Bringing Quality Care to
Surgical Care in Our Community
Bringing Quality Care to Our Community
Bringing Quality Care to Our Community
Bringing Quality Care to Our Community
Bringing Quality Care to Our Community
Fauquier Health Physician Services has grown the number of primary care and OB/GYN providers in our community to give you access to the care you and your family need. Our practices are all welcoming new patients.
Fauquier Health Physician Services has grown the number of primary care and OB/GYN providers in our community to give you access to the care you and your family need. Our practices are all welcoming new patients.
Surgical Care in Our Community
With primary and OB/GYN care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.
With primary and OB/GYN care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.
Primary Care
Primary Care
Surgical Care in Our Community
Surgical Care in Our Community
Internal Medicine
When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.
Fauquier Health Primary and Specialty Care at Lake Manassas
When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.
Fauquier Health Primary and Specialty Care at Lake Manassas
Internal Medicine
When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.
Piedmont Internal Medicine
With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.
7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 Gainesville, VA 20155
7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 Gainesville, VA 20155
703.743.7370
703.743.7370
Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
When you or a family member needs
Jenna Wong, DO Family Medicine
Jenna Wong, DO Family Medicine
Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery
Fauquier Health Family Practice at Bealeton 6200 Station Drive • Bealeton, VA 22712 540.439.8100
Fauquier Health Family Practice at Bealeton 6200 Station Drive • Bealeton, VA 22712
540.439.8100
Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery
Bortun, MD
Medicine
Ahmed Fida, MD Family Medicine
Fauquier Health Primary Care at Culpeper 1100 Sunset Lane, Ste. 1211-A Culpeper, VA 22701 • 540.316.5950
Tony Fiore, DO Family Medicine
Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Piedmont Internal Medicine 419 Holiday Court, Ste. 100 • Warrenton, VA 20186
With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.
Fauquier Health Primary Care at Culpeper 1100 Sunset Lane • Culpeper, VA 22701 540.316.5950
Tony Fiore, DO Family Medicine Christopher Nagle, MD Internal Medicine
Nagle, MD Internal Medicine
OB/GYN
OB/GYN
When you or a family member needs surgery, we have who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally techniques using the latest technology.
With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.
Joseph Brown, MD General Surgery
Fauquier Health OB/GYN 253
who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, techniques using the latest technology.
When you or a who can help. Our techniques using
Fauquier Health OB/GYN 253 Veterans Drive, Ste. 210 • Warrenton, VA 20186 • 540.316.5930
Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery
Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest
Fauquier Health OB/GYN and Midwifery at Lake Manassas 7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 • Gainesville, VA 20155 • 703.743.7300
Urology
With surgical care close to home, you can
G. Benjamin Wampler, MD General Surgery
When you or a family member who can help. Our surgeons techniques using the latest With surgical care close
With surgical care
Fauquier Health OB/GYN and Midwifery at Lake Manassas 7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 • Gainesville, VA 20155 • 703.743.7300
Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mohamad Salkini, Urology
Cynthia
Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
Joseph Brown, MD General Surgery
Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery
Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery G. Benjamin Wampler, General Surgery
Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mohamad
Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
Joseph Brown, General Surgery
Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery
Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery G.
Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Victoria McDonald, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
Nathaniel Saint-Preux, General Surgery
Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery
Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics &
Nchang Azefor, General Surgery
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
Nathaniel Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery
Barry Aron, Obstetrics &
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
Olga Mazur, General
Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology
Jae Lee, MD Internal Medicine
Candice Davis, FNP Internal Medicine
Hasina Hamid, MD
Demetrius Maoury, MD
Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology Jenna
Tony Fiore, DO
Christopher
Jae Lee, MD Internal Medicine
Candice Davis, FNP Internal Medicine
Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine
Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Erica Coleman, FNP Internal Medicine
Demetrius Maoury, MD Internal Medicine
Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology
Aliona Bortun, MD Family Medicine
Joseph David, MD Internal Medicine
Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Monica Freidline, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife
Candice Davis, FNP Inter nal
Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine
Ahmed Fida, MD Family Medicine
Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine
Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Erica Coleman, FNP Internal Medicine
Lauren Kim, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife
Demetrius Maoury, MD Internal Medicine
Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology
Mohamad Salkini, MD
Cynthia Dougherty, General Surgery
Aliona Bortun, MD Family Medicine
Joseph David, MD Internal Medicine
Gabriela Ammatuna, PhD, CM, IBCLC Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife
Candice Davis, FNP Internal Medicine
Kearn
Ahmed Fida, MD Family Medicine
Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine
Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Erica Coleman, FNP Internal Medicine
Lauren Kim, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife
Demetrius Maoury, MD Internal Medicine
Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology
Wong, DO Family Medicine
HOLIDAY GIFT
THIRD AND MAIN GOURMET TO GO
With a warm welcome and friendly customer service, Third and Main is known as one of the best places for a quick lunch of soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets, pre-prepared or made to order. We also offer catering for your office, event luncheons, dinners to go, and online ordering. Treat yourself this month! Be sure to come on a Friday or Saturday when our famous She Crab Soup is on the menu, and do not forget to grab a delicious dinner to go!
15 S. THIRD ST., WARRENTON / 540.347.2935 / THIRDANDMAINVA.COM
DARK HORSE PUB
The Dark Horse Irish Pub provides relaxed dining, acting as a center for community interaction in Rappahannock County. Boasting three dining rooms, seasonal outdoor seating, live music and global sports in our pub area many call “Cheers-Like,” we’re perfect for any occasion! Featuring home-style meals & pub favorites, fresh, quality ingredients & local products, we offer fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, wings, seafood, steaks, starters, salads, children’s menu, drinks, & much more! Open daily for lunch and dinner, weekend brunches. Reservations at exploretock.com. 659
THE TOWN DUCK
The Town Duck is in its element this time of year! A foodie's delight awaits your trip to this Main Street, Warrenton staple. Founded over 40 years ago, The Town Duck offers so much more than its extensive food and wine selection. Whether you are sourcing for your next dinner party or curating items for your home, showering the bride to be or new baby, or stuffing the mantel's stockings, you are sure to check off your holiday list. Photographed here, a European Christmastime wonderland from eras past, stirring nostalgia and tradition for the festive season ahead.
100 MAIN ST., WARRENTON / 540-347-7237 / TOWNDUCK.COM
LATITUDES FAIR TRADE
Explore a huge selection of unique, high-quality, handcrafted artisan products at this local family-run Fair Trade shop where the variety of merchandise ensures there is something for everyone. You will find a large selection of jewelry as well as children’s clothing and toys, accessories, clothing, home and kitchen decor, and cards. Be sure to go during the holidays for their remarkable Christmas decorations. Every item in the store is produced by fairly-paid artisans and farmers in developing nations around the world, promoting dignity and respect for all people.
78 MAIN ST., WARRENTON / 540-349-2333 / LATITUDESFAIRTRADE.COM I: @LATITUDES_WARRENTON / F: @LATITUDES FAIR TRADE - WARRENTON
GIFT GUIDE
WARRENTON WELLNESS
Experience the future of relaxation! The 20 minute session uses selected music with healing frequencies and Narrowband Ultraviolet B light to relax and calm your mind. The atmosphere in the Blu Room is designed to insulate you from the outside world to allow you to experience deep relaxation and get a dose of Vitamin D at the same time! Warrenton Wellness has the only Blu Room on the east coast. Our holiday special is going on now…36% off all packages and 50% off your first session! Gift certificates are available online or in-store.
83 W LEE HWY., WARRENTON / 540-216-2524 / WARRENTONWELLNESS.COM F: @WARRENTON WELLNESS / I: @WARRENTON BLUROOM
THE NATURAL MARKETPLACE
The Natural Marketplace has served Warrenton for 35 years with Healthier Options and Exceptional Customer Service! Our Organic Deli offers delicious Wraps, Sandwiches, Soups, Smoothies, Fresh Juices and Baked Goods, many Vegan/Gluten Free, created by our own Chef Zach. With carefully curated HIGH QUALITY Vitamin Supplements, Organic Body Care and Certified Organic Groceries/Produce, we are a one stop shop! Christmas Gift ideas include decadent Organic Chocolate, Bath and Beauty, Organic Candles, Organic Essential Oils and Natural Marketplace Gift Cards! Pop in, grab lunch and do some holiday shopping. Give the gift of Health this Holiday Season!
