Middleburg Life | March 2017

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Volume 34 Issue 5 | Mar. 2017 | middleburglife.com

Presort Std ECRWSS US Postage Permit #75 Fredericksburg, VA

MIDDLEBURG

Side Saddle Chase Foundation

+ Salamander Resort’s new executive chef & Healing heroes at Boulder Crest

MIDDLEBURG • 540-687-6321 PURCELLVILLE • 540-338-7770 LEESBURG • 703-777-1170 ASHBURN • 703-436-0077

MiddleburgRealEstateAtokaProperties AtokaProperties MiddleburgRealEstate

Start your search at atokaproperties.com E C ED I C PRDU RE

40850 ROBIN CIRCLE, LEESBURG – Custom-built stone, brick, & cedar estate on 3.54 acres with features & amenities for lifestyle full of entertaining. Features include heated indoor pool, sports pub, reg. racquetball court w/hoop, audio/video system with 1 home theater, rooftop deck, picnic pavilion with gas barbecue, potting shed, 2+ 2-car garages, & caretaker apartment. No HOA. Easy access to Dulles Toll Rd! $1,459,000 Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

23515 LIGHT HORSE CT, MIDDLEBURG – Gorgeous craftsman home with “Green” features! Attention to detail! River frontage, riding/walking trails, geothermal, open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, wood floors, screened porch with slate floor & stone fireplace, family room with stone fireplace, custom baths, third floor loft, finished lower level with rec room, exercise room, studio, full bath & walk-out to stone patio, 8+ acres of privacy, peace and quiet! $1,350,000 Joy Thompson (540) 729-3428

7 WASHINGTON ST E, MIDDLEBURG – Prime-Central Middleburg retail location offers wide variety of uses including restaurants and shops. Large display windows on Main St. Private parking spaces $1,250,000

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

EW E N IC PR

292 HITE LN, STRASBURG – Mt. Pleasant, c. 1812.

Beautiful Federal manor home of brick crafted on-site.

Original heart pine floors, beautiful millwork. 5 BR, 5 BA, 8 FP. High ceilings, great flow for entertaining. 107 Ac. Country kitchen w/FP, tenant house, bank barn, spring house.Perfect weekend retreat, year around residence, B&B. 1+ hr to DC. National Register. $1,200,000

17971 YATTON RD, ROUND HILL – Beautiful Runnymede Farm, c. 1777 upgraded for today’s buyer, its rich historic character preserved. Stone manor house sits on 20 fenced acres. 4 BR, 2 FB, 3 HB. Stone walls, terrace.

Gourmet kitchen, separate dining room with FP, stone tavern room with built-in wetbar & brick floors. Stone terrace overlooking fields. Springhouse, small barn. Very commutable, lightly traveled country road. $1,120,000

39207 JOHN MOSBY HWY, ALDIE – Historic home c1803 in the heart of Aldie, beautifully restored interior, private front and back porches, stunning swimming pool with exceptional outdoor entertainment center, gazebo and hot tub, exquisite professionally landscaped gardens all beautifully manicured, brick walkways, extensive patios, fencing. Detached art studio and 2 car garage. Must see! $989,750

Carole Taylor (703) 577-4680

Carole Taylor (703) 577-4680

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

George Roll (703) 606-6358

George Roll (703) 606-6358

35653 MILLVILLE RD, MIDDLEBURG – Come see this lovely home with spacious rooms on 18+ ac minutes from Middleburg. Two-stall barn/tack room, with/4stone/wood-fenced paddocks, terrific rideout, Middleburg Hunt. Large deck, great views, many improvements in 2015-16. Area protected from further development. $895,000

19061 LANCER CIR, PURCELLVILLE – NEW CONSTRUCTION; Van Metre Homes, Over 4,000 sq ft home featuring an open concept plan, gourmet kitchen, oversized 3 car garage, 9 ft. ceilings on main and upper levels, and views from a large wrap around front porch. $850,000

Walter Woodson (703) 499-4961

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

Alex Woodson (703) 608-1776

355 MILLDALE HOLLOW RD SE, FRONT ROYAL – Great location at Clarke/Warren border. Surrounded by large parcel in easement, 6.118 acres, stream and waterfall.

Custom-built 2/3 BR, stone fireplace, country kitchen, high ceilings, wood floors, 2400 square ft., garage & dog kennels w/access to interior “dog room”. Finished basement 15 x 30. New energy efficient HVAC Private & quiet, easy to Route 50, 66 & 81 minutes away. Dulles 1 hour. $435,000 Anne McIntosh Maria Eldredge (703) 509-4499 (540) 454-3829

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

56 SWAY BACK LN, FLINT HILL – Great country retreat! The perfect weekend getaway property, little over an hour from DC, in heart of Old Dominion Hunt territory. Riding trails, great ride out, spectacular Blue Ridge views. Cottage with 3 BR, 2 FB, 3 gas fireplaces. Great room with lots of light. Wineries, country villages with restaurants and antiques in nearby Flint Hill, Little Washington, Sperryville. $430,000 Carole Taylor (703) 577-4680

George Roll (703) 606-6358

18545 SILCOTT SPRINGS RD, PURCELLVILLE – First public offering of one of Purcellville’s favorite houses, this unique earth-sheltered home sits on 5+ pastoral ac. minutes from town. This surprising house, built partially underground, features large, sunlit rooms incl. 2 main-level bedrooms, with 2 more upstairs. Greatroom has stone-framed woodstove, timber beams, skylights.

24x24 barn/garage plus a scenic pond make this a perfect country home. $524,000 Kim Hurst YourCountryHome.net (703) 932-9651

204 MARSHALL ST, MIDDLEBURG – Lovely townhouse 1 block from Main St Middleburg! Low maintenance!

2BR, 2.5BA, hardwood floors upper & lower, updated baths, fireplace, large master bathroom with lovely master bath, deck with large fenced yard/established garden, HOA includes snow removal, unlimited parking, front lawn, shrub maintenance. Walk to shops & fine dining! Storm damage that will be repaired-window, awning, deck, etc. $374,500 Joy Thompson (540) 729-3428

Please Consider Us For All Your Real Estate Needs! middleburglife.com

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Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

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Mar. 2017

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PUBLISHER Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brian Yost COPY EDITORS Eryn Gable Rachel Musser EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heidi Baumstark, Callie Broaddus, Kerry Phelps Dale, Mark Deane, Morgan Hensley, Dulcy Hooper, Richard Hooper, Carolyn Kincaid, Peter Milligan, Chelsea Rose Moore, Caitlin Scott, Summer Stanley CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Callie Broaddus, Eryn Gable, Doug Gehlsen, Tony Gibson, Crowell Hadden, Missy Janes, Douglas Lees, Joanne Maisano, Karen Monroe, Deborah Morrow, Julie Napear ART DIRECTION: Focal Point Creative DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE 114 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20118 434.242.2295 | info@middleburglife.com All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Ashburn, Boyce, Charlottesville, Delaplane, Dulles, Front Royal, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, The Plains, Rectortown, Upperville, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

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FIND US ON Instagram @middleburglife Twitter @middleburglife Facebook.com/middleburglife ON THE COVER Devon Zebrovious and Maggie Johnston of the Side Saddle Chase Foundation Taken by Middleburg Photo.

ON THIS PAGE “All This and Heaven Too, No. 1” An oil painting of a single horse charging forward against a backdrop of muted landscape, by Isabelle Truchon.

PET OF THE MONTH Roo – Purebred Ragdoll Owner Middleburg Humane Foundation Age and Size Two years and two months old and 10 pounds, 5 ounces Nickname My whole breed has the nickname “Puppy Cat” because we like to follow our owners around.

Describe yourself in three words Chillin’, Californian-style What’s your story?

My breed, Ragdoll, is pretty young. We were created in California in the 1960s. My ancestors are a feral white angora and other longhaired breeds that had Siamese-style points.

Who’s your favorite person?

Renee. She’s a cat whisperer! She makes sure my other two suitemates, and I have plenty of play time.

What do you like about MHF? I like that MHF didn’t give up on me.

You see, I’m a declawed cat, and I have FIV. I can’t pass it to humans, but I could give it to

another cat. I live here with two other FIV positive cats. MHF knows I can still live a pretty decent life with someone as a single cat or another FIV cat.

Do you have a party trick?

I’m so calm and relaxed, I go limp in your arms when you pick me up. That’s why my breed is called “Ragdoll.”

What is your best feature?

I’m a big boned cat – one of the largest around with long, rabbit-like hair, “killer” blue eyes and Siamese-style points. My nose looks like it has a splash of paint on it. I’m super friendly.

If you were likened to a celebrity, who would you be?

Elijah Wood as the Hobbit. Think of those big blue eyes and big feet and hands. That guy has some serious blue eyes!

Do you follow a special diet?

No special diet, just consistent, regular checkups for both my physical and dental wellness.

If you had one wish what would it be?

To find a home with someone who knows it’s OK for me to live indoors the rest of my

life. I’m declawed! It wouldn’t be safe for me to go outside, anyway. I have plenty of good times ahead of me, and I can lead a healthy life.

Just believe in me, and I’ll believe in you … and follow you around the house because I want to know what you’re up to. Isn’t that what family is all about? ML For more information, visit middleburghumane.org or call 540-364-3272.

Middleburg Humane Foundation operates a private, 4.5-acre farm shelter located in Marshall, Virginia. It is their goal to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected and “at risk” animals, both large and small.

Credit: Middleburg Humane Foundation. Courtesy of Melanie Burch, director of development.

foodies: sharpen your forks.

NOW serving the Middleburg community!

Harrimans is thrilled to introduce Chef Ryan Arensdorf and his inspiring, reimagined menu. Experience the new, delicious flavors in a culinary carriage ride from the comfort of your seat in Salamander Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant.

JOIN US. RESERVATIONS AT HARRIMANSGRILL.COM OR CONNECT WITH US AT 866-326-5739. middleburg, virginia |

@harrimansgrill #harrimansgrill

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THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO GENTLE HARVEST

By Morgan Hensley

T

he taste of pork from the Mangalitsa Old Spot Cross conjures to mind words such as marbled, tender, versatile, exquisite and rare. Very rare. In fact, you can only find this heritage-breed pork at Gentle Harvest in Marshall, Virginia, Sandy Lerner’s latest venture on the farm-to-fork front.

Just what is the Mangalitsa Old Spot Cross — dubbed the “Kobe beef of pork” by Wilhelm Kohl, an expert of all things porcine — and why should you be excited about its availability so close by?

There are many reasons. Perhaps the most

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obvious and applicable is the tremendous flavor. While sampling the cuts, I struggle to find the perfect word to describe the taste.

Apparently, the proper word is “unctuous.”

The term captures the impressions, both overwhelming and minute, of this savory, fatty, perfectly balanced mixture of saltiness and umami. The flavor profile is complex, a welcome requiem to the bland, overprocessed bacon we’ve grown accustomed to seeing on supermarket shelves.

This depth of taste derives from a combination of the pigs’ genetics and Ayrshire Farm’s humane practices. The breed’s cultivation is far removed, in place and time, from

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the bustling Main Street of Marshall, Virginia.

In the 1830s, Hungarian farmers crossed their pigs with wild boars to increase the swine’s lard yield, which was commonly used for cooking and as shortening. The result was the corpulent, curly haired Mangalitsa. When combined with the Old Spot, a larger, equally flavorful breed, the result is mouthwatering.

More recently, irresponsible mass-farming practices have leaned pigs. In the process, we lose not only that precious flavor, but also the polysaturated and monounsaturated fats that have been linked to lower cholesterol, increased blood circulation and improved brain functioning.

“More fat, more flavor,” says Katrina Carroll, large livestock assistant at Ayrshire Farm.

Ayrshire seeks to breed these benevolent fats back into pigs, and they are succeeding. The 800-acre farm in Upperville, Virginia, boasts 140 piglets and 32 sows of this unique crossbreed (the only known kind in the world) and two pure Mangalitsas, one sow and one boar.

