Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine January 2021

Warrenton J A N U A R Y

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PUTTING DOWN ROOTS IN WARRENTON:

Prissylily Co. A NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS “A WHOLE NEW LIFE” THROUGH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY ENDLESS COLORS, TEXTURES, AND SHAPES: THE HOME OF ARTIST JAIME LYNN HENDERSON

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minimlly-invasive spine surgery, we can customize a plan that will get you back to a more active lifestyle.

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from the E D I T O R

T

the WARRENTON

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER

Dennis Brack dennis@piedmontpub.com

EDITORIAL

Pam Kamphuis pam@piedmontpub.com

ART DIRECTOR Kara Thorpe kara@piedmontpub.com

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

his is not always a cheerful time of year. In the midst of the winter doldrums, with the uncertainty of COVID-19, there’s something we need desperately.

Joy. This issue is full of joy.

You’ll read about the joy the Boyd family is feeling after their father’s life-saving weight loss surgery. He will be there to walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding day, something that was in jeopardy before his surgery.

Looking at the photos of the home profile of artist Jamie Lynn Henderson can’t help but lift your spirits with its bright colors and quirky decor. Once you see it, you’ll realize that her home is a lot of effort, “but,” she says,” everything in here brings me joy.” All the colors, patterns, art, and decorative items are there precisely because they mean something to her.

Last summer, Henderson was inspired to take up painting again to find some happiness in her life during the lonely times: see her work in the article.

Scott Tester is a legend to anyone who has gone through Warrenton public schools. As the main orchestra teacher in the middle schools, he has taught over 2000 students in his 45 years of teaching the skill, and joy, of music as his way of making a difference in the world. Some of his students still play with him in the Allegro Youth Orchestra.

Andre Fox, well-known acoustic soul and old time rock ’n roll musician in the area, will certainly be familiar to those that have been in Fauquier or Loudoun County for a while. His mission is to bring joy to people through his music. He considers his talent a responsibility to do just that. “It’s a cool job,” he says, “and it’s hard, but it’s more fun than any other job I’ve had.”

Donald Gallehr’s new book, Be Gentle, inspires living a happy life through peaceful thought and actions. And our cover story? A new plant shop in Warrenton. There’s nothing to lift your spirits in the doldrums of winter like another living thing in your home.

email jan@rappnews.com or call 540-675-3338

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE

PAM KAMPHUIS EDITOR

Piedmont Lifestyle Magazines 70 Main Street, Suite 32 Warrenton, 20186 540-349-2951

contents

ON THE WEB

www.PiedmontLifestyle.com Facebook: @PiedmontLifestylePublications Email Newsletter: Sign up at www.PiedmontLifestyle.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. ©2021 Rappahannock Media LLC.

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Living Gently The work of Warrenton author Donald Gallehr

BY HANNAH SAMLALL

12

A Whole New Life Bariatric Surgery at Fauquier Health

BY PAM KAMPHUIS AND CHRISTINE CRADDOCK

Growing a Business Prissylily Co. Plant Shop

BY LINDSAY HOGEBOOM

20

History

28

Endless Colors, Textures, and Shapes The home of artist Jamie Lynn Henderson

BY LINDSAY HOGEBOOM

View Tree Estate

BY JOHN TOLER

24

The Perfect Pitch Orchestra director and teacher Scott Tester

BY JAYA PATIL

34

A Gift and a Responsibility The music of Andre Fox

BY PAM KAMPHUIS

COVER PHOTO

BY LINDSAY HOGEBOOM

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Living Gently

BE GENTLE

Warrenton resident Donald Gallehr’s new book examines the role of gentleness in living a peaceful life

TEN WAYS TO BRING PEACE TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS

dONALD gALLEHR

BY HANNAH SAMLALL

I

t seems like everywhere we turn these days, we are presented with healthy food ideas, fitness programs, and more options that are focused on our physical wellness. We’re told that if we eat healthy and exercise, we’ll feel better and more energized. While these aspects of our health are definitely important, we often forget that our mental health is also paramount to an overall healthy well-being.

When Don Gallehr’s children were young, they were playing and got into an argument. From where he sat, Don called out to them: “Be gentle.” With one simple phrase, he was able to de-escalate that situation. That moment and phrase was a moment of realization for him; he realized how something so small could make such a difference in a person’s life.

Years later, Gallehr was reminded of this interaction with his kids and it sparked inspiration in him. He started to think about the ways he had made a positive change in other’s lives over the course of his life and he started to write. Before he knew it, he had written a book with ten chapters. Ten chapters with ten things he did in his life to bring peace to others.

Gallehr, who grew up in Walden, NY, came to northern Virginia as a professor at George Mason University. At the time, the university only had about 400 students and a small English department. Fast forward over 50 years and he has now taught over

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11,000 students over the course of his time at the university.

In 1978, he founded the Northern Virginia Writing Project as part of the National Writing Project, which was aimed at “teachers teaching teachers to teach writing”. He says, “I worked with legislatures to get funding and got several

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

}

awards for the quality of my teaching.” In 2008, Gallehr received the Teacher of the Year award.

The Dalai Lama contacted the National Writing Project in 2010 in order to find a writing teacher for his monks. Gallehr was well-known for his incorporation of meditation in his writing practices, and he

ended up traveling to India for a 15-day workshop with 33 monks.

Gallehr is a firm believer in the power of meditation. “One of the things meditation does is that it allows you to focus on the present moment and to let things go,” Gallehr said. “If you don’t let them go, you act them out and make others feel as uncomfortable as you’re feeling. That moment of letting things go and being in the present, that allows you to bring peace to your life and the lives of others. Then you can approach anything you’re doing on a full tank, not on empty.”

Gallehr, who has practiced meditation since the ’70s, has introduced these practices to his students over the years. “I never made my students meditate, but I taught them how to do it,” Gallehr said. “If they’re having trouble with anxiety or having trouble finding a topic to write about, sit down for 20 minutes and meditate. If it helps you, then do it.”

