Shop Local: Winchester & Frederick County 2016

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Handmade, niche items to bolster local businesses during holiday season By Nathan Budryk WINCHESTER — Old Town businesses are gearing up for what they are hoping will be a successful holiday shopping season. Like many other small businesses in the region, Winchester’s small businesses rely on quality, customer service and unique products to earn their share of holiday gifts sales. Maryam Hoult, who operates Handworks Gallery on Old Town’s walking mall, said she relies on craftsmanship to lure customers away from the big ads and small prices offered by big box stores and online retailers. “We’re kind of inherently not in competition with big box stores,” Hoult said. “That’s my main plan, is to set ourselves apart for something that’s completely different from what those stores offer. … We just love art crafts and handmade things. … It’s about offering something different.” She said that as handmade, artisanal items become more trendy, some big box stores that typically wouldn’t sell things of that nature have started trying to tap into the market. As that happens, Hoult said the quality of service offered at her store will set it apart. “There are some big box stores that are trying to get in on it,” she said. “But we also offer a lot more service and just an interesting experience. I think people feel good coming in here. They enjoy themselves. It’s fun.” In addition to providing customers with positive, memorable experiences, Hoult said there are tangible aspects of her operation with which other businesses can’t compete. “We have great packaging,” she said. “We box and gift wrap any item with a dried flower bouquet. No one does that. We’re the only ones that do that and you can buy a pile of stuff and we’ll do that with everything. That’s something that people really love. It sets us apart.” Hoult’s shop will also be participating in

Nathan Budryk/Daily

Maryam Hoult, operator of Handworks Gallery on the Loudoun Street walking mall in Old Town Winchester, said that big sellers for her during the holidays tend to be jewelry and pieces by local artists.

Plaid Friday, Old Town’s version of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving with a variety of deals and events, starting at 6 a.m., scheduled throughout Old Town. Nathalie Miller is the owner of Eclectic, also on the walking mall. She says she tends to sell a lot of the items that shoppers can’t get elsewhere, notably inventory from Poland. “I do have product from Poland that I do carry in my store,” She said. “I’m the only one who does in Winchester. I have mugs, I have plates, I have cups and I have a catalog where you can order things from me that I can have shipped to you right away or I can have it in my store. The inventory I have in here is a little of everything, like a mug or a bowl, and for Christmas I have some specific items like Polish ornaments and Christmas trees you can light up.” Miller said that she offers sales between 10 and 20 percent off throughout the holiday season and that Plaid Friday and Small

Business Saturdays help when it comes to getting people in the door.

“This year we’re going to try to get them to spend money by giving them better deals on the things we’re selling – doing sales throughout the season. … Just on whatever is in the store. … I believe in word of mouth. I believe in building that relationship with your customers.” Like Hoult, Miller said that jewelry is always a big seller during the holidays, as well as gifts. “People love to buy jewelry,” she said. “You can’t go wrong with jewelry. People like to buy antiques or collectibles that they know somebody in their family will like. Mostly for me its things that people can actually use like tablecloths and pottery.”

Contact staff writer Nathan Budryk at 40-465-5137 ext. 155, or nbudryk@nvdaily.com

Merry Christmas

from King James Galleries of Winchester

New John Paul Strain Book $50

We offer a wide variety of art and other gifts that highlight our local history and places that are special to us! Stop by the gallery and let us help you pick the perfect gifts for your family and friends.

2016 John Paul Strain Ornament $30

Spring Ad Belle Grove by P. Buckley Moss

Christmas Gift by John Paul Strain Prices starting at $225

King James Galleries Prices starting at $95

Along The Streets Of Winchester by John Paul Strain Prices starting at $225

161 Prosperity Dr., Suite 104, Winchester, VA • (540) 869-9025 or toll free 888-217-1865 • Mon.-Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-4


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SHOP local

November 2016

The Fun alternative to “Black Friday” designed to promote both local and independently-owned businesses during the holidays. Wear plaid while shopping Downtown businesses!

Donʼt forget

PLAID  FRIDAY Nov. 25th!