Ayrshire Farm was the first humane-certified farm in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a litany of organic and sustainability certifications to emphasize this commitment to the environment as well as to consumers.

Rather than sequester the pigs in cramped, inhumane warehouses, Ayrshire allows their pigs to roam freely and forage, a favorite pastime of pigs. Chestnuts, grubs, apples, black walnuts, acorns — the Mangalitsa Old Spot Cross is not a picky eater. This diverse diet of foraged flavors is stored in the plentiful fat cells of the pigs, and a discerning palate can detect these myriad flavors like a sommelier detailing a wine’s terroir.

These varied notes are deftly explored and highlighted by a series of hors d’oeuvres from chef Lawrence Kocurek. Kocurek is a native of Austin, Texas, and a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City. His resume includes working in the kitchens of Michelin-caliber chefs such as Roy Yamaguchi,

sanal Charcuterie in 2009, before the trend

the business to refocus his attention on being a full-time chef and moved to a farm in Danville, Kentucky, a few miles outside Lexington, Kentucky, where he and his wife raised their own livestock.

“A pig that you’ve raised tastes differently,” Kocurek says. “Farming really made me pay closer attention to where my food comes from. I missed that, so when we heard about Ayrshire, my wife and I said, ‘Virginia, here we come!’ ”

of artisanal cold cuts exploded. He closed

Piggy | Page 7

- GENTLE HARVEST Open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily 8372 W. Main St., Marshall, Virginia.

Pierre Schutz and Tien Ho. After earning his stripes in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, he returned to Austin, where he opened Kocurek Family Arti-

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MIDDLEBURG CELEBRATES THE OSCARS Photos by Focal Point Creative

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On Sunday, Feb. 26, the 86th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, 3,000 miles to the east, Middleburg held its own stylish Oscar-night celebration at Salamander Resort & Spa. The evening featured special ballots to be cast by attendees. The live event was aired on several big screens, so revelers were able to watch the play-by-play.

The resort served a special menu in the living room to commemorate the evening and Greenhill Winery & Vineyards’ famous Blanc de Blancs, the same sparkler featured in the swag bags for top nominees, was poured.

Participants received awards for

“best dressed” and “ballot winner”.

Attendees were also given a chance to win their own “Middleburg Swag Bag” that included a luxurious stay at the Salamander Resort.

Photos: 1. Jim and Sammie Parrish, Gerald and Sheila Bruce, Betty Crutcher, Sheila Johnson, Ronald Crutcher and Reesa and Charles Reynolds. 2. Attendees could cast their own ballots for a chance to win some amazing swag. 3. The Arwine, Coonce and Griffiths families watched the red carpet entrances from the billiards room. 4. Toni Crowder and Monica Mathis. 5. Ellen Cowley with daughters Jodi Mahdavi, Anna Cowley and Mitzi Davis.

Piggy | From page 5 He has whipped up a smorgasbord of dishes centered around the Mangalitsa Old Spot Cross: bacon-wrapped sausage and cheese-stuffed peppers; steamed pork belly bun with cilantro and pickled carrots; pork and mushroom pot stickers; pâtÊ de campagne with cornichons; pickled shallots and dijon; house-smoked kielbasa with grain mustard; and pork rillettes with apple butter on toast points. The dishes combine his passion for charcuterie with his Polish heritage and pan-Asian restaurant experience.

Hope Penn, the future general manager at Gentle Harvest’s Winchester, Virginia, location (which is scheduled to open in late spring or early summer of this year), pairs the dishes with beverages. The milk stout from Lost Rhino, an Ashburn, Virginia, brewery, is the perfect complement to Kocurek’s culinary creations. “A full-bodied pork belly needs a fullbodied stout,� Penn says.

All of this — the humane treatment of animals, the local ethos, the innovative cuisine, the unpretentiousness — summarize Gentle Harvest’s mission: working with Virginia farmers to save family farms, encourage sustainable agriculture, preserve open space, rebuild heritage breed-stocks and

deliver the highest quality foods directly to the consumer at a fair price.

Housed in the former Marshall National Bank & Trust Company building, Gentle Harvest is the perfect addition to Marshall’s burgeoning foodie scene. Inside Gentle Harvest you’ll find a butchery, a bank vault refurbished into a wine cellar, a 14-seat Wi-Fi cafÊ, old-fashioned soda fountains, a lounge and now, Mangalitsa Old Spot Cross bacon

RURAL BAKERY

Page 2: Pastry Chef Katie Kopsick (left) and Lawrence Kocurek (right) (credit Tiffany Meehan).

Page 3: Inside Gentle Harvest in Marshall (credit Morgan Hensley). Above: Mangalitsa Old Spot Cross — dubbed the “Kobe beef of pork� (credit Katrina Carroll).

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FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, STING LIKE A WASP: THE STORY OF DOROTHY DEANE FERGUSON

By Caitlin Scott

T

ime and circumstances can have a way of keeping us waiting—for justice, for truth, for answers—but however patiently time makes its course, those of us determined enough to unearth such elusive entities sometimes do.

It has been over 70 years since the end of World War II. Thanks to the stories that have survived, we know the narratives of many of its heroes. Some accounts are still being uncovered, and one of the most recent to see the light of day is the remarkable and underrated story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

When we think of the Allied forces, we flip through a mental gallery of images with gallant young men at the forefront, fearlessly streaking across a gray sky in B-29 bombers.

As it turns out, a corps of about 1,100 female pilots (chosen from a pool of 25,000 applicants), all civilian volunteers, racked up 60 million miles flying every type of military aircraft under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces between 1942 and 1944.

The WASP was formed in response to the dramatic shortage of qualified pilots after the attack on Pearl Harbor. These female aviators, who arrived with at least 200 flying hours already under their belts, took on critical flying jobs at home in order to free up male pilots for service overseas.

Dorothy Deane Ferguson, a North Carolina native, served in the WASP program in the 9th training class of 1944. Before that, she flew with the Civil Air Patrol, watching from the air to spot enemy ships and submarines along the Atlantic coast. When she joined the WASP, it was with the aim to eventually secure a career in the Air Force. After her military training concluded at Avenger Field, in Sweetwater, Texas, she was assigned to Greenwood Army Air Base in Greenwood, Mississippi, where one of her jobs was to tow targets attached to BT-13 and BT-15 planes so that inexperienced male trainees could practice their shooting—with live ammunition.

“She was not squeamish,” notes her nephew Jack Ferguson, a Middleburg resident.

“It seemed like very a dangerous job to me.”

Dorothy, who was in the WASP for just a few months before the program was cancelled, recorded over 266 flying hours while stationed in Greenwood.

Each class of women who entered the

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program experienced the same rigorous military regimen as their male counterparts, participating in ground-to-air anti-aircraft practice, towing targets for gunner practice, testing newly refurbished aircraft to ensure they were suitable for cadet training, conducting night exercises, serving as instructors, and transporting cargo and male pilots to embarkation points. The work was dangerous indeed, and ended up claiming the lives of 38 women before the end of the war.

Though Dorothy and her peers expected

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to earn a spot in the military for such marked commitment to the war effort, the WASP program—along with the implied promise of military status—dissolved after just two years. The WASP received no recognition, no honors, and no military status until 1977. It appeared that while releasing men for duty was considered an act of patriotism, taking their place was not only controversial—it was out of the question. Also forbidden to these women was any discussion of their service after the WASP program disbanded on December 20, 1944.

“Members of the WASP had been sworn to secrecy during the war,” says Jack. “No one released them from this promise until sometime in the 1970s, when an announcement was made that women were going to be able to fly in the Air Force ‘for the first time in history.’ That’s when they started sharing their experiences.”

By the time the truth was ripe for the picking, Dorothy had earned a law degree from the University of Richmond and was working as a lawyer for the IRS in Washington. This placed her in a favorable position to push hard for the recognition of the WASP’s role in World War II. So that’s exactly what she did.

“Her career enabled her to do a lot of work behind the scenes to move the petition along, though she didn’t take much credit for doing this,” shares her niece, Carol Hybl Zepfel. “I

only know about her efforts from talking to other WASP members.”

Today, little is known about how Dorothy developed a love for aviation. Jack’s father, her last surviving sibling, passed away in 2014, which means time has swallowed any explanation of how or why she was so drawn to flying. But Jack has a theory.

“Her father enabled her spunk, curiosity and bravery,” he says. “I’m convinced that if she flew for the Civil Air Patrol before she joined the WASP, that means she must have

had flying lessons.

My grandfather, I am sure, made that possible.”

Besides serving her country, earning university and law degrees, and having a career as a lawyer, Dorothy did something else rather revolutionary. In 1962, she and two of her female colleagues formed Women’s Life Insurance Company of America, whose unprecedented business model was devoted exclusively to selling life insurance policies to other women. In a 1961 press release, the entrepreneurs released a statement that they “didn’t plan to take any risks on the weaker sex—men.”

“I never met Aunt Dot,” says Jack’s wife Leah, “but I find her fascinating on two levels. First, she did very unique things for her time. On top of that, she was a daughter of the south. Southern women in this country in particular were under the thumb of chauvinism—that’s just the way it was. The fact that

any of these women achieved what they did is incredible to me.”

After an enterprising and extraordinary life, Dorothy passed away January 27, 1992.

She received her honorable discharge from the United States Air Force that June—four months after her death. It wasn’t until 2009 that President Obama signed legislation to honor the WASP with the Congressional Gold Medal. The official award ceremony took place in Washington in 2010, with only about 250 former WASP in attendance.

Fortunately, that is not the end of the story. In 2016, award-winning writer B. Garida wrote screenplay for a documentary called “WASP,” which follows the story of the founders and members of the WASP program and its struggle for recognition. The film will go into pre-production this year. Producers Sheila Johnson, David Greenhill, Mark Sennet and Bo Derek are honored to bring the accomplishments of these trailblazing patriots to the forefront. ML Top left: Dorothy Ferguson (back, second from right) a Greenwood Air Base. Bottom left: Dorothy Ferguson WASP. Above: Part of the 1979 WASP contingent lobbying for official recognition of their service. Photographs courtesy of Carol Hybl Zepfel and Jack Ferguson.

Wild Horse and Burro Program Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior

Wild Horse & Burro Adoption

Lorton, Virginia April 21-22, 2017

Friday, April 21 12 noon – 5 pm Preview animals and submit applications.

Animals will be available for $125 to approved adopters on a rst-come, rst-served basis.

Saturday, April 22 8 am – 4 pm Preview animals and submit applications.

Animals will be available for $125 to approved adopters on a rst-come, rst-served basis.

Meadowood Special Recreation Area 10406 Gunston Rd, Lorton, VA 22079

Directions:

From I-95, take exit 163 for Lorton and VA-642.

Travel East on VA-642 briefly (.4 of a mile if you’re coming from the North and .2 of a mile if coming from the South). At the intersection for Lorton Market St., turn right. At the intersection for Route 1, continue straight ahead on Gunston Cove Road, which changes to Gunston Road/VA-242. In about 2 miles you’ll pass the main entrance to the Meadowood Recreation Area on your right.

For more information visit

BLM.gov or call 866.468.7826

Come watch Mustang Heritage Foundation TIP trainer and Extreme Mustang Makeover competitor, Suzanne Myers, conduct training demos on Friday and Saturday.

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WHEN BLACK AND WHITE TURN TO GRAY HEALING HEROES AT BOULDER CREST RETREAT

By Kerry Phelps Dale | Photos by Suzi Landolphi

“I

t was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Most combat veterans would tell you that. Despite the unspeakable horrors of war, still these men and women viewed their service as a time when they were most fulfilled, connected and emotionally assured.

It was upon their return from combat that they realized how fragile their mental health was. It was not just the atrocities they had experienced as combat warriors, but also the uncertainties they experienced upon returning that contributed to the fact that 2 million combat veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

Upon their return home, the gray crept in and muddied the black and white of military service. There were choices again and the excitement of combat was gone. There was no need for the hyper-vigilance that was trained into them, no reason for their sleepless nights.