His book, Be Gentle: Ten ways to bring peace to yourself and others, teaches simple lessons that will hopefully inspire the reader to bring peace to this world. “Often what we’re looking for is right in front of us, but our mind is so conflicted we can’t see it,” he said.

“When we have a clear mind, that gives us

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Lessons from Be Gentle: CHAPTER ONE: Let go of I can’t, I should, I want, I need CHAPTER TWO: See things as they are, not as I would have them CHAPTER THREE: Help things become what they were meant to be CHAPTER FOUR: Meditation CHAPTER FIVE: Realize that nothing is stronger than the desire to feel comfortable CHAPTER SIX: If you don’t work it out, you’ll act it out CHAPTER SEVEN: Open your eyes: What you are looking for is right in front of you CHAPTER EIGHT: Do what gives you energy CHAPTER NINE: Come to your relationship running on full, not empty CHAPTER TEN: Strength, steadiness, and flexibility

energy. If people are interested in working through meditation exercises, they can get a friend to work with them. There are also wonderful groups in Warrenton that work in yoga and meditation practices.”

While meditation is something that can be done anywhere, it is also something that takes time and practice. “Do it with someone who will hold you accountable,”

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

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Gallehr said. “To make these things possible and easy, you’re going to have to practice every week, day, and month.” But it’s worth the work. “It’s very satisfying to become happy with ourselves and to then become happy with others; that brings us joy.” ❖ Be Gentle is available for purchase for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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Warrenton, VA

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WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

}

11

“It’s a Whole New Life” Dr. Alexandra Zubowicz performs life-changing weight loss surgery at Fauquier Health

BY PAM KAMPHUIS AND CHRISTINE CRADDOCK

T

Dr. A

hroughout her childhood, Dr. Alexandra Zubowicz, General Surgeon who specializes in Bariatric Surgery at Fauquier Health, learned from her parents how important it was to adopt healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle, and these important life lessons have carried into her dr aZ adulthood. “It’s critical to adopt ubo w icz healthy practices at a young age,” she says. But of course there are many people who haven’t been afforded the opportunity to begin life this way. This can lead to a downward spiral into medical complications related to obesity. “Genetic changes in childhood set the stage for what a person’s weight will be like for the rest of their lives,” explains Zubowicz.

Bryan Boyd of Warrenton, one of Dr. Z’s success stories, is a perfect example of this.

He says, “I’m from the south, born and raised in Kentucky on a farm. My mother believed in meat, potatoes, gravy, and bread for all three meals of the day. My mom used to say ‘Some people eat to live, we live to eat.’ There was so much work on the farm that I stayed thin until I left home and got a job. I’m an accountant and spend 8-10 days sitting behind a desk. Then the weight crept lex

an

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WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

Bryan’s weight topped out near 360 pounds before the surgery (left). He is now 175 pounds lighter 10 months later (above).

up until I was at 350 pounds, where I’ve been for the last 10 years.”

Coming from a long line of doctors, Zubowicz always had a medical career in mind, at first considering psychiatry.

However, during medical school, she came to the realization that surgery would be her niche. “I loved that you could fix a problem and help people lead better lives,” she says. And although she knew for certain she wanted to be a surgeon; she began to realize

}

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dramatically. There is nothing else in medicine that she’s seen that accomplishes reversing medical problems so quickly and helps people lead longer lives.

A person’s weight has huge health implications throughout their lives, and losing weight can become a life-or death struggle. As Bryan says, “I was almost 360 pounds, a heavy diabetic taking eight shots of insulin and 22 pills a day, and my blood sugar was still not really under control.” In his case, his weight also created heart and cholesterol problems, and knee problems which created back problems which made moving and exercise difficult and the Bryan’s family is weight harder to get off. On top of that, delighted that he is so there were the psychological effects: much healthier and “I couldn't do anything. I couldn’t can be a much more active part of their lives. walk on the beach with my daughters.

Doctors warned Bryan Everywhere I went I had to go in a that without significant scooter or wheelchair. I couldn’t even weight loss, he may one aspect of it that wasn’t not survive to walk his walk up a flight of stairs.” daughters down the aisle quite what she expected.

Doctors insisted that he had to get the on their wedding day.

When someone comes for weight off. One told him that if he didn’t surgery, often there is a get the weight off, he wasn’t going to pre-op visit, the procedure, the post-op visit, survive to walk his daughters down the aisle and that’s it. Afterwards, patients move on on their wedding day. “I had almost given with their lives. Zubowicz wanted a deeper up. I tried everything, Jenny Craig, Weight and more fulfilling relationship with her Watchers, Nutrisystem, everything. Nothing patients, something she could achieve by worked. I was so discouraged. pursuing bariatric surgery which requires Bryan was at that life or death point. “I post-operative, life-long contact with the had even planned my funeral and bought a patient to ensure the physical and mental burial plot, that’s how low I was,” he admits. success of the procedure. “With other “Dr. Z had just come from Georgetown surgeries, you fix the problem and that’s it. and was starting surgeries, so I did my But this is a long-term relationship,” she homework on her and on the program and emphasizes. “With this surgery, you can have I went to the support groups to see what it the best of both worlds in medicine.” was about.” Then he consulted with Dr. Z But what about the stigma associated with in person. “She was amazing from the very weight loss surgery? As recently as fifteen start, and worked with me a lot, making sure years ago, bariatric surgery was thought of I understood the surgery and the possible as “taking the easy way out” despite its complications and making sure that I was sometimes-dangerous complications and larger, a good candidate. There were about 8-10 open incisions. Zubowicz stands resolute weeks of testing and evaluations to make about reducing that stigma and the lack of sure I was ready for surgery and would have knowledge associated with how weight loss a good chance of success, both physically and surgery is prepared for and performed today, mentally. And the support groups afterward which makes a huge difference. Bryan says, “I are really helpful staying on track.”

Bryan says, “I know I may not be a typical had known people who had gotten the surgery patient, but I’ve had no complications from years ago, when they did larger incisions, and the surgery. It was a great experience from they both had major complications and 12 beginning to end. Dr. Z was just amazing. weeks out of work. It scared me, and I didn’t I was up and moving the afternoon of the get it done back then.”

