from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres
SPRING GLADE
MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA
French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Im provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres
MacMahon 703.609.1905
SALEM HILL
MARSHALL, VIRGINIA
Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres
MacMahon 540.454.1930
$1,850,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868
| recently
$3,690,000
203 acres in River frontage 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d alix
A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP | Beautiful gardens, terraces, salt water pool,
$997,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868
RAMEY ROAD
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ON THE COVER
We followed Cupcake the mini horse around Salamander Middleburg to gain a better understanding of her wellness routine. From daily trots to special boots and a gorgeous braided mane, we unpack the details of how Cupcake stays in shape. For more on the mini horse, turn to page 8. Photo by Caroline Gray.
ON THIS PAGE
Meet Andrew and Isabelle Baldwin, the new owners of Tri-County Feeds in Marshall. The couple chatted with Middleburg Life’s Shayda Windle about their plans for the wellknown business. For more from the Baldwins, turn to page 6. Photo by Callie Broaddus.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com
Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, “Harry Potter” trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.
Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based conservation and freelance photographer. A Virginia native and MBA graduate from the University of Virginia, her work blends a love for exploration, nature, and horses with her fashion background. When not behind the camera, Caroline enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and exploring new restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane’s latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.
Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!
Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun Magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.
Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.
Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.
Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com.
Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film “Everest: A Climb for Peace.”
Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.
Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including The Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for The New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.
Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.
Also in this issue: Caitlin Scott.
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NEW TRI-COUNTY OWNERS HONOR
THE SHOP’S LEGACY
Written by Shayda Windle
by
Callie Broaddus
Situated just off Route 55 in Marshall, Tri-County Feeds, Inc., started as a feed store in 1978. Since then, it’s grown from humble beginnings into a household name for equestrian goods across Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and even Montgomery County, Maryland. Under its expansive roof and spread over two floors, equestrians, animal lovers, and fashion enthusiasts alike can find an eclectic blend of quality products, exceptional service, and a commitment to community. Now, under new ownership, Tri-County continues to offer quality products with fun updates planned for the future.
Born and raised in Charlottesville, owner Andrew Baldwin began his career in real estate development and brokerage in 2007, eventually transitioning into business acquisition over the past decade. His ventures span a diverse range of industries, including auto, paper and supply, and real estate investment.
He and his wife, Isabelle, developed a connection to Tri-County during Andrew’s time playing polo at Beverly Equestrian in Middleburg. An-
| Page 7
Photos
Isabelle and Andrew Baldwin.
| From page 6
drew took up polo about seven years ago, while Isabelle grew up immersed in equestrian sports and horse culture.
The couple felt the business was a natural fit with their personal interests, which ultimately solidified their decision to purchase it. Andrew was also encouraged by Tri-County’s long-standing reputation as a trusted and respected retailer in the equine industry.
Andrew Baldwin shares, “When we learned about Tri-County, it instantly resonated with us. It aligns perfectly with our lifestyle and passions.” They hope to honor Tri-County’s legacy while continuing to enhance its offerings.
Today, Tri-County remains a one-stop destination for feed, equestrian fashions, home goods, and so much more. The store’s extensive inventory includes riding and sporting apparel, tack, pet food, unique gifts, and even kitchen accessories. Baldwin notes, “We’re heavily expanding our equestrian clothing lines, from tack to polo gear. We recently sourced a tremendous amount of inventory from Argentina for polo, which we’re excited to launch this spring.
“This isn’t just a business for us,” he adds. “It’s a way of life. We’re honored to be part of a legacy that has meant so much to this community.”
In addition to enhancing the retail experience, the Baldwins are focused on growing
region. Beyond feed, the knowledgeable staff at Tri-County are always ready to assist customers with finding the perfect product for their animals, from newborns to seniors and healthy to special needs.
Tri-County’s boutique is another highlight, offering fashionable and functional apparel for riding and sporting. Customers can browse a curated selection of jewelry, leather goods, soaps, specialty food items, and one-of-a-kind treasures sourced from around the world. “We want to make sure every customer leaves with something special, whether it’s a unique gift or an essential piece of riding gear,” Baldwin says.
Isabelle Baldwin is looking forward to bring-
“When we learned about Tri-County, it instantly resonated with us. It aligns perfectly with our lifestyle and passions.”
– Andrew Baldwin
Tri-County’s story begins with Bill Jackson, who started delivering paper bedding in his pickup truck from his brother’s garage. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to customer service laid the foundation for what Tri-County would become. By 1980, the business had moved to Frost Street in Marshall, Virginia, evolving from a small retail space into the “biggest little feed store” in Northern Virginia. Over the years, loyal customers and their growing needs have prompted expansions, including the construction of a stunning 12,000-square-foot, three-story postand-beam retail space.
Tri-County’s footprint in the region. “In the future, we hope to bring the Tri-County brand to Charlottesville, Orange County Hunt, and Farmington Hunt,” Baldwin says. The goal is to considerably grow the operation while maintaining the personal touch and exceptional service that customers have come to expect.
At its core, Tri-County remains dedicated to its founding mission: supporting the equine industry with high-quality products and services. The store’s proprietary line of premium horse feed is specifically developed to benefit the equine community of the Northern Piedmont
“We want to make sure every customer leaves with something special, whether it’s a unique gift or an essential piece of riding gear.”
– Andrew Baldwin
ing new artwork to the store. A University of Virginia graduate with a degree in studio art, she has always had an interest in the intersection of art and regional culture. Her plans include curating a dynamic selection of pieces from local and equestrian artists, creating a space that celebrates artistic renderings of the region.
Whether you’re searching for the best feed for your horse, a stylish new outfit, or a unique gift, Tri-County offers an experience as exceptional as the region it serves. As Andrew and Isabelle Baldwin continue to expand and innovate, Tri-County’s future looks as bright as its storied past. ML
Left: Andrew Baldwin. Right: Isabelle Baldwin.
KEEPING IN SHAPE WITH CUPCAKE
The Salamander Equestrian Center Team Shares the Mini Horse’s Routine
Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Caroline Gray
Middleburg has been a home for many celebrities, but in recent years, there’s one who continues to turn heads and stop traffic. Cupcake, a miniature horse that mea-
sures 32 inches tall and 48 inches long, has been Salamander Middleburg’s official mascot and equine ambassador for well over a decade.