5
FRAMECRAFT
Framecraft has been Fauquier's frame shop since 1993, providing professional custom matting and framing services for customers who want an elegant and creative way to display art, memorabilia, or items of sentimental value. Located in the heart of Old Town Warrenton, Framecraft holds itself to a high standard with careful attention to detail, a love of art, and passion for the craft to ensure your framing project is perfect. Business hours are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
BOARDS BY GERALDINE
Looking for something special and delightful for your next gathering, party, or cozy night in? At Boards by Geraldine, we craft beautiful, delicious charcuterie boards, graze tables, platters, and boxes made with the finest imported and locally sourced meats, cheeses, fruits, and more. Whether you're celebrating, gifting, or simply indulging, we have the perfect spread for any occasion. From birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties or just because, we invite you to get in touch with us to make your catering order and let us bring something extra special. We can’t wait to share our passion for flavor with you!
FROM THE EDITOR
Iam a Christmas traditionalist, from homemade cookies to French Meat Pie (featured every year while I was growing up in homage to my stepfather’s French-Canadian ancestry) to candles in the windows and wreaths on the doors. And, of course, a Christmas tree.
Now, some traditions I’ve let lapse, for instance, remember the globs of tinsel we used to drape over everything in the ’70s?
This year we’re letting go of another tradition, or, to be more specific, let’s say we are evolving a tradition. I’m trying something new for a Christmas tree.
I am so tired of paying over $100 for a cut tree and having it drop ridiculous amounts of needles from the day we put it up till the day we take it down. Even when we cut our own, the needles drop.
We were at Home Depot last week, and I saw outside the garden center Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae trees. They are live, in pots, and although the name is a mystery, they look like Christmas trees. They aren’t terribly tall, about 6 feet, or as wide or strong as the cut trees.
But...they won’t drip needles, and they will look fresh all season.
So, because they are smaller, we decided to get two. At $60 each, we’re on par with the cost of one cut tree, and we can plant them in the yard afterward. We’ll put one in the customary place in the living room, and one in the foyer.
The reason I need two is that I have a lot of ornaments. My mother had a tradition of giving us an ornament every year. So, I have quite a few. Let’s just say I have over 50, just from that source. And then of course we’ve collected our own over the years. So, I figured I’d need at least two trees to hang a bunch of them, but I’ll still have to leave some off, I think.
But think how much easier it will be as far as putting lights on it. And they are not heavy and easy to carry.
My only concern is that we will look like we have a Charlie Brown tree. But I said, let’s try it for one year and see how we like it. But my husband is already sold on the idea forevermore. Just the simplicity of the lights alone has sealed the deal.
Wishing everyone a beautiful holiday season and good wishes for the New Year.
EDITOR
Pam Kamphuis
WARRENTON LIFESTYLE
A Celebration of Fauquier County
PUBLISHER
Dennis Brack dennis@warrentonlifestyle.com
EDITOR Pam Kamphuis pam@warrentonlifestyle.com
ART DIRECTOR Kara Thorpe kara@warrentonlifestyle.com
ADVERTISING
Sales Director: Jim Kelly jim@warrentonlifestyle.com, 434-987-3542
Senior Account Executive: Cindy McBride cindy@warrentonlifestyle.com, 540-229-6038
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Jay Ford creative@warrentonlifestyle.com
ACCOUNTING
Carina Richard-Wheat cwheat@insidenova.com 540-905-7791
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Email: subscribe@warrentonlifestyle.com 540-675-3338
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE
Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine 70 Main Street (by appointment only) Warrenton, VA 20186 • 540-349-2951
ON THE WEB
FauquierNow.com/lifestyle
Facebook: @FauquierNow, @WarrentonLifestyleMagazine
Email Newsletter: Sign up at FauquierNow.com
The Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 11,500 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Warrenton 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. ©2024 Rappahannock Media LLC.
The Lifestyle magazines is a sister publication with Fauquier County's Leading Online News Source, FAUQUIERNOW.COM Visit us for the latest local news, calendar, classifieds, obituaries, real estate announcements, newsletter sign up, Warrenton
Our Neighbors Fauquier Health names nurse Kari Schwind as DAISY award honoree
and Fitness
‘Who doesn’t like a nice butt?’
Sabrina Maybury of NOVA Glutes in Warrenton says cardio won’t necessarily get you the body you want. BY PAM
KAMPHUIS
Local Hero Retired vice admiral continues helping aging veterans
Huntly resident Scott Buschman volunteers for Hero’s Bridge BY AIMEE O’GRADY
Your local holiday event guide
Wine and Dine Cookie extravaganza
The works of local “Cookiers” BY PAM
The Santa run Fauquier Fire Companies’ annual collection for Fauquier County Toys for Tots is growing by leaps and bounds. BY KIPP HANELY
Arts Fauquier County: a hotbed of artistic ability
The Warrenton Arts Commission has big plans for the community BY PAM KAMPHUIS AND GRACE SCHUMACHER
Our Neighbors ‘Fearless, tireless’ community leader The strengths of Jane Bowling Wilson: Departing foundation head reflects on decade of service BY TIM CARRINGTON FOR FOOTHILLS FORUM
Local History The secret history of Vint Hill
Chris Rapp as Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Santa for their popular Santa Run. Photo by Luke Christopher.
Student writer visits the Cold War Museum BY DHRUV AMITABH 48 Real Estate Roundup 50 Wine and Dine Throw snowballs at your holiday feast
Holiday cookie recipes BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA 54
Wine and Dine Christmas wishes...and holiday spirits Cocktails for the season BY DANIEL DUCA
Subscribe!
Imagination Cast Through Creativity: Wakefield School Visual Arts
BY GRAYSON BANNING (WAKEFIELD CLASS OF 2021), MICHELE DUDLEY, AND ELISE SCALISE
The Visual Arts stand as a pillar of academic excellence at Wakefield School, deeply intertwined with the school’s mission of fostering “character, curiosity, and clear voices.” Upper School Fine Arts teacher Gary Genther, a monumental presence at Wakefield since 1986, has been instrumental in shaping this program. “A day without art is a day of lost potential,” he emphasizes, underscoring his belief that every student possesses an “artistic personality” worth developing.
Over the decades, Mr. Genther has expanded the curriculum dramatically to meet the increasing demand from students, and his expectation remains consistent: excellence. “This is going to vary depending on the student and their abilities. No matter what their experience or talent level is, each has the ability to achieve excellence,” says Mr. Genther. Linda Northup, who teaches studio art to Middle and Upper School students, focuses on cross-curricular projects that integrate seamlessly with her students' other classwork or interests. “Sometimes the class’ interest area or what they are learning in another class goes into the curriculum. So, if they are really excited about puppets, then I’ll figure out a way to have them make puppets or
paper mache.”
“A day without art is a day of lost potential.”
and sculpture with found objects, paper, and cardboard. She is also intentional about integrating cross-curricular activities, often leading large-scale collaborative projects that enrich her students' learning experience.
Working closely with other teachers to support these projects, Ms. Jones is often asked to help expand on lessons in math, science, or social studies. “I enjoy collaborating with teachers and finding new ways to help students understand a concept more thoroughly," she says. This cross-curricular approach is a staple of Wakefield, creating a collaborative and engaging learning environment across subjects.
Regardless of the project, Mrs. Northup believes the effort is the key to success in art. “Talent is great, but you can get where you want to go with effort.” While her students learn new skills in the classroom, Mrs. Northup continues to expand her expertise to enrich their learning experience. Building on her own summer studies, Mrs. Northrup has now added the Printmaking and Clay course to the Upper School offerings.
Developing an appreciation for the visual arts begins early at Wakefield. Brooke Jones, Lower School Art teacher, thinks about ‘the developmental learning each grade level needs. The elements of art are scaffolded over the years, adding more age-appropriate content each year.”
A key aspect of Ms. Jones' art classes is problem-solving, which invites students to think creatively and collaborate to find a solution. Ms. Jones wants "students to have an open, positive mind about what they can do in art class. They can always be successful in my class as long as they believe in themselves (and can take a little constructive criticism)."
Ms. Jones teaches a wide range of skills through her art units, using diverse mediums such as drawing, painting, printmaking,
Earlier this year, Ms. Jones took her 2nd grade students to the Natural History museum in Washington D.C., where they sketched different animals, focusing on shapes and textures. Combining art, science, and history, students learned about the natural world through observation and drawing. Inspired by their sketches, the class will now collaborate to create a large-scale mural of 7 different habitats for the Lower School hallway.
