Ghuman and Dr. birth to aging adults and even offer same chronic disease management, and more, family stay healthy.
Now in a convenient location, Dr. Ghuman entire family. They see all ages from birth day availability. From annual exams to chronic their goal is to help you and your family stay
entire family. They see all ages from birth to aging adults and even offer same day availability. From annual exams to chronic disease management, and more, their goal is to help you and your family stay healthy. Appointments may be made by calling 703.743.7370
Jenna Wong, DO Family Medicine
Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine
There are many types of vein conditions, the most common of which are varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins are often the result of dysfunctional valves that cause blood to flow backwards and collect in the veins, making them enlarged. Spider veins are very small veins that appear as a red, purple, or blue web of veins just below the surface of the skin.
Our team of specially trained providers use minimally invasive procedures to treat these vein conditions.
My late brother, David, was a brilliant mathematician and great sketch artist. As a kid, he drew pictures of Spiderman and the Hulk, even Bruce Springsteen (we grew up in New Jersey), that were jaw dropping. I didn’t envy his math skills; there was no way to save me in that respect. But I sure wanted to be able to draw.
I was reminded of this when I saw Ashleigh Corrin Webb’s work. The award-winning illustrator from Gainesville creates characters that are, as her husband Don says, “the perfect mix of charming and curious.” He’s right and I can’t wait for you to discover her work and her latest children’s book, “Mary Can”, (in collaboration with superstar musician Mary J. Blige!) in this issue.
I hope you’ll also take a moment to read “A Message of Love and Hope”.
As I mentioned, we lost my brother. I also lost my husband and, a year ago, we lost my dad. But Morgan Rodgers’ parents lost a child. A beautiful, talented young woman who took her life at the age of 22. How anyone moves forward with that kind of loss, I don’t know. But Morgan’s mom, Dona Rodgers, has not just done so, she is committed, through her organization, Morgan’s Message, to preventing other parents from enduring that kind of pain. I urge you to read about Morgan’s Message and, maybe, get involved. You could end up saving the life of someone you love.
See you next month,
EDITOR
Susan McCorkindale
Two local young men conquer the Appalachian Trail
How one family and community is working to prevent suicide
BY SUE BALDANI12 cover story Ashleigh Can
Local illustrator Ashleigh Corrin Webb collaborates with major musical talent Mary J. Blige on her new children's book “Mary Can”.
BY JENNIFER WALDERA BY JENNIFER WALDERA24 wine & dine
What’s Cook’n at the Farmers’ Market
BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA30
In Case You Missed it InsideNoVa News
On the Cover: Local illustrator Ashleigh Corrin Webb. Photo by Luke Christopher
Celebrating Western Prince William County
The Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 15,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Haymarket/ Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration, or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2023 Rappahannock Media LLC.
The Lifestyle magazines are sister publications with Northern Virginia’s Leading News Source, INSIDENOVA.COM
PUBLISHER
Dennis Brack dennis@whglifestyle.com
EDITOR
Susan McCorkindale susan@whglifestyle.com
ART DIRECTOR
Kara Thorpe kara@whglifestyle.com
ADVERTISING
Sales Director: Jim Kelly jim@whglifestyle.com, 434-987-3542
Senior Account Executive: Cindy McBride cindy@whglifestyle.com, 540-229-6038
twitter.com/insidenova
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR
Jay Ford creative@whglifestyle.com
ACCOUNTING
Carina Richard-Wheat cwheat@insidenova.com
540-905-7791
SUBSCRIPTIONS
subscribe@whglifestyle.com
540-675-3338
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE
Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazines
1360 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192
ON THE WEB
InsideNoVa.com/WHGLifestyle
Facebook: @HaymarketGainesvilleMag
facebook.com/insidenova
Visit us today for the latest news, sports and features from Fauquier, Prince William, Arlington, Fairfax, Stafford and throughout the region. Sign up for daily news headlines, breaking news alerts and a Gainesville/Haymarket newsletter — delivered to your inbox!
time.
Make the most of your concert experience by seeing the full performance. Take the 66 Express to avoid traffic.
Plan your trip, see current toll rates, and more at ride66express.com
Because the concert may actually start on
While physical health issues such as cancer and diabetes are spoken about freely, the word suicide, if mentioned at all, is often whispered in a clandestine fashion. Even in this day and age, where most topics that were once taboo are now discussed openly, suicide is still surrounded by a stigma.