Zubowicz explains that performing weight surgery, with hardly any pain. I only missed one day of work, the day of the surgery. I have loss surgery today is done in a “minimally hardly any scarring. The hospital staff was invasive” fashion with a robotic arm called incredible after the surgery, and Dr. Z checked the DaVinci machine: “It’s incredible in constantly to see how I was doing.” how much one can do with a few tiny So how’s Bryan doing now? He’s down 175 incisions,” she says. In almost no time, the pounds in 10 months, and wants to lose 20 overall quality of the patient’s life improves

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WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

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What is a sleeve Can anyone gastrectomy? get a sleeve Sleeve gastrectomy gastrectomy is usually a minimally as a weight invasive weight loss loss aid? surgery that reduces the size of the stomach organ. Through multiple small incisions in the abdomen, the surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube about the size of a banana. This smaller stomach limits food intake and reduces hunger, which can assist in weight loss, as well as improvement or complete resolution of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, to name a few.

The procedure helps cure these other existing medical conditions in other ways than just weight loss.

Not everyone who wants to lose weight will qualify for the surgery.

To be considered, the patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, which is considered extremely obese, or a BMI of 35 or over coupled with weight-related medical problems, such as diabetes. In addition, the patient must undergo a preoperative weight loss program, which includes visits with a dietician, a psychological evaluation, as well as general medical clearance. The preoperative process usually takes several months to complete.

more pounds to reach his ideal weight. He never had another shot of insulin, and is off most of his other medications. Although he’s not a huge fan of exercise for its own sake, he now walks the dog, walks on the beach with his daughters, and never uses a scooter or wheelchair. “It’s an absolute change of life. It’s so freeing,” he says.

One of the interesting things he found was how his taste changed post-surgery. He didn’t crave the unhealthy food he’d always loved —— like his beloved fried chicken —— but said that the healthier foods, like fish and chicken and vegetables simply tasted better to him. Since the surgery reduces the size of his stomach, eating much smaller portions more often throughout the day helped the weight come off too.

“The surgery basically jumpstarts the process,” says Zubowicz, and helps tools like diet and exercise be more effective. “Many people don’t know how safe it is, don’t know it’s an option, and don’t know it is available right here in the area,” she says.

Bryan admits that he was one of the lucky ones who had no complications and nothing but good results. “It wasn’t just one piece that did it,” he says. “It was a combination of Dr. Z, the robotic arm, and the support groups. You gotta have all the pieces or it won’t work.”

“It’s a whole new life,” he says. ❖

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15

Growing a Business Prissylily Co. Plants Roots in Warrenton

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LINDSAY HOGEBOOM

S

unglasses and house plants? For some, this combination may not seem obvious, but for Priscilla Aviles it makes perfect sense.

Aviles’s company, Prissylily Co., which offers these two distinct products, recently opened its doors in the heart of Old Town Warrenton. The homepage of the company website may sum the business up best: “House Plants and Sunglasses. The Perfect Pair. Think Positive. Think Plants.”

“Years ago, I wanted to do e-commerce,” says Aviles. “I started first with accessories… and then gradually started incorporating clothes. But it was more something to do on the side – it wasn’t really something I was passionate about.” Aviles eventually niched her company down to selling exclusively sunglasses, and that’s around the time she found her love for house plants. “A few years ago, I was redecorating my house. And I have always, my whole life, thought that I had a black thumb, [but] I really didn’t want to get fake plants….So I said, ‘Okay, I’m gonna try it.’” Aviles purchased two fiddleleaf figs – one for each corner of her dining room – and as they grew, so did her love of plants. “I started buying a ton of plants, and that just progressed. Once I learned how to propagate and make more plants I kind of went nuts.” Aviles began sending out her propagated plants to friends and family until they too had homes full of greenery. “After about five plants, everyone was like, ‘Stop!

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We don’t want any more plants!’” That’s when Aviles’ friends and family suggested selling her plants via her online store.

Right off the bat, Aviles found that house plants were a hit. “When I first listed them it was in July of 2018. I listed about five different plants…and when I woke up the next morning, all of them had sold,” she says. “Then from there it just grew into this crazy passion and it made me really happy, so I just kept going.”

Planting Roots in Warrenton After a few years of successful online sales, Aviles began to see a pattern emerging in customer requests. “As I got into the collector side [of plants], I noticed a lot of my orders were local, so they would order online and then they’d message [me] and say, ‘Can I come pick it up in person so you don’t have to ship it and stress it out?’”

That’s when the next step in Aviles’ business career became clear to her – she needed to open a brick and mortar storefront that was accessible to her clientele base, which was primarily in the northern Virginia area.

During her search for a space to establish her business, Aviles found that the small-town charm and close-knit community afforded

by Old Town Warrenton was exactly the environment she envisioned. “I knew that for the type of shop that I wanted, I really wanted it to have an old town vibe where you can walk, and where there are mom and pop shops,” she says. “I really wanted it to be very unique. And I love Warrenton. It’s so cute, all the boutiques and the shops, the people, the entire vibe.”

Since opening the storefront, Aviles has been able to expand her business model beyond sales of sunglasses and indoor plants to include services, such as repotting and plant diagnosis, as well as full plant care service packages geared toward businesses that may want to spruce up their space but don’t have the means to provide reliable care

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{ JANUARY 2021 |

for their office greenery. “I wanted to offer that because I understand that not everybody is like me and is obsessed with plants,” says Aviles, “but a lot of people still want them, they just don’t want to deal with them, and that’s okay. I will take care of that for you.”

that something like COVID-19 could bring people into this [plant] world because it is a seriously gratifying life, having plants and watching them grow. I think it’s exciting, and it brings people joy – it really does.”

Blooming in a Pandemic

One might assume that with Aviles having just recently opened up shop she would still be getting settled. But when asked about the future, Aviles has plenty in mind and no intention of stopping now. “I want to offer different care classes, repotting classes, propagating classes,” she says. Aviles currently offers a book within her shop, titled Plant Journal Journey, that she created to help plant owners document the care and health of their plants. In addition, she hopes to author another book detailing the specific care instructions for each of the plants she sells. “I also want to do a podcast,” she adds.