Each year, 4th-graders eagerly anticipate “The Wakefield Food Network”, a mathbased project centered on creating recipes using fractions. Students utilize the green screen to perform a cooking demonstration in the style of a cooking show. Last year, Ms. Jones suggested enhancing the experience by having students build a 3-D kitchen set in art class. From the architectural design and sketch, to the final cardboard build, students apply a multitude of skills all within the art classroom. These types of cross-curricular activities create synergy among each subject and allow students to use newly learned skills in a diverse range of tasks.
The key to finding success for our students is showing them what they can achieve with their unique personalities and abilities. In an educational setting where excellence is expected, both teachers and students are rising to the challenge. Wakefield’s visual arts department represents more than just a couple of fun art projects. It allows students to think outside the box, and create something beautiful.
I M A G I N E
Fauquier Health names nurse Kari Schwind as DAISY Award honoree — again
BY FAUQUIERNOW STAFF
Kari Schwind was named Fauquier Health’s DAISY Award Honoree for the third quarter of 2024. It is the second time Schwind, an interventional radiology nurse, has received this recognition.
The award celebrates and recognizes nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families and co-workers, according to a news release. Schwind was nominated by multiple patients under her care.
“My mother was in for a biopsy, and she is older. Kari took such good care of her – making sure she wasn’t nervous, remembering her other ailments and being patient with an older person,” shared one family member. “She didn’t rush her or talk down to her. She was all my mother could talk about, and she made her feel like a person. I can’t say enough how this impacted my mother.”
Schwind has been part of the Fauquier Health team for 18 years and a nurse for 31.
“I love the interactions I get to have with so many people,” said Schwind, who
graduated with a degree in nursing from the University of Iowa. “I love making an impact on people’s lives and am always humbled by their reactions. I so enjoy the work I get to do every day!”
“Kari was amazing. She was so sweet and helpful – very comforting and personable,” recounted a patient, according to the news release from the health system. “She helped me so much during my visit. She’s the definition of what a true nurse is!”
For Kari to be honored with the DAISY Award not once, but twice, speaks volumes for her compassion and commitment to her patients.
Fauquier Health Chief Nursing Officer
Toni Maxwell praised Schwind: “At Fauquier Health, our nurses are truly amazing professionals. For Kari to be honored with the DAISY Award not once, but twice, speaks volumes for her compassion and commitment to her patients. I am proud of Kari and her extraordinary nursing!”
The DAISY Award celebrates nurses in more than 6,500 health care facilities and schools of nursing around the world. It is presented by The DAISY Foundation, created in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick
Barnes, who died at age 33 of complications of an auto-immune disease. Barnes received extraordinary care from his nurses, and his family established the foundation to recognize skilled nurses who provide compassionate care. L
Photos courtesy Fauquier Health
LEFT: Fauquier Health CEO Rebecca Segal, Director of Cardiovascular Services Valarie Washington, award winner Kari Schwind, Danielle Quesenberry and Chief Nursing Officer Toni Maxwell with the banner signed by DAISY honorees and displayed in their unit. RIGHT: Nurse Kari Schwind accepts the DAISY Award certificate from Toni Maxwell, chief nursing officer at Fauquier Health.
‘Who doesn’t like a nice butt?’
Sabrina
Maybury of NOVA Glutes in Warrenton says cardio won’t necessarily get you the body you want.
BY PAM KAMPHUIS
Sabrina Maybury of Warrenton has always been into fitness, from early childhood. A middle child between two active, athletic brothers, she grew up with fitness as a lifestyle. Her mother always had her and her brothers in sports and activities, and she grew up running track and doing gymnastics.
“That was in the days when cardio was everything,” she said.
It was such an important part of her life that Maybury, who grew up near Syracuse, went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science specializing in adult fitness at the University of Tampa, and then studied kinesiology at the graduate level.
Fast forward a few years, she married her husband Tom, a Marine veteran, and they had a daughter Tulip, now five years old. Maybury was in great shape when she became pregnant, but the experiences of pregnancy and nursing changed her thinking as well as her body.
“My body just felt completely foreign, like I didn’t have control. I didn’t feel good. Everything was kind of loose and saggy,” she explained.
She returned to cardio, but it wasn’t helping the way it used to.
At that point she started studying exercise more and found a new trend which targeted the glute muscles. She started incorporating those muscles as well as the lower back and hamstrings more in her fitness routine.
This marked a turning point in Maybury’s views on exercise. She studied the work of Brett “the glute guy” Contreras and Louis Simmons, experts and proponents of back health, which shaped her methodologies ongoing. She realized the significance of enhancing muscle mass and increasing bone density through strength training.
While she fully agrees that cardiovascular exercise and fitness is important for heart and lung health, Maybury explained that losing weight should not be the only goal of exercise.
“Weighing less may not give you the body you want because cardio doesn’t create
shape,” she said. “Because of the weight of muscle mass, the body you want weighs more than you think it does.”
Targeting your glutes through exercise can yield a myriad of benefits for overall health and well-being. They are the biggest muscle group of the body, and they are one of the most functional, responsible for the movement of the hip and thigh. Strengthening the glutes can contribute to reducing the risk of knee, hip, and back pain.
Maybury explained, “They help with basic movements that we don’t even think of, standing up from a sitting position, climbing stairs, and even staying in an erect position.”
Not only that, but glutes are one of the aesthetically appealing muscle groups – as Maybury said, “Who doesn’t like a nice butt?”.
Armed with this information and her own positive experiences, Maybury wanted to share what she learned with other women of all ages.
“I really want to change generational thinking to be strong and not skinny,” she said.
In 2023, she opened NOVA Glutes in Warrenton, a strength training gym for women which emphasizes the glutes in the fitness routines with state-of-the-art equipment.
A variety of resources, classes and training opportunities are available for women of all ages, fitness levels and fitness goals, including girls over 12, the over 60 set, and those in postpartum.
Starting young is ideal, and Maybury believes in leading by example. Tulip, who is too young for serious strength training, spends a lot of time at the gym watching her mom. She also does gymnastics and, Maybury said proudly, “She can hold a plank longer than some of the girls in the gym.”
“If you can grab them when they’re young and just work on body weight basics, perfecting the …techniques, the body weight movement will catapult them into athleticism and fitness on its own.”
“I want people to have lifelong success with fitness,” Maybury said. L
Novaglutes.com
PHOTOS
Retired vice admiral continues helping aging veterans
Huntly resident Scott Buschman volunteers for Hero’s Bridge
BY AIMEE O'GRADY | SPECIAL TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK NEWS
After nearly four decades of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Huntly resident Scott Buschman retired as a vice admiral in 2022, and found it hard to leave it all behind.
He and his wife yearned for a beautiful landscape near family, and Rappahannock County, with its rolling hillsides and pastoral views, fit the description. They moved here two years ago and began to fill their days with activities that had eluded them with Buschman’s busy military career.
“We moved every two years, and our two sons probably attended close to 10 schools. They sacrificed a lot for my service,” says Buschman.
He found he missed his career, serving his country, and perhaps most of all, the extraordinary people with whom he had the privilege to work.
Early this year, Buschman read an article
in the Rappahannock News about the Warrenton-based nonprofit Hero’s Bridge and its mission resonated with him. “I attended the orientation and was impressed with the organization’s mission and Molly Brooks’ reasons for forming Hero’s Bridge,” he said. “She brought a lot of passion for aging veterans to the mission.”
Since then, he has delivered water to a veteran in Warrenton whose well had run dry, made home visits to a homebound Culpeper veteran, attended a fundraiser at Three Fox Vineyards, brought food to a social gathering, helped move a veteran and recently signed up to be a driver transporting veterans to their medical appointments.
His experience with Hero’s Bridge encapsulates the activities of the organization which help meet the everyday needs of aging veterans: getting mail, helping with groceries and driving veterans to doctors’ appointments. These services help veterans age in place and preserve their dignity as they move through their twilight years.
Perhaps his most impactful volunteer moment was on June 5 when he, along with five other volunteer groups, honored U.S. Coast Guard E-3 William Steinard, a Vietnam veteran, just two months before Steinard’s death.
This was a coordinated effort among Hero’s Bridge, Veteran’s Last Patrol, Chariots of Honor and was hosted by Mission BBQ. A violinist from the U.S. president's military band performed for the occasion.
Steinard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His wife was grateful that family members could attend the ceremony. For some, it was the first time they learned of his combat service.
“It was such a privilege to be a part of this ceremony to honor Mr. Steinard and to personally thank him, with his friends and family present, for his service in the Coast Guard and to our nation. Our Vietnam veterans did not always get the thanks they truly deserved,” said Buschman of the experience.