They wondered who had their back. They suffered from depression and searched for what would fulfill them like their military service did. They were still, after all, the same men and women who risked their lives to protect our country and longed to be of continued service.

When they realized they were falling apart, that their marriages were in shambles or lost, they were drinking too much or using drugs, they were under or unemployed, financially on the edge and that they were living in a state of hopelessness, they sometimes sought help from the Veterans Affairs.

The usual diagnosis was PTSD and the prescription was pharmaceutical and talk therapy that rarely had any lasting benefit to the veteran who soon returned to his former state of despair.

Boulder Crest Retreat, a military and veteran wellness center in the village of Bluemont, Virginia, has a different approach.

Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes (PATHH), is a seven-day retreat for combat veterans that centers on post-traumatic growth (PTG), the positive psychological changes that take place because of traumatic experiences.

PTG is not resilience, the bouncing back to a former level of existence, but rather the rising to a higher level of functioning and a truer sense of fulfillment.

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By all accounts, this approach is working.

Though evidence of its success is anecdotal at this point, PATHH is midway through an 18-month independent evaluation.

“We are getting to the heart of the matter and their issues quicker, easier and with much less treatment than other programs. Here it’s training, not treatment,” said Suzi Landolphi, a civilian, senior PATHH guide and the only trained therapist on staff. “The veterans are accomplishing in seven days what takes 18 months of traditional counseling by the best in the field.”

The rural setting of the 37-acre property lent itself to the many modules used at Boulder Crest to help address the different issues facing the participants. Transcendental meditation, yoga, culinary and horticultural therapy, art and music therapy, a labyrinth walk, archery, tomahawk throwing, equine therapy, hiking, kayaking and bonfires were all multipurpose activities that helped train the veteran in changing perspective. Often the activities helped the warrior to slow down, focus and appreciate the richness of nature and life, opening them to the concept of turning struggle to strength, the core of PATHH. The program at Boulder Crest focuses on education, emotional regulation, wellness practices and a plan to take home and contin-

ue what they have learned. PATHH also uses, among other things, a “wellness triangle” as a goal. The three points are mind, body and financial with spiritual filling the center.

“Before you go through PATHH, it’s a mess, like Pick-Up Sticks, and when you achieve the balance, things change in their importance,” explained former Army paratrooper and property manager James Ritchie.

PATHH programs are typically made up of group of six combat veterans who quickly transform into family. They continue to be a group after finishing the program and have regular, periodic check-ins. They stay in

touch, helping each other through the inevitable difficult times.

“I went home and couldn’t sleep. I was having an issue so I texted one of the guys in my group and 10 minutes later I got a group call from all five of the guys in my PATHH group. We talked until 5 a.m.,” said Ritchie.

“They’re family now.”

Like most participants, Ritchie was a veteran of the 14-year Iraq and Afghanistan wars and entered the program when several of his Army friends threatened to take him if he didn’t enroll himself. His marriage had Heroes | Page 12

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Heroes | From page 11 blown up, he had little contact with his young daughter, he had a good-paying job but not a penny in his bank account, was drinking one to two bottles of gin every night and had disengaged from all his prewar relationships.

“I had that 1 ounce of growth that I was trying to accomplish, though. The one thing I wanted from the program was to be a better father to my daughter. That’s all I needed to get help,” said Ritchie.

“With everybody, there are many fissures, all kinds of cracks. But then there’s one that shatters the rest. For me that was seeing fear in my two sons’ eyes. Fear of me. And feeling that there has to be a better way. That desire got me here,” said Paul Downs, a PATHH graduate and guide and 10-year Marine veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Notably, the only requisite for being admitted to the program was a willingness and desire for change in the veteran’s personal relationships and life goals.

“It’s all about connection and relationships,” said Landolphi. “When they have that spark and they want to be better for their families, we can take that and show them the best way they can be better is for them to change themselves first.”

Arguably the most important discovery regarding PTSD was that the overwhelming majority of combat vets with PTSD, somewhere around 80 percent, had childhood trauma that they entered the military with.

That fact, in conjunction with their strong desire to serve, was in large part why these men and women entered the armed forces to begin with, to escape the horrible reality of their homes and families. Their combat experience was the tipping point, but most of their trauma was from childhood neglect and sexual, physical and psychological abuse.

Though PATHH does not focus on these traumas, the wounded warriors were asked to address them.

“They deserve to know what happened and not feel shame and to understand what it is they need to practice to bring about PTG from their childhood,” said Landolphi. “So they do look at their childhood trauma and

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they make a list of those in red marker, but they have to list in blue all of the gifts they got from that, as well.”

Downs told a story of abuse perpetrated by his mother. He knew that his anger came from what she did to him and what she didn’t allow him to do on his own. Because of PATHH, he could move forward and embrace the blue ink.

“But with all of those things she did, she loved me and she read to me every night. She gave me a love for literature that I never would have had. She gave me an ability to recognize pain in others and to be able to empathize on a level not everybody gets.”

Ritchie’s childhood trauma continued to affect him when he returned from his eight years in the Middle East. He isolated himself from everyone in his life except for three friends, all fellow paratroopers who had been through the same thing he had, one of which saved his life in combat, “I took people’s sympathy as an insult. I’m not weak and I don’t need your sympathy,” he thought. “I was a professional wounded warrior. I thought everything had to do with my service. I was in combat, but it’s not who I am.”

“When I went through the program (PATHH), I realized civilians do care. We are civilians who had the combat experience, but we forgot how to connect with the people who didn’t share those experiences. When I went back after the program, I was able to relate to other people and make connections I couldn’t make before,” Ritchie said.

Much change took place in these veterans after going through the program, but much of their military experience was retained.

“I took the uniform off Sept. 11, 2014, but I still wear it and the Marine leadership principles I still live. There are certain belief systems that will always ring true,” said Downs.

The mission of Boulder Crest Retreat is to help veterans achieve a happier, healthier life and to return them to pursue service and leadership roles in their families and communities. Their military training could translate successfully into their civilian and family life with the right practices and guidance.

In addition to the PATTH program for

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combat veterans, there are PATHH programs offered to families, couples and caregivers.

The nonprofit organization also hosts couples and family rest and reconnection stays. The four beautiful, well-equipped cabins and access to all the property’s recreational activities are provided to guests at no charge.

What began as an invitation for a combat veteran to fish and stay at Navy veteran and founder Ken and Julia Falke’s home for rest and respite, is now a flourishing retreat that has ushered 125 combat warriors through the PATHH program and 2,400 people through the weekend and weeklong vacations. There are plans for a sister retreat to be built in Tucson, Arizona, and conversations with a multitude of other nonprofits across the country with the hope of implementing the PATTH program to make it more geographically available to veterans throughout the United States of America.

The Falkes donated the land that was adjacent to their estate and provided the seed money for Boulder Crest, but the retreat was completed by and operated exclusively from private donations and grants.

There is a sacredness to Boulder Crest Retreat — in its bucolic and peaceful setting, its tender care of our wounded warriors and in the veterans themselves, who arrive believing they’re broken and leave hopeful and ready to pursue a rich and balanced life.

“I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for life. I notice things like a flower growing out of pavement,” said Downs, who was suicidal when he came to Boulder Crest.

For our wounded warriors, all that was black and white turned gray is suddenly alive with color. ML This is the first of two Boulder Crest articles.

On p. 10: Clayton and I hit it off, said Downs. I’d talk to him about the realizations I would have.

We understood each other. On p. 11: Paul Downs finds the labyrinth especially healing. Finding the stones at the entrance too small, when going through PATHH, he scouted the woods for a boulder that he carried to the center. I wept, he said. Above: PATHH groups often hike to Bears Den to simply enjoy nature and gain perspective.

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“Back in 6th Grade at Hill School, Mr. Mack asked us to set aside ego for the sake of relentless edits to our Rosetta Stone papers. Today at Google, when I’m on my third or fourth edit of an article or speech, I still think of Mr. Mack and put my prose before my pride.”

When you visit our village-style campus in Middleburg, VA you’ll learn how we develop students with strong character, self-confidence, a sense of community, and a lifelong love of learning.

Serving students in Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade since 1926 TheHillSchool.org

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ON THE COVER

SIDE SADDLE IN 2017 Photos by Middleburg Photo

When Maggie Johnston and Devon Zebrovious aren’t traveling the world jumping coops and fences, they’re busily working with their recently formed Side Saddle Chase Foundation (SSCF), organizing upcoming races, workshops and clinics to promote the discipline of riding aside.

1. Susan Oakes, winner of the Mrs. George C. Everhart Memorial Invitational Side Saddle Jumpers 2016.

2. Side Saddle portrait. 3. Pam Woolley, Wendy Andrews, Cathi Grove, Bernadette Boland and Mary Musheno.

4. Susan Oakes and Cathi Grove. 5. Side Saddle awards.

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SSCF is involved in the following race dates for 2017: Mrs. E. Miles Valentine Memorial Race Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Point to Point Sunday, March 26 – Plantation Field, Unionville, PA Jumping Race – Race I of the OVS | Oehme, van Sweden Perpetual Trophy Series cheshirepointtopoint.com SSCF Loudoun Race Assessment Saturday, April 8 – Middleburg, VA (inclement weather date April 9) SSCF Benefit Wine Tasting Event 3

Sunday, April 9 – Greenhill Winery, Middleburg, VA Mrs. George C. Everhart Memorial Race - Loudoun Point-to-Point Sunday, April 16 – Oatlands Historic House, Leesburg, VA Jumping and Flat Races – Race II of the OVS | Oehme, van Sweden Perpetual Trophy Series loudounhunt.com/point-to-point-races.html Willowdale Steeplechase Sunday, May 14 - Kennett Square, PA Jumping Race willowdalesteeplechase.org Potomac Hunt Races Sunday, May 21 – Poolesville, MD Flat Race - Race III of the OVS | Oehme, van Sweden Perpetual Trophy Series

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potomachuntraces.com 2nd Annual Hunting Aside Clinic and Side Saddle Hunt September – Middleburg, VA SSCF Hunting Weekend and 2017 Awards Presentation & Reception Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-14, 2018 – Middleburg, VA Visit sidesaddlechase.com for more information on attending these events.

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The Side Saddle Chase Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of creating and administering educational programs and events for all levels of amateur equestrians which promote the discipline of riding aside, with the goal of fostering and supporting traditional relationships between foxchasing and steeplechasing and the need to preserve and promote land conservation.

Membership is open to riders and horses in the United States and around the world. ML

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Middleburg Academy’s Equestrian Team heads to regionals

T

o those of you who are unfamiliar with the equestrian world and more specifically the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), regionals are the equestrian version of states. For most high school sports teams, the goal of the regular season is to go to regionals. Whereupon winning regionals, one goes to zones (Interstate) and then nationals. Therefore, our team getting into regionals in their first year as a varsity sport is a great accomplishment.

Middleburg Academy riders scored very well for being a team of five, where most of the other schools competing had over 15 riders.

The riders, results: • Open Varsity Over FencesSarah Haene ‘17 - 6th • Intermediate Varsity Over FencesJacqueline Lee ‘20 - 7th • On the Flat - Madeline McDermott ‘18 - 2nd • On the Flat - Amber French ‘20 - 5th

“As a senior, I am reflecting back to when I first arrived at Middleburg Academy in the fall of my freshman year, and there was no equestrian team,” said Madison Busey. “With a shared passion between me and two other students, as well as a very qualified and enthusiastic coach, we are able to bring a team to life. We may have started off with only three members, but throughout each year the team grew bigger and stronger.”

Middleburg Academy is an independent school serving grades 8 through 12, with small classes, dedicated faculty, full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum, excellent athletics, and a remarkable record of graduates excelling at top universities. The campus in Middleburg, Virginia, is set on a 90-acre estate. More than 20 percent of the student body comes from abroad, and students benefit from an eight-to-one student to faculty ratio. There are 16 sports teams. For more information, visit middleburgacademy.org. ML

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ART of the PIEDMONT Written by Dulcy Hooper | Photos by Alexa Wolff

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The Middleburg Community Center was the place to be Friday, Feb. 24, for the sixth annual art auction and reception. There were over 300 individuals viewing the works of 29 participating artists who provided 43 pieces of art for the benefit of the Middleburg Montessori School.