Shop Old Town Parade & Small Tree Lighting Ceremony Business Nov. 28 • 7pm Saturday Nov. 26

Save the Date Christmas O pen House

December 2, 3

,&4

G R EA T C H R IS TM A S G IF TS ! • Featuring 9ft Christmas tree full of vintage ornaments for purchase • Store wide sales • Old fashioned gift wrapping service • Old fashioned holiday music • Christmas goodies & hot apple cider.

OPEN DAILY 10-5PM 326 S. Braddock St., Winchester, VA 22601 540-323-7641 www.bluepeacockantiquesva.com

The most wonderful time of the year starts right here...

Cozy Sweaters & Gloves • Beer Bread Mixes Alex & Ani Bracelets • Christmas Candles Glass Christmas Ornaments • Puppy Dog Coasters • Crystal Firefly Jewelry Handmade Lotion • Poo Pouri • Picture Frames Roma Rainboots • Snoozie Slippers • Jag Jeans • VT ornament & Virginia Home T-Shirts • Nora Fleming Platters & So Much More!!

Extended Holiday Hours & Black Friday Promotions

28 West Piccadilly Street • 540-722-2669 www.simplycharmingonline.com Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm Sat. 10am-5pm • Sun. Noon-4pm

The 2016 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids are available at Thinker Toys! Great ideas for the kids who have everything!

202 S. Braddock Street, Winchester (Next to the Discovery Museum)

Holiday Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 (540) 450-8780 • www.ThinkerToysVA.com


November 2016

SHOP local

NOVEMBER 17

2pm

• Handley Library: 10:30AM: Toddler Time: 3& Under (540 662-9041)

• Bright Box: 7PM: Comedy • DJ Skyhigh at Brewbakers 10pm2am

• Bowman Library: 11AM: Baby Time: Birth-15 Months (540 869-9000)

NOVEMBER 26

• Handley Library: 11AM: Saving Memories (540 662-9041)

• Winchester Book Gallery: Indies First Shop Small Saturday 2016: Featuring Guest Handsellers Throughout the Day (540 667-3444):

• A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am2pm and 6-9pm • Simply Charming: 3PM-8PM: Holiday Sip & Shop: Door Prizes, Refreshments, and Holiday Cheer! 20% OFF with canned food donation: (540 722-2669) • Brewbakers: 6pm-9pm Ladies Night-Live Acoustic Music • 50/50 Taphouse: 8:30PM-11PM: Trivia • Bright Box: 7PM: Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy

NOVEMBER 18 • Handley Library: 10:30AM: Dance Party: Toddlers, Preschoolers, & their grown-ups (540 662-9041) • Bowman Library: 5:30PM: Game Night- Middle and High Schoolers (540 869-9000) • The Half Note: 8-10PM: Robbie Limon (540 678-4700) • A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am-2pm • Bright Box: 7PM: The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers feat Robert Mabe w/ Two Ton Twig • Dharma Yoga Studio: 7:35-9:35pm: Drum and Chant workshop with Jim Donovan • DJ Skyhigh at Brewbakers 10pm2am

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• Bowman Library: 1PM: Family Film & Picnic: Beauty and the Beast (540 869-9000)

• Handley Library: 6PM: NaNoWriMo: Young Writers Write In (540 662-9041)

• Murphy Beverage Company: 1PM4PM: Allison from Virginia Imports will be pouring a selection of wines for Thanksgiving (540 723-9719)

• Espresso Bar & Café: 7PM-9PM: Camera Obscura (540 686-7209)

• Handley Library: 2PM: Authors Forum 2016: Meet 3 Authors that will discuss their books (540 662-9041)

• Handley Library: 10:30AM: Baby Time: Birth-15 Months (540 662-9041)

• The Half Note: 8-10PM: Jack Poster (540 678-4700) • Fall Farmers Market 9am-1pm • A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am-2pm • Historical Cemetery Tours: 11am1pm Winchester National Cemetery • Old Civil War Courthouse Museum: 11:30am-3:30pm: History Walk

NOVEMBER 22 • Clarke County Library: 10:30AM: Preschool Time: 3 & Up (540 9555144) • Bowman Library: 6PM: Storycrafters: All Ages (540 869-9000) • Bowman Library: 6PM: NaNoWrio: Young Writers Write In (540 869-9000) • A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am2pm and 6-9pm