Buschman looks forward to continuing his service to the military, albeit in a new way. L
The writer is outreach coordinator for Hero’s Bridge
HELPING OUT: Hero’s Bridge serves veterans age 65 and older by bridging veterans to a better quality of life through age-specific and innovative programs. These services are available to heroes wherever they call home, at no expense to them or their families. For more information, please visit herosbridge.org.
Your Local
Holiday Event Guide
Welcome to Warrenton Lifestyle and FauquierNow’s calendar of holiday events near and closeby. Because this list was created well in advance, events, dates, and details may change or be updated. Please verify information before attending. Updates, more information, and additional events as they come to us can be found by scanning the following QR code:
Parades, Tree Lightings, and Celebrations
Christmas on Main
SAT., DEC. 7, 12-7 P.M.
Old Town Warrenton Christmas Parade
FRI., DEC. 6, 6 P.M.
MAIN STREET, WARRENTON
This nighttime event by Premiere Hospitality features over 125 local businesses and nonprofit organizations with floats, decorated vehicles, pets, and marchers. Proceeds to benefit Hero’s Bridge
Christmas in Candyland
FRI., DEC. 6, 5 P.M.
HARRIS PAVILION AND HISTORIC DISTRICT, 9201 CENTER ST., MANASSAS
Santa Lights Manassas will include free wagon rides and access to the Manassas ice rink, the Manassas Museum, and downtown shops and restaurants.
Greater
Manassas 78th Annual Christmas Parade
SAT., DEC. 7, 10 A.M.
MATHIS AVENUE – CENTER STREET, MANASSAS
For more than three quarters of a century, Manassas has delivered a delightful holiday themed parade, featuring Santa Claus, floats, bands, dancers, and local businesses and organizations.
DOWNTOWN FRONT ROYAL, 311 E. MAIN ST., FRONT ROYAL
Festivities will include Merry Market, music & entertainment, carriage rides, kids’ activities, a parade, and the lighting of the town's Christmas tree.
Marshall
Christmas Parade
SAT., DEC. 7
MAIN STREET, MARSHALL
The morning starts off with Breakfast with Santa at the Marshall Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and then everyone grabs a seat on Main Street for the Parade.
Remington
Christmas Parade
SAT., DEC. 7, 6 P.M.
DOWNTOWN REMINGTON
Ring in the holiday season with small town charm at the Christmas parade. Christmas in Little Washington
SUN., DEC. 8, 11 A.M.-4 P.M.
GAY STREET, LITTLE WASHINGTON
A celebration that will include a Christmas Market, food court, kids’ activities, entertainment, a parade and a visit from Santa (and Mrs. Claus). Proceeds go to support the Rappahannock County Food Pantry.
Holiday Sunday Funday for Kids and Christmas Parade
SUN., DEC. 8, 8 A.M.-11 P.M. DAVIS STREET, CULPEPER
A day filled with familyfriendly activities, shopping, and holiday cheer right in the heart of downtown Culpeper. Children can meet Santa Claus too. Parade follows.
Nokesville Community Christmas Parade
SAT., DEC. 14, 4-5 P.M. 13102 FITZWATER DR, NOKESVILLE
Come celebrate the holiday season in Nokesville as the parade travels through the heart of town. Santa will be there too!
A Dickens of a Christmas in Middleburg
SAT., DEC. 14, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
SOUTH MADISON ST., MIDDLEBURG
Dickens-themed holiday festivities including theater, dancing, singing, markets, food and drink and more. FOR UP-TO-DATE HOLIDAY EVENT DETAILS
Holiday Markets
Old Bust Head Holiday Market
SAT., DEC. 7, 12-5 P.M.
OLD BUST HEAD BREWERY, 7134 FARM STATION ROAD, WARRENTON
Enjoy a festive day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating at a German-style Holiday Market.
Kris Kringle Market
SAT., DEC. 7, 12-4 P.M. 160 W. BOWEN ST., REMINGTON
Holiday fun including vendors, Santa, hayrides, music, bonfires, s’mores, and more. Donations to the Little Free Pantry appreciated.
Holiday Craft Fair
SAT., DEC. 7, 9 A.M.- 3 P.M.
GRACE MILLER ELEMENTARY 6248 CATLETT RD., BEALETON
Shop over 50 vendors for handcrafted items, gifts, decorations, baked goods and more.
Archwood Green Barns Holiday Farmers Markets
SUNDAYS DEC. 8, 15 & 22
10 A.M.-2 P.M.
4557 OLD TAVERN RD., THE PLAINS Shop unique artisan gifts and local ingredients for holiday meals from seasonal vendors.
Haymarket Christmas Celebration and Craft Bazaar
SAT. DEC. 14, 2-6 P.M. 15000 WASHINGTON ST., SUITE 100, HAYMARKET
Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s workshop, kids’ activities, carols, live music, vendors and more.
Gumdrop Square
WEEKENDS DEC. 7-21, TIMES VARY
MAIN STREET, WARRENTON
Santa will be meeting with children of all ages in the magical setting of the historic John Barton Payne Building where children can shop for presents in Santa’s Secret Shop.
Plays, Dances and Concerts
“Scrooge! The Musical”
DEC. 6-15, 7:30 P.M. (2 P.M. MATINEE)
FAUQUIER COMMUNITY THEATER, 4225 AIKEN DRIVE, WARRENTON
Don’t miss this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. The Silver Tones Big Band Holiday Celebration and Swing Dance
SAT., DECEMBER 7, 3 P.M. (CONCERT), 7-10 P.M. (DANCE)
JOURNEY THEATER AND DANCE HALL, 4173 BLUDAU DRIVE, WARRENTON
Swing into the holidays with this classic big band holiday show with the 18-piece Silver Tones Swing Band.
The Centre Performing Arts Company presents “The Nutcracker”
SAT. & SUN., DEC 7 & 8, 4 P.M.
FAUQUIER HIGH SCHOOL, 705 WATERLOO ROAD, WARRENTON
This production is a great way for parents to introduce their children to the joy of the “Nutcracker” and the beauty of live ballet.
Piedmont Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert “Exsultate”
SUN., DEC. 8, 3-7 P.M.
MICHAEL A. HUGHES CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 597 BROADVIEW AVE., WARRENTON
PSO welcomes back audience-favorite soprano Emily Casey to perform Mozart’s “Exsultate Jubilate” and other cherished sacred classics.
And more…
Santa
at the Caboose
SAT., DEC. 7, 4-6 P.M.
79 S. 4TH ST., WARRENTON
Santa's aboard the historic train on the Warrenton Branch Greenway to greet visitors.
Cookies with Santa
FRI., DEC. 13, 6-8 P.M.
SAGE AND STONE APOTHECARY
301 E. MAIN ST., REMINGTON Food, crafts, and photo with Santa.
Breakfast with Santa
SUN., DEC. 8, 8-11 A.M. |
REMINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT, 200 E. MARSHALL ST., REMINGTON | $10 PER PERSON
Bring one unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots in Warrenton for one free breakfast.
Holiday Celebration with the Fauquier Community Band
MON., DEC. 9, 7 P.M. | FAUQUIER HIGH SCHOOL 705 WATERLOO ROAD, WARRENTON
A Warrenton holiday tradition, this concert will include classic holiday favorites and a sing along.
“Christmas in Music” by the Warrenton Chorale
DEC. 12-14, MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES
WARRENTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 341 CHURCH ST., WARRENTON
Warrenton Methodist Church’s Chorus will bring their songs and Christmas cheer.
Prince William Little Theater Presents “Christmas Belles”
DEC. 13 - 22, MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES
HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 10960 GEORGE MASON CIRCLE, MANASSAS
In this play, a church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control.
“Nutcracker: Kingdom of Sweets”
SAT., DEC. 14, 1 P.M. & 4 P.M.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM 6300 INDEPENDENCE AVE., BEALETON
Students of the Warrenton Ballet Center present the classic Christmastime ballet.
“The Worst Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
WEEKENDS DEC. 20-29, EVENINGS AND MATINEES 4175 BLUDAU DRIVE, WARRENTON
In this funny and touching musical adaptation of the holiday classic presented by Triune Entertainment, the difficult Herdman children demand parts in a Sunday school Christmas pageant with hilarious results.
Cookie Exchange Party
SUN., DEC. 8, 4-8 P.M. HAUTE CAKES, 92 MAIN ST., WARRENTON
Enjoy thousands of cookies, holiday music, and wear festive attire.
