Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine November 2022

Thanksgiving Leftovers They’ll Love (And wine pairings, too!)

Veterans Look Like Her: Meet Haymarket’s Bethanie Pitsky

The To-Do List: Things to do, taste, see and more this month!

Honoring Our Veterans

Shirley Dominick’s mission is to serve her country and those who protect it

From working as the head chef at his restaurant, to enjoying tennis, basketball, skiing and motocross, Andrea Ferrero’s life has kept him in motion. But it took a toll on his knees. After years of steroid shots, he opted for knee replacement surgery at Fauquier Health. “Being able to come back so quickly was amazing,” says Andrea. Joint and spine care at Fauquier Health. Today and every day

FROM

It’s November.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but the seasons and time in general flies by far too quickly these days. When I stop to think about it, which I do pretty frequently, a habit I’ve developed that I’m certain is because I’m getting older, I remind myself to stay in the moment. The past is past, and the next minute, hour, day, isn’t guaranteed. I share this with you simply to suggest you do the same. Stay in the moment.

Particularly this month.

This month, as we honor our Veterans like Shirley Dominick and Bethanie Pitsky, featured in this issue, and others like my dad and maybe yours, stay in the moment and feel the weight of what our Veterans have done for this country. We are free because of them. They deserve our gratitude and so much more.

This month, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, stay in the moment. Rather than checking out mentally when your mom questions your kid’s hair color or your grandpa grumbles about how “technology is destroy ing our young people!” take a deep breath, look around the table, and be grateful. Yes, family can make us crazy, but we are lucky to have a family.

And finally, this month, as preparation for the December holidays heats up, take a moment to breathe. Enjoy the lights twinkling on your neighbor’s house. Savor the smell of your mom’s pumpkin pie baking in the oven. Stay in the moment and find something to be grateful for. When we do that, we celebrate Thanksgiving not just in November, but all year ‘round.

On behalf of all of us at Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine, our deepest gratitude for joining us every month and best wishes for a very happy Thanksgiving!

EDITOR Susan McCorkindale

CONTENTS

6 The ToDo List 8 Shop Second Hand at… Fox Den Antiques 14 community Music, Food, and Fun for All at Haymarket Day 18 well read Unusual Books and Where to Find Them BY HEATHER MILLER

20 Cover Story

The Heart of a Warrior: Shirley Dominick’s mission is to serve her country and those who protect it BY SUE BALDANI

26 local business Veterans Look Like Her: Meet Haymarket’s Bethanie Pitsky BY SUE BALDANI 32 our neighbors Thankful for Family, However It’s Created BY SUE BALDANI

36 at home: Setting Your Thanksgiving Table

BY MARIA LOVELESS 40 wine & dine Thanksgiving Leftovers They’ll Love (And wine pairings, too!)

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA

46

In case you missed it… InsideNoVa News

ON THE COVER: Shirley Dominick photographed by Luke Christopher

HAYMARKET / GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE

Celebrating Western Prince William County

The Haymarket Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 11,500 selected addresses. The Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 8,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Haymarket and Gainesville Lifestyle Magazines, 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. ©2022 Rappahannock Media LLC.

The Lifestyle magazines are sister publications with Northern Virginia’s Leading News Source, INSIDENOVA.COM

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Grand

Weekend!

LEXINGTON

TASTE

Family coming for the holidays? You can practice patience when your dad starts talking politics or you can really be prepared by getting “PATIENCE” SALTED CARAMEL CUPCAKES at INSPIRED CRAVINGS VEGAN BAKERY They’re so good, your “oooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” might even muffle his voice! Inspiredcravings.com

Wield your inner Andy Warhol and create with acrylics! Join artist Donna Merchant at VITA NOVA CREATIVES & COFFEE, Friday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Follow her lead, or go rogue and do your own thing. Register at vitanovacreatives.com

CREATE

BUY

Gorgeous autumn wreaths and potted Amaryllis that will bloom for Christmas are just what every house needs for the holidays. And, when the flowers are grown locally – at Gainesville’s THE FERTILE BURB – there’s even more to love. Visit TheFertileBurb.com/seasonal for full details and to order.

If you’re playing Santa this season, THE MAKING OF SANTA by local author James Brown is for you. As Brown says, “Being Santa is more than putting on the suit and saying, ‘Ho, Ho, Ho.’ Whether you’re playing a hometown Santa, mall Santa, or a Santa who works well with seniors, this book is a must for novice and seasoned Santa’s alike.” Order at shorturl.at/hVW12

Check out this month’s coolest diversions as the holiday season gets into full swing

to do list

the

shop

SECOND HAND AT

EQUESTRIAN DECOR

This is one of many equestrian items available for sale at Fox Den. Honor the rich equestrian culture and history of our area with one of these valued items that have come from estates across America and internationally.

Fox Den Antiques

There are so many reasons to consider shopping second hand: it’s budget friendly, good for the environment, and supports local business. Plus, you never know what you’ll find! For this feature we wanted to give you a sneak peek into one of our oldest local second-hand shops, Fox Den Antiques in Warrenton. In the following pages you will see just a few examples of the kinds of items you can find there. Whether you are a collector or just looking for unique and inexpensive decor for your home, be sure that Fox Den has a plethora of options. If you haven’t visited yet, you should.. we guarantee you won’t regret it!