10AM-12Noon: Jason Wright: Letter To Mary 11AM-1PM: Aaron R. Even: He Comes in Fire 11AM-1PM: TJ O’Connor: Dying to Know, Dying for the Past, Dying to Tell 1PM-3PM: Caren Werlinger: The Beast that Never Was 3PM-5PM: Jo James: Dear to My Heart 4PM-6PM: Pam Webber: The Wiregrass • Old Town General Store: Extended Hours: 9AM-8PM (540 667-4449) • Winchester Book Gallery: 10AM10PM: Shop Small Saturday (540 6673444) • Bowman Library: 11AM: Storytime: 3 & up (540 869-9000)

• Haunted Pub Crawl: 8:30-11pm

NOVEMBER 23

NOVEMBER 20

• Bowman Library: 11AM: Storytime (540 869-9000)

• Handley Library: 12PM: Family Film & Games: Mulan (G) (540 6629041)

• Old Courthouse Civil War Museum: 11:30am-3:30pm: History Walk

• Haunted Pub Crawl: 8:30-11pm

• Fall Farmers Market 9am-1pm

• Dharma Yoga Studio: 7-8:30PM: Learn To Tango

NOVEMBER 25 PLAID FRIDAY

• A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am2pm

• Winchester Book Gallery: 6AM10PM: Plaid Friday: (540 667-3444)

• Historical Cemetery Tours: 11am1pm Winchester National Cemetery

• Murphy Beverage Company: 6AM: Plaid Friday (540 723-9719)

• Old Civil War Courthouse Museum: 11:30am-3:30pm: History Walk

• Tin Top Art: 8AM-8PM: Plaid Friday Sale. Discounts and specials throughout the day check Facebook for details (703 999-2997)

• Haunted Pub Crawl: 8:30-11pm

• Bright Box: Phil Zuckerman’s Rock Room Concert

NOVEMBER 21

NOVEMBER 19

• Handley Library: 10:30AM: Preschool Time: 3&UP (540 662-9041)

• Bowman Library: 10AM: Chess Champs (540 869-9000)

• Bowman Library: 11AM: Toddler Time: 3&Under (540 869-9000)

• Winchester Book Gallery: 11AM1PM: Book Signing: Eric Redmon: Deadly Deception (540 667-3444)

• Bowman Library: 4:30PM: Lego Club: Elementary & Middle Schoolers (540 869-9000)

• Bowman Library: 11AM: Storytime: 3& up (540 869-9000)

• Bowman Library: 5:30PM: Manga Art: Tweens & Teens (540 869-9000)

• The Half Note: 8-10PM: Robbie Limon (540 678-4700)

• Old Courthouse Civil War Museum: 11:30am-3:30pm: History Walk

• Handley Library: 1PM: Tour Handley Library (540 662-9041 ext. 11)

• Bowman Library: 5:30PM: Coloring Club: Tweens & Teens (540 869-9000)

• A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am-

• Dharma Yoga Studio: 7-8:30PM: Learn To Tango

• Old Town General Store: Extended Hours: 9AM-9PM (540 667-4449)

0 1 * 0 1 . C E D TH

AM

• The Half Note: 8-10PM: Melanie Miller (540 678-4700) • Bright Box: 7PM& 9:30PM: Comedy

NOVEMBER 27

PM

-5

Plaid Friday & Shop Small Saturday

Holly Jolly Celebration

November 25 & 26 • Downtown Businesses

December 10, 10 am-5 pm

Go Plaid - Go Independent! Choose to SHOP LOCAL this holiday season and find amazing gift selections and hours of fun.

Enjoy caroling and holiday activities in Old Town including specials at shops and restaurants all day.

Old Town Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

First Night Winchester

November 28 at 7 pm

Ring in the New Year in historic Old Town. This is the largest, family-friendly, non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration in the region. Variety of entertainment for all ages.