Morgan’s Message, based in Gainesville, is trying to change this perception in order to prevent other senseless deaths like that of Morgan Rodgers of Warrenton. A highly artistic, smart, beautiful and loving 22 year old, she died by suicide on July 11, 2019.
Her mother, Dona Rodgers, who along with family and friends founded the organization on July 11, 2020, said, “If you knew Morgan, it would be very obvious that something good would have had to have come out of this. She was the all-American girl next door who worked really hard and anything she set her mind to she seemed to accomplish, but when her mental health deteriorated, she didn't know what to do.”
Morgan wrote about her feelings, which her family discovered after her death, and she detailed how she felt completely alone and that no one would ever understand what was going through her mind. “She didn't seek out her own solution, which is what she'd done her whole life, but mental illness affects your mind, your thought process and your thought patterns.”
One thing Morgan always worked really hard at was lacrosse. In high school, several high-caliber programs recruited her to play Division I Women’s Lacrosse, and she wished to combine her love of the sport with a world class education. When she was accepted to play for the Duke University Women’s Lacrosse Team, it was a dream come true. But, with that opportunity, came high anxiety.
While she received help at the time and was doing well, in 2017, she suffered a debilitating knee injury. Although she was
Mitul Gandhi, MD
Jey Maran, MD
dedicated to an intensive rehabilitation program, Morgan struggled and her feelings of isolation grew. This time, she was not able to break free of the darkness.
“I think athletes in particular have a really hard time with this,” said her mother. “They put such a demand on their bodies to be successful that maybe they just feel like their bodies are letting them down.”
Morgan’s Message has innovative ways of reaching out to others who are struggling. One is its Peer-To-Peer Ambassador Program. “We wanted to make a very direct and swift impact,” explained Rodgers. “If we started from the top, say through parents, administrations, or coaching staff, and tried to get these adults on board with this program, it would have taken decades. We knew there had to be a better way.”
So, the organization initially had high school and college students working on educating and empowering other kids. It not only got the message to their peers fast, but also changed the way the grown up in their lives may have been thinking about suicide. “The adults around them were and are being forced to listen, watch and learn. We couldn't have done it any better.”
Ambassador Meadow Falkner, of Aldie, who attends Lightridge High School, knows what it’s like to suffer a sports injury. “I am on my second ACL/ Meniscus tear surgery in one year. It’s been a hard, tough, and sometimes lonely road, but I know there’s a bright light and so much reward.”
She said she is honored to be an ambassador. “It’s so important to me to talk. I know what it feels like to think soccer is over, but I also know what it feels like to fight for what I want and to know to push through the tough times.”
Every ambassadorship is 100% voluntary,
and each ambassador, or advocate, is encouraged to hold monthly meetings where they invite their teammates, friends, and roommates - they don’t have to be athletes. The organization provides them with resources such as PowerPoint presentations, topics, and suggestions on how to run a meeting.
“The meetings are basically around a specific topic concerning mental health and we encourage them to start the conversation, open up the dialogue, and have everyone contribute,” she said. “With every meeting, hopefully more advocates will come and then they'll take this information back to their communities, and their teams. That's how this stigma will be eliminated.”
In the summer of 2022, the Ambassador approach was expanded to include sports clubs, travel teams and other youth organizations. Today, there are over 2,800 ambassadors in over 1050 high schools and colleges. In the Haymarket/Gainesville area alone,
The organization’s teal butterfly logo was derived from Morgan’s artwork and inspired by her favorite color. (At her memorial service, family and friends were surrounded by butterflies and these beautiful creatures continue to appear when needed most.) The semi-colon that is part of the butterfly is used as a message of affirmation
From left: Morgan’s dad, Kurt, Morgan, brother Austin, twin sister, Aberle, and mother, Dona surround Cash the pup at the beach.
Below: Dona, Morgan, and Kurt Rodgers.
Volunteer as an ambassador or within the organization.
Donate - Morgan’s Message is an official 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation and can accept 100% tax deductible donations.
Organize, with the help of ambassadors, dedication games/ matches between teams to highlight awareness for student-athlete mental health.
there are 49 ambassadors attending Battlefield High School, Patriot High School, Gainesville High School, Brentsville District High School, John Champe High School and Lightridge High School.
Said Ambassador Lexi Francis of Bristow, who just graduated from Battlefield High School, “I wanted to become an ambassador because I saw so many people struggling with mental health and I wanted to learn new ways to help and advocate for others, while also
even the slightest bit, I am helping others. It may not seem huge, but it is the small things that can make someone feel better.” She is off to Bridgewater College in the fall and hopes to become an ambassador there.