SPORTS MEMORABILIA

favorite pen on your desk.

for their beauty and historical value. They make great decor for garages, movie rooms, kids bedrooms, and man caves.

RECORD VINYL

These Edison cylinder records date back to pre-1900. In their time, they brought music to people around the world and started the record industry that brought us millions of records. What a perfect addition to a music enthusiast’s collection.

VINTAGE

COMIC BOOKS

Fox Den offers a wide variety of comic books for sale. Factors that determine value include rarity, title, issue, subject, and condition. Comics make a great gift for the DC or Marvel fan in your life.

TOOLS

From hammers, to shovels, to rakes, to kitchen tools, Fox Den has something for every hobbyist. Use a vintage rolling pin for its intended use, or a collection of old hammers and screwdrivers for an eye-catching wall display.

CLOTHING

Vintage clothing is a way to dress up and be the central attraction at that special party or event. Buying second hand is the best way to ensure that no one else will be wearing the same thing! Many of these hats and dresses have been spotted at local horse races.

FURNITURE

Quality, timeless design, and value are just a few of the reasons to consider purchasing antique furniture. Can you imagine the stories this old desk would have to tell if it could? Put it to its intended use in a playroom, or style as a plant stand or side table. The possibilities are endless!

MONEY

Numismatics, known as the study or collection of currency, has existed since ancient times. Just a few items available at Fox Den include this 150 yearold Confederate Note and modern silver bullion coin.

VINTAGE LIGHTERS

Before the age of the 99cent gas station lighter, many lighters were true works of art. A lighter wasn’t just a tool, but an expression of the class, beliefs, and values of its owners back in a time when smoking was widely practiced.

CIVIL WAR MUSKET

A great decorative item and one to give plenty of incentive to learn about the war that happened right here in our own

TABLEWARE

There is a wide selection of cutlery, glassware, and serving dishes at Fox Den to choose from. These items are often mixed and matched to create beautifully eclectic table settings for dinner parties and wedding receptions.

FARMHOUSE DECOR

You won’t believe the selection of farmhouse decor you can find at Fox Den. Country-style pieces like this unique Hoosier kitchen cabinet will add warmth and coziness to any farmhouse. Just imagine how many baskets of farm-fresh eggs sat upon it, or how many loaves of bread were kneaded while mother’s apron was tugged at by their babes from below.

FOX DEN ANTIQUE MALL

For over 30 years Fox Den has provided collectibles, antiques, and vintage items to Warrenton shoppers. Items range in price from one dollar to thousands of dollars for rare and unique pieces. The 41 dealers at Fox Den have thousands of items for your perusal and are bringing in new items every week. If you are looking for inexpensive items or that rare one of a kind item, make sure to check them out!

Fox Den Antiques | 355 W Shirley Avenue, Warrenton 540-347-1162 | foxdenantiques.com

Music, Food, and Fun for All:

The 2022 Haymarket Day was a huge hit

Thousands packed the streets and poked around row after row of vendor booths at the town’s annual Haymar ket Day Oct. 15. Check out the scene from photographer DOUG STROUD

Clockwise from top: Jacob Vanasse (right) and Jeorden Hamilton served up chicken kabobs from Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken. Kenzie Hufford of Haymarket with Cisco, a 3-year-old rescue. Daniella Arbesu, 4, of Gainesville, enjoying a face-painting session. Briella Boscope, 3, of Gainesville, getting a smooch from her mother. Jordan Delaney came from Leesburg to enjoy the day. The crowd enjoyed the music. Ella Bachman, 5, of Haymarket, throwing a one-two punch at the Rock Box booth. With all the food, a little Jazzercise was in order!

Clockwise from top: The moon bounce was a big hit. Joe Moore performs for the crowd. Gifford Jones, a solo music artist from Haymarket, takes a break to enjoy the festivities. Haymarket residents Ian Goozh and wife Lynnsey Lunsford, walking with 15-month-old son Jameson. Lumen Eye Center of Gainesville hosted a booth with Kylie Lewis and Suzy Groseclose on hand. Stefan McRae (left), of Haymarket, and John Kozlowski, of Gainesville, enjoying the festivities. Four-year-old Mason Jewett of Haymarket enjoying some bubbles.

Gainesville Lifestyle

Unusual Books and Where to Find Them

BY HEATHER MILLER, HAYMARKET GAINESVILLE LIBRARY

B ooks are comforting.

Despite the peculiarities of every author, each genre has its predictable elements. But what about the stories that escape predictability? Step into your local library to catch one of these wild titles.

Turn to the first chapter of “Invisible Monsters: Remix” by Chuck Palahniuk…. Or do you start at Chapter 41? Everyone knows you start at Chapter 1. But the instructions at the end of the introduction are explicit, “Now. Please. Jump to Chapter 41.” This is a book that disguises whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or end and leaves the

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Mix together until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat into bottom of 13x9 pan. Bake @ 350 for approx 20 min or until edges are browned.

