens and chicks, and yucca.
Take advantage of nature’s gift of the spring season and try a trend in the garden. Then step out and enjoy the ‘fruits’ of your labor with friends and family number of plants with an eye toward every specimen doing its ‘job’ — easy care blooms with multi-season appeal. Careful plant selection helps achieve a natural, relaxed environment, while still landing at a comfortable spot on the maintenance chart. Keep an eye out for garden innovations that help cut down on maintenance costs and effort or at least help your garden grow. Make a habit of adding compost to the soil each planting season because it is rich in nutrients, and it promotes soil microbes that aid plant growth. In a nutshell, composting is a natural process of recycling organic material such as leaves and vegetable scraps into a rich soil amendment that gardeners fondly nickname Black Gold. Garden centers offer
a host of new composting systems that are both more attractive and more reliable than a traditional backyard compost pile. A rain barrel collects rainwater from downspouts and rooftops for future use watering lawns and gardens. During the summer months, nearly 40 percent of household water is used for lawn and garden maintenance. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for those times that you need it most — during the dry summer months. Take advantage of nature’s gift of the spring season and try a trend in the garden. Then step out and enjoy the ‘fruits’ of your labor with friends and family, in solitude, or just for the pure pleasure of going out to play and getting a little dirty. H
Manageable Maintenance Some gardening concepts need more maintenance than others. It may seem contradictory, but natural gardens, or those with a relaxed style, can be tricky to maintain and can get weedy and overgrown in a hurry. People want beautiful, eco-sensitive outdoor spaces but they need them to be manageable over the long haul. Following some key design principles can keep your garden from getting out of hand. Thoughtful plant selections is essential. Choose a scheme that matches how you want to use your garden space. Select a fewer The House & Home Magazine
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SENIOR LIVING Aging is inevitable but know that accidents and injuries in the home don’t have to be!
Safe at Home Avoiding common home hazards as you age By Jackie Nunnery
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our home is where you should feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, for many older adults, it’s one of the most hazardous places to be. Each year, falls and fires cause millions of medical emergencies and hospital visits, most of which could be prevented with simple prevention strategies. Staying aware and avoiding injury will allow you to stay healthy and live independently in your own home. 66
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Trips and Falls: The biggest cause of injury and accidental death for seniors According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about two-thirds of the 49 million seniors over the age of 65 fall each year. With 10,000 Americans hitting that milestone every year, the number is expected to grow. Of the nearly 30 million falls every year, roughly a quarter of them result in injuries like broken bones and head injuries, requiring emergency room treatment and/or longer hospital stays. Nearly all hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries in seniors are the result of falling. In addition to injuries, falls often cause people to fear another fall. As a result, many give up participating in their favorite activities, which can only make balance problems worse. The adage “use it or lose it� is true when it comes to balance skills. Like muscles, they need to be used regularly to stay in peak condition. Are you at risk for a fall? There are a host of medical issues that can put you at risk for a fall. Medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease affect your blood vessels, which can cause dizziness. Being unsteady on your feet can also be the result of muscle weakness from stroke or lack of exercise. Orthostatic hypotension (also called postural hypotension), is a type of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up after sitting or lying down, making you feel dizzy or lightheaded. To make matters worse, the risk of osteoporosis, a weakening of your bones, also increases with age. As a result, falls lead to fractures instead of bruises. Talk to your doctor about any balance problems before they become serious enough to cause a fall. Physical therapy, exercise, the use of a cane/ walker, or something as simple as a new prescription for your eyeglasses may make all the difference in your mobility. Some have even found that exercise not only improves their balance, it transforms their lives. They are now able to get out and do things that they once only dreamed of. You should also have a conversation with your doctor about any medications you take. There are many medications, The House & Home Magazine
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too numerous to list them all, that can cause balance issues. Both prescription drugs like blood pressure and antidepressants, and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), can make you drowsy and affect your balance. You and your doctor can discuss removing medications, changing a dose, or finding an alternative drug. If your medical conditions or medications still leave you unsteady on your feet, you may consider getting one of the many medical alert systems available. While they won’t prevent a fall, they do provide help at the touch of a button in the event of a fall or any emergency, giving you medical attention when needed and your loved ones peace of mind. Removing hazards around your home Once you have tackled the medical causes of falls, it’s time to closely inspect your home for trip hazards. Look for loose area rugs that should be either removed or taped down, or electrical cords that are in walkways. Stairs are also a prime location for falls, so make sure handrails are secure and you don’t have any items sitting on the stairs, waiting to trip you. Older eyes need more light to see clearly, which may mean that you need to upgrade or add light fixtures, especially in the kitchen and bath, where many accidents occur. Also think about using nightlights to make getting around in the middle of the night safer. In the bath, install grab bars in your tub and toilet areas to make sitting down and getting back up easier and safer. A non68
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In the bath, install grab bars in your tub and toilet areas to make sitting down and getting back up easier and safer.