In addition to the US, there are ambassadors in Canada and the UK. Now, it’s expanding its reach once again. “We have a newly launched arm of our education program called our At-Large Ambassadors,” said Rodgers. “These are former student athletes who have graduated college and are living in the ‘real world.’ They are sharing Morgan's Message within their communities and in their workforce.”
Another way Morgan’s Message is reaching people is through its podcast, The Mental Matchup. “It's an awesome platform and hosts former student athletes, mental health professionals, performance coaches, and trainers,” she said. “Each one of our guests has a unique story. A lot of them have battled mental health challenges in their past, and they've come through it.”
Last year, the organization held its first annual Moe Madness Youth Lacrosse Tournament, and this year will be doing so again on October 7th and 8th. It's for fifth, sixth,
Complex in Warrenton where there's a turf field dedicated to Morgan.
“It's beautiful, and we're really proud to have it here in her hometown,” said Rodgers. “Morgan loved it here and so do we. We are grateful as a family to the community - the support has been incredible. I'm not sure we would've had the strength to start this whole organization without this constant support and encouragement.” L
FIRST CALL HAPPY HOUR FIRST CALL HAPPY HOUR
FIRST CALL HAPPY HOUR FIRST CALL HAPPY HOUR
$5 Chicken Sandwich
FIRST CALL HAPPY HOUR FIRST CALL HAPPY HOUR
$5 Chicken Sandwich
$5 Chicken Sandwich
50 Jumbo Wings
50 Jumbo Wings
$5 Chicken Sandwich
$5 Chicken Sandwich
Jumbo Wings
$5 Chicken Sandwich
$2 OFF Craft Beer
$2 OFF Craft Beer
50 Jumbo Wings
$2 OFF Craft Beer
50 Jumbo Wings
50 Jumbo Wings
$2 OFF Craft Beer
$2 OFF Craft Beer
$2 OFF Craft Beer
EVERY WEEKDAY- 2-5 P.M. DINE IN ONLY Warrenton, Vienna, old town, marshall, haymarket, bristow, South Riding
EVERY WEEKDAY- 2-5 P.M. DINE IN ONLY Warrenton, Vienna, old town, marshall, haymarket, bristow, Sout
EVERY WEEKDAY- 2-5 P.M. DINE IN ONLY Warrenton, Vienna, old town, marshall, haymarket, bristow, South Riding
EVERY WEEKDAY- 2-5 DINE IN Warrenton, Vienna, old town, marshall, haymarket, bristow, South Riding
EVERY WEEKDAY- 2-5 P.M. DINE IN ONLY Warrenton, Vienna, old town, marshall, haymarket, bristow, South Riding
EVERY WEEKDAY- 2-5 P.M. DINE IN ONLY Warrenton, Vienna, old town, marshall, haymarket, bristow, South Riding
BY JENNIFER WALDERA ILLUSTRATIONS BY ASHLEIGH CORRIN WEBB PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
In 2017, Fauquier native Ashleigh Corrin Webb was working as a full-time graphic designer when she was approached to illustrate her first children’s book after submitting her work on the website womenwhodraw.com. By 2020, she had moved to Gainesville and her work for that first book, “Layla’s Happiness” by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie had won an Ezra Jack Keats Award for illustration. In 2021, Webb departed from her full-time job, embarking on the journey of devoting her time and talent to the illustration of children’s books. Now, in 2023, with numerous books under her belt, Webb’s latest work can be found in the new children’s book authored by none other than award-winning singer, artist, and actress Mary J. Blige.
“It was really exciting,” Webb said of the day her agent, Nicole, called to let her know that she was chosen. “I was considered among a small pool of illustrators for this fast-turnaround project. Nicole called and let me know that Mary chose me and that was the best day ever.”
The children’s book, titled “Mary Can”, is the
story of a young girl who is intent on following her dreams to become a singer even in a world in which she’s told she can’t. The inspirational message aligns perfectly with Webb’s goals of creating artwork with a message of positivity.
“The book is completely in line with the message I want to put out in the world to kids. I hope to have an optimistic, happy energy through what I create.”
In 2023, Webb also won the Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award for her illustrations in “Me and the Family Tree” by Carole Boston Weatherford, a book that simultaneously celebrates family as well as individual uniqueness, a message that also seems reflective of Webb’s life and philosophies.
“I’m inspired by my own mom because she always inspired and encouraged me,” Webb said.