“Everybody loves Cupcake,” says Ashley Far-
rell, Salamander’s Equestrian Center manager.
“She attends almost every special event at the
| Page 9
Cupcake
Anna Fiorelino, Terri Tokarczyk, Gizmo, Ashley Farrell, and Zoe LaBillois with Cupcake.
| From page 8
Salamander, so she has met just about everyone you can imagine who has visited here and their families and friends.”
Though Cupcake spends most of her time on the grounds of the Salamander, where she lives in an immaculate barn, she can also be seen on weekdays pulling her custom Meadowbrook cart through town. Terri Tokarczyk, Cupcake’s lead trainer, holds the reins, guiding Cupcake through Middleburg’s main streets and quiet neighborhoods, sometimes going as far south as The Hill School.
“If people want a quick photo, we’ll pause,” Tokarczyk says, “but we don’t linger. Most days, we’re on the clock, getting Cupcake the exercise she needs before she goes to an event.”
Tokarczyk adds that, in a lifetime of riding and caring for horses, she’s never encountered a horse who has a greater effect on people. “She brings joy. When people see Cupcake, they light up.”
Miniature horses have been bred to be small — usually less than 40 inches in height. What they lack in stature they gain in longevity, as they can live to be 35. Most act as companions for other horses. Some also serve as guides for those who may be blind but can’t use dogs. A few American hotels employ dogs, cats, cattle, birds, and llamas as mascots. The Salamander is the only five-star resort with a miniature horse.
“When Ms. Johnson asked us to find a miniature horse for the resort equestrian program that guests could visit and interact with, I was hesitant because minis are notorious for being a little feisty,” Farrell shares. She adds, “Like small dogs, they might be tiny and look cute, but they don’t always behave that way.”
Fortunately, Cupcake is as gentle and charming as she appears. “We really got very lucky with her,” Farrell says.
At 13 years old, Cupcake is actually two years older than the Salamander Resort. Her dam, Felicity, was pregnant when rescued by Joan Moore and Nancy Payne from the Middleburg Humane Foundation, and gave birth to a 20-pound filly on May 21, 2011, at Chip-
munk Hill in Upperville. Cupcake was later rehomed to Dream Catcher Equine in Marshall with Lacy Warner and came to live at the Salamander Equestrian Center stable in 2017. Johnson insisted that Cupcake, and the entire Salamander herd, have the best care, feed, and tack. Staff traveled to Pennsylvania for a custom driving harness and cart and to West Virginia for Tanner Farms’ first-cut hay. She eats a flax meal supplement and the occasional carrot, apple, or Werther’s Original Butterscotch hard candy as a treat.
Because Cupcake is not shod, she wears hoof boots to protect her feet when she drives her cart or visits the hotel. She gets a full-body massage once a month from physiotherapist Kendra McQuillan and regular vet visits from Dr. Alexis Theiss of Paragon Equine.
Theiss attributes Cupcake’s excellent condition to “the staff at Salamander Resort. They have meticulously cared for Cupcake, allowing her to be a healthy, productive member of the team. She is without a doubt the tiny jewel of the stables!”
Cupcake is also beloved throughout the hotel. Merchandise featuring the mini is for sale in the resort’s gift shop, and children’s menus feature an illustration of Cupcake that guests can color in. There are plans in place to throw a party on May 21 to celebrate Cupcake’s 14th birthday.
Farrell says she turns down many requests each month to bring Cupcake to events outside of the Salamander. “We don’t ask Cupcake to travel. This is her home. This is where she is comfortable and confident in her job.”
When asked about a special memory with Cupcake, Farrell marvels at one instance of the mini horse’s ability to understand a guest’s special needs.
“We had a guest in a motorized wheelchair reserve a private session with Cupcake. Cupcake hasn’t had any formal training with wheelchairs, but she is very sensitive, patient, and accepting. We placed Cupcake’s lead rope in the guest’s hand. Cupcake moved forward just a little bit, and the guest moved the wheel-
| Page 10
Cupcake
Top: Tokarczyk brushes Cupcake’s mane. Middle: Fiorelino’s braid work. Bottom: Tokarczyk takes Cupcake on her daily trot.
Cupcake
Cupcake | From page 9
chair a little bit, and soon the guest was experiencing that wonderful feeling of connection and partnership that horses can give us.”
Cupcake spends every day with members of the Equestrian Center’s staff. That includes Farrell and Tokarczyk, as well as Zoe LaBillois, Ashleigh Derrickson, Shannon Huth, and Equestrian Center Supervisor and Cupcake’s head groom, Anna Fiorelino, who braids her mane, does her body clipping, and curates her wardrobe.
“Cupcake has an outfit for every occasion,” Fiorelino says, “including 30 bows to don her mane and tail; classic black or white bows for when she attends black-tie weddings; a pink tutu worn to welcome the American Ballet Theatre to Salamander; a patriotic get-up for the Fourth of July; and a halter with crystals, bunny ears, and a cotton tail for when she searches for her Easter basket.”
Tokarczyk takes Cupcake and her cart on varying drives around the Salamander grounds and into downtown Middleburg and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Cupcake’s focus “constantly amazes me,” Tokarczyk shares. Motorcycles, cars, and trucks don’t turn Cupcake’s head. She ignores the whine of lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
“The only time I ever saw Cupcake annoyed was when someone in town made a remark about horse droppings and sanitation. Cupcake heard it, and I’m not saying Cupcake understands English, but every time we go out driving, she holds her ‘business’ until we are closer to home,” Tokarczyk adds.
Given Cupcake’s popularity, Johnson has decided it’s time to get Cupcake a best friend.
“A partner or a teammate that she can mentor,” Farrell says, “so instead of having one amazing mini, we can have two. An ideal match would be of the same adorable size of 32 inches with a friendly personality. We’re hoping to find her friend before her birthday, not just as a gift for her, but for all of us.” ML
“Don’t Hurry” is good advice found in one of Cupcake’s favorite neighborhoods.
DR. JENNIFER KAUFMAN WALKER Making Mental Health Accessible in Middleburg and Beyond
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Shannon Ayres
The phrase “New Year, New Me” has gained popularity in the last decade as healthbased New Year’s resolutions have become more widespread. But beyond gym memberships, clean eating, dry Januaries, and daily step counts, focusing on mental health is receiving well-deserved and increased attention as part of a broader picture of wellness.