Aviles also sees partnerships with other local Warrenton businesses in her company’s future, including collaborative events with local coffee shops and teaming up with a nearby pottery studio – a fitting companion for plant shoppers who likely will be looking for a planter to house their new green friends. “I have so many ideas,” she exclaims, “and I know I’m just getting started, but I don’t really want to slow down.

I just want to keep going.” ❖

With many businesses struggling to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, Aviles’s decision to open a storefront in the midst of 2020 is one that surprised many of her friends and family. But according to Aviles, “COVID-19 affected [my business] the opposite of what it did for a lot of people, because during COVID-19, you have people who are stuck at home. They want to go outside, and if they can’t go outside, they want to feel like they have some life in their house.” According to an article from The Guardian, titled “Flower power: Covid restrictions fuel boom in plant and bulb sales,” Aviles isn’t the only plant retailer whose business is blooming during the pandemic; one company has seen its plant sales rise as much as 500 percent from the previous year, and another claims to have seen more than a 500 percent increase in the number of adults 18 to 24 visiting its website between June and October. Aviles’s experience further supports these apparent trends. “I’ve had numerous people – I want to say maybe one in three people that comes in here – say that they started getting into plants during COVID-19,” she says. “It’s exciting

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19

VIEW TREE

THE CROSBY ESTATE NEAR WARRENTON

BY JOHN TOLER

T

he unique name “View Tree” has been part of Fauquier County history for years, originally applied to an ancient chestnut tree that once stood near the top of Watery Mountain, just West of Warrenton.

Legend has it that on a clear day, observers could see Washington, D.C. from the View Tree, making it a useful observation post for both sides during the Civil War. In later years the tree was gone, and near the site replaced in 1906 with a beautiful 24room Gothic residence built by Oscar Terry

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{ JANUARY 2021 |

Crosby (1861-1947). View Tree Farm would remain in the Crosby family until late 1950, when the property was acquired by the U.S. Government.

In the more than four decades that the Crosby family lived at View Tree, they had a significant, positive effect on the community. Oscar Terry Crosby was married to Jeanne Bouligny (1864-1934), sister of Mlle. Lea Bouligny (1865-1954), later the founder and headmistress of the Warrenton Country School. The couple had four daughters, Elizabeth (1894-1908), Juliette (1895-1969), Miriam (1896-1966) and Celeste (1900-1967).

The Crosbys were frequent summer visitors of Mrs. Thomas Semmes – a fellow New Orleans native who lived on Culpeper Street – and leased properties in Warrenton before deciding to relocate here.

In 1904, they purchased the 358-acre property on Watery Mountain from Ann M. Payne, the widow of A. D. Payne, for $8,797.

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

}

The mansion built

by Oscar Terry Crosby on Watery Mountain was completed in 1906.

It had two large living rooms, six master bedrooms in pairs with baths inbetween, a spacious entry hall, kitchen and dining room.

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RIGHT: The ‘view tree’ once stood on Watery Mountain west of Warrenton.

ABOVE: Map of the Watery Mountain property purchased by the Crosbys from Mrs. A. D. Payne in 1904 shows property lines and adjacent owners.

The 4-acre square exclusion at lower right corner was the Warrenton Reservoir.

Construction of their new home started soon afterward.

Miss M. Louise Evans (1887-1966), whose family came to Warrenton about the same time as the Crosbys, became a close friend of the family. She worked as a typist/ stenographer for Mr. Crosby in an office above the old Post Office, working on the text for his several books. “His dictation was probably the most erudite I ever took,” she recalled in an article in The Fauquier Democrat in 1950.

A showplace, the mansion at View Tree was the scene of many distinguished formal and informal gatherings of diplomats, ambassadors and fellow explorers with whom Crosby had worked over the years. But the Crosby family was well-known and respected in their adopted town and county as well.

“They were excellent citizens, active in civic undertakings, the Red Cross, and numerous charities,” recalled Miss Evans. “They entertained local friends and guests generously, opening their home for

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numerous events and on many occasions.”

After the family had been at View Tree for less than two years, the Crosbys were struck by a great tragedy. In July 1908, eldest daughter Elizabeth, 14, drowned in the town reservoir on View Tree.

It is notable that the Town of Warrenton Reservoir on the property figured prominently in the Great Fire of 1909.

Because of the drought and a leak in the dam, water pressure to fight the fire was negligible, then non-existent. The town was saved by heroic efforts and the blasting of structures in the line of the fire, creating breaks.

The next three decades saw Oscar Terry’s achievements in business, government service and world-wide exploration and writing continue, and one-by-one, the Crosby daughters married and moved away.

After a brilliant social life, Miriam married Count Mario Carracciola di Melito, an Italian career diplomat, whom she accompanied on various posts in Europe before World War II, at which point she returned to View Tree.

An artist and actress, Juliette had a successful theatrical career, and in 1923 married Arthur Hornblow Jr., a well-known theatrical critic and producer. With her knowledge of languages, Celeste, who married Ralph G. Miller in 1929, enjoyed a number of important and interesting appointments as an interpreter, including one with the U. S. State Department to the organization meeting of the United Nations.

With the death of their father the year before, Celeste and Juliette came back to Warrenton and put View Tree up for sale in 1948, while it was thought that a private buyer who might have come there in the past might be interested.

But in December 1950, the U.S. Government that bought View Tree from the Crosby sisters for $114,950 and Mlle.

Bouligny’s Warrenton Country School for $170,000. The properties were immediately converted for classified operations as Station A and Station B of the Warrenton Training Center, as they continue today.

“Thus the View Tree Estate passes to others,” wrote Miss Evans about the sale in 1950. “But each of the Crosbys leaves us with a void in the hearts of our community, and the many that have loved the place as the Crosby home, and loved the Crosbys because they were the Crosbys, and were lovable.”