Storytime with Norma Thatcher
MON., DEC. 9, 11:30 A.M. FAUQUIER HISTORY MUSEUM AT THE OLD JAIL, 10 ASHBY ST., WARRENTON
Holiday Hayrides and Light Show
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS, DEC. 6-23, 6-9 P.M. VERDUN ADVENTURE BOUND, 17044 ADVENTURE BOUND TRAIL, RIXEYVILLE
Catch a glimpse of your favorite holiday characters throughout the trail and admire the thousands of lights.
Santa’s Magical Train Ride
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS THROUGH DEC. 21, 5-8 P.M. HARTLAND FARM, 12230 BELLE MEADE RD., MARKHAM
Enjoy a short, scenic ride in an open train car through sparkling Christmas lights on your way to Santa's Cottage. Reservations required.
Christmas at Maple Tree Farm
EVENINGS, FRIDAY - SUNDAY THROUGH DEC. 15, THURSDAYMONDAY DEC. 19-30 (CLOSED DEC. 24 & 25) 8275 MAPLE TREE LN., WARRENTON
Enjoy this 3/4 mile walking trail of holiday lights while meeting your favorite holiday characters. Reservations required. L
Building Communities, Empowering Families.
Building Communities, Empowering Families. Our mission: Building Communities, Empowering Families.
Building Communities, Empowering Families. Our mission: Building Empowering
COOKIE EXTRAVAGANZA
Works of art from local “cookiers” |
BY PAM KAMPHUIS
If there is any tradition that is universal for Christmas, it’s got to be Christmas cookies. And if there’s anything that children look forward to during the season is helping to bake and decorate the treats while getting the kitchen and themselves covered in flour.
Although my mother was the queen of Christmas cookies when I was growing up, making many batches of multiple types of cookies to give to family and friends, I don’t quite live up to that. And my decorating skills are limited to sprinkles of red and green sugar.
The trend now leans toward elaborately decorated holiday cookies. Some industrious bakers make these beautiful creations as a hobby to spoil kids and family at Christmastime, and others have created businesses, some brick and mortar, some home based. I was today years old when I discovered these bakers and decorators call themselves “Cookiers”.
There are a number of these talented baking artists in the area, and we thought it would be fun, and perhaps inspire a little baking, to show you what they can do. Although it looks hard, so I’m sticking to sprinkling butter cookies with sugar.
STEVI DORSEY
Stevi's Cookies Warrenton steviscookies.com
EXTRAVAGANZA
MEGAN NAGEL
Haute Cakes Pastry Shop Warrenton hautecakespastryshop. com
CHRISTINA CERNERA
The Boujee Baker Boutique & Stormy Acres Cookies Warrenton boujeebaker boutique.com
SHANNON SUTPHIN
Sugar Cookies by Shannon Warrenton F, I: @sugarcookies byshannon
Hello Ne ighbor!
I'm
The Santa Run
Fauquier County’s Volunteer Fire and Rescue Companies’ annual toy collection for Fauquier County Toys for Tots is growing by leaps and bounds.
BY KIPP HANLEY
The Santa Runs benefiting Fauquier County Toys for Tots conducted by Fauquier County Volunteer Fire Companies have become a holiday staple throughout the community. But before it became a county-wide event that collected holiday presents for hundreds of families in need, the Santa Run was just a guy who wanted to wish children Merry Christmas from on top of a Remington fire truck.
According to Remington Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s volunteer Steve Wright, retired Fauquier County Sheriff’s deputy and professional Santa Claus actor Terry Schrum approached the fire department more than a decade ago to see if he could bring holiday cheer to the town.
The company said yes, and soon thereafter, the Santa Run was born. Families came out of their Remington houses to hand deliver presents to the fire trucks as they passed through the community. At its peak, the Remington Volunteer Fire Company donated more than 100 bikes to deserving children thanks to the generosity of the local residents and a partnership with the local Wal-Mart. Eventually, other county volunteer fire departments joined in, with Warrenton and Marshall conducting their own Santa Runs and the other volunteer fire departments in the county setting out collection boxes for residents to drop off presents and holding events for the same purpose.
In recent years, the event has become even more popular thanks, in large part, to
the efforts of Fauquier County Toys for Tots Coordinator Brandy Glascock-Schaeffer.
A teacher at Marshall Middle School and the spouse of a Marine, Glascock-Schaeffer first learned of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots while serving as the coordinator of the school’s Angel Tree program. As someone who had a very modest upbringing, the idea of helping make Christmas merrier for less fortunate children was very appealing to Glascock-Schaeffer.
“Someone at the school said check with Toys for Tots, they will donate toys to the
schools,” said Glascock-Schaeffer, who took over the program in 2021. “I started to volunteer there for two years, and then the lady in charge wanted me to take over [for her].”
Last year, Fauquier County Toys for Tots distributed 4,967 toys, 649 stocking stuffers, 126 books and 83 bikes with helmets to 586 Fauquier and Rappahannock County children. That is approximately double what the community contributed the previous year and nearly 100 more kids were helped than in 2022.
The county’s generosity was so overwhelming, in fact, that the national organi-
Clockwise from top: Chris Rapp as Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Santa with Pat Koglin, volunteer coordinator; The Fauquier County Toys for Tots drop off with all the involved volunteers and all the toys that were collected during the various separate events; Fauquier Mechanical with donated toys and bicycles; Santa waving from the ladder truck during a previous WVFC Santa Run
zation’s foundation on which many Toys for Tots communities across the country rely on to fill in the gaps in donations was not necessary in 2023.
Before they make the holiday magic happen for good boys and girls of Fauquier County, Glascock-Schaeffer and her volunteers meet with the volunteer fire companies from Catlett, Remington, New Baltimore, Marshall, Goldvein, The Plains, and Orlean each fall to create a game plan, with each company contributing in a unique way. Last month, the Orlean Volunteer Fire Company hosted a Ham and Oyster Dinner in which attendees contributed $450 and 40 toys. Several of the volunteer fire departments also conducted Stuff the Bus (or Stuff the Ambulance) events at local Wal-Marts
where firefighters set up their vehicles in the parking lots to collect gifts. In addition, volunteer fire stations had drop-off boxes for community members wanting to donate to the campaign. The New Baltimore and Marshall Volunteer Fire Companies will also conduct Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 (donate a toy instead of paying for the meal) with Marshall and Remington participating in their own Santa Runs the next day.
In early December every year, the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company holds its Santa Run, a festive event. Part parade, part toy collection effort, Warrenton children and residents come out to see the fire and emergency apparatus with Santa waving
from the ladder truck. Residents can track the progress of the parade on the WVFC’s Facebook page. The company makes four runs over four days throughout the town to collect gifts which include the outlying suburbs of Warrenton Lakes, Cedar Run Drive and Academy Hill extended. Residents not on the parade route itself are encouraged to meet the Santa Run when it comes nearby.
Pat Koglin, who heads up the volunteer efforts for the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company, delights in the annual event and has been on every one of the town’s Santa Runs since it joined the efforts five years ago. She leads about 30-35 volunteers from WVFC and some of their family members in the preparation and execution of the event.
“We try to use every piece of apparatus in the Santa Run; it’s a pretty impressive parade. We get a wonderful response,” Koglin said. “Seeing the kids and the parents out there is very gratifying. It’s a great way for us to give back to the community.”
“The camaraderie in helping the community is just like firefighting,” Wright added. “When you go on a fire, you got everybody’s back. It was very heartwarming the first time that me and my wife got to see that
Left: WVFC volunteers L-R: Jordan Coleman, Pat Koglin, Dale Kidwell, Kevin Makely and his son Owen, Santa, Sam Neglia, Tom Litchford, Bryan Jaeger, Denise Faryniarz, Bill Weisbrodt Right: Toys bagged and ready for families to pick up.
so many kids were being taken care of.”
Once presents are dropped off at the Warrenton office by the volunteer fire companies, Fauquier County Toys for Tots volunteers spend up to 12 hours a day separating the gifts by age and sex and then “shopping” for the individual child. Typically the biggest needs are pre-teen girls and teenage boys. Depending on the age, each child typically will receive multiple toys, a book, a stocking stuffer and a board game.
In addition to the volunteer fire departments’ efforts, Fauquier County Toys for Tots has received tremendous volunteer support from the school system, the county government and the business community. National Honor Society high school students, students from Auburn and Marshall Middle Schools, Fauquier Hospital ICU nurses, Fauquier County Human Resource Department employees and Peak Roofing Contractors have all been recurring volunteers for the event, said Glascock-Schaeffer. Fauquier Mechanical, Country Chevrolet,
Passionate Caregivers, Exceptional Care
Around the clock care ranging from 4 hours to 24 hours per day wherever our clients call home.