Webb’s mother, Sherrie Carter, who operated the shop “Sherrie’s Stuff” in old town Warrenton for a number of years, was a talented and creative artist who engaged her daughter in painting frequently as a child and who supported her love of painting and drawing.
My mom could do anything she wanted,” Ashleigh explained. “I watched her put up drywall in our basement, build birdhouses she’d sell in craft shows, make figurines out of clay, and more. She was an incredible role model. She introduced me to arts and crafts, and I would help her paint. She even let me paint a mural on my bedroom wall. She always encouraged my creativity.”
After graduating from high school, Webb earned her degree in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She focused on illustration and painting with an eye on marketing.
VCU’s School of Arts is also where Webb met her husband, Don Jonathan Webb, in 2006. He has been with Webb throughout her journey, and has
a deep appreciation for her skills and talents from her children’s book illustrations and design work to her painting, textile art, animations, and more.
“Ashleigh loves what she does. She doodles and sketches for the fun of it. I love seeing her delve into children’s book illustrations because she has a passion for teaching and mentoring, and children’s books offer that opportunity to teach valuable life lessons in relatively few pages,” he said. “Ashleigh’s work in children’s book illustrations is a natural fit. Her style has always been the perfect mix of charming and curious. I think kids naturally get lost in art that has that quality.”
He also enjoys being able to share her work with their children. “I am honored that we are able to read the books she’s illustrated to our kids. That’s such a cool experience.”
While Webb does continue to work in graphic design and marketing design in a freelance capacity, she has embraced the journey that she has taken to become the award-winning children’s book illustrator she is today.
“I always wanted to create things for children — my aesthetic fit that audience best,” Webb said. “The itch to illustrate was always there. This is a blessing.”
As for the future, Webb says that, having recently given birth to her second child, she’s learning to navigate the delicate balancing act between
Webb’s artwork graces the pages of awardwinning musical artist and actress Mary J. Blige’s inspirational tale of a young girl determined to become a singer despite the negativity of others.
Published 2023.
BY GWENDOLYN WALLADE
The aesthetics of Webb’s illustrations match the soothing tone of this sweet story about a Black girl’s first summer-long visit to her grandmother’s southern home where she learns about herbal medicine and mindfulness and builds a connection with nature.
Published 2023.
Webb’s bright pictures complement the main character’s positivity as she shares what brings her joy from friends and family to her community.
2020 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner for Illustration. Published in 2019.
Webb’s playful illustrations perfectly pair with the tone of this board book in which a young girl embraces her individuality while also observing traits that she shares with her family. 2023 Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award. Published 2022.
motherhood and her career, but she’s passionate about continuing to live her dream of illustrating children’s books and spreading a positive message through her work with like-minded authors. She also has dreams of one day extending her artistic work to adaptations of a book into a television series, with the same eye on positively influencing children.
“Since I started I always wanted to create to encourage, inspire, and uplift young people and let them know that you can do whatever you want to do. I ask myself: what do I want to leave behind? I want to put my message out to the world — do what you believe in.” L
Akili went into school at Covenant Christian Academy in Vint Hill and asked his classmates, ‘Anyone want to do this?’
Classmate Luke Bazill from Bristow piped up and said, ‘I’ll do it.’ So that was that.
BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOS COURTESY OF AKILI MCCULLOUGH AND LUKE BAZILL
When Akili McCullough was bored one summer day during high school, he scrolled around on YouTube watching films. He came across an hour-long documenta ry of a hiker’s experience on the Appalachian Trail. When it was over, he said to his mom, “I want to thru-hike the AT.”
Akili didn’t have much previous hiking experience, and the AT thru-hike is a challenge for even the most experienced hikers. It is, how ever, on many peoples’ “bucket list”.
His parents had always raised him to be independent and were confident in his ability to take on the challenge. His dad, Keith McCullough, was excited for him to have this experience and stretch himself out of his comfort zone.
His parents knew he could tackle it on his own, but his mother An nette McCullough said, “I prayed for the Lord to send someone who
These guys listened to some great music during their adventure.
Lord Huron’s “Ends of the Earth” provided the overall theme, and a variety of other favorites rounded it out. Get in the spirit of the trip by scanning the QR codes to each as you read along.
would go with him.” Her prayers were answered when Luke Bazill, a friend who attended Covenant Christian Academy in Vint Hill with Akili, volunteered to go.
Luke’s mother Amy Bazill’s first reaction was, “Wow, that’s going to be really hard. The AT thru-hike is the type of thing that either makes you or breaks you.” But his parents encouraged him to take a gap year and go, realizing that later in life sometimes it’s harder to take the extended time off needed to complete the trail.