In a sense they are still here, as Mr. and Mrs. Crosby, daughters Elizabeth, Celeste and Juliette and Mlle. Bouligny chose the Warrenton Cemetery as their final resting place. ❖

OSCAR TERRY CROSBY, RENAISSANCE MAN The patriarch of the Crosby family was Oscar Terry Crosby (1861-1947), a native of Louisiana who had a distinguished career as an industrialist, federal government executive, explorer and author. An 1882 West Point graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Returning to civilian life in 1887, Crosby was a superintendent of the Sprague Electric Railway and Motor Co., and later general manager of the railway department of the General Electric Co. From there, he headed utility companies in Washington, D.C., Chester, Pa. and Wilmington, Del., ultimately founding the Potomac Electric Co. (PEPCO).

Books he authored during this time were The Electric Railway in Theory and Practice (1892), and Strikes: When to Strike and How (1910).

Crosby was also an explorer, having gone to parts of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and Sudan in 1900; on expeditions to Turkestan and Tibet in 1903; and to Borneo in 1915. Books he authored during this time included Tibet and Turkestan: A Journey Through Old Lands and A Study of New Conditions (1905).

Based on his writings and explorations, he was made a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society of London, and a commander of the French Legion of Honor.

Crosby was appointed director of Belgium relief under Herbert Hoover in 1915, and two years later appointed assistant secretary of the treasury in the Wilson administration. From 1917- 1919, Crosby served in Europe was president of the InterAllied Council on War Purchases and Finance, where he was in charge of U.S. loans to Allied powers during World War I. For his efforts he was awarded both the Belgian and Italian Orders of the Crown. Based on his experiences, he published International War: Its Causes and Its Cure in 1919.

Well into his 60s, Crosby continued his explorations, going to Southwest Africa in 1927, Tanganyika, Kenya, and the Belgian Congo in 1936 and to Romania, Russia, Poland, and Germany in 1937.

Finally retired, Crosby spent his final years at View Tree, where he died on Jan. 22, 1947.

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23

Rising to the Challenge of the Perfect Pitch Scott Tester: Fauquier’s legendary music teacher “They’re all his kids, every single one of them.” Tester with former student Thomas Cummins who remains active in the local music community.

STORY BY JAYA PATIL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HMN PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM

W

asps, school fights, and teaching choir classes with no prior experience are not on the list of things that Scott Tester fears. As his students know, Mr. Tester is not afraid of anything… except a bad note. Gifted with perfect pitch, Tester knows that out-of-tune is not the best that any music student can do. It is the commitment to a high standard that encourages his students to rise to the challenge and consistently succeed.

Tester’s life journey began in his native Ohio. While working on a B.A. in music education at the University of Toledo, he made his move on one of his former classmates who had caught his eye. His method was unique: he asked his now-wife Kathy a “test” question: where’s the spit valve on the flute? Kathy’s answer was, “right

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{ JANUARY 2021 |

here,” proceeding to whip the headjoint off her flute and fling the moisture towards him.

Their marriage brings a new significance to the idea of spit-shine.

Tester was called to the east coast by the beauty of Shenandoah National Park ever since taking family road trips to the region as he was growing up. He situated himself in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains with Kathy in 1977 and has lived here ever since, with the goal of making the biggest difference possible by teaching music in the area.

Fauquier County was doing well when Tester first started working with them as a middle school orchestra teacher, with

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their music classes being led by highly qualified teachers in every instrument specialization. He had his comfort zone pushed when he was given the task of teaching choir on top of his orchestra classes. With no experience in that instruction, Tester immersed himself in the world of choir so he could bring his absolute best to those classes. In just a short amount of time, he says, “I couldn’t tell which I enjoyed doing more: choir or orchestra.”

His enjoyment of his craft doesn’t end with him. A parent of a former student says, “My daughter went into Mr. Tester's orchestra class at the beginning of sixth grade having never played an instrument in her life, like most of the other kids. My husband and I went to the end of the year concert in the spring, and we were completely stunned at how much these kids had learned and how good they were. It was very emotional. Mr. Tester is almost magical with these kids.”

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25

Tester directing the Allegro Youth Orchestra playing Beethoven Symphonic Orch at the Castleton Festival in May, 2018

Tester’s gift of perfect pitch is not the sole reason for his successes. The achievements throughout his career are born of the passion he brings to the table in everything he does.

According to Tester, the kids come first and every student’s needs must be met.

He never hesitates to act for the benefit of students, from halting physical altercations to capturing stray wasps that settled on a child’s head. But the perfect pitch plays a part in how high his bar stands, as he knows “children will rise to a challenge.” It’s never about singling one person out but about embracing differences to work as a team and honor the necessity of every person’s presence and effort. Kathy says, “They’re all his kids, every single one of them.”

Tester knows his career is not measured by his many accolades but by enabling his students to succeed in spite of any obstacles, and the passion that he feeds to his students is easy to see. Having taken his group of students to the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Performance Assessments every year of his career, his groups consistently achieve high marks across the board when being judged.

The accomplishments don’t stop at high ratings. Tester has escorted his students to the prestigious VMEA conference twice—a gathering of teachers of all grades

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{ JANUARY 2021 |

(elementary to college) from every county in the commonwealth of Virginia—having been selected as the only orchestra to perform on behalf of middle schools. His reputation is not what is notable, instead it’s giving the gift of music to these kids—“something that stays with them their whole lives,” says Kathy. Tester has taught over 2000 students during his 45 years in the education system, which makes going anywhere a celebrity event with many people recognizing him.

Outside music education in the county’s public school system, Tester is active in Allegro Community School for the Arts where he has been director of the Allegro Youth Orchestra for the last five years. He is looking forward to seeing the orchestra continue to grow beyond the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and dreams of the inclusion of everyone from an oboe to a tuba player.

Some of these are former students: one of his previous students, Thomas Cummins, has brought his talent with scoring music by ear to Tester’s current group at Allegro by playing, conducting, directing, and supplying the majority of the music in their library.