For the first time this year, Art of the Piedmont offered select pieces that did not sell at the auction for gallery prices online.

According to Christopher Patusky, co-chair of the benefit, the

event raised just under $40,000 in art sales, with half going to artists and half to the Middleburg Montessori School. Along with ticket sales, the school netted more than $20,000.

“It was a great success,” said Patusky. “And on behalf of the volunteer committee that organized the event, I want to thank all the parents, volunteers and members of the community who made this such a fun and successful event for the school and the artists. Onward!”

Photos: 1. Award-winning artist Libby Stevens of Loudoun Street Studio. 2. Misia Broadhead with some of her paintings (credit Richard Hooper). 3. Head of School BethAnn Slater with local artists Gail Guirreri-Maslyk and William Ley. 4. Local award-winning artist Marci Nadler with friend Michaela Mazuchova. 5. Artist Lilla Ohrstrom, owner of Youngblood Art Studio.

Opus One Wine Dinner at Goodstone

Join us on Wednesday evening, March 22nd at 6pm for a spectacular Opus One Wine Dinner at the Restaurant at Goodstone. Please call our Guest Services for details.

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Page allen, The Fun Shop

Photo and story by Kerry Phelps Dale

A

s a young child, Page Allen moved with her family to Middleburg and has been a part of the community off and on ever since. She and her sister Betsy Allen Davis went to The Hill School, their mother Nancy Lee Allen started The Fun Shop and her father Howard Allen set up a photography business, renowned for having captured Jackie Kennedy on horseback.

Page attended Mary Washington College after graduating from all-girls St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia. However, she decided to pursue the horse business after, when on her way to a Janis Joplin concert, she was in a serious car accident that laid her up for six months and changed her perspective on her future. Riding and teaching were her loves, so she decided to attend a program to become certified in riding instruction.

When she moved to Clifton, her family’s home in Berryville, after spending a couple of years in Richmond, she opened and ran a Winchester version of The Fun Shop, called More Fun. She has been at the Middleburg store since 1993 where she and her sister Betsy now run the family business together.

Managing to keep her hands in the horse business her whole life, she now boards horses at her home in Boyce, Virginia.

The year 2015 was a tough year for Page, having lost first her mother from a stroke, and four months later her father from heart failure. Following that difficult year came a year of traveling opportunities Page never thought she would have experienced.

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First, she spent a week in Palm Springs, California, at the BNP Paribas tennis tournament where she was “the biggest groupie — there all day getting autographs.” Next, she was invited to Ireland by a friend. She spent 10 days there, celebrated her 65th birthday and enjoyed the beautiful and wild country and its people. Lastly, she traveled to England with a group of cousins and hiked 192 miles in 17 days on the famed Coast to Coast Walk.

When Page isn’t at The Fun Shop, she enjoys playing tennis; “It keeps me out of trouble.” She currently is both singles and doubles champion at Millwood Country Club in Boyce. “To be honest, there weren’t that many people I had to beat. Maybe two. It’s a small club,” she allowed, but the truth is she is a darn good tennis player.

Finding time to align schedules with her daughter Whitney, a field-hockey coach at Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland, is not always easy, but they manage to meet up

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for dinner regularly, get away in the summer and spend holidays together.

Since she was a child, Page’s energy has been boundless. “I was always busy, busy, busy.

I couldn’t sit still then and I still can’t,” said Page. “It’s just harder now to do 15 things at a time.” ML

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PISTACHIOS & PORTERHOUSES Meet Salamander Resort’s new executive chef

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By Peter Milligan Photos courtesy of Salamander Resort and Spa

H

ow many careers do you know of that were born out of a prank?

For Ryan Arensdorf, the new

executive chef at Salamander Resort & Spa, his culinary journey began with just that — a spicy surprise in a seemingly innocent breakfast sandwich that launched him into the profession he never knew he wanted.

Arensdorf recalled one morning when just he and his grandfather were in the house, and his grandfather asked him what he wanted for breakfast.

“So I told him — a bacon sandwich. And in what seemed like a blink of an eye, I had a bacon sandwich in front of me. I took a massive bite. But when I realized what was actually on the sandwich, it was too late. I spit it out as quick as I could, and my grandfather responded with a chuckle and a guilty grin. ‘You didn’t specify what you wanted on your sandwich, so I made it the way I like’m — with Tabasco and black pepper,’ he said.

It was in that moment that I realized I could be making food that I liked to eat, instead of going through another traumatic five-alarm bacon sandwich.”

“The kitchen was really my favorite place to be growing up,” said Chef Arensdorf. “My siblings and cousins would look at me and wonder if I was being punished for something, but in reality I was just watching my mom and grandma cook. I loved it.”

Chef Arensdorf moved to Chicago, immediately after high school to study in the culinary programs at Kendall College. From there, he spent the bulk of his career in the Windy City, first under the tutelage of renowned French chef Martial Noguier, then with Todd Stein, who was best known for manning the kitchens of some of Chicago’s finest and most authentic Italian restaurants. It was these men that shaped Chef Arensdorf ’s culinary point of view — the finesse and clean flavors of France and the simplicity and care for fresh ingredients of old-world Italia.

Arensdorf then spent years at some of Chicago’s premier steakhouses, where he mastered the art of selecting and properly cooking the best cuts of beef, pork, veal and game meats.

Not surprisingly, it was not an easy decision to leave a booming career and big-city life to become the new executive chef at Salamander, which — though stunningly beautiful and five-star in Chef | Page 26

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2017 POINTTO-POINT & Steeplechase Schedule Saturday, March 11 | Noon Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point Woodley Farm, Berryville, VA blueridgehunt.org Saturday, March 18 | 12:30 p.m.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point Airlie Race Course, Warrenton, VA warrentonhunt.com Saturday, March 25 | 1 p.m.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point Salem Course, Upperville, VA 540-592–7100 facebook.com/PiedmontFoxHounds Sunday, April 2 | 1 p.m.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg, VA pippy@vafallraces.com

Saturday, April 8 | Noon Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Ben Venue, VA 540-364-4573 olddominionhounds.weebly.com

Sunday, April 22 Middleburg Spring Races Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA 540-687-6545 middleburgspringraces.com

Sunday, April 16 | Noon Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Oatlands Plantation, Leesburg, VA 540-338-4031 loudounhunt.com

Sunday, April 30 | 1 p.m.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA 540-687-6069 middleburghunt.com

Chef | From page 23 both quality and reputation — had a hard time stacking up against the allure of Chicago.

It took an extensive stay at the resort itself to open his eyes to the possibilities and potential that the position held, but it was the one-two punch of Jacob Msyt, Salamander’s director of food and beverage, and then its president Prem Devadas that sealed the deal.

“Prem and Jacob really gave me the reins” said Arensdorf. “We have a shared vision for what the food programs at Salamander can be: a place where everybody can come to have a truly excellent food experience in an absolutely beautiful setting. It’s that freedom, and the complete confidence these guys have in me that makes this job so appealing to me.”

Now, all of Chef Arensdorf ’s culinary influences — French fine dining, rustic, true-toits-roots Italian and big and bold steakhouse fare — are fully on display at Salamander’s flagship restaurant, Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill.

Dainty, amuse-bouche-style appetizers were paired beautifully with local and regional wines and cocktails from the resort’s equally-impressive Gold Cup Bar. Arensdorf was already taking advantage of local farmers and food purveyors, as well

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as Salamander’s on-site gardens, to offer truly show-stopping small plates like salt roasted beets with pistachio yogurt and fresh mint, and his French training was clearly seen in dishes like seared foie gras with griddled challah bread and a sneaky delicious cherry and fig mostarda.

But where chef Arensdorf ’s chops (pun intended) were truly on display was in the main dishes. Whole roasted fish — for now, branzino, but when the season arrives, local rockfish. A veal porterhouse, which landed on the table with an impressive thud and equally enticing aroma of roasty toasty beef fat and garlic. Thick-cut Delmonico steaks served with what could only be described as pure food genius: smoked pancetta pesto (trust me, sounded strange, tasted incredible).

And finally, chef ’s specialty — a double-cut, bone-in pork chop — locally sourced, brined and air-aged, grilled and served with a cippolini onion agrodulce.

Not to be outdone was Chef Arensdorf ’s partner-in-crime, Pastry Chef Jason Reaves, whom Salamander guests have gotten to know for his creative and often extravagant desserts. Be sure to save room for stunners like the smoked apple crisp, which arrived under a smoky cloche with a dynamite spiced pecan cookie and ice cream spiked with fresh

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Saturday, May 6 Virginia Gold Cup The Great Meadow Foundation, The Plains, VA 540-347-2612 vagoldcup.com

rosemary from the Salamander gardens. And make sure you don’t skip the massive Black Forest cake, which came in a serving for two, but we won’t tell if you devour the whole thing on your own.

Menus at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill will change with the seasons, according to Chef Arensdorf, and for now he will concentrate his efforts on continuing to train his staff and engage with guests. But equally important to Chef Arensdorf is cultivating relationships with the local purveyors in the area.

“They’re what make a restaurant truly great,” said Arensdorf. “I can bring the vision, I can cook the food and I can make the food taste good. But you live and die by the quality of your ingredients — so it’s Middleburg’s farmers, fishers, meat providers and the community as a whole that will make Harrimans and the rest of Salamander’s food programs really come to life.” ML Page 22: Ryan Arensdorf is the new executive chef at Salamander Resort & Spa. Page 23 top: Chef Arensdorf engaged in food prep. Page 23 bottom: Seen here collecting honey on the Salamander property, local sourcing is a large part of Chef Arensdorf ’s program.

MARY LEE

DEERING A

fter a full life filled with love of family and friends, much travel and many adventures, Mary Lee Deering, 88, of South Riding, Virginia, passed away on Feb. 13 . Mary Lee was born in Washington, D.C., to the late Rear Admiral David M. Tyree and Eleanor Haddox Tyree.

Due to her father’s Naval career, Mary Lee called many places home during her childhood, including Pearl Harbor at the time it was bombed in 1941. She attended St. Agnes School and George Washington University. Mary Lee was a proud member of Pi Phi Sorority and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mary Lee met her husband (then Naval Lieutenant) Harold J. Deering in Shanghai, China, while stationed there post-WWII. Mary Lee and Harold married in 1949 in Washington, D.C., and celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage until Harold’s passing in late 1998. They resided in Middleburg,

Virginia, for 40 years, and owned and operated Deering Chevrolet in that community for many decades.

In addition to raising her family of six

children, Mary Lee worked as librarian for the The Hill School and later Notre Dame Academy (now Middleburg Academy). She retired to nearby South Riding in 1995.

Her husband Harold Deering; her eldest son Brien W. Deering; and her eldest daughter, Ellen D. Berg, predeceased Mary Lee. She is survived by her brother, David M. Tyree, and his five children; her son, John T. Deering, her daughters Mary Lee (DeeDee) Kenoyer, Virginia (Ginny) Cooper and her husband Brian Cooper, and Mary Margaret (Maggie) Sutherland. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery in Middleburg at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. In lieu of flowers, it was Mary Lee’s request that those who choose to honor her perform an act of kindness in her memory. ML

MIDDLEBURG CONCERT SERIES

HOLLYWOOD CLASSICS Classical and Popular Movie Themes Sunday, March 26, 4 PM Featuring Guest Artists: Abby Foy Middleton, Soprano Anna Nizhegorodtseva, Pianist with Resident Musicians

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GOOD FRIENDS FOR A GOOD CAUSE DINNER Photos by Focal Point Creative

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On February 11th at various private estates in Middleburg and The Plains, there were a series of small dinner parties organized to support the Middleburg Humane Foundation. A lottery system was used to place participants at one of three locations.

Candy and Gregory Fazakerley at Wayside Farm and Nadia and Michael Stanfield at Sweet Bay Farm hosted two of the “Good Friends for a Good Cause” dinners in The Plains. In Middleburg, Susanne and Steven Lamb opened their doors to guests at Ardarra Farm.

Melanie Burch, director of development for Middleburg Humane, explained, “The guests may or may not know the others who attend. The intimate settings lead to stimulating conversation and con-

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4 stant laughter with generous, welcoming hosts who serve a dinner you won’t forget. New friendships forge from these events, and each year I receive immediate emails and text from guests expounding upon the fun of the night.”

The evening resulted in more than new friendships and fond memories.

Burch reported that the event raised nearly $17,000 for the foundation.

Photos: 1. Dinner at Ardarra Farm.

2. Lee McGettigan at Sweet Bay Farm.

3. Will Russell and Dr. Matt Gavin.

4. Gregory Fazakerley, Vicki Bendure, MHF Board Director Candy Fazakerley and Matt Sheedy at the Fazakerleys’ Wayside Farm.

5. Kathy Elliot, Ben Cooper and MHF Board Director Polly Gault.

THEN & THERE

FLUSH WITH LOVE: A JEALOUS HEART AND A STOLEN DOG

Photos and story by Richard Hooper

D

uring the courtship of Elizabeth Barrett by Robert Browning, there was one ever-present witness to their love story — Flush, Elizabeth’s beloved Cocker Spaniel. Flush did not like what he saw.

Flush did not like Barrett’s distraction as she awaited Browning’s letters (the post could arrive 12 times a day in Victorian London) or her intense concentration on something other than himself as she penned hers back to him. That was almost as bad as the time she spent immersed in writing those secret poems. Sonnets she called them.

Worst of all, though — it was nearly unbearable! — was to hear Browning’s footsteps as he ascended the stairs to Barrett’s third floor room and to know that now he would be so ignored that he might as well not even be there.

It was his room, too. As a matter of fact, Barrett herself was his as well. As Barrett’s trusted companion, now in the self-appointed role of chaperone, Flush was being forced to witness a strange and threatening bond growing between Browning and Barrett.

He had endured these torments for more than a year. Enough was enough. This could not continue.

So, on one fine day in early July 1846, his reservoir of patience no longer confined by his breeding, Flush took matters into his own teeth and viciously bit Browning.

Barrett had received Flush five years earlier from her good friend and fellow writer, Miss Mary Russell Mitford. The affection between Barrett and Flush grew rapidly. Barrett believed that Flush was gifted with unusual intelligence and endeavored to teach him the alphabet so that some day he might read, which would help Flush understand the board games Barrett was teaching him to play.

Flush’s meals of cakes, custards and scraps of meat (beef — Flush did not like mutton and his bread had to be thickly buttered) came almost exclusively from Barrett’s hands. As Barrett wrote in one of her two poems about Flush, “feast-day macaroons / turn to daily rations.”

Barrett’s doctor did not approve of Flush sleeping on the sofa with her, so Flush

received a daily bath. Yes, Flush was spoiled and Barrett’s brothers and sisters, the household staff and the bloodhound, mastiff and terrier that also resided at 50 Wimpole Street were not above expressing their disgust.

Accustomed to getting his way, Flush was no doubt flummoxed, when Browning, even after being bitten, continued to visit. Three weeks after issuing a fair warning, Flush bit him again.

Browning had tried to be friends with Flush by bringing him cakes and other treats.

Flush, however, was blind to Browning’s entreaties, and saw him as the cause of Barrett’s estrangement and agitation, which had lately been increasing. Flush did not know that Browning and Barrett were on the verge of implementing their secret marriage and moving to Italy.

Flush was, though, pleased by the more frequent outings with Barrett. Her physical condition had improved through her love for Browning and his for her. It was on one of Love | Page 30

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defied her father’s wishes.

But now, less than two weeks away from her marriage, Flush was again stolen. Negotiations had to proceed swiftly and were undertaken by a desperate Barrett who traveled by carriage to the thieves’ stronghold in Whitechapel (later the scene of Jack the Ripper’s grisly crimes). Flush was held for six days before a ransom was settled upon and paid. He was returned just five days before Barrett’s wedding.

There were laws against the theft of and trafficking in stolen dogs. There was an act against such practices in 1770, another in 1827 and still another in 1845.

They were, however, generally ignored and owners feared for the safety of their pets if the police were

Love | From page 29 these jaunts that Flush was stolen from her — for a third time.

The first theft had occurred in 1843. Barrett’s autocratic father wanted to bargain with the thieves over the ransom and refused to pay the full demand. Barrett, however, arranged for full payment to be made in secret.

For the first time in her life, at age 37, she had

brought to bear.

Browning and Barrett did not include Flush in their brief, secret wedding ceremony. A week later, though, he did go with them to their new home in Italy. Flush softened toward Browning and long walks together became a coveted routine.

In any portrayal of Elizabeth Barrett, Flush was a necessary character. In the 1934 movie,

“The Barretts of Wimpole Street” Flush was the first character we met as he walked along Wimpole Street. The movie was an adaptation of the play that opened on Broadway in 1931.

The play had an extensive run and the same canine thespian portrayed Flush in every performance. He never missed a cue, except for opening night when he jumped into the audience, prompting an ailing “Elizabeth” to leap up from her sofa to fetch him back onstage.

Virginia Woolf wrote a biography of Flush illustrated by her sister Vanessa Bell.

Although not widely read today, it was a best-seller when it was published in 1933.

In her poem “To Flush, My Dog,” the same poem quoted above, Elizabeth wrote: Therefore to this dog will I, Tenderly not scornfully, Render praise and favour!

With my hand upon his head, Is my benediction said Therefore, and for ever.

Richard Hooper is an antiquarian book expert in Middleburg. He is also the creator of Chateaux de la Pooch, elegantly appointed furniture for dogs and home. He can be contacted at rhooper451@aol.com. ML Page 29: An illustration by Vanessa Bell of Elizabeth Barrett Browning walking Flush From Virginia Woolf ’s book “Flush: A Biography,” published in 1933. Above: An Act for Preventing the Stealing of Dogs, London, 1770.

ANOTHER CHAPTER FOR SECOND CHAPTER BOOKS Correction

S

olstice Healing Center is not closed, as indicated in our February article. The business has simply moved outside

the previous location was not the same as

mislead our readership. Our publication is

the one occupied by Books and Crannies,

dedicated to the promotion of local business

and an unfortunate use of past tense made

and informing our readers about all of the

the town limits. Second Chapter Books is

it appear that Kathy Jo Shea was on the

diverse aspects of the Middleburg lifestyle.

open daily until 6 p.m. rather than “five

Middleburg Town Council prior to the

We always strive to do this in a manner that

opening of the store.

is both positive and accurate.

most nights and varies on the weekends” as

30

indicated in our article. Also, Second Chapter

We apologize for the misinformation.

Books does not host used book exchanges,

It is not the policy of Middleburg Life to

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Brian Yost Editor-in-Chief

Mount Gordon Farm

Merry Chase Farm

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

Prime Atoka Road location • 155.08 rolling & mostly useable acres • Beautiful setting, tree lined drive • Main house circa 1837 • 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 4 fireplaces • Improvements include 4 tenants houses, 3 barns, indoor and outdoor riding arenas.

The Plains, Virginia $11,750,000

Marshall, Virginia $3,200,000

Paul MacMahon

Creighton Farms

Old Fox Den Farm

Leesburg, Virginia $2,800,000

"Highgate" at Creighton Farms • Possibly best elevated building site east of Bull Run Mountains • Brick and stone exterior • 6,126 sf finished living space • 5 bedrooms • 5 full +2 half baths • 4 fireplaces • Elevated ceiling height • Superior craftsmanship • Gourmet kitchen• Master suite on main level• Wood and limestone floors • 4 car garage on 4.04 acres.

(703) 609-1905 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

The Plains, Virginia $1,985,000

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

Middleburg, Virginia $1,800,000

Greystone

The Plains, Virginia $1,700,000

The Hague-Hough House

Carrington Road

Custom-built stone & stucco home • 4+ bedrooms include 1st floor master • Gourmet kitchen • Home office with T-1 line & VIP security system & home automation • 4 stone patios • Perennial gardens & large mature trees • 3-car garage • Gated entrance, pristine grounds, pond, barn • 24 acres Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Circa 1807 • 33 acres ideally located between Middleburg & The Plains • Rare quarried stone exterior, 10-foot ceilings • Period mantels, original wood floors, two-story front porch • 3BR/3 BA, each a private suite • Historic stone barn includes one BR/BA apt, heated tack room, 6 stalls • Carriage barn • 3paddocks, large turnout field, run-in sheds, auto waterers • Whole farm generator • Pond • Orange County Hunt Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Hill top setting in historic village of Waterford • Circa 1745 brick and stone home on 17.20 acres • 6 BR, 5 BA & 7 FP • Beautiful woodwork throughout • High ceilings • Meticulous renovation • Improvements include barn w/apartment • Garage space for 6 vehicles • In-ground pool • Large pool house • Stone outbuildings • Lovely gardens

100 acre parcel • Spectacular building site • Mostly open farmland with some mature forest • Great views of the protected Cobbler Valley • Creek and stream run though the property with large pond site • 4 BR perc certification

Cadore

Janney Street

Waterford, Virginia $996,000

6428 Main Street The Plains, Virginia $995,000

Custom built Quaker reproduction in Historic Waterford • Brick and frame home • Beautiful woodwork • Wood floors • High ceilings • Grand rooms • 4 bedrooms • 3 1/2 baths • 4 fireplaces • 2 separate lots • 3 car garage

Paul MacMahon

Gorgeous country home • Historic village • Panoramic views • 3 acres • Beautifully landscaped grounds with terraced herb garden and pool • 3 BR, 2 full + 2 half baths • Master bedroom w/gas FP on main level • Large dining room w/built-in china cabinets • 2 BR upstairs w/shared BA • Lower level family room w/wood-burning FP • Wet bar & french doors to pool area • Recently renovated (703) 609-1905 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Dogwood

The Plains, Virginia $774,000 Charming cottage and 10 private acres on The Plains Road • Prime location w/convenient access to Rt. 66 while surrounded by protected neighboring farms • 3/4 BR stucco home • Large front porch • 2 FP • Hardwood floors • Home office could serve as first floor bedroom • Mature woods with flowering trees • Perennial gardens • Fenced yard for dogs Helen MacMahon

Oak Ridge

Warrenton, Virginia $705,000

Paul MacMahon

Margaret Carroll (703) 609-1905 Ann MacMahon

Westwood

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

(540) 454-0650 (540) 687-5588

Chipmunk

Marshall, Virginia $964,000

Upperville, Virginia $899,000

Beautiful fieldstone home • 21 acres of mostly open land • Stone portion c. 1835 • Renovations include an open kitchen & adjoining sunporch • New metal roof • New windows • New siding • Updated bathrooms • Original pine floors • Lots of charm & wonderful natural light • Lovely setting w/grand oak trees • Minutes from several wineries • Great home or a weekend retreat (less than hour from DC) Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Prime location • Piedmont Hunt • 10 acres • 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 fireplace stucco residence • Open floor plan • Treed setting with mature landscaping • Center courtyard off living area • Separate studio with half bath can serve as guest room or studio • Large 3 bay garage • 2 stalls for horses & 5 paddocks • Great views

Sunken Lane

103 West Federal Street

Upperville, Virginia $625,000

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

Middleburg, Virginia $449,900

11.43 acres, Prestigious Piedmont Hunt Location & close proximity to Upperville Horse Show grounds • Surrounded by protected properties in conservation easement • Contemporary stone & stucco home, 3 BR, 2 full and 2 1/2 BA, 2 FP • Spiral staircase leads to 8 stall barn • Tack room and office • Property fenced & cross fenced • Close proximity to Upperville Horse Show ground.

(703) 609-1905 (703) 609-1905 Paul MacMahon

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

(540) 454-1930 Paul MacMahon

Delaplane, Virginia $1,300,000

Waterford, Virginia $1,495,000

Flexible, open & bright commercial space • 2 floors, separate entrances, high ceilings • entire building including all major systems recently renovated • New roof, new stucco, new HVAC - immaculate & turn key space • Zoning offers many options • High foot traffic location • Currently used as a fitness studio on street level • Lower level currently leased to great tenant-potential continued income.

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

110 East Washington Street • P.O. Box 1380 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-5588 M A RC H 2 0 1 7

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KATHERINE RUTH

BOARDMAN JAMESON NOV. 18, 1946 – OCT. 20, 2016

K

atherine Boardman Jameson, a longtime Fauquier County church musical director and music teacher passed away on October 20 at the age of 69.

She died at Inova Fairfax Hospital after an extended illness.

Katherine was universally admired for her positive spirit, kindness, grace, and infectious joy for life – a jubilance she spread through her love of music. Katherine spent 22 years as the Music Director and Organist at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Delaplane as well as several years serving Grace Church in The Plains. She also taught early childhood music at Boxwood and Wakefield Schools and offered many private piano lessons, both independently and through the Community Music School of the Piedmont. Katherine embraced musicians in all forms, and her musical spirit touched many hearts. Her dedicated leadership of Emmanuel’s choir led to many a rousing Alleluia; she contributed a beautiful alto voice as a member of the Piedmont Sing-

ers; not to mention the many young creative spirits who blossomed under the guidance of her unending patience and encouragement in their weekly piano lessons. Katherine’s faith was guided by music. Not only did it provide

VISITOR SERVICES ASSOCIATE National Sporting Library & Museum seeks part-time Visitor Services Associate.

The Visitor Services Associate is the first point of contact for all visitors to the National Sporting Library & Museum. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and enjoy interacting with the public.

Primary duties include greeting and monitoring all visitors; answering phones; processing book and merchandise sales; assisting with other administrative tasks as required; and daily open and close procedures.

Learn more at NationalSporting.org/NSLM/Employment Hours: Part-time, weekends required (2 to 3 weekends per month).

To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and two reference names with contact information, via email to info@NationalSporting.org 32

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a deep, personal sanctuary, music also embodied her love of people. Katherine firmly believed that music provided a way to connect with others and create a community of voices that heal and uplift one another.

Katherine studied music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received an M.A. in piano performance and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. Her folk singing group, the Kencarmans, won best musical performance at Dentsville High School in Columbia, S.C. where she graduated in 1964. She was born in her father’s home state of Kansas but, as he was a career army officer, she moved around with him and the family to exotic locales around the globe. She spent two early years in Fairbanks, Alaska prior to statehood, and resided in Berlin, Germany when the Wall was erected. Yet, home to Katherine was always the golden wheat fields of the West, and she always looked fondly on her halcyon summers spent in the town of

Glenda CudabaCk Morrow (1945 – 2017)

A

fter a long illness, Glenda Sharon Moses Cudaback Morrow died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Reston, Virginia, early in the morning of February 16, 2017. Born in Napa, California, Glenda was the daughter of Glendon Moses and Carma Jo Kirkpatrick. A graduate of Napa High School, she majored in Journalism at Chico State College, now California State University, Chico, and worked as a reporter for the Daily Democrat.

Sharon was a co-founder and writer for the Middleburg Eccentric in and one of the earliest supporters and investors in Loudoun Now. Glenda is survived by her son Alex Cudaback, her daughter-in-law, Maggie, a

Hi! My nam e is Potter!

grandson, Finn, her husband of 35 years, Daniel S. Morrow, and her first husband, R. David Cudaback.

At her request her body was given to Johns Hopkins for research. The ashes of her remains are to be scattered by the family in a private ceremony. A small part of her, and no doubt her heart, will rest in Paris.

A public memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.

St. Francis, Kansas. Katherine’s first years in the Washington area were spent as a federal employee; she acted as a librarian at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington, DC, where she met her husband of 37 years, Lt. Cdr. Stephen Jameson of the NOAA Corps.

Katherine was full of wonder and curiosity for the world. She constantly sought opportunities to improve her mind and body, be it jaunting to Washington, DC for the latest Shakespeare Theatre performance or honing her tree pose in yoga class. She loved to travel, sipping wine in Paris, singing evensong in England, and riding elephants in South Africa.

Yet, Katherine was equally happy finding beauty in the backyard of her woodland home nestled in the Bull Run Mountains. There, she was often found tending her garden, watching the birds, or traversing the pages of one her many beloved books.

Katherine is survived by her husband Stephen, daughters Sara

and Julia and brother Richard, as well as by a community and congregation that will forever miss her melodious voice soaring from the choir balcony. It is through this community that her spirit will live on, alive in all the pursuits she loved so well, through the promise of each new journey, through the ripening harvest growing in her garden, and through the joy of voices raised in song.

A celebration of Katherine’s life was held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Delaplane, Virginia on Saturday, October 29th.

The Community Music School of the Piedmont has since established the Katherine Jameson Scholarship, which will subsidize music lessons to students in need.

The Parish Hall of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Delaplane will also be named Katherine Jameson Hall in sincere recognition of her many gifts, loyal service, and joyful enrichment of the parish community. ML

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JOYCE GATES 540-771-7544 joyce.gates@LNF.com Middleburg Sales Office

LIBRARY & MUSEUM

in Art

CLOSING SOON! March 19, 2017

The exhibiTion feaTures painTings and sculpTure

highlighTing The rich varieTy and depTh of The classic, iconic, and conTemporary american, briTish, and conTinenTal arT ThaT graced The covers of The acclaimed weekly equesTrian magazine, The ChroniCle of The horse, for almosT 70 years.

102 The Plains Road | Middleburg, VA | 540.687.6542 | NationalSporting.org Above: The Chronicle of the Horse, Vol. 9, No. 20: January 18 1946. Front cover. © The Chronicle of the Horse, Inc. Top: George Stubbs (English, 1724–1806), Shark with his Trainer Price, dated 1775, (detail), oil on canvas, 40 1/8 x 50 1/8 inches, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Paul Mellon Collection Photo: Katherine Wetzel © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Middle: Richard Barrett Davis (British, 1782–1854) George Mountford, Huntsman to the Quorn, and W. Derry, Whipper-In, at John O’Gaunt’s Gorse, near Melton Mowbray, 1836, oil on canvas, 28 ½ x 35 ¾ inches, Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection Bottom: Jean Eleanor Bowman (American, 1917 - 1994) Mongo on the Turf at Laurel Racetrack, Maryland with Charles Burr Up, 1964, oil on canvas,

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Envision Your Next Event Here 34

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THE

NANTUCKET-TREWERYN BEAGLES

By Russ Wagner | Photos by Joanne Maisano

S

unday afternoon at 2 p.m., in a field somewhere in Clarke County, you might have seen

a group of people wearing white breeches and green coats. What were they doing?

If you stopped to watch, or rather to listen, you might have heard hounds speaking, or you might have heard a horn, or perhaps the cry, “Tally-Ho.” If you were lucky, you might have seen the hounds chasing their quarry, the cottontail rabbit.

Where, you might have asked, were the horses? There were none, you had found the Nantucket-Treweryn Beagles (NTB), Clarke County’s only foot pack of beagles.

The beagles meet formally every Sunday from November through April, hunting rabbit across Clarke County, occasionally venturing into Pennsylvania, Maryland, and sometimes meeting in Aldie at the National Beagle Club. The pack operates just like a foxhunt, led by masters of beagles, hunted by a huntsman, assisted by whippers-in, and followed by a field of subscribers headed by a field-master.

The main differences are that the NTB hunts rabbit, and the hunt staff and followers are on foot rather than mounted. The uniform is comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing rather than hunt appointments. Finally, instead of going home to wash and feed a horse and clean tack, the followers are usually invited to tea provided by the hosting landowner, or to a tailgate tea provided by the masters.

The pack originated as the Treweryn Beagles, organized in 1924, and hunted the same country as the Radnor Hunt in Philadelphia’s Main Line area. For a much of its history, David B. Sharp Jr. was master of the Treweryn.

The Nantucket Harriers, founded in 1926, hunted jack rabbits during summers on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. Although originally a mounted harrier pack, following World War II the hunt became a beagle foot

pack known as the Nantucket Beagles with Rebecca Lanier Trimpi serving as master.

In 1955 Sharp and Trimpi married, and after hunting their packs separately for

9 seasons, they merged in 1964, forming the Nantucket-Treweryn Beagles. In 1970 they moved to Middleburg, Virginia, and Beagles | Page 36

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Beagles | From page 35 hunted together for many years before becoming legendary figures in American beagling. As evidence of their fame, they were the only Americans ever invited to judge beagles at the prestigious Peterborough Hound Show in England.

In 1982, the pack moved to Clarke County, where it has continued to hunt rabbit as a subscription pack to this day. The current masters of beagles are Peter J. Cook (1987), Frederic B. Underwood (1993), Marianne Casey (2013) and Russell Wagner (2013).

Wagner also served as huntsman while the other masters served as whippers-in, and field masters. William Getchell of Winchester served as an honorary whipper-in.

On Sunday, the hounds met at 2 p.m. on one of several farms in Clarke County. The huntsman was first to arrive, and while the hounds waited in the trailer, he greeted the landowner, walked the coverts and planned the day’s hunt. The staff and field arrived between 1:30 and 1:59 p.m. and despite having no stirrups, partook in the stirrup cup while the huntsman readied the hounds. At 2 p.m., the huntsman explained his plan and moved off to the first covert.

Once released to hunt, the beagles were all business and raced into the coverts to find their quarry. When they found the quarry, the music of the chase began. First the strike hound, then the full cry of the pack could be heard as the rabbit left cover to race for safety.

The field master moved the field along, just behind but close enough to see what was happening as the hunt unfolded.

Normally the rabbit would run in a large loop trying to escape the chase without leaving the country it knows. The hounds followed by scent, rarely lost the line for more than a few seconds.

When the rabbit tired, or the hounds got too close, it would put on a final burst of speed and run to a hole where the chase ended, the quarry being ‘accounted for.’ The huntsman caught up, blew the ‘Gone to Ground’ and after he praised the hounds, moved on to find the next rabbit.

After hounds, huntsman, staff and the field had done enough for the day, the entire hunt returned to the meet to discuss the day over wine, tea, snacks and sometimes a full meal.

If you would like to try beagling, you could contact the Masters of the NTB through their website, ntbeagles.org, or you could call them at 540-955-2889. If you don’t reach them, leave a message as they are out with the hounds and will get back to you when the quarry goes to ground. ML

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On p. 35, top: Russ Wagner, master and huntsman of the Nantucket-Treweryn Beagles. On p. 35, bottom: Beagles checking a covert for rabbits. Above (left to right): landowner PeteDunning with subscribers Bob Chandler and Rod DeArment. Center: Russ Wagner. Bottom: The next generation of Nantucket-Treweryn Beagles.

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shakespeare in the ‘Burg

By Chelsea Moore Photos courtesy of Shakespeare in the Square

I

t began with a play. Genie Ford was attending a performance of Shakespeare’s “Twelth Night” when the idea came: Why not do this in Middleburg, too? As a lover of Shakespeare and an advocate of the arts, she knew Middleburg needed Shakespeare.

Soon after, she brought Shakespeare in the ‘Burg to life, which she now co-chairs with Jo Ann Hazard. This is now the festival’s fourth year, and Shakespeare in the ‘Burg is taking on the comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” New this year: New York’s talented and energetic theater troupe Shakespeare in the Square will be performing the play in Middleburg.

Co-directing the play is Hill School alumnus Dan Hasse, who is now the co-founder and artistic director of Shakespeare in the Square.

The festival is continuing its tradition of a one-act play competition to showcase emerging playwrights. With hundreds of submissions from multiple countries, Shakespeare in the Square will be doing a staged reading of three of the winning plays.

Ford believes Shakespeare in the ‘Burg’s performances are delivered with respect for Shakespeare’s original intentions. His performances were held on bare stages, with a focus on the language and the acting. “Shakespeare is meant to be performed, not read,” said Ford. “With Shakespeare, it’s about the play.

It’s how he wanted it performed and it’s most effective still.”

Ford is passionate about bringing Shakespeare to modern audiences and showcasing the importance of the arts.

“More than ever before, we have to fight for the arts — it’s in jeopardy,” Ford said.

“The arts enrich our lives. Food and shelter is important, but so is art. So is music. So is literature. So is theater. Art is central to our better natures.”

If art teaches us how to live, then Shakespeare was a master teacher, according to Ford, and his works contain themes that are relevant today. She believes Shakespeare is accessible to modern audiences, since his themes are universal.

“Little by little, people will open their eyes and see that Shakespeare can be their thing,” said Ford. “It’s been over 400 years since his death, and his themes [still] ring so true, especially in our country now. The themes in his play can teach us a lot.”

The performances will be held at The Hill School’s Sheila Johnson Center for Performing Arts, 130 S. Madison St. in Middleburg.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” will be presented Saturday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. On

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Sunday, April 2, at 11 a.m., performances of the winning one-act plays will be held with a brunch — also at The Hill School.

The Shakesp eare in the S quare actors will also be presenting workshops at The Hill School. Nicolo Whimsey will perform at the Parish House, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 105 E. Washington St. in Middleburg at 3:15 p.m., Friday, March 31.

Tickets for “Two Gentlemen of Verona” are $45, tickets for the Sunday brunch are $30

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and the Nicolo Whimsey workshop is $5.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit shakespeareintheburg.com. ML Top: Felix Birdie is just one of the talented actors in this year’s Shakespeare performance. Center: Malena Pennycook and Chelsea Frei are among the cast of perfromers in this year’s Shakespeare in the ‘Burg. Bottom: A scene from “Two Gentlemen of Verona” featuring Anthony Vaughn Merchant and Chris Dooly.

Middleburg Concert Series OPENS WITH HOLLYWOOD CLASSICS

T

he first 2017 concert of the Middleburg Concert Series will feature both classical and popular movie themes. Music has always played a vital part in film featuring compositions by modern composers such as Burt Bachrach, John Williams, Marvin Hammlisch as well as traditionally classical pieces by composers such as Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven. Returning for the March concert by popular demand is Abbey Foy Middleton, the beautiful soprano who charmed the audience at the Broadway Medley concert last June. She will be joined by concert pianist Anna Nizhegorodtseva who received three standing ovations at the inaugural concert

of the series in March of 2015. Also performing will be Concert Music Director, cellist and Shenandoah Conservatory Arts professor, Alan Saucedo; Musicians in Residence, violinist and Shenandoah Conservatory Faculty member, Cynthia Saucedo; and Middleburg United Methodist Church Music Director and Hill School music teacher, Karen Chase. The concert will be on Sunday, March 26th,at 4 PM, at the Middleburg United Methodist Church, corner of Washington and Pendleton Streets.

Abby Foy Middleton is a graduate of the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and has performed in numerous operas, operettas, and traditional musicals. Her roles have included Liesl in The Sound of Music, and Marian in The Music Man. Her wistful, yet buoyant voice is always a crowd pleaser. Russian born pianist Anna Nizhegorodtseva holds

degrees from Novgorod Glinka State Conservatory and a doctorate from Catholic University. She has won numerous international piano competitions. In a previous appearance with the Concert Series she exhibited a truly magical touch on the keys of the 1927 Steinway Concert Grand Piano.

The goal of the Middleburg Concert Series is to make virtuoso performances available to Middleburg residents and visitors and in a small town setting.

There will be a reception with light refreshments to meet the artists immediately after the concert. In keeping with the movie theme the reception will be sponsored by the Popcorn Monkey. Admission to both the concert and reception are free.

Donations are welcome. For further information please email middleburgconcertseries@gmail.com or telephone 540-303-7127. ML

We proudly invite you to our first wine dinner of 2017 :PVS ESFBN PG B XFEEJOH with RDV on April 6th.

PS FMPQFNFOU JO 1BSJT $85 per person.

CallJT XJUIJO SFBDI for your reservation.

540-592-3900 / events@ashbyinn.com M A RC H 2 0 1 7

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Ruby Wolf from the cast of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Square m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c o m • M A RC H 2 0 1 7 40

Calendar of

3/11

Greenhill Farm Store Opening (12 to 6 p.m.): The grand opening of the Greenhill Farm Store, located in the original Greenhill Vineyards tasting room. Enjoy hand selected fresh and local produce and gourmet food items including the Greenhill Charolais beef, Greenhill honey, local artisanal cheeses, breads, eggs, herbs and seasonal items. Admission is free.

3/11

Ballroom Dancing Class at Salamander Resort & Spa (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.): Couples will enjoy an exciting class guided by a ballroom expert for a lesson on various styles of Ballroom Dancing. Learn all the right steps and spend the evening having a ‘ball.’ Admission is $30 per couple. For more information, call 540-326-4060.

3/11

BINGO at the Middleburg Community Center (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.): Purchase tickets online or be sure to RSVP. Admission is $30 per ticket, which includes bingo card, dinner and raffle ticket.

For more information, call 540-687-6373.

3/14

Wine & Painting Class at Salamander Resort & Spa (7 to 9 p.m.): Enjoy a fun way to paint and create your own original piece of work while sipping on delicious local wines. Two-person minimum. Ages 21 and older. Admission is $85 per person. For reservations, call 540-326-4060.

events

3/16

Annual Senior Luncheon at the Middleburg Community Center (noon): The doors open at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by March 9th. Admission is free. For more information, call 540-6876373 or email Olivia@middleburgcommunitycenter.com.

3/18

Hooked! Fly-Fishing Event at the National Sporting Library & Museum (ll a.m. to 5 p.m.): NSLM is pleased to announce its first public fly-fishing event. Half sport, half theology, angling stands the test of time and remains one of the most popular turf and field sports.

So come be a part of the legacy. Admission is $25 for an all-inclusive ticket, $15 for an NSLM member all-inclusive ticket or $10 admission for a single session. For more information, contact Anne Marie Barnes at 540-687-6542 x25 or email ABarnes@ NationalSporting.org.

3/25

Me et the Winema kers Lunch at Harrimans (12 to 1:30 p.m.): Stroll station to station to taste five different wines from local vineyards.

This special event will give you the chance to meet the winemakers and learn more about how they create their special blends, as well enjoy favorite Harrimans’ dishes for an exclusive three-course lunch. Maximum of 50 people. Admission is $45 per person. For reservations, please call 540-326-4070.

3/26

Middleburg Concert Series at the Middleburg United

Methodist Church (4 p.m.): Soprano Abbey Foy Middleton, concert pianist Anna Nizhegorodseva and others will perform both classical and popular movie themes by modern composers such as Burt Bachrach, John Williams and Marvin Hammlisch as well as classical pieces by Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven. Admission to both the concert and reception are free. Donations are welcome. For more information, email middleburgconcertseries@gmail.com or call 540-303-7127.

4/1

Shakespeare in the ‘burg at the Hill School (7:30 p.m.): Shakespeare in the Square from New York City will perform “Two Gentlemen from Verona.” There will be readings from some of the outstanding one-act plays, food & wine too!! Admission is $45 per person. For more information, go to www.shakespeareintheburg.com or call 703-298-7664.

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Foxes on a Fence at the Middleburg United Methodist Church: The Middleburg Garden Club will sponsor a 7 Week event highlighting local artists and local business with an online auction of 30 hand painted Foxes, which can be used indoors or as garden art. They may be used inside or as garden art. They will be on display. The project will bring attention to the historic village of Middleburg, showcase the talent of the local art community and drive business to the Town. Admission is free. Sponsorship forms are available at the town office or contact ddjusten@yahoo.com.

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WINTERING IN WELLINGTON Story by Callie Broaddus

“G

oing to Wellington this year?”

It was a question you might have overheard in any shop or on any street corner in Middleburg during the winter months. To the passerby not involved in the horse culture, it might have seemed like Middleburg residents were simply obsessed with Lord of the Rings. But anyone who had stepped foot in the horse world knew that Wellington, Florida, was the winter playground of the world’s top ranking riders and many of the sport’s wealthiest and most dedicated patrons.

Athletes and horses from around the world converged on the small town, which sits about 30 minutes outside of West Palm Beach, Florida, for four months of intense competition. Many Middleburg-area riders headed down for hunters and jumpers at the renowned Wellington Equestrian Festival, but that’s not what this article is about. I’m here to talk about polo: the sport that brings hundreds of spectators out to Great Meadow in The Plains every summer Saturday for tailgating and tug-of-war by the arena.

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The Wellington scene is an international melting pot for polo, with intense high goal matches featuring the top players. I sat down with John Gobin and Whitney Ross of Great Meadow Polo Club to watch the Ylvisaker Cup, a blistering 20-goal tournament at The International Polo Club Palm Beach. The atmosphere fit the game’s moniker, “The Sport of Kings,” complete with Veuve Clicquot and divot stomping, with horses galloping at 35 mph down a manicured grass field the size of nine football fields.

Gobin and Ross spent the winter in Wellington, playing with Great Meadow Polo Club sponsors and the more serious polo school students who wanted to stay fit for the Virginia summer season. Ross said the polo school’s 50 ponies spent the winter enjoying a well-deserved vacation at Gobin’s farm in Aiken, South Carolina, where they could get “fat and happy.”

Ross told her students to come to Florida if they could, where they could rent horses from another school and see the sport at the next level. And if they couldn’t come down, Ross encouraged them to try other disciplines back in Virginia, like foxhunting, to

keep their riding muscles in shape during the offseason.

I asked if they ever worried about losing polo players to other disciplines by leaving for the winter. “No, because polo is such an adrenaline sport,” said a confident Gobin, “Once people try it, they very seldom quit.

They love it.”

Gobin’s mission for Great Meadow Polo Club went beyond cultivating talented players. “At our polo school, what I try to do is get people to come into the polo community, learn to play polo, buy horses and someday buy a farm. So they’re in the community. …

That’s my ultimate goal, to get these people to become horsemen.”

Gobin, a former captain of the United States Polo Team, fell in love with polo when he saw his first game. “We’re always searching for the young children to come along and change their lives like polo changed my life.

But it’s a lot harder nowadays, with computers, video games, to get them out of the house and into the barn. … If you’re a horse person,

half of your day you work hungry and dirty and hot and sweaty, but you love it, because it’s just the way life is on the farm, riding horses. If you don’t love it, then you can’t do it.”

Gobin said it would almost be impossible for him to run the club and school without Ross, whom he described as a true horsewoman. “Whitney is very smart, one of the hardest-working people I know, and she’s very caring to the horses. She knows every individual horse — and we have over 50.”

Despite the idyllic weather and elevated level of play, Gobin and Ross always looked forward to coming back to Virginia in the spring. “The nice thing about Virginia is we start in the arena because of the weather,” said Ross. “It’s easier to hit that big arena ball than it is the grass ball. So, everyone can start in the arena and warm back up, and by the time it’s grass season, they’re chomping at the bit.”

One thing Ross didn’t miss in Florida was Virginia’s red clay. “[The horses] get a lot dirtier in Virginia! All 50 have to get baths to get ready for Twilight Polo.”

Gobin said Virginia was his favorite place.

“The polo in Virginia is unique, because we have fantastic fields and fantastic polo clubs … and it’s extremely cheap for the quality you get. I think it’s almost as good as Wellington, and it’s probably a quarter of the price.”

Gobin and Ross are hoping to grow their business in Wellington next year, with a new farm and small polo school, aimed at enabling Great Meadow players to experience the same fun, friendly level of play they’re accustomed to, while being just hoof-steps away from the best players in the world. ML

Top left page: John Gobin rides up for a hook on the offside of Kevin Brown at Palm City Polo Club in Florida (courtesy of Phelps Media Group). Bottom left page: Courtesy of Phelps Media Group. Above: Great Meadow Grass Polo (courtesy of Greenhill Media). Bottom left: Grass polo at Great Meadow (courtesy of Greenhill Media). Bottom right: Twilight Polo at Great Meadow starts back up in May in The Plains, Virginia (courtesy of Greenhill Media).

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AllenRealEstate.com

La Finca

25-ACRES

BELLEVUE

True country resort with 50’ pool, tennis court, fish-filled pond and lovely guest cottage. Main house of stone and glass with 4-FPs, solid walnut cabinetry throughout, large patios, paved drive, gated entrance all on 102-acres with much more land available. $1,850,000

Hard to find 25-acre estate. Elegant country house features 2-story entrance hall, wide plank hardwood floors, library, 2-story family room with massive stone fp, walls of arched windows, morning room, fully finished lower level and incredible 130’ wrap porch for sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. $849,000

At home in the mountains or the shores of Nantucket.

Spacious with cottage feel. Main floor master, fireplace, exposed beams, updated kitchen, large deck and lots of glass to enjoy spectacular views in every direction. On 10-acres with 4-car garage and stable convenient to Warrenton. $799,000

9-BEDROOMS

EDGEWORTH

ESTATE LAND

Rare opportunity to have up to 9-bedrooms in a single residence. Just North of Warrenton on 50-acres in private setting with lovely lake and distant views from 50’great hall across stone terraces and swimming pool.

Stable, guest cottage, 7-fireplaces and much more. $1,500,000

100-acres of gorgeous and rolling pasture and some woodland near the Village of Orlean. Circa 1759 traditional Southern manor with high ceilings, original hardwood floors, 1st and 2nd floor master suites, ancient log family room, Jeffersonian windows. Stables, garaging for 8, pool, guest cottages and wonderful gardens. $1,975,000

Nearly 400-acres mostly open and in one parcel.

Several private home sites, mountain views, mostly open rolling pasture with some hardwood, 3-streams, pond, stone barn and 2-tenant houses. Good easement potential. Additional 150-acres available with long road frontage. Near Orlean. $2,846,000

Allen Real Estate Co. Ltd.

Tray Allen, Broker 540-222-3838

RIVERFRONT

MAYOR’S COTTAGE

Hear the Rappahannock River and Thumb Run from the screened porch. Custom country home with extra large upscale kitchen, luxurious main floor master suite, hardwood floors throughout, many walk-in closets, elegant trim and built-ins, full basement and more.

Brick and hardiplank exterior. $795,000

The epitome of idyllic small town living. All-brick cottage is just an easy stroll from Main St Warrenton for shops, cafes, summer concerts, festival, parades and so much more. Needs major renovation but will be something very special for the right buyer. $495,000

www.allenrealestate.com 44

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Joe Allen, Broker 540-229-1770

FOXES ON A FENCE A SMALL TOWN WITH BIG HEART

Story and photos by Darcy Justen

M

y husband used to wonder why it took me 45 minutes to pick up milk at the local Safeway. The problem wasn’t Safeway, but instead running into all the people that I knew and it was part of the charm of living in this small village.

I loved running in to the post office where they called me by name and already had my packages behind the counter because they knew who I was.

Local businesses and the people behind them are what give our town its unique flavor.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the convenience of online shopping as much as anyone else.

But I love to make time during my busy week to pick up books from Second Chapter Books, have lunch at Julien’s and get my afternoon coffee at Middleburg Common Grounds.

Recently, when I was organizing “Foxes On The Fence,” a local fundraiser for the town, I got to see firsthand how many wonderful local farmers, craftsmen, antique dealers and artisans were willing to support this project. The idea behind the fundraiser was that local businesses would sponsor a fox painted by a local artist and everyone I asked was so excited about connecting their business to a local artist.

Jamie Pantel from Sunpower Farm was a great example. Pantel had only one request, and that was for a lot of gold to be on her fox.

So, artist Barbara Sharp created a wonderful design full of gold sunflowers.

Pantel and her family moved here to be part of the animal-centric Middleburg community. They have a large farm and offer, she said with a smile, yearling mutton custom sheep cuts and gourmet foods for canines and human companions. Her custom gourmet dog food is unique and popular with locals.

Bank of Charles Town (BCT) was another business that wanted to sponsor a fox. They

loved the wonderful color in artist Leslie Anthony’s fox, which cleverly depicted fabulous roosters and chickens.

“I am very familiar with her work,” said Maggie Johnston from BCT, “and this one does not disappoint with amazing colors. We are so happy to support this fundraiser and we have our fox in the lobby until it gets hung

BCT Bank Middleburg Branch: 115 The Plains Road, Suite 150 Middleburg VA 20117

on the fence April 1. We love Middleburg and opened this office in town to provide oneof-a-kind personal customer service. When you personally know the people behind the business where you’re buying local products and services, you enjoy a connection you would not otherwise have. Everyone at BCT hopes that this will encourage friends and families to visit Middleburg.”

As the suburban sprawl approaches the rolling countryside around us and fills in with big box chains and retailers, it is quite special that Middleburg has hung on to its unique

charm. It is a small town with a big heart. I believe in the success of our town and this project is a way each one of us can make our own personal investment in its success.

The seven-week event sponsored by Middleburg Garden Club will showcase local artists and businesses by hosting an online auction featuring 30 hand-painted 4’ foxes.

These foxes make wonderful art in the home or garden. They will be displayed on the fence in front of the Methodist Church on Main Street beginning April 1.

The goal of this project is to highlight the historic village of Middleburg, promote the talented local art community and bring business to our town. For $75, local businesses can sponsor a fox with a sign displaying their name above it. ML Darcy Justen is president of Middleburg Garden Club and writes often for local papers.

For more information about or to order custom dog food from Sunpower Farm, contact Jamie Pantel at jamie@Sunpowerfarm.us.

Top: Bank of Charles Town’s around “Fox on the Run” by artist Leslie Anthony. Bottom: Sunpower Farm’s “Gold power” by artist Barbara Sharp.

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Nova Jobs

Business Card Corner

Phone: 703-771-8831 www.insidenova.com

Geriatric Wellness Nurse. Seeking full time RN or LPN to assist with geriatric wellness exams. This position requires travel to multiple locations in Loudoun County and the ability to utilize EMR systems and scanning programs. Experience with geriatric populations is preferred. Self starter with basic knowledge of Medicare coding and billing guidelines is a plus. Ideal position for the nurse who no longer de-

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Tasting Room Associate Greenhill Winery and Vineyards is seeking Tasting Room Associates to join our team!

Tasting Associates are responsible for the overall guest experience at the winery. If you are outgoing, personable, enjoy wine and want to learn more then this job is for you! The hours of the position are part-time, to include weekend days (Saturday / Sunday or both). Our hours of operation are noon to sunset.

JOB DESCRIPTION: - Greet all visitors to the winery and pour wines for tasting.

- Handle routine sales transactions to include operating cash register, mobile sales, and recording of credit card tips.

- Assist with display and re-stocking of retail items and wines.

- Assist with wine club shipments and special orders.

- Assist with special events as requested.

Wine knowledge is preferred, but not required; we´ll train you! We provide great educational opportunities and a dynamic work environment!

Tasting Associates must be age 21+. The pay starts at $11/hour plus cash tips, credit card tips, and club commission. Higher hourly wages for experienced applicants will be considered.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Mary Long: mary@greenhillvineyard.com

BAR BACKS Greenhill Winery and Vineyards is seeking weekend Bar Backs to join our team!

We are looking for dedicated employees who have the ability to follow directives with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate must possess superior people skills, a professional demeanor under pressure, and have the ability to solve problems in a creative manner. Must be able to work in a team atmosphere and give exemplary customer service.

JOB DESCRIPTION (including but not limited to): - Replenish stock and ingredients throughout shift, including restocking wines on shelves and in refrigerator, preparing ice buckets, chocolate pairings, and retail items.

- Assist in setup and breakdown of large group reservations and private tastings.

- Clear glasses, bottles and dishware and wipe down seating areas after patrons leave.

- Maintain cleanliness of tasting bars and tables; replace soiled rags and remove trash.

- Wash and polish glasses throughout shift.

- Assist in ringing up customer orders as needed.

- Assist with special events as requested; represent winery at outside functions as needed.

- Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

REQUIREMENTS: - Strong attention to detail.

- Ability to problem solve in stressful situations.

- Highly customer service oriented.

- Excellent hospitality, sales, organizational, and customer service skills.

- Must be available and willing to work weekends.

- Ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds.

- Ability to stand on feet for 8 hours; occasional climbing, stooping, and twisting.

- 21+ an older.

HOURS: Looking for weekend staffing.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Mary Long: mary@greenhillvineyard.com

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Organic hair and skin services, farm to body skin & hair products, fair trade jewelry & clothing, art, painted furniture, & home accessories.

Your Storm Damage Specialist

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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LANDSCAPING

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All Major Credit Cards Accepted

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Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804, attention Lisa.

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Remembering JANET HITCHEN Photos by Janet Hitchen

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This month marked the second anniversary of the passing of an extraordinary photographer, animal rescuer and friend. As most of the Middleburg community knew, Janet Hitchen made a mark on every community in which she lived; be it her horse showing in Potomac, Maryland, or her animal rescue in Middleburg and Millwood, Virginia.

Hitchen trained at the Corcoran School of Arts and Design in Washington, D.C., and started her own business shortly after graduation. Her success had everything to do with her instinct and her great eye. Hitchen had the incredible ability to bring a moment in time into very sharp focus. Whether shooting a wedding, horse show, fox hunt or steeplechase race, Hitchen’s photos made one feel as though they were sharing that experience. Abused and neglected animals also lost a dear friend and champion. Hitchen was a fierce defender of neglected or mistreated animals. By the end of her life, she had a farm full of rescued creatures of every sort that included goats, llamas, sheep, pigs, emu and ponies, not to mention her eight dogs and 11 cats.

Her images were timeless works of art and Hitchen wanted them to be accessible to the community. She entrusted her archives to

Joanne Maisano, a longtime friend, assistant and fellow photographer so people can continue to purchase her beautiful work. You could see her images on her website janethitchenphotography.com or on Maisano’s site joannemaisano.com.

Maisano is also taking special requests from people who were looking for specific photos taken by Hitchen. Maisano periodically exhibits Hitchen’s work and a portion of the proceeds go to the Middleburg Humane Foundation, an organization close to Hitchen’s heart.

Editor’s Note: From its inception as a publication, Hitchen was also an important part of Middleburg Life. Her photos were on many covers and filled a multitude of inside pages. We will miss her smile and bold laugh and, most of all, her incredible gift of photography. ML

Photos: 1. Reggie Spreadborough, the huntsman for Orange County Hounds, at Flinthill. 2. Janet Hitchen practicing her craft.

3. Drafts hugging. 4. International Gold Cup. 5. Family Class at Upperville Colt and Horse Show.

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DANCES of the HEART Photographs by Deborah Morrow

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The 10th annual fundraiser for the Community Music School of the Piedmont offered a prefect opportunity for an early Valentine’s Day celebration on February 12th. The event featured cellist Amit Peled and pianist Noreen Cassidy-Polera in the ballroom of Claude Schoch’s Barton Oaks estate in The Plains.

This event brings world-class classical musicians to a local audience in a venue that is both stunning and ideally suited for the occasion. The duet played to a packed audience and helped raise capital critical to the Community Music Schools programs and scholarship funds.

The Community Music School is a

4 non-profit organization and a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. As such, they depend on donations and fundraisers to continue offering high-quality music instruction throughout the Piedmont region. The school is headquartered in Upperville, Virginia and maintains locations in Middleburg, Purcellville, The Plains, Stephens City, Waterford, and Aldie.

Photos: 1. Cellist Amit Peled with Lena Lundh. 2. Gertrand Hechl, Bill Wolf, Lena Lundh and Jens Lundh.

3. Cellist Amit Peled talks to the audience. 4. Melanie Fann and Karen Dorr. 5. The concert took place in The Plains at Barton Oaks.

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Base-15 -- Trim to 10.00”Wx14.00”D -- CMYK

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