Sending your children out into the wilderness for an extended period has got to make any parent stop and think. Keith said, “I’m a researcher, so I researched everything about the AT. I felt better when I learned how much technology played a part in the trail. For instance, there are apps hikers use to communicate, so they would warn each other about dangers, such as bear or moose.”
So that was that. The adventure was on, and Akili and Luke’s preparations began with their sights set on the summer of 2022.
Both point to finances as the primary focal point for preparation. Luke worked 40 hours each week and saved every paycheck while Akili took on a job at a local car wash and saved as well.
With the financial aspect under control, the two began to prepare physically, first walking regularly with backpacks, then hiking. “We did small sections in Sky Meadows [in Delaplane],” said Luke.
Knowing that they would need copious amounts of cold weather gear and other equipment, the two began timing how far they could walk each day while hauling their backpacks.
“We started around 16 miles when we were hiking around in Sky Meadows,” Akili said. “We just said, let’s fill our bags and hike for as long as we can in one day.”
After planning a schedule for their trek based on the mileage they could cover each day (making sure to schedule in a stop in Virginia on
Mother’s Day), Akili also prepared for lodging, forecasting how much it would cost when they needed an overnight stay whether at an inexpensive hostel or a less cost-effective option when necessary.
“You have to figure out how much that would cost so you know what to save up. For the most part in the south, you’re staying in a hostel [for a bed and showers] so we didn’t have to sleep out in the tent. In some places they have tenting spots. There are places in New York and New Jersey where there are no hostels so you’ll need to pay for a hotel, he said.
Akili also organized a system to source food. In addition to the provisions that they would haul with them, their parents would send scheduled packages to post offices as well, requiring impeccable timing for their arrival in towns along the trail. It was a good theory, but
LORD HURON THE ENDS OF THE EARTH Blood Mountain, 30 miles into the Trail McAfee Knob, Virginia is one of the most photographed spots on the AT, with a 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East.in practice wasn’t always perfect. One time, we arrived in Damascus and the post office had just closed on a Saturday,” McCullough said.
Once the two departed for their trek on March 5, 2022, from Georgia’s Springer Mountain, they weren’t without challenges.
“The whole thing was chal-
lenging, and it changed based on different states,” said Luke.
Akili added, “There were three different battles. First was the physical battle, second was the mental battle, and third was the calorie battle,” referring to every thru-hiker’s challenge to be able to carry enough food to balance calories expended with physical exertion.
Persevering through those battles,
Summit of Mt. Washington, the boys’ biggest challenge. “Getting up there was brutal.”
MARTY ROBBINS THEY’RE HANGING ME TONIGHT
Below: Trail Magic; Right, the first resupply package from home in Helen, GA
is the higest mountain in the Northeastern US at 6,288 feet. It’s also know for its extreme weather. In 1934, the wind on the summit was clocked at 231 miles per hour, at the time the highest wind velocity measured on earth. On a clear day, views extend as far as 130 miles to Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, and the Atlantic Ocean.
the two hikers also encountered weather-related challenges from springtime’s unpredictable thunderstorms to high winds. They also encountered bitter temperatures. Akili detailed one night that he says was the coldest he ever slept through, cautioning that he was using the term “sleep” very loosely.
“It was in between 0 and 8 degrees [Fahrenheit] and windy all day. The shelter was facing the wind so you couldn’t take shelter from the wind — it was miserable and cold. I set up my tent inside the shelter and was still freezing. We collected water and within 15 minutes it froze solid. It was really bad. Thankfully the next day we were going into town and we had a warm bed to sleep in.”
One of Luke’s specific challenges came as a result of an injury to the bottom of his feet when the two were in Pennsylvania, not even halfway through the trail. He continued trekking but ultimately needed to stay behind for a few days at the tail-end of the trail,
summiting Mount Katahdin several days after Akili.
Despite their challenges on the rugged terrain as they trekked up the trail, both have positive takeaways, as well.
Luke said, “When it comes to the trail my favorite part was the state
BLUE SWEDE, BJORN SKIFS HOOKED ON A FEELING
“We met Buddha at Gooder Grove Hostel in Virginia. He hiked with us a while and then left us in the dust.”
Length: 2,190 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
Opened: The AT was the vision of forester Benton MacKaye, who proposed the idea in1921. It was developed by volunteers and opened to hikers in 1937.