skid surface (mat, textured tile, adhesive strips) in the tub or shower will also provide secure footing on wet surfaces. Outside, check any stairs leading to your home. They too should be clear of objects that may trip you and handrails should be secure. It may also be time to trim back any shrubs or plants that are obstructing sidewalks or install walkway lighting to brighten the way to your home. Fire safety starts in the kitchen Most importantly, your home should have fire extinguishers to put out smaller fires before they spread and smoke alarms to alert you to fires that start while you are sleeping. When it comes to discussing fire safety, the most natural place to start is the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the
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Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
more dangerous rooms of the home. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fire and home fire injuries. So, what steps can you take? First, you should always avoid distractions while you’re cooking, but especially when you fry. Most cooking fires start when someone is frying food. Next, be on
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the lookout for flammable objects —dishtowels, paper, your sleeves — which should be kept away from the stove. If you must briefly walk away from a pot or pan on the stove, make sure you turn the handle toward the back, so it can’t be knocked off, causing burns or fires.
What’s the only thing more dangerous than a kitchen fire? Smoking. It is the leading cause of home fire deaths. The safest way to smoke is to do it outside, but if you must smoke inside, make sure you put cigarettes out completely. Every single time. When you empty an ashtray, add water to the ashes and butts before you dump them in the trash. Those medications that make you drowsy? Don’t smoke after taking them since it reduces your ability to prevent or escape from a fire. Lastly, avoid smoking in bed. You run the risk of falling asleep with a lit cigarette, surrounded by bedding and a mattress that can catch on fire easily, leading to burns or death. Aging is inevitable but know that accidents and injuries in the home don’t have to be. By working with your doctor and following these precautions and preventative tips, you can keep accidents from happening and go a long way toward living healthier and feeling safer in your home. H
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WILLIAMSBURG TASTE FESTIVAL Thursday, April 19, 2018 Culinary Arts Kick-Off, 5:30 - 7:30 pm The Gallery at the Stryker Building Join us for this kick-off celebration for the 2018 Williamsburg Taste Festival and enjoy just a “taste” of what’s to come for the next three days! (Please note, this event is only open to All Festival Pass holders.)  Thursday Night Out and Abouts Our Out and About events are your chance to enjoy a special evening with our local celebrity chefs who are putting together menus that will create an evening of culinary exploration that you won’t forget! Out and About events will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County. • La Tienda, 7 pm | 757-253-1925 • French Wine Dinner at The Cafe Provencal, 7 pm | 757 941-0317 • The Hound’s Tale, 7 pm | 757-221-6678 • Yorktown River Crawl – Umi Sushi, Waterstreet Grille & Carrot Tree (Yorktown Riverwalk), 7 pm Carrot Tree | 757-988-1999 Waterstreet Grille | 757-369-5644 Umi Sushi | 757-989-6464
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Friday, April 20, 2018 Friday Night: Street Beats, 5:30 - 9:30 pm At the Williamsburg Community Building ( 401 N. Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185), Fountain Tent area It’s Friday night and time to relax and celebrate some of our extraordinary local music and food. Tickets include live music, yard games and lots of fun. We’ll also have food and drinks available for purchase at our cash bars and food trucks, plus a giant paella made fresh by the chefs from La Tienda. This is a rain or shine event. No refunds. Food Trucks: »Prost: » Classic German Fare »VA » Blue Crab Co: Fresh Local Seafood »Jabellz: » Latin & Caribbean Cuisine Food Tables: »La » Tienda: Paella »Old » City BBQ: Barbecue »Get » Together Vintage Popcorn & Cotton Candy: Popcorn and Cotton Candy »Retro’s: » Burgers, Hot Dogs »Mad » About Chocolate: Sweets  Friday Night Out and Abouts • Waypoint Seafood and Grill, 7 pm | 757-220-2228
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Saturday, April 21, 2018 Culinary Village, 10:30 am - 5 pm Culinary Village – Main Tent, Williamsburg Community Building The Williamsburg Taste Festival Culinary Village is the heart of our food and craft beverage festival for the weekend. Saturday will feature a variety of “tastes” of several types of cuisine as well as small samplings from regional vendors. Cost is $55 for adults. Saturday Education Track LECTURES, Williamsburg Stryker Building | 3 sessions 10:45am: Patrick Evans-Hylton 12:45pm: Bruce Vogt 2:45pm: Lisa Kellogg DEMOS, Williamsburg Community Building | 3 sessions 11:45am: Chefs Hans Schadler and Harmut Handke 1:45pm: Glenn Lavender 3:45pm: Chef Travis Brust  Saturday Night Out & Abouts • Dock to Dish Dinner at Riverwalk Landing, 6 pm | 757-875-1522 • Master of Taste Dinner at The Williamsburg Winery, 7 pm 757-253-1925 • Billsburg Brewery, 7 pm • Amber Ox Public House, 7 pm 757-790-2299  Saturday Night Late Night – Bourbon and Cigars, 9 - 11 pm Fountain Trellis next to the Williamsburg Stryker Building Ticketed Event - Cost is $45. Sunday, April 22, 2018 Brunch, 11 am Culinary Village – Main Tent Imagine how amazing brunch would be if 5 of the top Chef’s in our State worked together to create the ultimate brunch experience. Cost is $55.00 for adults.  Beer U, 2 pm Fountain Trellis next to the Williamsburg Stryker Building Panel discussion about all things beer moderated by Tom Davis of Local Voice/ WYDaily. Vist WilliamsburgTasteFestival. com for complete information.