Parade Route: Piccadilly at Cameron to Braddock to Cork at Cameron. Ceremony in front of the 1840 Courthouse

Santa’s Headquarters December 10, 10 am-2 pm Location: Godfrey Miller Center Take your own photos with Santa and make a holiday craft.

December 31

Thank you to Winchester Parks & Recreation for assistance with Santa’s HQ & the Parade!

Welcome Center * 33 East Boscawen Street * (540) 535-3660 www.EnjoyOTW.com


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SHOP local

November 2016

NOVEMBER 28

DECEMBER 1-31

OLD TOWN PARADE

• MakeNest Interiors: Donation Drive for our local Habitat for Humanity: We will match donations made during our Red Ribbon Sale, Dec 26-31 (40% Off items marked with a red ribbon) (540 336-3385)

• Old Town General Store: Extended Hours: 9AM-9PM (540 667-4449) • Handley Library: 10:30AM: Preschool Time: 3&UP (540 662-9041) • Bowman Library: 11AM: Toddler Time: 3&Under (540 869-9000) • Bowman Library: 4:30PM: Lego Club: Elementary & Middle Schoolers (540 869-9000)

DECEMBER 1 • Winchester Book Gallery: 7PM9PM: Live Music: Wes Swing (540 667-3444)

• Bowman Library: 6PM: Anime & Pocky (540 869-9000) • Handley Library: 6PM: NaNoWriMo: Young Writers Write In (540 662-9041)

NOVEMBER 29

DECEMBER 2

• Handley Library: 10:30AM: Baby Time: Birth-15 Months (540 662-9041)

• Winchester Frederick County Historical Society Annual Candlelight Tour & Open House. 6-8PM.

• Bowman Library: 6PM: Storycrafters: All Ages (540 869-9000) • Bowman Library: 6PM: NaNoWrio: Young Writers Write In (540 869-9000) • Winchester Book Gallery: 5:30PM7PM: Book Signing: Yudhijit Bhattacharjee: The Spy Who Couldn’t Spell (540 667-3444) • A savory taste of Winchester: Culinary Food and Wine tours 11am2pm and 6-9pm

NOVEMBER 30 • Bowman Library: 11AM: Storytime (540 869-9000) • Handley Library: 4:30PM: Chess • Haunted Pub Crawl: 8:30-11pm

NOVEMBER 17NOVEMBER 30 • MakeNest Interiors: Donation Drive for all of November to benefit the Winchester Area Literacy Volunteers: We will Match donations made during Plaid Friday, Nov. 25 (540 336-3385)

• Winchester Krampusnacht Midnight Events at various business locations. 4PM

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 13

• SCAA Youth Orchestra Concert: Shenandoah University Armstrong Concert Hall. No admission fees. 7PM

• SCAA Youth Choral Concert: Shenandoah University Armstrong Concert Hall. No admission fees. 7PM

DECEMBER 9 • Winchester Book Gallery: 6PM10PM: Second Friday Game Night (540 667-3444)

DECEMBER 17

DECEMBER 10

• Winchester Book Gallery: 11AM1PM: Book Signing: Ellen Crosby: Champagne Conspiracy (540 6673444)

• Jingle Bell Run - Frosty Fun Run at 8:00 AM, 5k at 8:30 AM

• Old Town Winchester: 10AM-5PM: Holly Jolly Celebration: Santa's HQ 10am-2pm; OTW Carriage Rides 13pm; Downtown Caroling 10-5pm

• Old Town Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony 7PM

• Clarke County Library: 10:30AM: Preschool Time: 3 & Up (540 955-5144)

The Second Battle of Winchester (540 667-3444)

of Shenandoah Conservatory, Festival of Lessons and Carols features a service, Christmas carols and choral music sung by Shenandoah Conservatory choirs. Free. 7-9PM.