Maintenance: Overseen by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), a private nonprofit established in 1925, and the National Park Service (NPS) and maintained by thousands of volunteers.
Hiking: Ranges from day or weekend hikers doing a few miles to section hikers who cover longer chunks, to thru-hikers who hike the entire trail in one season, either northbound or southbound.
Average time to thru-hike: 5-7 months
Fastest thru-hike: 41 days, 7 hours, 39 minutes, 53 miles per day, by Karel
Sabbe
of Maine. Very different from all of the other states, steep mountains — the second half is more flat but there are tons of crystal-clear lakes — wildlife is crazy. We got to see a wild moose which was really cool.”
Akili agreed, appreciating the Smoky Mountains and the opportunity to experience the change of seasons, seeing the land and trees turn from barren to lush. He also appreciated the people he met along the way and documented that portion of the hike through artwork while they were in the towns close to the trail.
“I thought, why not draw some people? I was planning on doing it while on the trail but it was constantly wet or stuff would happen so it was impractical,” he said.
Using sketch paper, Akili drew pencil sketches of other hikers, people they met, or some of those people bringing a little magic to the experience through kindness.
“This day was the worst day of the whole hike. I almost got hypothermia. We were hiking up to Angels Rest Hostel, and there was this random dolly in the woods, no roads around it, just sitting there. I made a dumb joke and put up a Dolly Parton Song, just to make that very bad day a little better.“
He posted his drawings, as well as other photos and videos, on social media.
One of his posts gave a call out to people who helped them along the way. He said, “Tim and Nancy at the Hike Inn were awesome. They were really nice and hospitable. We didn’t know they only took cash, so they drove us into town to an ATM machine. They knew we were new to the trail.”
And then there’s the “trail magic” — people will go to the trail and randomly leave out food for thru-hikers. Hikers would never know when they might find trail magic, so it was special. “There were some really rough days and that just made it so much better,” Luke said.
As for the future, Luke has enrolled in online classes at Western Governor’s University with an
DOLLY PARTON JOLENE
ELTON JOHN I’M STILL STANDING
TINY TIM
LIVIN’ IN THE SUNLIGHT, LOVIN’ IN THE MOONLIGHT
“Trail Families are groups of hikers that travel together and meld into a sort of family. Springer was like the grandpa. He was a very entertaining guy.”
Lincoln, a hiking partner through the White Mountains
eye on studying data management and analytics. Meanwhile, Akili resumed his work at the local car wash with intentions of becoming a police officer after he meets the age requirement of 21 years old. He says that since his return he also re-hiked a part of the Appalachian Trail with a friend visiting from Texas and that he has hopes of traveling to Colorado.
There were two sets of very proud parents meeting their sons on Mt. Katahdin.
“It was really emotional,” Amy said. “I was grateful to have him back safely, but more proud of him than anything. I didn’t know if he’d be able to complete it, but
he proved it to me. It was a very challenging, character-building time for them both.”
Annette said, “It’s proof that they have the tenacity to start an adventure and complete it. I was concerned that they might have to stop for some reason, but I knew the journey would be completed. I am so pleased with the people they’ve become, and I’m very proud of him.
I am honored that God made me his mother.”
Both moms mentioned that both boys, who had been pretty reserved, seemed more confident and outgoing. And Keith McCullough mentioned another skill his son had picked up. “Akili came back with a desire to cook, which he had no interest in before he left.” L
SUMMITING MT. KATAHDIN
Left: Akili reached the summit of Khatain on August 10, 2022; Below: Luke reached it a few days later.
To me, hiking it just seemed like another mountain. It hit Luke right away, that we had accomplished what we set out to do, but it didn’t really hit me until after I got home and woke up the next day and realized that I didn’t have to get up and hike any more.
It’s not quite morning, yet the anticipation of daybreak has the birds chirping so loudly they woke the dog who’s now waking me by pawing at my arm that’s dangling over the edge of the bed. Every few seconds there’s a muffled half-woof just in case I didn’t feel/was ignoring the pawing. OK, fella…. I’m getting up.
Today is the day we hit the farmers’ market. I guess he doesn’t want me to forget - as if I could. It’s our weekly adventure and we never miss it. The empty basket we bring along will return home overflowing with fresh ingredients to keep me cook’n all week long.
Let’s get into the kitchen!
Move over coleslaw and potato salad. Make room for broccoli salad on the picnic table. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. Buy it by the pound at the farmers’ market or make your own from the fresh ingredients you’ve scored. It’s ridiculously easy.