Kathy makes note that the education trend in general is stuck in a cycle where the emphasis is away from the arts. While band programs are granted a unique visibility thanks to the association with football and

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performances at school games, orchestra and choir programs are often managed with limited resources and accommodation. In an ideal world, art programs would receive the focus they require to take their rightful place in the education system. Both Tester and Kathy have experience in just how much participation in music offers beyond reading music and performances. The arts have a place in math, history, and literature and the disciplines feed into one another. The Testers believe exposure to music helps equip students to do other highly skilled things.

“No knowledge is ever wasted,” notes Kathy.

Kathy advises everyone, “find the thing that makes your heart sing, and pursue it.” Their four children—Aaron, Rachel, Rebecca, and Leah—have overcome their own hurdles and shown how important it is to get up when you’re down and keep going by carrying the things you love with you. Tester encourages us to “see the world through the other person’s eyes.” It is this sentiment that builds a strong orchestra, fuels a solid education, and harbors a positive community.

Amid an era of cracks that separate people both physically and emotionally, we are reminded that our differences can exist close together and be the tool by which we build something beautiful together that can make us all feel good. ❖

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endless colors, textures, and shapes THE ART — AND HOME — OF JAIME LYNN HENDERSON STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY HOGEBOOM

s you step into Jaime Lynn Henderson’s apartment in a historic house on Main Street in Old Town Warrenton, you are greeted by imaginative design quite literally everywhere you look, beginning with Henderson herself, who during our meeting was dressed in leopard print top and tights paired with a pink skirt and topped with gold and pearl accessories. Much like her wardrobe, her home is filled to the brim with endless colors, textures, and shapes. As your eyes sweep each room, they take in the mishmash of furniture and gallery walls full of objects, from tennis racquets to cap guns. The apartment’s décor is a direct reflection of Henderson’s personality – boisterous, playful, and anything but dull.

Not only is Henderson’s personality reflected in her clothing and interior design styles, but also in the art that she has been creating since she was a child. “Even just as a tiny kid I was always scribbling all over my dad's work papers…. [If] you gave me a crayon or a pen, I was drawing,” she says. “As a teenager I was always decorating the living daylights out of my bedroom, rearranging the furniture – I

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cut out flowers and painted them with neon poster paint and I’d stick them up all over the walls and the ceiling. I've loved [art] for a long time.”

Though Henderson had always enjoyed art, she did not always consider it more than a hobby. In fact, she began her freshman year of college at the University of Oklahoma majoring in civil engineering. When she moved into her first apartment, she says, “I wanted to decorate it [with] artwork, but I couldn’t afford it.” She decided to create her own works of art to fill the walls, and that process “lit a fire, and before I knew it, I was coming to my parents [asking] ‘hey, how would you feel about me changing my major from civil engineering to art?’” She recalls that one parent replied, “We wondered how long it would

}

ABOVE: Henderson’s painting “Summer Shoes”, acrylic on canvas, 2020, was born out of the darkness of Covid. “I hadn’t painted in a while, and I wanted to do something that would make me happy. I love my high-top sneaker collection, so I used the sneaker as a jumping off point and just ran with it and filled it with color and patterns.” LEFT: Henderson’s apartment is part of a historic home on Main Street in Warrenton, owned by Alls Real Estate. She says, “The apartment has two antique fireplaces, and as soon as I saw that I just had to live there. I mean, who doesn’t need two fireplaces in one apartment?”

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Henderson’s apartment fits her personality: a bright splash of color and light with a lot going on. While there is a lot to look at, that’s the way she likes it: “More is more, to me. I like the sensory overload of the color and the textures and the patterns -the more pattern I can get in any kind of viewing point in my apartment the happier it makes me. I also personally really love every item in here. Everything means something to me. Some things are old and have an interesting story, others are special pieces of artwork, and some are just items I like. I like to shop locally; I have pieces from the White Elephant, Latitudes, and Marshall Curated in here.

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take you to figure that out.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma, Henderson moved to Chicago where she received her Master of Fine Art in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Henderson spent more than a decade living and working in the city, during which time she was featured as a contestant on Season 1 of Bravo’s reality competition show “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist.” Henderson’s artwork was unique and recognizable thanks in part to one defining feature: a spirit of adventure embodied in a cast of female characters. “They were very mischievous and sassy and very well dressed, and I always lived vicariously through them,” she says.

After spending 12 years in Chicago, Henderson felt that her city chapter was up – she was ready to move closer to her family in Virginia and to experience the charm of small-town life. “When I would visit my parents, they would always drive [to Warrenton] to go to Great Harvest for my mom’s favorite cinnamon twists, and I thought, ‘This town is so cute,’” she says. “Then when it came time for me to make a jump, I was like, ‘I’ve been a city mouse – let’s try being a country mouse.’”

Since moving to Warrenton, Henderson finds that her artwork has undergone a transformation.

“That spirit of adventure is still in the work,” Henderson says, “but it’s a lot different and the characters are gone.” Now, Henderson’s work is full of beautiful flowers and objects inspired by the flora, fauna and antiques found throughout Fauquier County. “I think the formal piece that has always been there that translates still to this work is a love of color, tons of patterns, mixes of texture,” she says. “Now that I’m here, it’s interesting to see how [the subject of] my art has changed but the spirit stays the same.” The change in scenery has allowed Henderson to explore a whole new facet of her work while renewing her love of art. “One thing that really surprised me about coming out here is that with the space that small towns afford… it’s taken off all the limits in what I feel like I’m allowed to make as an artist – the subject matter isn’t as critical as it once was. If I want to paint a giant high-top sneaker, I can,” she says. “I have the freedom to paint whatever I want, and I only just now feel like I’ve stumbled upon a nugget that’s really worth building upon.”

Looking ahead, Henderson hopes to bring the spirit of joy and vibrancy found in her work to the community of Warrenton, and that she can inspire others to share their story through art or other creative outlets. “That’s the great thing about art, there’s a place for every style,” she says. “I hope that as I…discover myself more here and lean into my unique gifts, I can encourage other people to do the same.” ❖

TOP: Henderson’s bright art studio corner holds another of her paintings: “Come on Over”, acrylic on canvas, 2020. LEFT: Henry is a year-anda-half miniature goldendoodle, who currently holds the title “number one studio assistant.”