DECEMBER 2-4

• Winchester Book Gallery: 11AM1PM: Book Signing: Breighton & Kathleen Dawe: Crystal Traveler (540 667-3444) • Winchester Book Gallery: 2PM4PM: Book Signing: Scott Mingus:

• Simply Charming: 2PM-4PM: Spend $75.00 on Alex & Ani and receive a FREE Peace & Love Bangle (while supplies last) (540 722-2669)

We’ve got everything to make your holiday bright... from decorating your home to gift giving

DECEMBER 3

Over 8,000 sq. ft. – more of everything you love including antiques & furniture

• Winchester Book Gallery: 12PM2PM: Book Signing: Kristin George: Ruger Tails (540 667-3444)

Primitives • Rugs • Candles Willow Tree • Berry Garlands All Your Decorating Needs s rtificate Gift Ce le Availab

4850 Front Royal Pike

Open Black Friday 8-6

Halfway Between Winchester & Front Royal 522 S. – Just 2 miles South of Double Toll Gate

540-869-7300

DECEMBER 4 • Shenandoah Conservatory's Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols - Braddock United Methodist Church. An annual holiday tradition

• First Night Winchester! Ring in the New Year in Old Town Winchester!!!

Country Treasures

• Preservation of Historic Winchester's Holiday House Tour

• Winchester Frederick County Historical Society Annual Candlelight Tour & Open House. 37PM.

DECEMBER 31

Country Done Right!

DECEMBER 3-4

• Winchester Book Gallery: 11AM1PM: Book Signing: Elle is Elle: Sheila Santella (540 667-3444)

• Winchester Book Gallery: 2PM4PM: Book Signing: Carolyn O’Neal: Kinglsey (540 667-3444)

Other Locations: 29 Titus Dr. (33 E. of Valley Mall) Harrisonburg, VA

(540) 434-4514

Apple Blossom Mall Winchester, VA

Valley Mall Hagerstown, MD

(540) 665-9835

(301) 582-2341


SHOP local

November 2016

NOVEMBER 25

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Plaid Friday is the relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday,” and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays. Plaid Friday was conceptualized in Oakland, CA, a city known for strong shop local campaigns.

The 20th annual • Shenandoah Potters Guild •

Holiday Show & Sale Nov. 26th & 27th 2016 • Thanksgiving weekend!

SAT., NOV. 26 10AM - 8PM We are celebrating our 2nd Anniversary! • Free Tasting all day • Representatives from the finest breweries • Special beer selections at the Growler Bar • Food and Fun all day Please join us in this celebration and see why we were voted as having the best beer selection in the area.

BetterBeerstore.com 3349 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602 540-662-2337 • M-Th 10-7 • Fri-Sat 10-8 • Sun 11-5

Mugs, bowls, miniatures, plates, trays, casseroles, pitchers, cups, ornaments & more! INDOORS Rain or Shine!

Hand crafted pottery and sculpture by over 15 local Shenandoah Valley Artisans SAT & SUN 10AM - 4PM

War Memorial Building - Jim Barnett Park 1001 East Cork Street - Winchester, VA 22601 FREE admission and refreshments

Blye’s Jewelers, Inc. Unique

Gifts for

Everyone Jewelery • Jewelery Repair • Estate Jewelery 101 Millwood Avenue • Winchester (next to Vac-Shack)

540-662-6444

Monday & Tuesday 10-5 • Wednesday Closed Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-5

www.blyesjewelers.com

A Healthier You for the Holidays! Natural Antibiotics & Cold/Flu Prevention Vitamins • Homeopathic Herbs • Foods Natural Pet Products • Hair & Skin Care

Miss Kitty’s Herbs, Etc. Full Service Health Food Store

2228 B Papermill Rd., Winchester • (540) 662-1134

Any Purchase of $30 or More One coupon per customer Some restrictions apply Expires: December 31, 2016

4 OFF

$ 00

Shenandoah Music BLACK FRIDAY SALE

November 25th and 26th We will pay the Sales Tax on purchases over $100 Come check out our Value Packages ACOUSTIC and ELECTRIC Guitars, UKULELE, BANJO, MANDOLIN, KEYBOARDS, DRUM SETS, DIGITAL PIANOS and ACCESSORIES Lowest Prices of the year! Gift certificates and layaway available

Shenandoah Music, INC. 2133 South Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601 540-665-2781


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SHOP local

November 2016 ACORN APPLES AUTUMN BAKE BREAD CASSEROLE CENTERPIECE COLONISTS CORN CRANBERRY DESSERT DRUMSTICK FAMILY FEAST FOOTBALL GIBLETS GRATITUDE HARVEST

HOLIDAY LEAVES LEFTOVERS MAYFLOWER MEAL NATIVE NOVEMBER OVEN PECAN PIES PUMPKIN RECIPE ROAST SETTLERS STUFFING THANKFUL TURKEY YAMS

WINCHESTER’S BEST KEPT SECRET

Your Full-Service

Beauty Salon

...for unique gift ideas!