INGREDIENTS
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into random ½ inch pieces)
¾ cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt (dairy or plant)
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
OPTIONAL ADD-INS TO TASTE
Crumbled crispy bacon, raisins, dried cranberries, nuts/seeds, shredded cheese
DIRECTIONS
Toss together. Chill.
“Exceptional care for your family pets”
“Exceptional care for your family pets”
“Exceptional care for your family pets”
We provide total wellness care for your puppies, kittens, dogs and cats.
We provide total wellness care for your puppies, kittens, dogs and cats.
• Microchips • Advanced Diagnostics & Treatments
• Laser Treatments • Routine & Specialized Surgery
•Microchips • Advanced Diagnostics & Treatments
• Pet Dental Care • Boarding for Cats
• Laser Treatments • Routine & Specialized Surgery
We provide total wellness carefor your puppies, kittens, dogs and cats. Microchips • Advanced Diagnostics & Treatments Laser Treatments • Routine & Specialized Surgery Pet Dental Care • Boarding for Cats
• Pet Dental Care • Boarding for Cats
Is you pet itching & scratching?
s a sign that something is wrong. When your pet scratches, it is irritating his/her sensitive skin. This can lead to infection with itchy and painful sores. Call us for an appointment!
Is you pet itching & scratching?
It’s a sign that something is wrong. When your pet scratches, it is irritating his/her sensitive skin. This can lead to infection with itchy and painful sores.
Voted Best of Haymarket for the last 7years!
Call us for an appointment! 7627
Voted Best of Haymarket For the Last 7 years!
Voted Best of Haymarket for the last 7years!
Everyone loves this - especially those who say they don’t like squash.
SERVES 4 TO 6
PAN SIZE: 10 INCH ROUND X 2 ½ INCHES DEEP (8 CUP) OVEN SAFE CASSEROLE
TOPPING INGREDIENTS
½ cup Italian flavored bread crumbs
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons melted butter
CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS
2 pounds small yellow summer squash
½ cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoon Italian flavored bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 cloves garlic (chopped - about 1 Tablespoon)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix topping ingredients. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease casserole dish or coat with cooking spray.
3. Cut squash (peeled or unpeeled) into ¼ inch thick rounds. You should have about 5 cups. Combine with remaining casserole ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with topping. Bake (uncovered) till bubbly and lightly browned – 40 to 45 minutes.
A mountainous platter of buttered sunshine deliciously mingled with the enigmatic taste of garlic. We’re talk’n heaven on a plate.
INGREDIENTS
12 ears of corn (shucked)
1 whole head of garlic
DIRECTIONS
Cut the garlic across the diameter so the cloves are cut in half. Drop both halves (unpeeled) into the pot as you begin boiling the corn. Cook until the corn is done to your liking.
Hungry? This sandwich will fix that!
INGREDIENTS
Flatbreads (purchased or homemade –recipe follows)
Salad mix
Cucumber
Tomato
Red onion
Grilled salmon
Artisan cheese (your fav) Drizzle Sauce (recipe follows)
DIRECTIONS
For each sandwich, pile ingredients (to taste) on one side of a flatbread. Drizzle with sauce. Fold the empty side of the flatbread over the filling. For vegan – sub grilled tofu for salmon and use vegan cheese
WHISK TOGETHER:
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Call it naan, roti, burrito or sandwich wrap, flatbread is the new darling of the foodie set. It’s surprisingly easy to make. Cheap, too. Or skip the prep and pick up some at the market.
1. In a medium bowl, mix water, yeast and sugar. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes (uncovered) to proof (rise). After proofing, stir in the remaining ingredients forming a shaggy dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead (using a bench scraper or metal spatula to help) until it comes together –about 5 minutes. Dough will be slightly sticky.
MAKES 10 (8 INCH) FLATBREADS
RECOMMENDED PAN
– 12 INCH CAST IRON SKILLET (BUT ANY LARGE SKILLET WORKS)
LID TO COVER SKILLET
INGREDIENTS
¾ cup warm water
1 (.25 oz.) package active dry yeast (not instant2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2. Return dough to bowl. Cover. Let rise till double –45 minutes to 1 hour. Longer if needed.
3. Remove dough from bowl. Cut into 10 equal pieces. Set aside. Lightly cover to prevent drying.
4. For the first flatbread, grease the skillet with ½ teaspoon high smoke point fat like canola oil. After that, greasing is not necessary. (Avoid cooking spray. It burns and smokes.) Heat skillet on a medium/low.