His surroundings are more evidence of Henderson’s love of color and textiles.

Behind him hangs one of Henderson’s favorite pieces, textile art of a pueblo village scene crafted entirely from quilted fabric.

To learn more about Henderson and view her artwork, visit jaimelynnhenderson.com.

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For Fox, his music is entwined with his faith. He believes that his musical talent is a gift, and he strives to use it to reach people’s souls and bring joy into their lives.

“W

BY CAMDEN LITTLETON

A GIFT AND A RESPONSIBILITY The music of Andre Fox

BY PAM KAMPHUIS

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hat I really want to get across is that I don’t want to be known as a musician, I want to be known as a nice guy who would help anybody. I love the music, but I want to be known as one of the nicest people you’ve ever met, somebody you can sit down and talk to.” Those were the first words Andre Fox said to me when we sat down to talk.

This, from one of the most well-known musicians in the northern Virginia Piedmont.

But he is also one of those people that everybody knows and likes, so I guess he scores on both sides.

Born and raised to a family rooted for many generations in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties, Andre has led an eventful life working in the military and in the private sector. He’s traveled all over the world, but now his love of the local area and its people keeps him here. He feels his purpose now is to bring joy into people’s lives with his music, which he views as a gift. He treats his musical talent as a responsibility that he takes very seriously, and it continues to be loved and appreciated by locals and fans who have known him many years. Having seen him play many times, I enjoyed getting to know him writing his story.

WHEN DID YOU START SINGING?

Music was always around while I was growing up. My whole family sang. We had a whole stack of 45s, like James Brown, Old Smokey Robinson, the Temptations. We’d listen to those, and then somebody would jump on the piano, and someone would start singing, and everybody just sang and had a great time. I thought it was normal. I thought everybody could play and sing.

I came out of the womb singing. I’ll tell you a good story. One day I was folding clothes and a commercial came on the tv, and I heard “At last…my love…has come along.”

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COURTESY ANDRE FOX

My family’s been here forever. Some of my family were born slaves, some of my family came over from England through Ellis Island.

So I’m white and I’m Black and I’m Native American. But I don’t identify with any specific race or group. I was born and raised here. I’m an American, period.

My mom and dad still live here. My mom, she’s like Wonder Woman. She takes care of everyone and everything, and she works harder than you and I could ever work combined. And my father is like Superman. My grandfather helped take care of the Kennedy’s horses and taught Caroline how to ride at Glen Ora. My grandmother was the housekeeper, and the Kennedys left them some memorabilia when they moved out of Wexford.

SO YOU HAVE LIVED AROUND HERE YOUR WHOLE LIFE?

I grew up right here in northern Fauquier County and Middleburg.

My whole family was into horse training over at the training center.

I was on a horse when I was three. For elementary school, I went to Bannaker in St. Louis (Va.), because that was during segregation.

When that ended, I bounced around different schools in Fauquier until I ended up graduating from Fauquier High in 1978.

So I have a lot of ties to this area. I love it here. I’m a country boy at heart. I was a member of the Future Farmers of America, and one of my favorite teachers at school was Mr. Yowell, who taught us how

Far left: Fox at our interview at the Red Horse Tavern in Middleburg. I remarked to him, “Gosh, I remember when this restaurant was Magpie’s, and he said, “Girl, I remember when this was a house. Guy who lived here had a trained pet raccoon that rode around on his shoulder and did tricks.” Center and right: Although he traveled all over the world in the military, Fox is a “country boy at heart” and is happiest in our rural setting. “This was a great place to grow up,” he said.

BY PHILIP THORPE

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR FAMILY HAS DEEP ROOTS IN FAUQUIER COUNTY AND MIDDLEBURG?

COURTESY ANDRE FOX

BY PAM KAMPHUIS

It was the most beautiful song I’d ever heard. I actually dropped the clothes. I found out that the song was by Etta James, and I bought the tape and I learned it. Then, one night I played it at Mosby’s, and my mom walked into the club. She said, when did you learn that song?, and I said, about two weeks ago, mom. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Then she said, you should remember it, I sang that song the whole time I was pregnant with you.

to fix lawn mowers and tractors and stuff.

That’s where I got my love of mechanics. I still do a happy dance when I get the lights on a broken lawnmower to turn on. Gotta do a happy dance.

SO WAS BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN YOUR GOAL WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?

No, after high school I joined the Navy as an electronics technician. That’s where I learned all my electronics. Then I worked on Capitol Hill in virtually every government agency that exists, because I had top secret security clearance. So I worked for CIA, DEA, FBI, IRS, Department of Commerce, the State Department executive offices.

When I left that job, in 1984, I had to clear my mind so I came back to the farm. I just wanted a weed eater and a lawnmower and some horses for a minute. Then I got a job as an electrical mechanic at Metro, and I fixed the trains. From the front to the back, I worked on every part of the train. I did that for 10 years, then one day, I said, that’s it.

WHAT DID YOU DO THEN?

I picked up my guitar and I said I’m not doing it any more. I walked away from society. I figured I could help more people with my guitar than I could with anything else. I took my guitar and I stood on the street corner in Old Town Alexandria. And I sang for everybody. That

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didn’t last two weeks until somebody said, you’re hired. My first gig was at the Alamo at Union and First Street in Alexandria. That was my first solid gig where I got booked every week and got a regular paycheck. I had a great time at the Alamo. I played the Apollo, too, and that was a great experience.

I still have my paycheck stub from them.

happy. That’s my job right now. It’s a pretty cool job, it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had in my life, but it’s the most fun. That’s what God gave me, and that’s what I have to use.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

SO IT’S LIKE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?

I describe my style as acoustic soul, but I do still love the old time rock ’n roll. My music sounds like old 1960s soul music, like Otis Redding. It sounds like it was written 30 or 40 years ago.

Yes, you’re right, it’s my responsibility.