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reader wonder ing: “Was I really supposed to start at Chapter 41 where someone is walking around in a wedding dress with a shotgun?!”

M. Straka and translated by F. X. Caldeira. Look closer at the notes scribbled in the margins. They weren’t left there by your ordinary library vandal. Dorst and Abrams weave three stories togeth er, “The Ship of Theseus,” political intrigue evident in the translator’s footnotes, and of two readers who use this book to pass notes about secret societies and romance.

The dreamlike lilt of James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake” can be started at any point in the novel and continues in a never-ending cycle, ending mid-sentence before that same sentence picks up in the first chapter. And there’s “Vellum” by Hal Dun can, where each character is an archetype, altering slightly per section and each section takes place in a different dimension.

Prince

Or perhaps you’d like a book whose chapter chronology is more typical. Just be careful when you pick up “S.” by Doug Dorst and J. J. Abrams. You might be surprised by what falls out between the pag es… Don’t be alarmed by the thousands of handwritten annotations along the “Ship of Theseus’” margins – yes, you read that right, the main text is “The Ship of Theseus” by V.

Surrounding

You can settle back into the predictability of a book’s normal heartbeat or, if you’re feel ing adventurous, try something a little zanier. What are you waiting for? Pick up a book and turn to Chapter… 1? hg

Street Warrenton,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lee

Warrenton,

(703)

Gandhi,

Jey Maran, MD Robert Marsh, MD

Samuel Lee, MD

Geoffrey Moorer,

Tejas Suresh,

The Heart of a Warrior

Shirley Dominick’s mission is to serve her country and those who protect it

BY SUE BALDANI

Growing up on a farm in South Carolina with 10 siblings meant that other than school or church, Shirley Dominick of Hay market didn’t have many opportu nities to get away from home. But, when she was in the fifth grade, her mom asked her to accompany her on a trip to the supermarket.

For Dominick, this was a special treat, and one that would change the course of her life.

“As soon as I entered the store, I saw this beautiful Black wom an,” she says. “She was a picture of authority and just had such a presence. I followed her and got so close that I was able to see the insignia on her blue uniform.”

The following Monday, Domi nick went straight to her local li brary to look up what that insignia meant. It designated the United States Air Force, and she knew right then and there that someday she would enlist.

Years later, she did just that.

During her 22 years in service, she worked in communications and led critical initiatives at the Penta gon and across Europe, retiring as a major in 2003.

Her service to her country, though, did not stop there. In 2006, while attending Park Valley Church in Haymarket, she and a group of other parishioners began visiting wounded military men and women at Walter Reed

National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. They filled 50 gift bags with gift cards, socks, toiletries and other necessities.

“I look back and I see that as a turning point for not only me personally, but also for the commu nity,” she says. “The event was sup posed to start at 4:00 and we got there at 3:00 to set up. By 4:00, we had handed out all 50 gift bags and the pizza we ordered was gone.”

By 4:00, there was nothing left for the other patients and Dominick felt terrible. “But then, I started looking around. Every body was engaging with a warrior and they looked relaxed. I saw my teenage daughters talking with a 19-year-old double amputee named Oscar.”

More than three hours later, everyone was still there; no one wanted to leave. “While driving home with my husband, John, and daughters [Kendra, Kelsy and Johana], nobody said a word. That experience really opened up

BY LUKE CHIRSTOPHER

At left, Dominick in the offices of Serve Our Willing Warriors. Below center, with her biggest fan and supporter, husband John Dominick. Bottom, with one of the many Veteran families the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run has helped.

A Salute to Shirley

Hometown Haymarket Family

Husband John and daughters Kendra, Kelsy and Johana.

We Thank Her For her 22 years in the United States Air Force.

Dominick retired as a Major in 2003.

On the horizon Plans for a third home.

Biggest Corporate Supporter PenFed Credit Union

Biggest Personal Supporter

Her husband, John.

“He puts his heart and soul into every detail,” Dominick said. “He keeps the organization running like a well-oiled machine.”

A Force to be Reckoned With

2012: Serve Our Willing Warriors founded.

2015: The first home at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run opened.

2018: A second home opened.

a door for many of us to realize that while we go to a 9-to-5 job, there are so many others who are struggling. They have sacrificed so much and we don't even realize it.

“When we pulled into the garage, John looked at me and said we’ve got to do more. At the time, we had no idea what that more would be. We spoke with our small group and planned to start off with barbecues and more gift bags.”

After that first party, the owner of a local Domino’s pizza called and said he heard that they ran out of pizza and to please not let that hap pen again. He told Dominick to call him and he would take care of it.

These visits continued until 2011. “By that Christmas, we were up to 500 gift bags and, of course, pizza galore. People started telling me I had to file paperwork to establish a 501(c)(3). I didn’t even know what that was!”