5. While the skillet is heating, roll 1 piece of dough into an 8 inch circle on a lightly floured surface. It’s OK if it’s not perfectly round. Using your fingertips, pick up the dough and place it into the hot skillet. It’s fine if it stretches a little or gets out of shape. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid.
6. Cook (covered) till the bottom has browned in spots (1 to 2 minutes) then flip and cook (covered) on the second side (another 1 to 2 minutes).
7. Remove cooked flatbread from the skillet and place on a large plate. Cover with an inverted bowl so the bread will steam. Repeat with remaining dough, piling the cooked flatbreads on top of each other. Keep covered till needed so they stay soft.
No trip to the farmers’ market would be complete without the fix’ns for a sweet, juicy, old-timey cobbler. Think of it as an easy way to make pie.
SERVES 6
PAN SIZE – 8 INCH SQUARE X 2 INCHES DEEP PLUS A PARCHMENT LINED COOKIE SHEET
TOPPING INGREDIENTS
½ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
3 Tablespoons butter (melted & cooled)
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 Tablespoon)
DIRECTIONS
Mix. Set aside.
FILLING INGREDIENTS
5 cups berries (any type or a combo)
¼ cup all purpose flour
½ cup sugar
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease pan or mist with baking spray. Place on the cookie sheet to catch drips.
2. In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. Using your fingers, flatten bits of the topping into ½ inch pieces and distribute evenly over filling. (Topping will not cover filling.)
3. Bake in preheated oven until filling is bubbly and topping has started to brown – about 55 minutes. L
Keep up with all the news from around your county: SUBSCRIBE! To InsideNoVa/Prince William, $39/year, delivered weekly www.insidenova.com/subscribe VISIT! InsideNoVa.com. Sign up for daily headlines and our weekly Gainesville/Haymarket-only e-newsletter FOLLOW! InsideNoVa on Facebook and Twitter @InsideNoVa
A MONTHLY DOSE OF LOCAL HEADLINES BROUGHT TO YOU BY INSIDENOVA.COM
Burke & Herbert Bank has presented $25,500 to the Willing Warriors organization of Haymarket from the bank's "Scores for Vets" program. David Boyle, president and CEO of the bank, presente the last month to the nonprofit that offers cost-free respite stays at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run.
Movement, the largest nationwide community of indoor climbing gyms, recently announced plans for its latest facility: Movement Fairfax. The new climbing gym is slated to open toward the end of 2024 and will offer 37,000 square feet of climbing, yoga and fitness activities at Fair Oaks Mall.
The facilities will offer 27,000 square feet of climbing terrain spread over two floors with walls up to 50 feet tall, the company said in a news release. The climbing space includes bouldering, top rope and lead climbing routes crafted for all abilities. Movement Fairfax plans to offer a full lineup of classes and an array of youth activities from after-school programs to camps and competitive teams. The class schedule will also include yoga and group fitness classes.
"Scores for Veterans made a powerful impact for our warriors," said Sarah Ford, executive director of Willing Warriors. "The partnership with Burke and Herbert Bank and NBC Sports Washington provided much needed funding for warrior family stays and increased visibility for the Warrior Retreat as a resource for those who would like to give-back to the military community."
The 2022-23 hockey season marked the eighth time the bank has teamed with NBC Sports Washington to raise awareness and provide funds for a local nonprofit. Operating under the moniker “Scores for Vets,” “Hundreds for Home$,” and “Scores for Kid$,” the Bank awards $100 per goal scored by the Washington Capitals during their regular season to that year’s selected charity.
The Washington Commanders have added a new MVP to their squad. Team Dog Goldie, a four-month-old English Yellow Lab, is the new “Most Valuable Pup” for the 2023 season.
It’s all part of the team’s partnership with K9s for Warriors, an organization that provides military veterans who have fallen on hard times with service dogs, which started last season. Since then, the Commanders’ charitable foundation gave $40,000 to K9s for Warriors, and head coach Ron Rivera donated $25,000 he received as the NFL’s 12th winner of the Salute to Service Award.
“After a thorough vetting process, our coaching staff was impressed with Goldie’s tenacity and speed on the grass,” Rivera said in a release. “She leaves it all on the field, whether she’s fetching a tennis ball or treat. Goldie will bring ‘paw-sitive energy’ and deep fetch expertise to our lineup and I am excited to welcome her to the team.”
Goldie will be partnered with a veteran by K9s for Warriors after the conclusion of the season, the team said.
you may have missed...