For Dr. Jennifer Kaufman Walker, a licensed counselor and the owner of True North Psychological Services in Middleburg, the importance of supporting mental well-being is her life’s work and a passion she pursued from early in her education.
“I started my venture into the psychology world while I was an undergraduate at the University of Lynchburg.” Outside of school hours, she further pursued her career path with various organizations related to mental health. She says, “I started doing the crisis line and sexual assault response program, where I would go into emergency rooms and court. I realized this was definitely the field I wanted to be in.”
ing out at a domestic violence shelter. She adds, “I graduated and went to George Washington University for my Ph.D. While there, I worked at the Arlington County Jail doing competency and capacity. I was also able to supervise and do
ter, she was nearing the completion of her Ph.D. when “I found out I was pregnant with my son. The night before my defense.”
All the while, she says, “I had been working with Health Connect America for eight years, doing in-home therapy for children.”
Walker then earned her master’s at Marymount University and worked at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute while also help-
Dr. Jennifer Kaufman Walker.
individual counseling at the community center.”
Along the way, she met her husband, a Middleburg native. Following the birth of her daugh-
Walker opened True North in Middleburg in 2023. The practice has five specialists, including Walker, and offers a long list of services, such as individual, family, and couples therapy as well as career counseling, advocacy services, and referrals for testing. But the cornerstone of her practice is accessibility.
“I realized through all of my different avenues … that there was a huge need for counselors that were well versed, that offered private settings, that could help navigate the mental health system, but also be affordable.” She continues, “So, I opened my own practice, True North Psychological, with an emphasis on the ‘name your price’ sliding scale. I don’t turn anyone away based on an inability to afford my services.”
Her philosophy on payment
could be described as akin to the honor system. She explains, “I just ask what you are comfortable
Health | Page 13
Health | From page 12
paying based on your income. You don’t have to prove anything to me. I just trust what you tell me and I honor that fee.”
In addition to Virginia, Walker is licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia, Florida, and Michigan — making her services accessible to a broader pool of patients.
Walker also became a certified counselor for first responders. She says, “I’m one of only a handful in Virginia.” In these cases, she often deals with trauma, crisis, grief, and loss. She spe-
do on a daily basis is a body scan. Check if your shoulders are scrunched to your ears, then release them. Move down your arms to your hands, your feet, your stomach, all of them. This is going to create a level of awareness so that you can be more proactive instead of reactive to your stress.” Something as simple as breathing is important, too. “When we don’t breathe correctly, we are sending our nervous system into a fight or flight response.”
Not one to leave an avenue of aid unexplored, Walker recently wrote a children’s book that cov-
turned for several days, so it followed me.”
When encouraged to leave it be and let nature take its course, “I couldn’t do it,” she says. “Against my better judgement, I had this amazing experience of raising this fawn until she went off on her own… When she did go off, I was consumed with worry. I realized she felt like part of my family.”
This experience reminded her of her work with foster children while at Health Connect and the need for child-friendly resources to discuss difficult family dynamics. And, though her own daughter’s initial response to the book was somecializes in these areas in her work with adolescents, as well.
“I decided to focus on grief and loss after I lost my father to pancreatic cancer,” She shares. “I made a promise to him to take care of myself and to make it a priority while doing this work. I think that has guided me significantly. To be a good therapist, you have to take care of yourself first and foremost.”
For Walker, this manifests in a “mind-body connection,” which she encourages her patients to monitor as well. “Anything occurring in our body affects our mind… I always recommend blood work — blood work that looks at inflammation levels, thyroid function, and [more].”
what skeptical, Walker shares, “That made me realize it had this ability to start conversations. It’s allowed for deeper connection and dialogue, even with my own daughter.”
She continues, “The best thing people can
Walker on her farm with her animals.
ers topics relevant to family dynamics. “What Is A Family?” follows Bubs, a baby deer, as she discovers the answer to that question. The book is inspired by a personal experience. While working on her farm, Walker “found an abandoned baby deer. It was visibly dehydrated. Its mom hadn’t re-
As an author, mother, and counselor, there is seemingly no limit to what Walker can do or wants to do in psychological services while maintaining accessibility for her clients. While she is considering expanding the size of her office, she doesn’t want to lose the “one-onone connection with those already in the practice.” She finishes, “I’m accessible at all times,” and laughs, “unless I am sleeping. But I will always respond that day. The size of my practice allows for that … and I love that.” ML
Q&A WITH JENNY MOORE of Yoga Shala in Aldie
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Gracie Savage
Those looking to improve flexibility, work on mindfulness, or ease into a fitness routine in the New Year will likely consider taking up the practice of yoga. Loved by practitioners for over 5,000 years for its gentle yet strenuous flow, the list of physical and mental health benefits from yoga is seemingly endless. According to Johns Hopkins, regular sessions can result in better balance, more restful sleep, and the ability to more effectively manage stress. And some studies even show improvements in arthritis, osteopenia, chronic pain, and heart health.
Fortunately, for those who call Hunt Country home, Yoga Shala in Aldie offers a variety of classes, a long list of instructors, an atmosphere of belonging, and a genuine sense of hospitality that seems to flow through owner Jenny Moore into everyone who enters her studio.
Moore shares more on her personal journey with yoga, her class offerings, and the future of her practice in an exclusive interview with Middleburg Life.
ML: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
JM: I am a Loudoun County resident of about 15 years. Both of my kids attended schools here. My son is a recent graduate and he’s off to college, and my daughter’s a sophomore at one of our local schools. We moved here from Washington state, and this has become home for me because of how long I’ve been here. Our roots are here.
ML: How did you come to be a studio owner and yoga instructor?
JM: I started practicing yoga shortly after grad-
Yoga | Page 15
Jenny Moore.
uating high school in 1995. Fast forward and for the last 10 years, I’ve been teaching here in Loudoun County. I’ve been with a couple different studios and am very active in the community as far as yoga, health, and wellness. The studio that I now own, Yoga Shala, I actually taught at for about two years before the previous owners approached me about buying the studio. I bought the studio just to keep the doors open, because it serves such a great purpose for the community. I bought the studio on January 1, 2024.
ML: What does Yoga Shala offer for those who walk through your studio door?