41 Boscawen St., Winchester, Va. 540-667-6065

We do it all, beautifully!

10-20% OFF Entire Store Now-December 31, 2016!

haircuts • blowouts • color • highlights • extensions straightening • updos • waxing • tanning • makeup skin care • manicures • pedicures

(except coins)

SHOP & COMPAR E!

Call for your Session Today!

Voted Best Hair Salon 3119 Valley Avenue | Winchester | 540-678-3533 | llmckeesalon.com

Doing Business Since 1981

G if t C e rt if ic a te s A va ila b le

Largest selection of Antique Jewelry Engagement Rings of all sizes & shapes Update your Diamond with a New Mount! Assorted semi precious stones

Need cash for the holidays? We are paying the best prices for your broken jewelery, dental gold, pre 1964 U.S. Silver Coins, and we specialize in Gold & Silver Coins and .999 Silver and Sterling! - SHOP AND COMPARE Voted 5th year in a row for Best Place to Sell Gold & Best Pawn Shop!


SHOP local

November 2016

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Academy robotics team to compete in state tournament

Recently, Sacred Heart Academy sent two teams to James Madison University to compete in the Regional FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Team “Yellow Jackets” received 2nd place Overall and will represent Sacred Heart Academy in the State Tournament in Harrisonburg in December. Team “Swarm” was awarded 1st place in Core Values and is the first alternate for the State Tournament.

with. The team did some research and found that peppermint oil will prevent bee stings. The team is doing additional research on this but contacted “Art Naturals”, one of the largest sellers of peppermint oil on Amazon.com. Art Naturals was not aware that peppermint oil could prevent bee stings and based on the research of team Yellow Jackets will be changing their packaging to include this information.

The theme Challenge this year is “Animal Allies”. Both teams researched bees and met with local beekeepers to discuss any problems or challenges they may have in working with the bees. Team Yellow Jackets learned that the gloves beekeepers wear are often too thick for them to feel the honeycombs that they are working

In FIRST LEGO League elementary and middle school-aged students research a real-world engineering challenge, develop a solution, and compete with LEGO-based robots of their own design. Each “challenge” has three parts – the Robot Game, the Project, and the Core Values. In the Robot Game students program an

This Holiday Season

Feed a Friend in Need

All Pets wants our friends at Winchester and Frederick County animal shelters to have a joyful holiday season. So through December 17th, we are matching pet food donations pound for pound.

To help feed homeless pets, drop off dog or cat food at the All Pets location between 9AM - 5PM Monday - Friday (1PM Saturday).

1560 Amherst St., Winchester, Virginia

(540) 450-2262

www.allpetscremationcenter.com

Sweet Tooth Bakery

5 years in a row for Best Bakery! Our Cake decorators won awards at local Cake Competitions

All OCCASION CAKES, CUPCAKES & MORE! Let us create the perfect cakes for your Special Events!

Order your pumpkin rolls, decorated sugar cookies, custom cakes and other baked goods soon!

Over 32 years in business!

Showcases full of ready-to-go sweets including gluten-free, chocolates, sugar-free.

Cake & Candy Supplies

BAKERY INC.

3034 Valley Ave. Suite 110 Winchester (540) 667-6155 www.sweettoothbakerycakes.com

Holiday Hours beginning November 25th Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 11-4

autonomous robot to score points on a themed playing field. For the Project students develop a solution to a problem

they have identified. The Core Values celebrate discovery, teamwork, and “gracious professionalism”.


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SHOP local

November 2016

New book offers holiday stories for all ages to enjoy By Kaley Toy

Whimsical holiday stories fill a book, “Imagine That!,” by two Winchester residents — local author Claudia Martin and illustrator Sally Seabright.