• Personal Hygiene Care
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
• Medication Reminders
• Exercise & Range of Motion Support
• Meal Prep
• Light Housekeeping
• Transportation
• Hospice Support + MORE Please call us to arrange a free consultation!
Appleton Campbell are also a few of many local businesses who support the event.
Long-time Fauquier County Toys for Tots volunteer and county employee Gwen Mosley first began volunteering when she was a youth group leader at First Springs Baptist Church in Turnbull. Mosley, her daughter and a few relatives are part of a small group that perform a variety of administrative tasks at the Fauquier County Toys for Tots office as the holidays get closer.
“It’s a way to give back,” Mosley said. “I can’t always give monetarily, but giving time is a joy and a part of me now.”
“My daughter and son are huge into it,” said Glascock-Schaeffer. “My daughter is 11 and she loves it. It gives her a sense of belonging. Being able to make other kids happy, that is her favorite part.” L
WANT TO HELP?
After the events and Santa Runs, Fauquier County Toys for Tots will continue accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys until Dec. 16 at any County Volunteer Fire Department.
Fauquier County: A Hotbed of Artistic Ability
The Warrenton Arts Commission has big plans for the community
BY PAM KAMPHUIS AND GRACE SCHUMACHER
During the summer of 2023, the town of Warrenton enlisted a group of local artists and educators with the goal of establishing an art authority within the community to increase the profile of local art and artists.
From this call, the Warrenton Arts Commission was born — a first-of-its-kind initiative in town.
“Promoting Warrenton as a cultural entertainment and arts center is part of the Town’s comprehensive plan,” said Director of Community Development Rob Walton, “This would help increase Warrenton’s visibility as a tourist destination and invigorate local shops and businesses.”
Taylor Boyd, the commission’s vice president and local art studio gallery owner, concurred.
“I think the town is aware of how art affects the community at large and the people that live there, but also how it can bring people in and make it an attractive place that people want to go to,” she said. “There’s a void — so many artists in our area need somewhere to channel their energy and create, and there are so many pockets of space within our town that
could be really beautiful.”
The commission’s leadership team is composed of three additional local educators and artists, including President Jess Beach, an art teacher at James G. Brumfield Elementary School, the commission’s secretary, Karla Kolb, an art teacher at Auburn Middle School, and Marisa Pappas, an art teacher at Warrenton Middle School, who serves as
treasurer. Also contributing to the commission are a number of members at large and a group of dedicated volunteers.
Starting small
The commission started with a smaller scale project in March of 2024. With some donated paint left over from Boyd’s “You are Home” mural on Culpeper Street, seven
Submissions from Elementary School students for the Mural Contest
L-R: Members of the WAC Board of Directors and members at large: Taylor Boyd, Cammie Fuller, Jess Beach, Marisa Pappas, Bonnie Zacherle, Karla Kolb, EJ Peter
It takes a village
With four board members, the WAC is really in its infancy. They look forward to welcoming all artists of any age and genre who would like to be a part of the commission. They also welcome those who are not artists but are art lovers, anyone who wants to help. To grow the commission requires skills of all kinds, from financial expertise to grant writing requests, marketing, social media, and more.
students in the National Junior Art Honor Society from Auburn Middle School under Kolb designed and painted a piece of work in a location that people go past every day — a forgotten set of stairs leading to the Horner Street parking lot. (See photo top right)
“The kids worked really hard, and it took them quite a while, but they have a lot of pride in it. It’s like a pop of color,” said Beach.
The Mural Project
As a part of its mission to harness local artistic energy, this past summer the commission launched a mural competition aimed at beautifying and transforming the retaining wall of the Horner Street public parking lot. The vision was to create a collaborative work inspired by the theme of childhood
Submissions from Middle School students for the Mural Contest
Winning SubmissionPoetry
Submitted anonymously
Charlie’s Field June bug, may-fly, Mother, may I?
Hayrides, butterflies, let’s make a mud pie!
Christine and Eva singing songs, picking flowers then running home. Crickets by the laundry line, penny pitch past the dandelion.
Baby spies a hummingbird, it floats like a bubble above the world. “Batter up!” Now count to three. Back to the field they race to see, the winning run then fireflies, flash like stars in summer skies.
It’s carnival, it’s Sunday best, it’s coming home, it’s leaving the nest. It’s days behind and days to come. Robyn’s song and the rising sun.
and growing up in Old Town Warrenton.
Some of the inspiration came when the commission’s board talked to Robyn Thompson, a member of the church adjacent to the wall earmarked for the mural and the daughter of Eva Walker, for whom the nearby Eva Walker Park was named.
“She started talking about her childhood growing up in Warrenton and memories she had of the carnivals the church used to have, and we were captivated,” said Pappas.
Boyd said, “She gave us highly descriptive, visual words to describe childhood. We thought it would be fun to involve the children in this project.”
Thompson’s eloquence inspired the idea of adding poetry to the contest as well, which was open to all ages.
Last summer the board put out a call for artist submissions from children under the age of 18 living in the Warrenton area to be considered for the project and received almost 800 entries. They also received 26 poetry submissions. The board narrowed them down to 26 pieces of visual art and one poem as finalists.
The WAC is working on the design process with a local artist chosen to produce the project, which would ideally incorporate as many finalists designs as possible. The goal is to begin work on the mural in the coming spring of 2025.
What’s next?
The mural project does not nearly exhibit the scope of the commission’s plans. While the first two projects involved young student artists, the commission welcomes and supports artists of all ages.
For the WAC, art is creativity in all forms. Visual art such as painting and drawing, of course. Sculpture, fiber arts, photography, and mixed media, to name a few. But other creative pursuits include digital art, creative writing and poetry, music, the performing arts and more. All are welcome at WAC.
The members of the board see unlimited potential for WAC. Some things they are working toward for the future include artisan fairs and shows providing a way for adult artists to market and sell their work. Workshops and art education are a possibility. A longterm goal would be a permanent location to display local artists’ works. The space might also be able to serve as a location for musical performances, poetry readings, small performing arts, and group collaborations.
Warrenton Arts Commission is working to secure its status as a nonprofit organization, which will allow the group to apply for grants and fund future projects. The commission is currently under the fiscal umbrella of Experience Old Town Warrenton, a local nonprofit that enables the commission to accept donations and apply for grants while they work on securing their 501(c)(3) status.
“Since last summer, we’ve laid a lot of foundation to get where we are now, such as establishing bylaws and procedures, all those things that are not traditionally creative but are essential for the livelihood of our commission, continuing throughout our lifetimes and the generations to follow.” said Beach. L
Follow the WAC at @Warrenton_Arts_Commission
Scan to see more about the Mural Contest finalists:
Submissions from High School Students for the Mural Contest
The wall on Horner Street that is the intended spot for the Mural Project
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Harvey...
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• And much more!
‘Fearless, tireless’ community leader
The strengths
of Jane Bowling-Wilson: Departing foundation head reflects on decade of service
BY TIM CARRINGTON FOR FOOTHILLS FORUM
PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Jane Bowling-Wilson, educated in fine arts and teaching, wasn’t the obvious choice when she was tapped 10 years ago as executive director of the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic enterprise addressing a slew of community needs in Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock and Madison counties. But career paths don’t always follow straight lines. When Bowling-Wilson concludes her decade-long stint in January – handing the reins to Jim LaGraffe, who has headed Encompass Community Supports for nearly seven years – she and
the team she assembled can point to a string of achievements:
• The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, like other community foundations, oversees the return on assets entrusted by the region’s donors. Assets managed by the foundation more than quadrupled to $41 million from $9 million in 2015.
• Give Local Piedmont, an annual oneday online campaign that mobilizes funds for local nonprofits, surged to 225 participating organizations this year, up from 138 in 2015. Donations, initially $700,000 in 2015, have exceeded $1 million for each of the past four years.
• Total grantmaking by the foundation rose to $2.85 million in the 2023-2024 grant cycle, up from $1.4 million in 2015-2016.
Scholarships reached $360,000, more than doubling $161,000.
‘Fearless, tireless’
“The one word I would use to describe Jane as a leader is fearless,” said Dede McClure, the foundation’s senior program officer. “I never heard her hesitate.”