JM: We offer a sanctuary type of environment. One of the foundations of my practice and what I teach is accessibility — everything from physical abilities or disabilities to mental health. We’re even accessible in the way the pricing is struc-
tured. Yoga is for everyone, and if it’s not accessible, then it’s not yoga.
ML: What types of classes do you offer?
JM: We offer everything from the most beginner practices, whether it’s someone brand-new to our studio or brand-new to yoga or both, to practices for people who’ve been practicing for a long, long time and are ready for [teacher] training. I do teacher training right here in the studio: 200hour trainings, which is the bare minimum to be able to teach yoga, as well as a 300-hour training. It’s all-encompassing for anyone looking to start a practice or take it as far as they want to.
ML: What are some of the benefits of regular practice?
JM: I find that yoga, in general, balances people. Whether you have a really active lifestyle or a sedentary lifestyle, there is a practice that bal-
ances you. As far as the mental health aspect, I get [clients] to assess their breathing, because the way that they breathe is essentially going to affect their mind, body, soul, and how they’re connecting with the world around them.
ML: How has your new ownership of Yoga Shala been received by the community?
JM: Since I was [already] teaching there, it was a natural progression for me and a natural transition between me and the previous owners — so, very well received. And as far as what we’re seeing in the studio, it really is such a mix. We’re a few years [removed from] the pandemic, and there are still residual effects from that. People are still suffering from mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, and figuring out how to deal with stress. What I find is people really want connection, and our community really facilitates that and fosters
Yoga | Page 16
Yoga | From page 14
Moore demonstrates a yoga pose.
friendships. Everyone’s so accepting of whoever comes in, especially new people.
ML: With a year of ownership under your belt, what are you planning for 2025?
JM: I spent this last year assessing the business, assessing the needs, and being intuitive with the community. If something wasn’t working, we’d back away and figure something out that works better, better serves the community. We have a good foundation. Heading into 2025, my focus is going to be on advertising, getting the word out … and inviting new people to come check us out. We’ve also got three teacher trainings scheduled for 2025, as well as at least one, possibly two, yoga retreats.
ML: Open mic! Is there anything you’d like our readers to know about you or Yoga Shala?
JM: The studio is there to support all walks of life. Inclusivity is extremely important to me, as well as supporting the ever-changing population … of this community. The other unique thing that we do is making [the pricing] flexible. … I’ve just
created a structure that meets people where they are without making them commit to something or pay for something that they’re essentially not going to use. I want the practice to be sustainable and support their lifestyle. ML
Left: The studio is simply adorned and welcoming to all. Right: Yoga accessories to aid practitioners of all levels.
The Plains – Rare offering within 5 miles of Middleburg!!! Build a country estate with wonderful land for Horses and Cattle. Orange County Hunt Territory. Open Space Easement w/ VOF.
John Coles | 540-270-0094
Boyce – Featuring an impressive Federal style manor house, ca. 1839, which has been renovated and significantly expanded and includes numerous special features.
John Coles | 540-270-0094
The Plains – From the Manor house to the manicured gardens, grounds, dependencies and hundreds of acres of land with protected view-sheds, Oakendale is an exquisite horse country estate. John Coles | 540-270-0094
| 540-270-0094
Boyce – Three adjoining parcels with spectacular views and easement potential! Prime open farmland with standing tree cover, forest timber and perennial streams. Clay Hill road frontage. John Coles | 540-270-0094 Delaplane – Exquisite and beautifully sited. Located within the Crooked Run Valley Rural Historic District. 10 BRs/6.5 BAs. Behind the house are a pool, barns, paddocks and mature woodlands. John Coles | 540-270-0094
Middleburg – Restored to its 1910’s glory when owned by a founding member of American Foxhound Club and Master of PFH. Huntland is not just a name, but the very essence of the estate.
John Coles | 540-270-0094
Middleburg – Ideally located with spectacular views in a gorgeous setting. 4 BR / 4 BA is in the heart of “Hunt and Wine Country.” Private, spacious and charming. 8 stall stable, 5 fenced paddocks.
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BOURBON, BITES, & COZY VIBES AT NOMAD IN MIDDLEBURG
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Shannon Ayres
Middleburg residents and visitors strolling down Madison Street late last summer undoubtedly noticed the sudden appearance of a camel banner hanging down the side of what once was Old Ox Brewery. For a time, the camel yielded little to no information, but stirred up excitement for what was to come to the vacant and expansive space between The Community Shop and The Accidental Peacock.
Soon the name “Nomad” was buzzing around town, and the Instagram account Middleburg Nomad posted a photo of a worldly-looking man
with the vague but exhilarating promise of “Coming Soon.”
“The looming mystery of the floating camel in the sky a lot of people asked about. The sign was up for months building anticipation,” shares Dillon Baird, Nomad’s manager. He continues, “As soon as it was open, there was kind of this [sense] of mystery... We did this low-key.”
The theme of keeping things “low-key” perhaps stems from the owners of Nomad, one of whom kindly accepted Middleburg Life’s request for an interview, but asked to remain unnamed.
The other owner is Bob Coonce, a Middleburg resident with a passion for good bourbon.
During Nomad’s soft launch over Oktoberfest weekend, guests to the bar learned that Coonce’s love of bourbon would be at the heart of Nomad’s offerings, in addition to craft cocktails, tasty small plates, and a relaxed atmosphere.
“We’re selling top-shelf bourbons,” Baird shares, “and great beer selections with skilled bartenders.”
Nomad | Page 21
Left: The once mysterious camel on Madison Street. Right: Dillon Baird.
don’t fit in. It reminds me of hanging out at a friend’s house.”
The food menu currently features bar bites like fresh popcorn with clarified butter or Bavarian pretzels, small plates like baked mac n’ cheese, curried chicken salad sandwiches, and even sweets including banana pudding gelato and milkshakes. Looking ahead, Nomad’s unnamed owner adds, “Nomad will begin offering seasonal eats and a strong showing of Southern cuisine, all specifically paired to great bourbon and whiskey.”
While quality bourbon and tasty dishes are key ingredients to a great hangout spot, the team at Nomad might argue that atmosphere is just as important. Baird explains, “When people ask, ‘What is your mission statement?’ it feels a little cheesy or on the nose, but I say, ‘When you walk in, it’s like a pair of jeans that fits just right.’”