Stories for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and Independence Day are featured in this easy-to-read fantasy book that has animals as main characters in many of the stories.

Martin, who grew up in Germany, moved to the United States in 1953 and settled in Strasburg in 1973. She worked in the local library and began writing her own books.

She said her stories are “not the usual Christmas stories” as they don’t hold to the traditional sentimental themes, but instead, use humor to engage the audience.

Martin said she created this book, which is available on Amazon.com, with her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren in mind and spent five years perfecting it.

She said the collection of stories are fantasy inspired “with the meaning of the holidays hidden

Rich Cooley/Daily

Author Claudia Martin, left, and illustrator Sally Seabright, right, have teamed to create a holiday stories book titled “Imagine That!”

in them, hidden in fantasy. Spirits of the clouds and of winter, and the dogs going on adventures and two cats have a great adventure.” Her stories include polar bears dancing a polka, squirrels playing a xylophone, donkeys fighting soldiers and a patchwork teddy bear. She said she took inspiration from local landmarks, such as Belle Grove, and interesting buildings that gave her many story ideas. During a drive to

Richmond, she saw a big mansion in a town called Cuckoo and after that she said she knew she had to create a place inspired by the mansion and the town. She created Coocooville, where the kids rule the town once a week. Martin also used the character Poco in many of her stories in honor of a dog she owned. Seabright said it was a lot of fun to create the illustrations for the book because Martin had so many

fun details, such as Santa’s sleigh being pulled by 57 dogs, which had to be recreated in a picture and that posed a fun challenge. “The ideas for the pictures were so much fun to try to draw,” she said. She added that it took about three months to create the 19 illustrations for the book.

She said her next book will be about her childhood in Germany during World War II.

Contact staff writer Kaley Toy at 540-465-5137 ext. 176, or ktoy@nvdaily.com

304-904-6289

59 East Road, Martinsburg, WV Open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 7 Days a Week

See ourr puppy pics at www.wvpuppy.com w

Martin said she is still writing, but has finished with Christmas stories.

Providing the expertise you need with the family atmosphere you expect. • Sports Injuries • Hand, Knee, Hip, Shoulder Surgeries • Rotator Cuff Repair • EMG/NCV Testing • Sports Medicine We are here for • ACL Reconstruction you during the busy • Pediatric Orthopaedics Holiday Season! • Joint Replacement

Happy

Thanksgiving Gracious Senior Assisted Living

Assisted Living · Secure Memory Care Respite Temporary Care

Come and experience for yourself what The Willows provides and discover what it means to become a member of The Willows Family. www.thewillowsatmeadowbranch.com

540-667-3000

1881 Harvest Drive Winchester, VA 22601

[ ] Family Owned & Operated for 17 years.

Providing same treatment for orthopaedic injuries previously only available through Urgent Care clinics or emergency rooms. Call: 540-536-6400 Dwight T. Kemp, D.O. Richard J. Patterson, M.D. James W. Larson, III, M.D. Thomas W. Courtney, M.D. Martin F. Baechler, M.D.

Over 100 combined years of experience! Medical Office Building II 190 Campus Blvd., Suite 310 • Winchester, VA 22601

(540) 667-9252

www.boneandjointspecialists.com


SHOP local

RETIREMENT EVENT

November 2016

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2238 VALLEY AVE. • WINCHESTER, VA 540-545-8826

AFTER OVER

50 YEARS MR. ROBERTS IS

R

! G N I R I ET NEVER BEFORE SEEN PRICES! DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!

IF YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR FURNITURE OR EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING FURNITIRE, THIS IS THE ONE EVENT YOU CAN NOT AFFORD TO MISS!

BE THERE. THIS WEEK ONLY


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SHOP local

November 2016

New Homes for Sale! Check us out for your next home! We currently have several 2016 & 2017 Skyline model homes with Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms 1,568

OPEN HOUSE

Every 2nd Sat. each month 10am-3pm

Please visit us at 216 Regency Lakes Drive, Winchester, VA 22603 or call 540-662-1999


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