You nailed it, you just taught me something about myself. Thank you. I feel good about my music and what I’ve done. I’ve had people come up to me and say, “I proposed to my wife at your gig, would you play at our wedding?” or “If it wasn’t for your music, we wouldn’t be married these 20 years later.”

That’s pretty deep right there. I’ve played at a lot of weddings.

I think music is a beautiful tool. It’s more beautiful than any wrench or any pair of pliers I’ve ever seen. But when I think about helping people, the pliers and the wrenches are also tools in my toolbox that I can use. I can reach people with my music, but I can also help them if they’re broken down on the side of the road. That’s all that guitar is — a tool. But if you break down on the side of the road, that guitar ain’t gonna fix anything. But those wrenches can. I can use that knowledge also to reach out to anybody I can help.

WHO HAS BEEN IMPORTANT TO YOU AS A MENTOR WITH YOUR MUSIC?

I’ve played with some very very talented musicians. It’s so hard to start naming them because I don’t want to leave anybody out. The main person I’d like to mention is Gary Smallwood. He’s been a great influence in my life. And also my uncle, Brian Fox. He got me started performing in his gospel group, the Middleburg Harmonizers, when I was young. He really taught us the joy of music. I don’t even know if I’d be doing this right now if it weren’t for those two. And here I am, 26 years later, at 60 years old. So, it’s pretty cool.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR MUSIC?

You can do anything with music, you can reach people’s souls. make them cry, laugh. It is the universal language, it crosses all color barriers, races, everything. Music is a very powerful tool and I use it very carefully. I appreciate the talent that I’ve been given, I don’t abuse it, I respect it and I respect its power. I use that tool to bring joy. I just want to make people

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?

BY CAMDEN LITTLETON

Andre last released an album in 2018, and due to high demand, all his albums are sold out at this time. He has a new one coming in 2021, as well as a re-release of some of the older ones.

BY CAMDEN LITTLETON

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Right now I’m living in Centreville, taking care of my mother in law. She’s actually my ex-wife’s mother, but she’s family to me, and she has dementia. And she loves me, she won’t let nobody take care of her but me. I don’t want her to go to a nursing home, I’m going to stay there with her in her own home until it’s absolutely out of my control. Some days it’s hard, really hard, but some days it’s hilarious. She’ll do something like throw a chair out the window because she thinks someone is sitting there, and then she’ll say, “There, I got rid of them.” I really love her. I love that woman.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR MUSIC?

I’m not performing, I’m basically writing music now, because of the virus. I do both the music and the lyrics for all the songs, and people love it and they are buying it. I can deal with that. I’d much rather be out there playing it and singing it for people, but if I can still have my music and sell it and not have to go everywhere, that’s what I’m doing right now. ❖ Information and performance clips at andrefox.com

2021 is here!

PRESCHOOL 2 - GRADE 5

I would like to wish everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year! I can’t wait to see what this year holds. Whether buying a new home or selling your existing home I will be there to help you with every step of the process.

Now is the time to start thinking about the Spring Market! Call me today for a free market analysis. I also will let you know what, if anything, needs to be done to have your house market ready.

ACCEPTING 2021-22 APPLICATIONS ON FEBRUARY 1 Small class sizes

Virtue focus

Christian-based

Hands-on learning

Accredited by VAIS

Located in Old Town Warrenton

w w w. sa i nt j a m e s e p i s copa l s c h oo l . org a d m i ss i on s @ sa i nt j a m e s e p i s copa l s c h oo l . org

Was Your Christmas Gift WasYour YourChristmas Christmas Gift Was Gift the Wrong Size? theWrong Wrong Size?

Size? the

We specialize in: We specialize in: We specialize in: • Ring Sizing ••Ring Ring Sizing Sizing • Band ••Watch Watch Watch Band Band Adjustments Adjustments Adjustments • ••Chain Chain Shortening Chain Shortening Shortening • Charms to ••Charms added to Charms added added to bracelets bracelets bracelets • types And all all other other types ••And And all other types of repairs. of repairs. of repairs.

Want to Look Like a Million at Prom?

Warrenton Jewelers & Gifts has many tuxes to choose from so you an find your perfect look. From lassic to trendy—you’ll get the tux ou want at a price you’ll like.

Mention the coupon below and Fast, Friendly, Affordable Fast, Friendly, Affordable Service Service Fast, Friendly, Affordable Service njoy $40 off your tux rental.

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Quality  and Service  Selection Mention this ad and receive $5.00 OFF Mention this ad OFF Mention this ad and $5.00 OFF$5.00 any jewelry Mention this ad receive and receive receive $5.00 OFF any jewelry repair of $10.00 or more Your Tux Rental repair of $10.00 or more any jewelry repair of $10.00 or more any jewelry repair of $10.00 or more

xpires 5/31/15. Must present offer at time of rental. May not be ombined with other offers or promotions. One offer per person.

24 Fletcher Drive arrenton, VA

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5

Brenda Rich

Call for a Free Market Analysis

REALTOR®

Hours: Hours: Mon.-Fri. Mon.-Fri. 10-6, 10-6, Sat. Sat. 10-5 10-5

341-8840 341-8840

540.341.8840 New Millennium warrentonjewelers.com

Quality  Service  Selection 145 W. Lee More Than a Jewelry StoreHwy.

145 W. Lee Hwy. 145 Shopping W. to Lee Hwy. Sears 524 Fletcher Dr. (Harris TeeterNext Center) Next to Sears Next to Sears 540.341.8840 | warrentonjewelers.com

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

559 Frost Ave #101, Warrenton, Virginia 20186 Office: 540-349-1221

Brenda Rich 540-270-1659 • brenda.rich@c21nm.com

{ JANUARY 2021 |

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

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MAKE 2021 A HOME RUN & INVEST IN YOURSELF! IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS & MENTAL OUTLOOK DURING THESE STRESSFUL TIMES $65 Intro Month - Unlimited Classes (Virtual & InStudio) Current members, if you bring in a friend who signs-up, your next month is only $65. Some restrictions apply.

703.753.2977 - WWW.TPYOGA.COM Ring in 2021 Powerfully!