He continues, “It doesn’t feel like you are walking into some hoity-toity cocktail bar… I dig that there’s no pressure … no feeling like you
And Nomad’s co-owner offers, “We wanted to create a space where people were very comfortable coming in and spending a couple of hours in a warm, cozy space.”
The intimacy of the expansive bar and squashy booths is aided by vintage décor and a curated jazz playlist. Baird, a musician by day, says, “I call it dark club, low-lit jazz. It just feels like you are in a different time period.” He laughs, “I had nothing to do with the music choice, ironically. But as a millennial, I am just here to promote the vibe.”
Baird’s partner in vibe promotion is also his girlfriend, Katie Juneau. He says, “She is the linchpin to the whole operation… She manages the back of the house, basically. She does admin work, she does the scheduling. She is a machine.”
Baird adds, “I’m training her to bartend, and she’s killing it.”
So why the name Nomad? Well, in part, it
speaks to the nature of the clientele in Middleburg, according to the bar’s co-owner. He shares, “Middleburg is unique. There is an aspect of a nomadic lifestyle… People come to Middleburg to find something they can’t find anywhere else.” He continues, “We had a few names we were throwing around, but we kept coming back to Nomad.”
And for Baird, “It’s a philosophy of not being afraid to go outside of your little square.” Of the camel, he adds, “A lot of people seek Middleburg out as a destination ... and it’s a symbol of, ‘You’re welcome here.’”
For those who have yet to discover Nomad, it’s certainly worth investigating for its many uses as a local lounge, serving predinner drinks and midafternoon snacks, or as a bourbon destination, according to Baird. As he puts it, “If someone likes the bar and likes the vibe and is feeling like the pair of jeans fits just right, then we’ve done our job.” ML
Left: Come for the bourbon. Right: Stay for the atmosphere.
Nomad | From page 20
Mental Health and Wellbeing in the School Setting
By Tutt Stapp-McKiernan
“We can all help our students develop the skills and tools that help them become well-rounded, warm-hearted adults.” Dr. Amrit Daryanani
Schools are associated first and foremost with academic preparation–but in both schools and families, an increasingly examined subject today is how we balance the changing world, a college-prep academic program, and the mental and emotional wellbeing of our students. Where and how does student wellbeing intersect with other components of a contemporary and whole education?
For Dr. Amrit Daryanani, Director of Student Services and Wellness at Wakefield School in The Plains and known there as “Dr. D,” the role for wellbeing is not to intersect with other components, but to surround them.
“Wellbeing is almost the white space around academics,” she says. “We have concern for the overall wellbeing of our students, and that touches on so many different domains in their lives. Without wellbeing, academics is much harder! So this is an important area for us to consider here at school.
Responsive vs. proactive
As schools seek to use their resources wisely in creating a healthy environment for students, they must balance being responsive to problems when they arise for individual students with being proactive, equipping students with the resilience and tools to understand, examine, and manage their own wellbeing, and thereby forestalling many problems in the first place.
“We have to have a counseling component that is ready to respond to problems, because in our world today, any news outlet is happy to share that there are a lot of problems right now in mental
health, for all of us,” says Dr. D. “The other piece, though, of being more proactive, is also a beautiful piece that is continuously unfolding.”
According to Dr. D, “We approach wellness here from looking at many different domains…there’s the physical domain of wellness, emotional domain, cognitive domain, and the spiritual domain -- and for those uncomfortable wit the word ‘spiritual,’ just drop in the words ‘meaning’ or ‘purpose!’
Considering all the new research
that’s coming to us on wellness [and on] the interconnectedness of the different domains, all of this informs us in continuously trying to adapt our programming and our support systems here on campus for our students.”
“Mental Health First Aid”
Dr. D thinks that one of the important steps Wakefield has taken is to train all of its faculty in “Mental Health First Aid” (MHFA), an evidencebased, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance abuse challenges, sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
“MHFA gives us a community of adults that is accessible…we want for students to have lots of options for mentorship…[so] supporting faculty in being able to provide mentorship around issues of wellness and self-care is really important,” she says.
How do we help create a community of students who are vigilant about their own mental health and wellbeing? This ties to the idea of identity formation, an essential task of adolescence.
“MHFA emphasizes that self-care is an important component of wellness, and that faculty need to not only talk about it, but do it, and model it!” says Dr. D. “It’s an important piece of how we support students on their own journey to wellness.”
Volunteering
According to Dr. D, one of the most beneficial things a school can do to increase wellbeing is emphasizing to the students the importance of volunteering–and doing it with them!
“That piece of doing it with them is so key,” says Dr. D. “There is a sense of community and of comradeship that is built when you work together towards a positive end, and for something that students resonate with–something that truly interests them in terms of serving. One thing that I think families could do to really foster wellness is active volunteering together.”
Dr. D sponsors two ongoing volunteer efforts for Wakefield’s Upper School students: at the Middleburg Humane Foundation, and through the “Wood Ministry” at Grace Church
in The Plains, helping elderly or infirm community members manage their firewood. Volunteering, Dr. D emphasizes, is not just going out there to help–it’s not “one and done.” “Volunteering on a regular basis is to enter into a relationship with an organization, and with all of the beings, whether they be human or animal or environmental, that that organization serves,” she says. “It’s a very deep and thoughtful process when it’s done with intention, and over time, and with support, and with follow-up.”
Dr. D also emphasizes that supporting an organization where groups of students are actively volunteering together over time goes back to that idea of identity formation. “...We want identity to be formed through positive relationships with others...I can tell you that every student who has gone with me to Middleburg Humane and has had the experience of soaking chickens, lice-covered chickens, in buckets of water…that is a bonding experience they will never forget! We have spent hours and hours sitting on straw bales in stalls, holding chickens in buckets of warm, medicated water. Community building for sure!”
To wake up without the fuss of applying makeup is a gift that Permanent-Line owner Astrid Schneider has provided clients for decades. “I hear from people all the time, ‘You know, Astrid, I’ll look in the mirror every morning and I think of you because you changed my life.’”