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Catchers DREAM
By Deb Weissler
“Dream Catchers is a magical place where children with special needs can be themselves. They are welcomed with open arms, loved and accepted. Not only does Dream Catchers offer a safe haven, but I feel a peace there that I seldom feel otherwise.�
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Ancient legends and myths among several Native American tribes speak of the Dream Catcher. According to the Ojibwa people, the Dream Catcher is a mystical and maternal Spider Woman who serves as the tribe’s protector, especially for children and those in need. In ancient times, as the tribe grew and dispersed across the land, she created a web-like Dream Catcher to protect them from afar.
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n twenty-two pastoral acres in rural Toano, Spider Woman continues to cast her protective web; this time in the form of Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center. What began as a small dream has, through the love and care of its volunteers, certified instructors, and staff, created a world class riding center dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who have been handed some of life’s greatest challenges. In 1993, two nurses from Cumberland Children’s Hospital opened a therapeutic riding center in the belief that equineassisted activities would help their patients improve fine motor skills, gain a sense of self-worth, and grow confidence as they mastered simple and complex tasks while astride a horse. Their program became known as Dream Catchers. By 1996, Dream Catchers was providing 35 to 40 lessons per week. Then the hospital was sold, and Dream Catchers relocated to a leased facility in 2002. That same year, a young and accomplished horsewoman, Cori Sikich, lost her battle with an eating disorder. As her family struggled with their pain and loss, they turned their mourning for her tragic loss outward, in the hopes her life and passing would give meaning and purpose to others. In 2004, Susan and John Sikich provided Dream Catchers with a permanent home on a stunning piece of property with ample room to expand. Held in trust by the Cori Sikich Foundation, the family found a positive way to honor her life. The House & Home Magazine
Dream Catchers had an immediate impact on a community that stretches from New Kent County through York, the Middle Peninsula, and down into Southside Hampton Roads. Their efforts captured the hearts of philanthropists Angie Johnson and Wade Johnson, MD, who believed Dream Catchers was worthy of significant financial support. In 2006, they directed the capital improvements resulting in this state-of-the-art riding center. Today, Dream Catchers provides more than 4000 lessons each year for students ages 4 to 100. With a stable of 13 horses, 8 instructors, licensed clinicians, and approximately 17,500 hours of volunteer staffing annually, Dream Catchers is truly a dream come true for area residents with special needs. All instructors are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), the organization that oversees professional standards and certifications. “Each participant arrives with a referral,” explains Board President Thomas Miller. A retired anesthesiologist living in Williamsburg, Tom began as a volunteer at Dream Catchers four years ago, before assuming the position of Board President. Not just content to handle administrative duties, Tom and his wife are still active barn volunteers. “There are a number of paths coming into a program like this. The two major elements are of course the riders; in this case children and adults with special needs, and the horses. Since we are a therapeutic riding center, everybody needs a diagnosis. It could be through a family physician, a children’s orthopedist, a psychiatrist or psychologist, or a social worker. 75