Bowling-Wilson was fully aware that her arts-oriented education at the University of Mary Washington and later the Corcoran School of Art didn’t prepare her for the challenges of running a community foundation: cultivating donors, managing millions of dollars of their assets, and working with an array of nonprofits. In response, “she was tireless,” said Rappahannock’s Rick Lessard, a former foundation board member.
And Bowling-Wilson herself leaves little doubt that she has loved her work. “We get, we grow and we grant,” she said. “It’s a seed planting business.”
Key supporters during Bowling-Wilson’s term as executive director paved the way. Throughout, the PATH Foundation has brought in funds to leverage money that other donors contributed. In 2021, PATH helped bring the Dupont Legacy Fund for Fauquier County under Northern Piedmont’s roof, raising the foundation assets to $39 million, from $29 million.
“I think where Jane and I are similar is in an ability to build on relationships,” said LaGraffe. One difference will be the size of the operation itself. Encompass,
ABOVE: Encompass Community Supports Executive Director Jim LaGraffe is resigning from his position effective Dec. 13. LaGraffe will begin leading the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation in January upon Jane Bowling-Wilson’s retirement.
recently rebranded from the wordy Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services, has 425 employees funding and mobilizing a mix of services to populations in need. “We have a staff of 3.5,” Bowling-Wilson said. “And one of them works remotely.”
The search, the leap
In 2015, the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, one of the now 900 U.S. community foundations, conducted a nationwide search for a new executive direc-
tor. The organization needed to grow.
Under the structure employed by philanthropies like the foundation, the sums available for grants were strictly tied to the return on invested assets, seldom more than 5% of the total. The assets pool under $10 million wouldn’t generate enough to make an impact across four counties, where health needs, housing stresses, and educational gaps were multiplying. Other such funds in Virginia, with its now 107 community
answers probably would not all be about “presents.”
The misunderstanding about Christmas is that it is not about presents, it’s gift of God’s presence this Christmas
foundations, were far larger, some greater than $100 million.
The search to replace previous Executive Director Cole Johnson concluded with no candidate emerging with decisive support. Someone suggested Bowling-Wilson, then the executive director at Headwaters. She wasn’t seeking a new job, and she lacked experience in financial management, and working across counties. But her knowledge of nonprofits in the region was impressive, and her personality made it clear that she got things done. As a former teacher, she passionately believed that people, herself included, could learn what they didn’t already know.
“It was a leap of faith,” said Lessard.
Work from strength
Bowling-Wilson worked from her strength – knowledge of the communities and their various nonprofits, plus relationships with a number of donors. For the financial and investment side, she has relied on an investment committee, plus four wealth management companies.
Accounting and transparency, “have been huge,” she said, proud to have steered the organization through nine audits that produced only clean bills of health.
The funds under the foundation’s management break down to seven distinct groups,
Northern
the largest being “donor assisted funds,” where families or organizations break off a section of their assets, designated exclusively for charitable contributions, resulting in an immediate, and usually significant, tax deduction. Then the donors, or their heirs, weigh in on how the manager of the fund (in this case the foundation) disperses these tax-exempt assets. Northern Piedmont shows 53 donor assisted funds under its management.
Categories and directions can be broad, so that a foundation like the foundation might propose projects that are looking for backing. Often multiple donors attached to funds at NPCF agree to contribute.
For example, during the COVID crisis, Bowling-Wilson mobilized funds for people and organizations undergoing particular stress. Amid nationwide protests of police violence, she learned that Culpeper police
teams were trying out patrols that included mental health specialists alongside law enforcement officers, and she scurried to see how Northern Piedmont and its various funds might provide support.
Perhaps her favorite recent involvement has been a three-year-effort known as Youth in Philanthropy. The current group (pictured at left) consists of 15 teenagers from six public schools and three private schools. Coached by Bowling-Wilson and others, they study nonprofits that affect the lives of children and young adults in the region, deciding after 10 weeks how to distribute $10,000 in grants. She hopes the participants will grow into adults who “ask what could make them more effective in their communities.”
Bowling-Wilson is humorous, friendly and forthright. She is also protective of her privacy. Asked her age, as many are upon retirement, she graciously refused to say. Then she added: “I have always been able to run fast, and work harder. I have great genes.” L Tim Carrington is a reporter for Foothills Forum (foothillsforum.org), an independent, communitysupported nonprofit tackling the need for in-depth reporting on Rappahannock County and regional issues.
Students from around the area participated in the Youth in Philanthropy program.
local history
The Secret History of Vint Hill
Student writer visits
The Cold War Museum
We asked “Kidstorian” Dhruv Amitabh to visit The Cold War Museum at Vint Hill and share his perspective as a young person one generation removed from the conflict. Dhruv is a ninth-grader at Wakefield School who lives in Haymarket. He is a published author and has participated in numerous writing events, winning a featured spot in the iWrite anthology called “I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids,” three times. He is a contributing journalist for BristowBeat.com, specializing in local history.
BY DHRUV AMITABH
One of the most hidden wars ever fought on this planet occurred not long ago. The Cold War was not exactly a war but a conflict between capitalism and communism that played out globally. It began after World War II and continued until 1991, ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall that separated East and West Germany. The two main players were the U.S. and the Soviet Union (USSR), which was what Russia called itself when it incorporated
other areas, such as Ukraine. It set into motion many events that are still prevalent in this modern age.
The U.S. wanted to spread democracy and prevent dictatorships, thus conflicts arose in places such as Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, China and South America.
The younger generations did not live through the Cold War so it can be fruitful to look back and make connections to present day situations. What better way to do that than to visit a museum dedicated to the war of shadows?
Don’t let the small size of the Cold War Museum at Vint Hill Station fool you. There is an abundance of physical and informational content within its walls that has been curated by individuals passionate about preserving Cold War history.
It boasts an impressive board of directors, and its co-founder is Francis Gary Powers Jr., son of one of a dozen casualties of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Plus, the museum is a nonprofit completely staffed by volunteers. Donations fund preservation and display of artifacts and educational programs.
Top: The Cold War Museum’s Berlin Wall artifacts
Middle: Crew of Army personnel work at Vint Hill Farm Station, 1943. Bottom: Position finder conducts radio surveillance at VHFS, 1943.
At the museum you can learn about top-secret reconnaissance missions conducted by U-2 spy planes and more. From the bricks of the Berlin Wall to Russian missile boosters, visitors will enjoy exploring military and CIA artifacts.
Mike Washville is one of the volunteers at the museum. While serving in the U.S. Army, Washville was stationed at Vint Hill in 1983-84. He also served in West Germany along the border of Czechoslovakia and East Germany from 1981 to 1983.
When explaining the significance of the Cold War, Washville emphasized the amount of espionage that occurred.
“The intelligence battle – in the skies, space, on the ground, in the dark alleyways – goes on 24 hours a day and seven days a week, mostly unknown to the public. That, for me, is the most fascinating part of the Cold War,” he said.
That is why the museum is perfectly situated. Vint Hill Farm Station hosted a military facility, known as Monitoring Station No. 1, that conducted espionage and radio surveillance throughout the 20th century.
Signal intelligence works by blasting radio signals on a certain frequency into the ionosphere, and having the magnetic wavelengths carry that frequency to its desired location.
“The decision to build this facility was both strategic and geographical,” Washville said.
Vint Hill began providing secret communications in World War II. It was in the optimal position to send and intercept signals from Western Europe, including Nazi Germany.
Vint Hill gave people a perspective as to how powerful and beneficial signal intelligence can be.
“It was the birthplace of modern Army signal intelligence, fostering the first-ever school of signal intelligence at the time,” Washville said.
Over time, signal intelligence grew from a crew of less than 300 to thousands across the country.
After the war, Vint Hill Farm Station became the first field station of the Army Security Agency and conducted significant signal intelligence operations during the Cold War. It also became a training center for radio-intercept operators.
Vint Hill Farm Station served various espionage purposes throughout decades, remaining an active military base and signal intelligence school for 52 years, eventually closing in 1997.
But The Cold War Museum includes histo -
Vint Hill farm served as U.S. Monitor Station No. 1 in 1951.
Operators transcribe reconnaissance at VHFS, 1944.
Visiting the Cold War Museum?
Here is what you need to know
LOCATION:
7172 Lineweaver Road in Vint Hill.
HOURS: Saturdays 11-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.
COST: Free on weekends
PRIVATE TOURS: By appointment only, weekdays, $15-20 per person
MEMBERSHIPS:
Begin at $25 annually and include VIP benefits
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Old Bust Head Brewery hosts a speaker series
MORE INFO: coldwar.org
ry that extends beyond signal transmission. It also includes many Cold War-era artifacts.