From customizing ink for eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips to correcting scars, Schneider has improved customers’ quality of life from her office in Middleburg for the last 20 years. Permanent makeup is the microimplantation of coloring pigments into the skin for aesthetic purposes
Meet Your Neighbor: Astrid Schneider of PermanentLine Makeup in Middleburg
Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Joanne Maisano
to enhance and outline facial features. It’s also a valuable procedure for camouflaging scars, burns, skin pigmentation variances, and more. As explained on its website, Permanent-Line uses safe coloring pigments approved by the European Regulatory Agencies, whose guidelines are far stricter than those of the U.S. FDA.
What many may not know is that Schneider is the founder of the Permanent-Line brand, which goes back 40 years to her German roots. She and her mother, Barbara Schneider, were the pioneers of perfecting the technique that delivers natural-looking and lasting results. “My mom came
up with the idea of using a fine artist’s paintbrush and drawing on individual feathered strokes for eyebrows, and I thought that was the coolest thing in the cosmetic industry,” she recalls. Her brother then figured out how to make the ink stick and developed the technology that their specialists would use to apply the ink. “It’s really a family business. All the girls, my mom, myself, sisters, sister-in-law, and niece — they’re the practitioners, trainers, and instructors. The men, my dad, my brother, my nephew, they’re in the
Makeup | Page 25
Astrid Schneider.
Makeup | From page 24
business end of the operation.”
The company’s outstanding reputation for serving beauty needs has made Permanent-Line a trusted global brand, with offices in Germany and Spain as well as the U.S. It was Schneider who brought the technology to the U.S. in 1986, sparking a local demand for the innovative concept of permanent makeup.
She first lived in Potomac, Maryland, but as an equestrian, always had eyes on Middleburg. “I fell in love with Middleburg in the ’90s and early 2000s and moved here in 2005,” she shares. Now
she’s “living the dream.”
the two services. It turns out micropigmentation is dramatically safer, it lasts longer, there’s no downtime, and it’s very natural-looking,” Schuh explains, who was thrilled with her results. Permanent-Line services are not only for those seeking the convenience of being “makeup ready,” but truly lend a helping hand. “One of my clients broke her neck at the Upperville Horse Show and could not use her hands at all, and so I did eyeliner, eyebrows, and lips for her,” Schneider shares. “Some of these busy and active event riders also enjoy having the permanent makeup. You have to look like you’re awake, but certainly in the horse world it’s not always possible to do
has been the most rewarding work. She’s helped one woman move on by camouflaging scars from self-harm. She’s also boosted the confidence of a taxi driver who was insecure about scars from a past ear-pinning surgery, as he was worried passengers could see them. Schneider says scars that are raised up are harder to disguise, but if the scar is flat and white, she can work her inking magic. In general, most procedures take only one to two hours. Some mild swelling and redness can occur for a day, but when you use the Permanent-Line brand, you can feel assured that the ink is safe and will stay true to color, with gradual fading to a lighter shade over time. “There’s noth-
makeup nice and neat.”
Schneider, who enjoys foxhunting and riding lessons, has had many friends become clients after realizing the convenience of not having to apply makeup. This was how Katherine Schuh discovered Permanent-Line. She opted for micropigmentation to her eyebrows, which is different from microblading. “During the consult, [Schneider] explained the difference between
One of the perks of the job is also healing clients through conversation. “People come to me and share their life story. It’s just amazing,” Schneider says. “I get to listen to them and what they’re going through and all the intimate and family life situations that they share with me. Sometimes we end up praying together.”
For Schneider, the corrective makeup for scars
ing else in the cosmetic industry that gives you a meaningful and tangible long-lasting result,” says Schneider. ML
Permanent-Line
107 W. Federal Street, Unit 13 Middleburg, VA 20117 (540) 687-4746 permanent-line.com
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Caitlin Scott of GreattScott Photography
“I have always thought of food as medicine. What you feed yourself and surround yourself with is ground zero to your wellness.” – Ross
For followers of Hunt Country culinary talent, Chef Ryan Ross is likely a familiar face. The Warrenton native and Food Network “Chopped” champion has garnered a loyal following of foodie fans with her talents as a private chef, charisma when hosting wine dinners at Winery at La Grange, and while curating the culinary program at Middleburg’s The Red Fox Inn & Tavern.
“I am a local,” Ross shares, adding, “I pretty much grew up in my mother’s organic health food store, The Natural Marketplace.”
From her early days in her mom’s shop to dancing professionally and training at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, nourishing food has been central to Ross’ health and wellness philosophy. “I have always thought of food as medicine. What you feed yourself and surround yourself with is ground zero to your wellness.”
She adds, “Going to a health-supportive culinary program, along with moving my body in really dynamic ways in my 20s and early 30s as a dancer, gave me a strong sense of what to invest in and what is valuable currency for feeling your very best: what you feed yourself and how you move.”
Following those guiding principles and inspired by her own late-30s quest for wellness, Ross released “Eat Strong” last December. The collection of recipes is chef-crafted and protein-focused, with the aim to nourish the body and the mind. She says, “My personal story surrounding wellness took a sharp turn postpartum. I had two
Strong | Page 27
Chef Ryan Ross.
“Wellness starts in the gut, and what we eat can make or break our chances at getting strong and creating the energy, able bodies, and mental health we deserve.” – Ross
| From page 26
very long labors and deliveries, my partner was only home 12 days per month due to his career, I was still working full time, [I had] erratic and intermittent childcare, I gained 50 pounds while nursing, and on top of it all, I broke my ankle and was in a boot with a toddler and a 6-week-old.”
She continues, “Through like-minded conversation with others, I dug deep for the motivation to start tracking what I ate. … Wellness starts in the gut, and what we eat can make or break our chances at getting strong and creating the energy, able bodies, and mental health we deserve.”
For Ross, simple recipes that could increase her protein intake became key in her path to wellness. “Dietary protein is the front-runner of nearly every recipe in the ‘Eat Strong’ collection,” Ross explains. “It was important to include recipes that are elevated yet easy to manage, super delicious, and really simple. … Recipes that are user-friendly and forgiving — and that just sound good — made the cut!”
But far from chalk-like bars or powder-laden smoothies, the recipes in “Eat Strong” are, of course, of chef quality but home-cook ease. “‘Eat Strong’ is not about how much protein powder you can ingest … but about real food and protocols.” She highlights her Salmon Brochettes recipe, saying, “I love this meal. It is great cold from the fridge, as a topping for a salad, or amped up with some sides for a proper dinner. You can essentially use any firm fish that you fancy.”