In April of 2012, Dominick and her husband did the necessary paperwork, and Serve Our Willing Warriors was officially founded. Later that same day, she received a call from an employee at Domino’s corporate saying they would like to do a fundraiser for her new nonprofit on Friday. It was already Wednesday, so she had to figure things out fast.

Then, one of the men in her group told her about a wounded warrior who was really struggling

with PTS (post-traumatic stress) and he needed an organization like Serve Our Willing Warriors.

“I reached out to the warrior and our first meeting was in June of 2012,” she says. “He showed up with his service dog and about an hour in told our group that he had a vision that he would like to share.”

He relayed his vision of a retreat home where injured service mem bers could relax and spend time with their families away from the stresses of the hospital. He started talking about a house that was on a hill. He was very specific and mentioned a place with 37 acres

with a black fence and horses.

“I got up at 4:00 that next morn ing and literally Googled 37 acres in Virginia,” says Dominick. “This one house came up, so at 8:00 that morning, I drove out to see it. It was only 4.2 miles from my house. When I saw it, it gave me chills. There was a house on a hill and there were horses on the property.”

When they showed the warrior the house, he sat there with his dog and cried. Serve our Willing Warriors had a new project, and a major one at that. With help from the PenFed Foundation, they purchased the property in 2013,

PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

The Warrenton Chorale with the

The Warrenton Chorale

presents

Honor

Christmas in Music

Christmas in Music

Smith Elementary Honor Choir

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Warrenton, VA

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and community volunteers and contractors came out and tore down walls, made it handicapped accessible, painted, weeded, and trimmed trees.

The ribbon cutting for the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, which provides cost-free retreat stays and programs that positively impact wounded, ill, and injured service members, disabled veter ans, and their families, took place

on July 4, 2015.

In 2018, thanks again to PenFed, the nonprofit was able to build a second home. This allowed it to host two families at a time and up to 24 people (12 in each house). These homes have since served as a haven for over 1,800 service members and their families.

In December of 2021, PenFed saw a need to do even more. “We have been holding PTS trainings where groups come in for a week and learn how to deal with their PTS,” says Dominick. Thanks to this recent do nation, which they are planning to match, another home will be built and will include a 2000-square-foot activity/training room.

“Our warriors come in on Fridays and I meet with them and their families on Saturday morn ings and get to hear their stories. One of the things that they always highlight is how they feel before and after arriving. Their stress lev els go way down and they say the staff makes them feel at home.”

BY JOHNNA DOMINICK

In May, John and Shirley celebrated her selection by Evan Williams Bourbon as one of six American-Made heroes featured on limitededition Evan Williams American Hero bottles.

Keeping the retreat in great shape is an ongoing process. “I see families that come out on Satur days and on beautification days. They do whatever it takes and they make it a part of their lives.”

On May 21, Evan Williams Bour bon honored Dominick with its 2022 American-Made Hero award. Six veterans a year are selected to be featured on the limited-edition Evan Williams American Hero bottles. Serve our Willing Warriors was also a recipient of one of the company’s 2021 Veteran Commu nity Action Grants.

Serving her country and these warriors fulfills her soul. “Every day I tell people, pinch your self,” she says. “You're in the best country in the entire world. This freedom that we have is worth fighting for and I know why others died for it.” hg

To learn more, support and volun teer with Serve Our Willing Warriors, go to www.willingwarriors.org.

Every day I tell people, pinch yourself; you’re in the best country in the entire world. This freedom that we have is worth fighting for.”

local business

Veterans Look Like Her

Meet Haymarket’s Bethanie Pitsky

BY SUE BALDANI W

hen Bethanie Pitsky was 22 years old, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life. While considering her options, she crossed paths with someone who was in the U.S. Navy. He thought the military might be the right pathway for her to gain some stability.

“The idea of having money for college, learning a skill, being able to see the world, and most importantly, do something for my country and give back, was appealing,” says the Haymarket resident.

Pitsky joined the Navy in 2000 and became an information systems technician; she served just shy of six years. “It was life chang ing for me,” she says. “It gave me purpose and a confidence that I never had before.”

But, as a veteran, she began to notice things that bothered her.

“Women veterans are often mislabeled, overlooked, or even challenged on their veteran status,” says Pitsky. “It could be as simple as a lady who is so proud that she served in the army that she is wearing an army hat, and then someone else coming up and saying, ‘Oh, is that your hus band’s? You shouldn't wear that if you didn't actually serve.’”

She’s also heard stories from women who were chal lenged for parking in designated veteran parking spots. “It's very unfortunate. If we can't see women as fighter pilots, serving on the front lines and piloting a tank or a

Above: Veteran Bethanie Pitsky in her backyard in Haymarket. Below left: Bethanie and her husband, Phil, both served in the Navy. Below right: Bethanie at the gates of Rhone Cemetery in Draguignan, France, where her unit performed the 21-gun salute at the Memorial Day ceremony in 2001.

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

experience, but will rarely ask her about her own. “If you served, you put on the uniform and put yourself in harm's way. You signed a blank check that was payable up to your life. That should be acknowledged.”

In order to make women’s military status more visible, she founded Lady Vet a couple of years ago. “My whole purpose is very simple, but it's kind of a lofty goal,” she says. “I want to change the narrative so that when some one walks into a room looking for a veteran, they imagine it could be me or any of the other two million living women who have served.”

There are two main ways in which Lady Vet tries to ac complish this goal. One is through sharing female veterans’ stories and visually putting them out there on its website.

“I love to interview women and I feel very privileged when another woman lets me into her world and her ser vice and veteran experience,” says Pitsky. “I then do my best to write that up into a piece that hopefully honors that experience.”

Some of the women she’s interviewed are those with whom she’s served. “There's a piece on the blog about Emily Fowler who piloted a billion dollar warship,” says Pitsky. “We served on the same ship and it was great be cause I was able to learn all kinds of things about her.”

By the Numbers

300,000 The number of women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. 231,364 Total number of women on active duty in all branches of the U.S. military this year.

Above: A few of Lady Vet’s hats, scarves, and tee shirts.

On a smaller scale, visibility is also increased through social media such as Instagram and Facebook with a fea ture called “Veterans Look Like Her.”

“Women send pictures of themselves in uniform and as veterans and they also share a little blurb about their ser vice and what their experience has been as a veteran,” she says. “That's part of the visibility piece - to tell the stories and show the images.” These women often connect with her through social media and by word of mouth.

The other way Lady Vet increases awareness of women veterans is through merchandise offered on its website

9000 The number of women awarded Combat Action Badges since 2015, when the ban on women in combat was lifted.

100 The number of women in the U.S. Army’s elite Ranger unit as of March of this year.

1 The number of women in the Naval Special Warfare Command, which includes Navy SEALs and Special Boat crews.

Sources: USO.org; Special Operations Association of America; TaskandPurpose.com

I want to change the narrative so that when someone walks into a room looking for a veteran, they imagine it could be me or any of the other two million living women who have served.”

PHOTOS BY MEGHAN BEKKEDAHL, MELLOW DAISY

PHOTOGRAPHY

These Ladies Are Vets, Too

EMILY FOWLER drove the USS Gettysburg, a billion-dollar, 9,800ton warship when she was just 18-years-old. Fowler served five years in the US Navy, separating honorably as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class in 2007.

MONIFA CAINES served eight and a half years in the US Air Force, sep arating honorably as a Captain in 2006. Today, she is the Founder and CEO of Queen of Spades Style, a woman-owned, minority-owned small business.

KATY DOGGETT served for four years in the US Air Force and separated honorably as a Senior Airman in 2004. She is the first—and so far, only— woman in her family to have joined the military.

and in person at vendor events, including those held on military bases.

“What we offer is a clean, classic look that’s inclusive of women from all branches, all eras, and all backgrounds. So, when she sees something in our shop, she'll hope fully say, ‘I can see myself in that.’ I want women to have options and to be able to identify as a veteran if they want to, and not be mistaken for an imposter, because it clearly shows that they are the ones who served.”

Pitsky designed many of the t-shirts, hats, lapel pins and stickers herself that state, “Veterans Look Like Me” and “This Lady is a Vet.”

Recently, a local woman she knows told her about a friend who was struggling and was in the hospital. The woman thought about sending her flowers, but then she remembered that her friend is a veteran and decided to send her a couple of Lady Vet pieces instead.

“A couple of weeks later I heard that when she gave those things to her friend, she cried,” says Pitsky. “She said it was a surprise and it just really touched her heart.”

She also likes to use her merchandise and platform to support other nonprofits that are geared toward helping women veterans. “Periodically, I like to pick a nonprofit that's women-veteran focused and I'll highlight them on my website. We'll also donate part of our proceeds for a month to that cause.”

Pitsky, her husband Phil, and sweet old rescue dog Bella live in Haymarket. “Phil is incredibly supportive of what I’m doing,” she says. “I still remember the moment when I came to him in the kitchen and said I have this idea for Lady Vet. He looked at me and said, ‘That's brilliant!’

“I stumbled upon this cause because of the observa tion that I had in my own life, but this isn't about me at all,” she says. “I genuinely want my sisters to be seen and valued for making the same sacrifices that our brother veterans made.” hg

To find out more, read the stories and profiles, and shop at Lady Vet, go to ladyvetusa.com.

Above: Bethanie takes the family’s rescue pup, Bella, for a stroll. Below: Bethanie and one of Lady Vet’s popular pins.

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

our neighbors

Thankful for FamilyHowever It’s Created

BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

Many of us, when asked what we’re most grateful for in our lives, will say our families. Families are created in a variety of different ways though - some are formed by blood, others by love - but every single one is unique and special.

“I'm thankful for my husband, Chris, and especially for our daughter, Anna, because I feel like she completed our family,” says Teresa Phillips of Gainesville. “She is the child who was born in my heart.” Anna was adopted at the age of 19 months from Moscow, Russia.

Teresa and Chris were intro duced to international adoption by a close friend and later con nected with their same adoption agency, Catholic Social Services out of North Carolina.

“We submitted our applica tion in September of 2007, and two months later, we were then invited to visit the country,” says Teresa. “We were open to any child, and when we traveled to Moscow and met Anna, we fell in love with her right away.” They were able to bring Anna home to Virginia in February of 2008.

Today, Anna is 16 years old. “I’m so thankful that my parents adopted me,” she says. “I'm just very happy and so fortunate that my parents were able to go all the way to Russia to adopt me.”

Anna has always known she was adopted. “We created a picture story book that tells her entire adoption pro cess,” says Chris. “We went through that with her as she was growing up and looked at it all the time.”

Adds Anna, “I'm proud that I'm adopted. I have always shared my adoption story with my friends.”

Anna is also lucky to have a special friend who has basically known her all her life.

Liam O'Daniel was in the same baby home with her in Moscow, and the two would play together as toddlers.

Above left, the Phillips family leaving Moscow with Anna. Above right, Liam and Anna at the Stone House in Manassas National Battlefield Park. Right, Rob & Dede O’Daniel with Liam in Moscow.

Liam was 18 months old when he was adopted by his family from Texas.

Above, the Podolsk Baby Orphanage in Moscow where Liam and Anna lived until they were adopted. Below, Anna and Liam, both 4 years old, visiting D.C. in 2011.

“I'm so grateful to have been given a home,” says Liam. “Like Anna said, it's such a miracle and a blessing that two people would basically go halfway around the world just for me. It blows my mind every time I think about it.”

Adds Teresa, “We met Liam’s parents, Rob and Dede, when they were in Moscow to adopt him. They used the same agency we did. While there, we developed a friend ship and went out to dinner a few times and then kept in touch. When the kids were 4 years old, Liam and his parents came to visit us.”

Anna and Liam stayed in touch over the years through letters, texts and FaceTime, and sent each other birthday presents. They also decided that they would see each other again when they turned 16. So this past July, Liam flew all the way from Odessa, Texas, by himself to meet up with his lifelong friend Anna and her parents.

“What's so special about their relationship, I think, is that the two of them started their lives together at the same place and basically at the same time,” says Teresa. “They also have a lot of similarities. They're both into music - Anna plays the piano and Liam plays the guitar.”

Adds Anna, “Something else that we have in common

is that we're both Christians. We attend youth groups at our churches and talk about possibly going to Christian colleges in the future.”

Liam agrees, “I’m grateful because we are both lucky enough to be adopted into loving Christian families that teach us good values.”

They also both enjoy swimming. “Anna is on a swim team and I have a pool in my backyard,” says Liam. They both love the ocean, and during Liam’s stay, they visited Virginia Beach.

“We also took a drive to see the [Washington, D.C.] monuments and took a ton of pictures,” says Liam. “It was an absolute blast. And the other night we had dinner with two of Anna’s friends who were also adopted from Russia. It was really interesting to meet others who have had similar experiences like Anna and me.”

Liam explains that his and Anna’s friendship is com forting because they can relate to the same experience. “Kids would always talk about how they came from their parents and I had a little bit of a different experience. So it’s nice to have somebody else who understands that.”

Anna is an only child, but Liam now has two stepsis ters. “My mom passed away a little while ago and my dad remarried. His wife’s name is Natalie and she has two daughters, so I gained two sisters.”

Although Russia is now closed to U.S. adoptions, Chris and Teresa encourage other parents to consider internation al adoptions. “Open your heart fully and trust in God!” she says. “You could make a world of difference in a child's life. With nurturing and love your child will thrive. You will be able to change a child's life and that child will change yours.”

“People are often surprised that Anna is adopted be cause she looks so much like us,” says Chris. “We all have brown eyes and blonde hair.”

Adds Teresa, “And Liam looks just like his daddy, so people are surprised he’s adopted as well.”

Anna attends Colgan High School in Manassas and is in the Performing Arts Piano Program. She really enjoys

Liam traveled from Odessa, Texas in July to see Anna to celebrate their 16th birthday.

it because she gets to take music classes along with tradi tional high school courses.

Liam is also excelling. “I attend Odessa Collegiate Acad emy where I take AP high school courses, as well as college courses. So, at the end of my four years of high school, I’ll have 60 hours of college and will receive my associate’s degree on top of my actual high school diploma.”

Says Teresa, “Anna and Liam have such a great story and a special friendship. I think they'll be friends for life.” hg

Setting Your Thanksgiving Table

BY MARIA LOVELESS

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and whether you’re entertaining a large crowd of extended family and friends or not, you still want to make your holiday table special. If you’ve hit a roadblock in your design or are looking for a new way to stage your table, here is some inspiration that you can use for the upcoming holiday.

Get creative with your centerpiece

There are so many different centerpiece ideas that you can easily DIY or purchase depending on your style and budget. For instance, fresh gourds and produce can be the perfect focal point of the table and are usually small enough that they won’t obstruct conversation across the table. On the other hand, larger size pumpkins and fall leaves placed down the center of the table are sure to be a conversation starter and a creative nod to the close of the harvest season.

Mix and match bonus pieces

There are plenty of other ways to make your Thanksgiving table unique this year. Try mixing and matching bread plates and berry bowls to elevate your dishware. Similarly, you can add unique place cards and napkin rings to ensure your setup reflects your hosting personality.

BY VIRGINIA SIMIONATO

BY SARAH PFLUG

Easy Gourd Centerpiece

Keep your Thanksgiving cen terpiece simple so guests are free to focus on the food. On a round plate, place a variety of gourds purchased at your local farm stand or supermar ket. Place greenery to the left and right of the plate, top with candles, and enjoy.

Centerpiece within a Centerpiece

Place a favorite vase and greenery – or a candle – in the center of a round plate or cake stand and surround it with mini pumpkins, pine cones, and real or fake lemons for a sweet and inexpensive centerpiece.

Be practical with your dishware

Choose dishware based on how well it holds up to sil verware and the dishwasher, as this will make clean ing up much easier in the long run. Simple plates, like clean white or any other solid color can be perfect. The rest of the table décor will ensure your family is fully immersed in the holiday spirit while they eat.

Simple Garland Centerpiece

This easy greenery garland is simple yet luxuri ous. You can create it with just a few inexpensive greenery branches and floral wire, or with green ery gathered from your own yard. Add a few tea candles and you're ready to set the table.

BY JORDAN ARNOLD

hg

Thanksgiving Leftovers They’ll Love (And wine pairings, too!)

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA, HOME ECONOMIST

Got Thanksgiving leftovers?

Here’s some easy ways to get them gobbled up fast as well as suggested wine pairings to keep each feeling holiday festive.

Classic Turkey Soup

The grand-daddy of all Thanksgiving leftover recipes. Put turkey bones into a large pot. Cover with enough water so it’s 2 inches above the bones. Bring to a boil on high - partially covered. Reduce heat. Simmer for 3 hours. Remove bones and discard. Add soup veggies to taste (carrots, onions, celery, some parsley – whatever you like), plus salt and pepper. Simmer till vegetables are soft – about 45 minutes. Throw in leftover cooked rice or a handful of dry noodles and cook for another 10 minutes or so till done. It’s soup!

PAIRS WELL WITH: CHARDONNAY

Chardonnay is an ideal choice as it complements a variety of flavors, including the herbs used in bast ing a turkey. Local Vintage: DuCard Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay. This Chardonnay comes from a blend of grapes from two of its Madison vine yard sites and exhibits zesty acidity and a long mouthwatering finish. $32. Ducardvineyards.com

Stuffed Mushrooms

Who doesn’t love stuffed mushrooms?

Get some fresh mushrooms. Remove the stems and chop. Add to the leftover stuffing. Moisten with gravy so it holds together. Mound into the raw mushroom caps. Melt some butter in a skillet. Put the filled caps into the pan – mushroom side down. Cover. Heat until mushrooms have softened a bit –just a couple of minutes. Pour any remaining juices over mushrooms for serving.

PAIRS WELL WITH: PINOT NOIR

Pinot Noir is a highly versatile, fruit-for ward wine that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy, not to mention stuffed mushrooms slathered in the stuff. Local Vintage: Stone Tower Winery 2017 Maison Sanglier Pinot Noir. This Burgundian Pinot Noir pairs nicely with poultry and meaty fish, as well as many vegetable dishes. $38.00. stonetowerwinery.com

Sweet Potato Bisque

A quick soup that rivals takeout!

Puree leftover sweet potatoes. It’s OK if there’s other stuff in the sweet potatoes like butter, brown sugar, marshmallow, pineapple etc. Add plant or dairy milk for the consistency you like plus salt and pepper to taste. Heat.

PAIRS WELL WITH: RIESLING

Riesling pairs especially well with turkey and spicier, herbier flavors and a dry Riesling adds a delicious touch to sweeter items such as sweet potatoes. Local Vin tage: The Winery at Bull Run 2016 Riesling. This crisp, medium-bodied Riesling has a refreshing minerality throughout and offers a delightful balance of fruit and acidity. $55.00. Wineryatbullrun.com

Swiss Eggs and Potatoes

A fancy, no crust quiche.

Put 3 cups of cooked potato chunks in the bottom of a buttered 8 inch X 2 inch square baking pan. Whisk together 6 eggs, 3 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon hot sauce. Stir in 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese. Pour over potatoes. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven till set in center and lightly puffed at edges – about 1 ¼ hours. Cool 20 minutes before cutting.

PAIRS WELL WITH: CHARDONNAY

As we mentioned previously, Chardonnay is an ideal choice as it complements a variety of flavors and spices used at Thanksgiving. Local Vintage: Philip Carter Winery 2019 Shirley Char donnay. A full-bodied white perfect for heavier food pairings – creamy sauces like gravy and egg-based dishes. $32. Shop.pcwinery.com

Croissant Sandwich.

MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

1 (12 to 16 oz.) bag fresh cranberries

2 cups port wine (other wines not recommended)

1-1/2 cups brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash cranberries under tepid run ning water. Drain.

2. Discard any stems or shriveled berries.

3. In a large pot, bring wine and sugar to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.

4. Add cranberries. Cook on medium till they pop - about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove popped cran berries to a heat safe dish.

5. Continue cooking liquid (uncovered) until it’s reduced by half - about 10 minutes - then pour over the cooked cranberries. Stir.

6. Cool. Cover and refrigerate.

Crepes

Always a winner because not only are they good but people think you’ve gone to culinary school.

Prepare a batch of crepes. Fill them with leftovers and roll up. Put them into a buttered baking dish and pour gravy or cheese sauce generously over the top. Cover. Heat about 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven or microwave.

PAIRS WELL WITH: SPARKLING WINE

Sparkling wine and Champagne contain high acidity, which bring out the hearty, aromatic flavors typically associated with Thanksgiving. Local Vintage: Pear mund Cellars Brut Reserve. Crisp acidity, silky texture, and just enough carbon ation makes this an incredibly refreshing sparkling. $44. pearmundcellars.com

Over Stuffed - Knife and Fork Croissant (or Corn Bread or Biscuit!) Sandwiches

Saving the best for last.

Split, toast (don’t microwave) and butter both cut sides of a split croissant. Use generous amounts of fillings to make sandwiches that are too big to eat without a knife and fork. Sub corn bread or biscuits, preparing them the same way.

FILLING: TURKEY, BRIE AND PORTED CRANBERRIES

Briefly microwave a generous amount of turkey and brie until the cheese just starts to melt. Slide onto the buttered bottom half of the croissant. Top with a ladle full of warmed, ported cranberry sauce. (Recipe follows.) Cover with crois sant top forming a sandwich. Serve with Dijon mustard.

PAIRS WELL WITH: PETIT VERDOT

Petit Verdot pairs nicely with a variety of cheeses, including brie, aged cheddar, gruyere, and gouda. Local Vintage: Barrel Oak Winery Petit Verdot. A full-bodied red with a warm spice finish. $46. barreloak.com

FILLING: BROCCOLI, BACON AND CHEESE

Top a mound of leftover, cooked broccoli with a generous amount of Velveeta or your fav cheese. Microwave till the cheese melts. Slide onto the buttered bottom half of the croissant. Top with a handful of cooked crispy bacon. Cover with croissant top forming a sandwich.

PAIRS WELL WITH: SAUVIGNON BLANC

Sauvignon blanc is a refreshing white wine that complements many different cheeses. Local Vintage: Winery at LaGrange 2020 Sauvignon Blanc. A light, crisp white with aromas of stone fruits and a palate of mineral with peach and honey notes. $30. wineryatlagrange.com

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New apartment complex boosts housing for veterans

The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) recently marked the grand opening of Lucille and Bruce Terwilliger Place, the nonprofit developer’s new affordable-housing development and new home to American Legion Post 139 in the Virginia Square neighborhood.

Shown at the ceremonial opening of Terwilliger Place are (from left) Mike Chiappa, Ryan Nash, Brian Stout, Debbie Burkart, Katie Cristol, Edmund Delany, Carmen Romero, Dan Donahue, Robert Davis, Bruce and Ron Terwilliger, Henry Cisneros, Susan Dewey, Matt Birenbaum, Secretary Denis McDonough and Bob Romano. Photo courtesy Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing

Located on Washington Boulevard near the Virginia Square-GMU Metro station, the project includes 160 units of affordable rental units (with half the units giving preference to military veterans), along with ground-floor space to house the American Legion post, which previously occupied the parcel. There also is a community and multi-purpose space, a counseling office and business center.

“This strategy is replicable in other locations. It can be a successful blueprint to help in crease the stock of housing dedicated to veterans and provide more opportunities for those who have served,” said U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “No veteran should be homeless in the country they fought to defend.”

Support the Battlefield High School Marching Band

Come to their free car show Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the school’s parking lot. Enjoy food, raffles, trophies, and more! All proceeds benefit the band. Car owners can register at battlefieldbands.com

It’s Christmas in Vienna with the Vienna Boys Choir

The holiday season isn’t complete without the return of the Vienna Boys Choir at Mason Center for the Arts. On Friday, De cember 9 at 8:00 p.m., experience the cheru bic ensemble of boy sopranos and altos from eight to 14. The group’s yuletide program has something for everyone: Baroque classics, contemporary popular hits, Christian hymns, Austrian folk tunes, polkas, waltzes, and more! For tickets,visit: cfa.calendar.gmu. edu/vienna-boys-choir

Occoquan considers riverwalk expansion

Occoquan wants to develop a plan for the future of properties along the river. At its September meeting, the Town Council ap proved the allocation of up to $41,000 to create a vision plan for Riverwalk Expansion and Riv erwalk Overlook Extension projects. The plan will cover the entire stretch of the Occoquan River within the town limits. It will include the existing boardwalk area, sections with existing construction plans and areas without planned projects. It will also include connections to other recreation opportunities. The town is a hotspot for recreation along the river. Last year, Occoquan completed construction of a new river access point for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. There will be public input and an open house before the final report is provided to the town.

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