Then, our PATH-certified Operations Manager conducts a thorough assessment of the child or adult: what their physical abilities and disabilities are; do they have enough core strength to ride a horse; what their emotional and mental capabilities are; and what kinds of assistance will they require. Many of the riders are severely handicapped; some are completely wheelchair-bound.” Some special needs may include ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and development delay, Down Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism, paralysis, speech impairment, spinal disorders, visual impairments, emotional and behavioral challenges, and terminal illnesses, to name a few. Each need requires special pairing with a compatible equine partner. “As you know, each horse is gaited differently, so pairing an individual with a specific horse is crucial,” Tom explains. “With patient confidentiality foremost in mind, Dream Catcher volunteers may not know the specific diagnosis, just the unique requirements for pairing horse and rider.” A horse’s motion closely replicates the human stride, so riding helps improve flexibility, balance, muscle strength, and concentration. The benefits derived can also increase confidence, patience, and self-esteem. Individualized programs include: n Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship Horsemanship skills may be taught on horseback or on the ground for the purpose of promoting strength, increasing flexibility, developing balance, and social skills. A unique interaction develops between each horse and rider so that two become one. n Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) Licensed mental health professionals and certified equine professionals work together to design a program that fosters patience and empathy, reducing anxiety and depression, boosts confidence and trust, and improves frustration tolerance. n Equine-facilitated Learning (EFL) An educational approach developed and organized by credentialed practitioners to facilitate personal growth and development of life skills through equine interactions. Benefits include developing 76
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a strong work ethic, improving attention, gaining selfesteem and confidence, and helping to better understand non-verbal communication. n Speech Therapy Speech therapy incorporates the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy by a licensed speech/language pathologist to address impairments and speech limitations. “Participation in these various programs waxes and wanes for a number of reasons. Hot and cold weather are deterrents to riding. Economically, it’s not feasible to maintain a heated and air-conditioned space in the indoor riding arena. The sweet spots for us are in the spring and fall,” Tom continues. 78
“Programs like this are estimated to be $170 per hour. We charge $56. The rest is provided through volunteer hours, fundraisers, grants, and our partial and full scholarships for riders.” “We currently have 44 teams busy preparing for our upcoming Catch a Dream campaign and horse show,” adds Terry Jacoby, Dream Catcher’s Development Director. “This is dedicated to our participants, and it’s their day to shine in front of family and friends.” Major sponsors, such as Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que provide financial support as well as serving up more than 200 meals for the event. Some of the stars for the upcoming show were going through their paces inside the indoor arena. The soft scuff of horse’s hooves on the artificial turf muffles the sounds of instructors and horse leaders guiding both horses and riders through carefully placed obstacle courses. While the horse leader is completely focused on the movements and behavior of their horse, side walkers are positioned on each side near the riders’ heels, focused entirely on the safety of the rider. It takes a special horse or pony to become part of the Dream Catchers team. Hundreds of hours of intensive training are required to become a certified therapy horse, and each one goes through intensive evaluations before being selected. Many of them have been loaned to the program by their owners. In the bright and immaculate stable, each animal has its own box stall, complete with placards that identify each by name, breed, height, gender, color, date of birth, and owner and/or loaner. Annual sponsorships and donations help underwrite the costs for feed, supplements, tack, farrier fees, and veterinarian care. A well-organized tack room features carefully inventoried saddles and bridles that pairs the tack required for each horse with the needs of the riders. This year, Bridles & Boots is an exciting new version of Dream Catchers’ annual fundraiser, formerly known as Bridles & Bowties, always a sellout evening. About 375 guests spend the evening enjoying a cocktail hour, appetizers, oysters, and tours of the facilities, student spotlights, a meet and greet with the equine stars, and a seated buffet with live auction. Generous sponsorship support ensures that Dream Catchers can continue to provide exceptional services to the community. The event is always a favorite on the Williamsburg social calendar. Dream Catchers has a dream of its own. They have begun building an endowment fund, which over time will generate an annual income to support their operations and programs. April/May 2018
Dream Catchers welcomes volunteers who possess a passion for horses and for helping those in need, and are always on the lookout for lesson volunteers (horse leaders and side walkers), facility volunteers, and office help. With two riders in the program, one parent expressed her heartfelt words of gratitude that other parents can relate. “Dream Catchers is a magical place where children with special needs can be themselves. They are welcomed with open arms, loved and accepted. Not only does Dream Catchers offer a safe haven, but I feel a peace there that I seldom feel otherwise.” For the staff of Dream Catchers, each moment with their riders is indelibly captured in their hearts and minds. One incident still resonates. While being lead to the outdoor riding arena, a young woman with MS, suddenly threw her arms open wide and began singing Born Free. Recalling that story now, there wasn’t a dry eye in the group. In horse cultures worldwide, ‘Horse’ possesses great physical power. In understanding the power of ‘Horse’, compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing are gateways to this power. Dream Catchers has tapped into that source of power in order to bring lifechanging therapeutic programs to those with the greatest needs. The Spider Woman continues to cast her protective web. Special thanks to Thomas Miller, Board President; Terry Jacoby, Development Director; Janet Mayberry Laughlin, Interim Executive Director; Beth Yurkovac, Operations Manager, and to the instructors, volunteers, and riders who allowed me to be a part of their world. H The House & Home Magazine
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ACME ANTIQUES
and a
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k eover a Mta k e o v e r
nchoring the main thoroughfare of Tappahannock, with a fresh, engaging renovation and a delightful array of colorful and fanciful artifacts, is ACME Antiques, the brainchild of Bob and Linda Green, antique aficionados and avid collectors. ACME Antiques opened its doors in May 2017 in the former 22,000 square-foot A to Z Antiques building following an extensive facelift. It’s hard not to notice other businesses along the route following suit with makeovers of their own. ACME features a unique selection of antiques, memorabilia, shabby chic and vintage wares, signs and yard art, even an amusement ride or two. The store is the third antique shop
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venture for the Greens, whose businesses evolved from their personal passions for antiques and collectibles. Sister stores include Port Royal Trading Post in Port Royal, Va., and Glory Days Antiques in Newburg, Md. The businesses are a family affair for the Greens; their daughter Morgan Valeski and son-inlaw Chris Valeski are involved as well. Each store offers merchandise from 50 to 60 individual vendors. ACME’s spacious building accommodates 132 to 135 vendor spaces. Each vendor is responsible for his or her booth — the merchandise, styles and displays. They’re free to find their own niche — and that they do. Just about anything you can imagine can be found among the rows and rows of well-ordered booths — from the traditional to the quirky — fine furniture, silver, crystal and china, military uniforms, metal advertising signs, a gravity-fed gas pump or repurposed farm equipment. April/May 2018
The family has its own spaces as well, with pieces carefully curated from picking excursions both near and far, including Missouri and Texas. Family members scour estate sales and auctions, they help liquidate personal collections, and work with clients who may be downsizing to smaller homes. “Linda has a knack for finding buried treasure,” said Chris Valeski. Morgan Valeski is a driving force when it comes to searching for artifacts, whether they’re down the street or far down the highway. Chris has a personal preference for road trips searching for “the big pick.” He added, “I like the hunt and the drive.” So if you have a hankering for a 1920s Hoosier cabinet, a Duncan Phyfe dining table, Roseville pottery, or maybe a special statue of Bigfoot, chances are good that you’ll find your heart’s desire at ACME Antiques or one of its affiliates, Port Royal Trading Post or Glory Days Antiques. New this spring is a slate of classes for hobbyists: grapevine wreath making; sign making; a chalk/ mineral paint seminar by Gift Gallery, featuring Dixie Belle paint; distressing furniture; antique appraisal days; and more. ACME Antiques’ hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call (804) 925-6471. Port Royal Trading Post is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call (804) 742-5555. Glory Days Antiques is open MondaySaturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, call (301) 259-4500. H
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H E A L T H
EMERGENCY CARE THAT ISReady EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT
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o one plans for an emergency. They are – by their very nature – unexpected and often unwelcome episodes that turn things upside down for unsuspecting families every day. For the staff at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, emergencies are a regular part of the care they provide. The hospital operates a full-service Emergency Department, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With highly trained physicians and staff, a full complement of diagnostic testing – including advanced imaging, and many specialists available to help diagnose and treat patients in an emergent need of care.
Offering this level of service in the Tappahannock community is a priority for hospital and physician
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leadership, who believe that delivering care closer to home is critical to its mission. “Coming to the closest ER allows us to provide care that is timely, with fast diagnosis and early interventions,” says Lisa Dodd, DO, an emergency physician at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital. “When emergencies are time sensitive, like a heart attack or stroke, fast treatment means better outcomes for the patient.” Not only will patients save driving time coming to Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, but its smaller size can also mean that patients have even faster care, according to Dodd. “We are ready to treat any emergencies that come through the door in a timely manner,” Dodd adds. The hospital staff can run the appropriate tests quickly to determine what is happening and the best course of treatment. If advanced imaging services are needed to diagnose a problem, Riverside Tappahannock
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H E A L T H it is always getting better. You can see and feel the difference in offers CT, MRI, Ultrasound, diagnostic x-ray, fluoroscopy, how much people care.” nuclear medicines, echocardiography and non-invasive Taylor and his wife were pleased to be seen within minutes vascular imaging on-site. of arrival. Their treating physician, Dr. James Dudley, was And when a diagnosis requires a more specialized familiar to Taylor as a neighbor in the community for more approach, there are several specialists who can help treat and than 20 years. Taylor used to repair ambulances and has guide patient care. Specialties like General Surgery, Neurology, interacted with Dudley through his involvement with EMS, Orthopedics, GI, Urology, Vascular or Cancer Care services are as well as occasional run-ins at the grocery store. Taylor’s available by providers, many who are on site all the time and wife knew Dudley from her days as a nurse at Riverside are part of the Tappahannock community. Tappahannock Hospital. They were immediately at ease. Taylor currently works in construction and his job keeps TIMELY CARE PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND. him active most days, although it is a stressful environment. He’s almost 60 years old but tries to eat right and maintain a That ability to provide timely treatment was important to healthy weight. However, heart problems do run in his family. Ronald Taylor and his wife, Katherine, when they arrived at Taylor recalls the many tests that were conducted to rule Riverside Tappahannock Hospital Emergency Department on out a heart attack or blood clots. But what gave Taylor the a Saturday night this winter. Taylor was suffering from chest greatest comfort was the interaction with the staff. pains. His wife is a registered nurse who used to work in the “I had an EKG, chest x-ray, blood was taken…there were emergency department of Riverside Tappahannock Hospital lots of tests,” Taylor adds. “And I was pretty worked up because and currently works at Duke University Hospital. After regular you’re scared to death. But along every step of the way they antacids didn’t address Taylor’s discomfort, she knew they checked on me, communicated what was going on, and that needed to get to a hospital for further evaluation. really calmed me down.” Taylor has lived in the Tappahannock community since the It took about eight hours of testing through the overnight late 1980s. He used to own a service station in town and by hours, but Taylor was relieved to learn that his pain was likely his own admission, he feels like he knows about 90 percent of people in the community. He also admits that 10 or 20 years caused by irritation and strain in his sternum. He was given ago, he would have opted to drive to Richmond for emergency medicine to treat the discomfort and his pain went away in care. about three days. “There is a big difference in the care at Riverside “The whole experience turned out to be more pleasant than Tappahannock Hospital,” Taylor says. “I’m a stubborn man, but I thought it would be,” Taylor adds. H
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