The increased protein in her diet combined with strength training at the gym played an integral role in her postpartum recovery. “Transitioning into strength training almost immediately changed the way my body felt and looked. [It] helped me manage my injuries to enable me to dress by myself, to sleep, and honestly just culti-
vate a happier nervous system and mindset of no longer being in chronic pain.” She adds, “Since I have hit my protein goals daily and consistently, I have increased energy, mental clarity, alleviated premenstrual symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and various pains, built more lean muscle mass, increased my bone density, and the list goes on. My recipes emphasize vitamin-, mineral-, fiber-rich foods that go a long way for how our hormones
Strong | Page 28
Top left: Ross in the gym. Top right: Gingery Chicken Meatballs Soup. Bottom right: Green Bean Tomato and Potato Salad with Tinned Fish. Strong
communicate within our bodies, how our digestion works, how our skin looks, even how we think.”
For those interested in starting their own health journey, “I would say being curious is the very best first step to reassessing your personal journey with nutrition,” Ross encourages. “Ask yourself questions about how you really feel. How do you sleep? How is your sex drive? Do your
joints hurt? Does your belly hurt? Are you telling yourself that you don’t have time?” She concludes, “Every body is unique and different. … I am not a doctor or a psychologist or a neuroscientist, or even a man, but I am a chef. I have recipes for you, and anecdotal evidence featured here supporting my own wellness journey, largely, perhaps entirely, supported by food and lifestyle thus far in my years on earth. My gathered data comes primarily from books and interviews with specialists. The power is in the
research. I believe in this research and have beta tested myself: it works. The point is to set yourself up for your future self, which in turn sets up your family and those who love you, too, knowing that you are doing everything you can to live strong and healthy and feel great.” ML
For more from Chef Ryan Ross, find her on Instagram @thechefryanross or shoot her an email at thechefryanross@gmail.com. For more information on “Eat Strong,” visit weeatstrong.com.
“The point is to set yourself up for your future self, which in turn sets up your family and those who love you, too, knowing that you are doing everything you can to live strong and healthy and feel great.” – Ross
SALMON BROCHETTES RECIPE
By Chef Ryan Ross
Makes 4 servings | Contains approximately 20 grams of protein and 345 kilocalories per serving
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup tamari
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• ½ tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Sea salt, to taste
• 1 ½ lbs wild salmon, skin removed
• 1 small/medium zucchini, slice into ¼-inch disks
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Method:
Whisk together the first seven ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Pat salmon dry, cube into one-inch chunks, and place into a Ziploc bag along with veggies and marinade. Very gently massage to coat.
Place the bag into a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Using six-inch skewers, thread salmon and zucchini, getting about three to four chunks of salmon and five to six pieces of zucchini on each. Lay onto a parchment-lined tray and pour the rest of the marinade along with onions over the top.
Roast for eight minutes.
Salmon Brochettes.
Experiences Rich in Flavor
Author LAurA MALone eLLiott Brings history to young reAders
Written by Diane Helentjaris
Photos courtesy of Laura Malone Elliott
“Ihadn’t planned on it,” Laura Malone Elliott says, describing herself as “an accidental novelist.”
Elliott, a Virginia native, writes biographical and historical fiction books for children and young adults. Covering everything from the Italian Renaissance to the Revolutionary War, her work has hit The New York Times Best Seller list and won numerous awards.
Her path to becoming a novelist was long, but straight. Elliott earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Wake Forest University. From there, she stepped into journalism.
When she began her 20-year journalism career at Washingtonian magazine “in my Laura Ashley suit,” she was advised to disguise her femininity under the byline “L.M. Elliott.” She has published under both names. Diligent, she went on to become a prize-winning senior writer for the maga-
Readers | Page 31
Top: “Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between” by L.M. Elliott. Bottom: “Bea and The New Deal Horse” by L.M. Elliott.
zine. Along the way, Elliott earned a master’s in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her assignments at Washingtonian were often so-called “human interest” topics like mental health, domestic violence, and cancer treatments. The key to crafting successful articles, she says, is to put a face on the issue and find a person willing to go public who was caught up in whatever the thorny thing is. Elliott says she wrote “many difficult, difficult stories — stories about survivors who managed to get out of difficult situations.”
Through her work in journalism, she developed an approach that she’s adapted to her work in fiction. Elliott describes herself as “trying to bring a human, a beating heart, to history.” She explains, “We always have made sense of ourselves through story — all the way back to Homer. Then, we remember it.”
In her novels, Elliott carefully chooses her protagonist and places them in the crosshairs of history. Her other characters are created just as delicately, at times including traits opposite to those of the main character.
Her father’s homecoming from World War II inspired Elliott’s first book, “Under a War-Torn Sky,” published in 2003. Its roots were an article she wrote for a holiday edition of the magazine. The award-winning book, about an American pilot shot down behind enemy lines, continues to be a staple in sharing the experiences of World War II with young readers. A recent Amazon reviewer declared, “I read this book in third grade and it’s still my favorite. I love how the author captures everything so vividly.”
The book grew into a trilogy, and from that beginning, Elliott has gone on to write 14 novels, one nonfiction work, and five picture books.
Recently, her novel “Bea and the New Deal Horse” won the prestigious 2024 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Set in Hunt Coun-
try, smack dab on the outskirts of Middleburg during the Great Depression, the book is “kind of my love song to horsewomen of all ages,” Elliott describes. In it, an abandoned 13-year-old girl befriends a prickly chestnut owned by a testy trainer. While Elliott rides for pleasure, her daughter was an avid Pony Club competitor as a young girl. Elliott spent many a day pulling horse trailers to events, listening to the riders, and observing the trainers’ dedication. “I was struck by the teenagers,” she shares — their bravery, “joy going over fences … no nonsense.”
Her latest book, “Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between,” is the third in her Cold War trilogy. Set in 1973, it centers around Patty, a teenage girl and one of the first female congressional pages. While Nixon’s White House unravels under the scrutiny of the Watergate scandal, the doomed Equal Rights Amendment winds through Congress, unspooling along the way. Accompanied by her bohemian friend, Simone, Patty navigates her way through the time’s explosion of established gender norms.
Elliott evokes the era with photo essays of headlines, cartoons, and images. She also sprinkles in references to cultural nuggets, like Dippity-Do hair gel and men who order meals for their dates without asking.