For instance, the museum holds a one-of-akind relic that was originally locked up in the CIA headquarters. During the rise of communism in China, the CIA used advanced photo analysis to create a foolproof mold and copy of Chairman Mao Zedong’s left ear.
“This was a way to identify Chairman Mao Zedong even if a doppelganger is used and will thus be able to keep an eye on his movements,” Washville said.
John Bergioni, the prime photo interpreter of the United States at the time, received the ear copy as a retirement gift. After he died, his son donated it to the museum.
For me, the museum not only provided a peek back in time, but a telescope into the future. The museum taught me that world affairs often occur behind the scenes. That begs the question: Is the Cold War really over, or is there a new and much deadlier Cold War being fought today?
We are fortunate to live so close to The Cold War Museum at Vint Hill, where one can interact with primary sources to gain knowledge of a significant time in history with effects that are still felt today. L
Fauquier’s
TOP 10
Top Sales
The ten highest-priced homes that sold between mid-October and mid-November in Fauquier County. Data and photos from Zillow.com.
$1,600,000
$1,249,000
The Big Picture
“In September, sales activity in the Greater Piedmont area remained relatively flat with 134 sales, which is four more than last year. Future sales activity remains optimistic as pending transactions increased by 11.9%. Homes were selling in the area for a median of $550,000, a 9.7% increase compared to last year. As for inventory, there were 312 active listings at the end of September, four fewer than the previous year, a 1.3% drop.”
—Greater Piedmont REALTORS® 2024 President Steve Gardner
The September Details for Fauquier County
Compared to September 2023
Median Sales Price: $630,000, up 11%
Sales Activity: 58, down 3%
Days on Market: 41, up 47%
Greater Piedmont REALTORS® is a trade association representing 650 REALTORS® in Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Madison counties.
wine&dine
Throw Snowballs at Your Holiday Feast
BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA
Iremember the days when I hoped for (wished for!) a snow covered Christmas. A snow covered Christmas meant our school vacation would be a nonstop festival of wintry fun and games. We’d make snow angels that covered us in newly fallen snow and snow men who were as tall as we could reach. There was sledding and ice skating and impromptu snowball fights that started when someone picked up a handful of snow and heaved it at anyone within a throw’s reach.
We were frozen to the bone by the time we went home. Hungry, too. But we didn’t care. There would be hot cocoa waiting for us and hot from the oven cookies.
My snowball fight days may be over but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up my love of fresh, hot from the oven cookies.
“Snowballs” are cookies I always bake at Christmas. They’re called snowballs because they’re so heavily dusted with powdered sugar that they almost look like those icy balls of snow we used to throw.
Snowball cookies go by many names and have many variations – Russian Tea Cakes, Swedish Heirloom Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cakes. The delicious thing all these recipes have in common is the heavy coating of powdered sugar that melts onto the hot cookies creating its signature glaze.
Let’s get into the kitchen!
About the Home Economist: Karla Jones Seidita has cooked up a very tasty life. She has been a restaurant and bakery owner, award-winning food writer, lifestyle radio host, cookbook author, country inn proprietor, and farm-to-table teacher. Currently she spends her days at her laptop and in her garden in Sumerduck. Find her at cheesecakefarms.com
.
• Access to the largest and most comprehensive oncology research/clinical trials program in the MidAtlantic.
• Ranked #1 physician practice in cancer care in Virginia based on number of Top Docs, according to Castle Connolly, an independent healthcare research firm.
• State-of-the-art technology, labs, and pharmacy supporting a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Highly specialized expertise in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, thoracic surgery, musculoskeletal tumor surgery, genetic counseling, nutritional counseling, social/ emotional counseling, palliative medicine, and more.
Bristow l Fauquier l Woodbridge
Snowballs – One Recipe with 12 Variations
A shortbread cookie (a cookie without eggs or milk) that’s buried under an avalanche of snowy powdered sugar with twelve flavor variations to keep you in snowballs all winter long.
MAKES 20 TO 24 SNOWBALLS, FREEZES WELL EQUIPMENT NEEDED – COOKIE SHEETS AND BAKING PARCHMENT
INGREDIENTS
1 stick butter (salted or unsalted, softened, can substitute vegan)
½ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
1 Flavoring or 1 Stuffing (selections follow)
1 cup powdered sugar (divided) for coating
FLAVORING OPTIONS
Eggnog: ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
Lemon: 1 Tablespoon grated lemon zest
Orange: 1 Tablespoon grated orange zest
Chocolate Chip: 1/3 cup regular or mini chocolate chips (can substitute vegan)
White Chocolate Chip: 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (can substitute vegan)
Toffee Chip: 1/3 cup butterscotch or toffee chocolate chips
Nut: 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, walnuts, pistachios or black walnuts
Espresso: 1 ¾ teaspoon dry ground coffee (real coffee, not instant)
Anise: ½ teaspoon ground anise
Matcha: 4 teaspoons ground matcha (green tea) powder (unsweetened)
STUFFING OPTIONS
Cherry: about 24 red or green candied (not maraschino) cherries
Date: about 8 whole pitted dates each cut into 3 (1/2 inch) pieces
DIRECTIONS
1. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, salt and flour. Measure the flour and powdered sugar by spooning them into “dry” measuring cups and leveling with a knife without shaking the cup or packing down the contents.
2. If adding a flavoring, add it now. (Omit flavorings if you want a plain cookie.) If using a stuffing, don’t add anything.
3. Chill dough (covered) till no longer sticky - about 20 minutes.
4. Line cookie sheets with parchment baking paper.
5. Scoop dough into 1 Tablespoon portions.
6. For flavored Snowballs, roll flavored dough portions between the palms of your hands to form evenly shaped balls. For stuffed Snowballs, flatten each dough portion into approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter, place a whole cherry or piece of date in each center, pinch dough around stuffing and roll to form a ball.
7. Place 1 inch apart on prepared parchment lined cookie sheets.
8. Chill balls (uncovered and on cookie sheets) for 15 minutes before baking.
9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
10. Bake (right from fridge) till golden on bottom – about 15 minutes. Tops will not brown much.
11. Immediately after removing from the oven, sift ½ cup powdered sugar for coating over the tops. Cool on pan.
12. Gently toss cooled cookies in remaining ½ cup powdered sugar for coating. L
•
•
• Sclerotherapy (injection and laser) Improve
Christmas wishes... and holiday spirits
BY DANIEL DUCA
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas this year is some snowy weather that causes me and the siblings to curl up in rocking chairs next to the fire with some festive spirits that we can hide from our mother. Like hot chocolate and rum. Throw on the Elvis Christmas album and introduce a flurry of nieces and neph- ews running around into the mix, and well, that should about do it.
Actually, could I ask for something more? For that Christmas party my aunt throws every year, could you make sure she has some cute mimosas or something so my sister can stop complaining about how it’s always just straight whiskey. It would save me a lot of trouble.
Oh, and one last thing. Could you bring families back together safely, remind old friends that they’re missed, and let everyone know that they are com- pletely and totally loved, if by no one else, by the one whose birth we celebrate on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas and may God bless you,
—The Duca Family
Boozy Hot Chocolate
2 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped 6 oz. heated milk
1.5 oz. Spirit of choice
Put the chocolate in an Irish Coffee mug or tempered mug, then add the heated milk and let it sit for about two minutes until the chocolate melts. After that, stir them together, then add the spirit of your choice. Any spirit works with this cocktail, but I think it tastes best with rum (because it plays into the sweeter side) or vodka (as it has the ability to disappear but still add its kick), bourbon being a distant third (especially if the vanilla note is prominent). Whatever you choose, you can add Bailey's Irish cream to the mix to sweeten it up. You really can't go wrong. Finish it off by topping with mini marshmallows.
Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa
2 oz. Ginger Beer
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
Chilled Champagne
Add the cranberry juice and ginger beer into a champagne flute, top with chilled champagne, and then garnish with skewered sugared cranberries.
DANIEL DUCA
founder
bartender at Duca Bar Company,
“I
Caring for patients and families as they face the challenges of a life-limiting illness has long been our calling, so we’re proud to be recognized as the preferred hospice provider in our community. From easing patients’ physical and emotional suffering to helping families cope with loss and grief, it is an honor to be with you when life matters most. To learn more about our care –and the compassionate people behind it – you can reach us 24/7.
(540) 349-3970
heartlandhospice.com