Aimed at a slightly older demographic than much of her work, “Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between” is suitable for older teens and readers of the “new adult” genre, people entering the next stage of life beyond high school and making critical decisions about their future.
Elliott believes teens “want the truth, not sugarcoated.” They “have a wondrous sense of what’s right. They spot baloney. They want hard truths wrapped with a little bit of hope. They as individuals hold onto humanity and help improve the world.”
In discussing her mission as a writer, Elliott says she has “a specific something for each book. As a biographical fiction writer, I have had the extraordinary privilege of discovering hidden histories and unsung heroes. I want you to know about it. I’ve come to learn about people who’ve come before us and who’ve made hard but often incredibly brave choices, who’ve helped those around them.”
She refers to John Steinbeck’s Noble Prize acceptance speech, in which he declared, “I hold that a writer who does not passionately believe in the perfectibility of man has no dedication nor any membership in literature.” A writer must believe in the perfectibility of humankind, she says — “not that we’re there yet, but we’re trying to find a way to it.” ML
In the author’s notes for “Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between,” Elliott writes, “…the power of presenting controversial issues in a past era rather than present day — it removes the heat of immediacy and readers’ self-protective defensiveness. … I love writing for young adults,” and elaborates that “my hope rests on our younger generation, their open hearts and instinct to question everything… We must gift them some historical context — our mistakes as well as our triumphs.”
Laura Malone Elliott with Tinker.
Recycle your idle vehicle, horse trailer, boat, tractor...
Donate your vehicle to help Fauquier Habitat for Humanity build homes for local families and help them attain strength, stability and self-reliance for the future. area call or habitat.org/carsforhomes your idle horse boat, help Fauquier build homes for them attain self-reliance or habitat.org/carsforhomes idle Fauquier homes for attain self-reliance
Recycle your idle vehicle, horse trailer, boat, tractor... Donate your vehicle to help Fauquier Habitat for Humanity build homes for local families and help them attain strength,
To designate for our area call or visit (877) 277-4344 habitat.org/carsforhomes
To designate for our area call or visit (877) 277-4344 habitat.org/carsforhomes
UH OH Pretend Play Bandages, $24, & Check-Up Notepad, $12, Available at The PLAYroom
“Feel Good Food,” $35, Available at Middleburg Books
Pré de Provence Guest Soaps, $24.90, Available at The Bittersweet Garden
Needlepoint Canvas, $155, & Thread, $4 - $7, Available at STITCH
Bone Broth, $20.99, Available at Fields of Athenry Farm
$20, Available at Middleburg Essentials
Palo Santo, $20, Available at Nature Composed
Watercolor Workbooks, $22 each, Available at Tri-County Feeds
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NEW YEAR’S YOGA PARTY AT OLD BUST HEAD BREWING COMPANY
January 5 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | oldbusthead.com
Start the New Year right with a sound body and mind at Old Bust Head. Nearby Vint Hill Yoga will be on-site to lead a vinyasa flow open to all levels. Tickets are $25 and include a beer, cider, or seltzer and a raffle ticket for fun prizes.
MUSIC FOR DESSERT AT FRANKLIN PARK ARTS CENTER
January 8 | 7 to 8 p.m. | franklinparkartscenter.org
Enjoy the musical stylings of local artist Nerys Apple on January 8 as part of Franklin Park Arts Center’s Music for Dessert concert series.
Loved for her sincere, passionate, and theatrical approach to dark pop, Apple sources inspiration for her music from musical theater, classical music, jazz, folk, and rock. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through Franklin Park’s website.
PAINTING
WORKSHOP WITH KIM T. RICHARDS AT AIM
January 14 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | theartistsinmiddleburg.org
Learn the skills pertinent to oil and acrylic painting with the guidance of Kim T. Richards. Focusing on landscape and still life painting, the small group workshop will include individual instruction as well as live demonstrations. Participants may bring their own photos for inspiration or images will be provided. The class is $110 and can be booked through the Artists in Middleburg’s website.
“BAD NATURALIST”: A COLLABORATION WITH MIDDLEBURG BOOKS
January 16 | 4:30 to 6 p.m. | osgf.org
Join the team at Middleburg Books, Oak Spring Garden Foundation, and author Paula Whyman for an enlightening conversation about her book “Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop.” Charlotte Lorick, OSGF’s head of biodiversity conservation, will lead the program about Whyman’s journey as she restored a sprawling piece of farmland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tickets are $10 for admission, or $30 with a copy of the book included.
Calendar | Page 35
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Calendar | From page 34
TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT AT LOST BARREL BREWING
January 17 | 12 to 9:30 p.m. | lostbarrel.com
Fill that blank space in the calendar with a night full of Taylor Swift-inspired fun at Lost Barrel Brewing. Enjoy drinks inspired by the Eras Tour, a friendship bracelet station, sparkle strands by Glitter Goddess Hair Studio, cowboy boot branding, a custom hat bar with Hat Pin by Angie, and Taylor Swift music all afternoon and evening. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
WINE TASTING AT CAST IRON CRAFT HOUSE
January 20 | 7 to 9 p.m. | castironcrafthouse.com
Join the Cast Iron Craft House team and Reve-
lation Vineyard’s winemaker for an educational tasting of eight wines. During the tasting, learn all about the history of the vineyard and their winemaking process. The wine will be paired with heavy appetizers from Cast Iron’s kitchen. Early bird tickets are $25 until January 13 and general admission tickets are $30. Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite.
YOGA & SOUND HEALING WELLNESS RETREAT
January 26 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. | middleburgcommunitycenter.com
Experience a day of relaxation at the Middleburg Community Center. Instructors will lead a yoga class to stretch and strengthen the body, followed by a healing sound therapy session to promote peace throughout the body and mind.
Light brunch bites will be served. Tickets are $62 and can be booked through Eventbrite.
BOOK TALK WITH AUTHORS EMMA GREY AND JANE COSTELLO
January 30 | 6 p.m.
Join Australia-based author Emma Grey and UK-based bestselling author Jane Costello for a book talk with Middleburg Books owner Mary Beth Morell at the Middleburg Community Center. The authors will discuss their new books, middle-aged romance, the female identity, and so much more. For more information, visit tickettailor.com/events/middleburgbooks1/1495451.
For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:
