Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine July 2023

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

Stick and Stringbean on the Thru-Hike

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Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2023 Rappahannock Media LLC.

Dear Warrenton,

Holly and I want to thank you for 36 years of supporting us and our former businesses, especially Piedmont Press & Graphics and the Lifestyle Magazines. We are grateful that we have been able to live and work in the same community, raise four children here and spend most of our free time involved in the Warrenton way of life.

At one time or another, we served dozens of organizations in the community. Volunteering here was its own reward because, in Warrenton, it is easy to see the results of your efforts. The team spirit has always been buoyant in the business community in Fauquier. The first project I ever participated in after moving here was building a playground at Crockett Park. The longest tenures were 17 years with the Old Town Warrenton Spring Festival and 19 years with the Rotary Club.

Warrenton is a place that gives back generously to those that serve it. It will only get better if all of you engage in keeping it that way.

We gave everything we had to this community – our blood, sweat and tears, our time and money as well as the parenting of our four children. Our businesses gave back as much as we could. We’re proud to have employed countless individuals, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars and brought tens of millions of dollars of taxable revenue to our small town.

A myriad of people helped us along the way and we wish to thank you all personally. We will continue to pay it forward to show our appreciation as no one becomes successful alone.

As a four-year-old boy, I fell in love with printing, a craft I learned from my father, and Warrenton allowed me to have an entire career doing what I was most passionate about.

After 43 years in printing, the internal flame was flickering while at the same time business was peaking. It was time for us to go and we were able to go out on top. We sifted through several potential buyers over four years until we found the perfect match. And the crew that operates Piedmont Press is the same one that has been delivering for you for so many years and they now have new, energized leadership. When you get a chance, say hello to Tyler Phaup and Joseph Kelly.

Holly and I are heading to the Richmond area this fall to join all of our children. There are many adventures ahead and we are excited to commence this next phase of our lives.

As Tom Petty says, “It’s time to move on. Time to get going. What lies ahead I have no way of knowing. But under my feet baby, grass is growing…”

Thank you, Warrenton and Fauquier County. You mean EVERYTHING to us. We love you.

Tony & Holly Tedeschi

More than a Place of Worship

Ashville community seeks healing after vandalism at historic church and schoolhouse

BY JAMES JARVIS

Brittany Walton's ties to the First Ashville Baptist Church in the small Historic District of Ashville outside of Marshall can be traced back to before her birth.

“My grandparents went there. My mom and uncle went there. I got baptized there at age 10,” Walton, now 36 and living in Warrenton, said.

For almost a century and a half, the historic church has been a spiritual refuge for generations of African American residents in Fauquier County. Some members can even trace their roots back to the church's inception.

Deacon Mike Lewis, a lifelong member of the church, has lived in Ashville for most of his life and attended services regularly there with his family. His wife Diane's great-grandmother, affectionately known as "Aunt Kate," was born in 1881, shortly after the congregation was founded in 1874. The church building itself was built in 1899.

For Lewis, Walton, and many others in the congregation, the church is more than a place of worship: It’s home.

So understandably, the members of the close-knit community were rattled by the recent vandalism and destruction of the church and nearby schoolhouse.

“People have said they feel a sense of – I won’t say betrayal – but it’s a sense of invasion, so to speak ... Because this was a place where they could go and be at ease with each other and share things and share some laughter,” Lewis said. Despite the vandalism that occurred, he, and others, plan to continue to worship there.

Painful memories

According to Walton, the congregation remains in the dark about who the vandals are and their motives, and both Walton and Lewis admit to being unsure if the acts were racially motivated.

However, upon reflecting on the graffiti – found exclusively in the schoolhouse – Lewis said he is inclined to believe race wasn't the primary motive.

"I'm not sure if they were trying to make a larger statement ... To me, I gathered there was animosity, period,” Lewis said.

Regardless of the vandals’ motives, Walton and Lewis agreed the deliberate destruction caused considerable anguish in their community. In addition to losing their spiritual home, for some of the older members, it recalled some painful memories from the past.

“That's the one thing I am concerned about and would like to make sure that both ... the parents and the juveniles are aware of is that the event actually brought back

The First Ashville Baptist Church in the early 20th century.

A First Ashville Baptist Church baptism conducted by Rev. Arthur Stuart in the early 20th century.

The Ashville Schoolhouse in the early 20th century.

Various areas within the church, including the office and the kitchen, had been ransacked, and items of historical significance, including dishes, vases, and other ceramics, had been shattered.

A pentagram marred the schoolhouse’s chalkboard. A pentagram’s meaning has varied over time, according to Britannica, and it has functioned as a symbol of protection, of perfection, of the Devil, and of humanity, among others.

we

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Charges

On May 22, Fauquier County sheriff’s deputies arrested 19-year-old Marshall resident Averie Pozzo Di Borgo and two juveniles after they allegedly broke into and vandalized the Ashville Baptist Church and historic schoolhouse across the road on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the Fauquier County General District Court, Pozzo Di Borgo is charged with destruction of property with intent, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, entering the property to damage (each a class 1 misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in jail), as well as the destruction of a property memorial or monument (a class 6 felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of no more than $2,500).

Multiple charges are pending against two juveniles, a 17-year-old female and 14-year-old male, who allegedly took part in the vandalism both days, according to a May 22 press release from the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office. However, juvenile adjudications are confidential under Virginia law.

Pozzo Di Borgo was arraigned in the Fauquier County General District Court May 24. A subsequent court date is set for July 12, when a judge is expected to review the case and potentially issue a ruling.

Pozzo Di Borgo’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.

some deep-seated memories for some of the older people who experienced the ugliness that was in Fauquier County [during segregation],” Lewis said.

Lewis, who attended the segregated Ashville Schoolhouse in the 1950s and 1960s, has vivid memories of older family members and senior deacons recounting their experiences during segregation and the previous history of racially motivated lynchings that occurred up until 1932 in Northern Fauquier.

Lewis said the vandalism is not comparable to those past atrocities. Still, he underscored, “Whether or not they were attempting to cause fear, the fact is, they did. And some neighbors around here understandably have some concerns.”

'A blessing in disguise'

But despite those concerns, Walton and Lewis said a silver lining has emerged from this unfortunate event, noting the church, whose members were already in the process of raising money to renovate the church building, has received an outpouring of financial and emotional support from churches and other groups nationwide.

“We've received gifts and cards and notes from people as far away as Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, parts of Maryland ... one of the letters was from down in the Richmond area ... one from the Carolinas ... so a wide range of areas,” Lewis said.

Following the incident, Lewis said the church had raised more than $20,000 thanks to a prayer gathering held by Fauquier NAACP on May 27. The church still has

Above,

a way to go to reach its fundraising goal of $100,000 for renovations, including replacing the roof, HVAC unit, and water supply system, among other things, but Lewis said this was a good start.

“And many of us see this whole event as a blessing in disguise,” Lewis said.

Community seeks accountability

When asked about the congregation's expectations for the case involving Pozzo Di Borgo and the two juveniles, Lewis said he can't speak for everyone, but a common sentiment is people want accountability.

“The word accountability means a lot of stuff to a lot of people. But certainly, a number of people who've said that, they've expressed that they really don't want …vengeance,” Lewis said.

Instead, Lewis said the community intends to foster healing through forgiveness and showing a readiness to accept the legal outcome of the case, even if it doesn't align with everyone's expectations. The vandals’ motives may never be clear.

“The biggest challenge is going to be that ... we need to be resolved in allowing the justice group to do their job, and if things don't go how we think, be willing to give and move on, but stay vigilant,” Lewis said.

Walton concluded, “I don't know these people, I just feel like [it’s] just another act of hatred. I … don't know exactly what their intentions were, but it made us grow closer together as a congregation and we always say this will not break us. We're standing firm together.” L

Above, Top: Pastor William Swann (left) and Deacon Mike Lewis stand outside the century-old First Ashville Baptist Church next to a poster showing how much the church has raised for renovations since it was vandalized in May.

Bottom: A prayer gathering was hosted at the First Ashville Baptist Church on May 27, five days after the arrests.

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In photos: Warrenton, Fauquier County Celebrate

PHOTOS BY DOUG STROUD FOR FAUQUIERNOW

Thousands of people took to the streets of downtown Warrenton Saturday, June 17 to celebrate the third annual Juneteenth festival. The event featured vendors, food and drink, attractions for kids, music and book readings.

Read about the conception of Juneteenth in Fauquier County, the brainchild of Barrie Newman and several other members of the View Tree Masonic Lodge in Warrenton.

PJ Johnson of Midland, Richard Raymond of Remington, Kenny Johnson of Remington, Mariah Washington of Manassas, and Roberta Mauney of Washington, D.C., groove out.

Warrenton Police Chief Tim Carter drives the “Warrenton Express” train down Main Street.

Doc Hughes plays on bass with the band Faycez U Know.

Holden, 4, of Warrenton, hula hoops.

Handmade with Love

Tara Gollem’s passion for paper crafting led to a home business

BY SUE BALDANI

Tara Gollem of Warrenton has always enjoyed crafting. From scrapbooking as a college student and baby books as a parent to cards and other paper goods – she loves to make things with her hands.

“I love that creative side of me, but I also love sending my cards and crafts to others,” she said. “I like to spread kindness and just kind of put good vibes out into the world. I feel like it always comes back to me.”

Gollem first discovered Stampin’ Up!, a papercraft company, in 2008. “One of my friends, who I worked with, had this really cute card on her desk that looked handmade. Some of the others in my office had them too, and they told me they had made them. They took me to an in-home party at this lady's house, and I instantly fell in love with the workshop style of Stampin’ Up!”

In addition to cards, there are a wide variety of paper crafts available to put together such as small paper boxes, Christmas ornaments and calendars. “I love the short, easy projects, the be-finished-in-a-day type of projects. They’re so much fun.”

In 2021, she became an independent demonstrator for the company. “It was right after my grandfather passed away, and I wanted to make sure that I made time to send my grandma cards every month,” said Gollem. “I knew that if I joined I would be making cards all the time. That would really force me to keep true to that goal to make sure that even though my grandfather was gone, my grandma would know that she wasn't alone.”

Along with sending them to her grandmother every month, she also now sends them to other family members. “It definitely helps me stay connected,” she said.

Staying connected to family is very important to Gollem, since she and her family move around quite often. “My husband, Michael, works for the State Department. We’ve lived in Amman, Jordan. Before that, we’ve lived in Frankfurt, Germany, and Maryland before that.”

In the summer of 2020, when Michael was transferred to the Washington, DC, area, they moved to Warrenton. “We found the perfect house and love living here,” she said. “The community has just been wonderful. I love the

Clockwise from top left: The Gollem family: Tara with husband Michael and their three sons; Tara created over 80 cards of appreciation, one for each teacher at C.M. Bradley Elementary School; Demonstrating Stampin’ Up! supplies; Tara’s cards often evoke inspiration; Tara’s grandmother with one of the many cards Tara has sent her to stay in touch; At the Warrenton Farmer’s Market

people in Warrenton and we have great neighbors.”

One day, Gollem’s husband came home from the Warrenton Farmer's Market and suggested that she look into selling her cards there. “I took a couple of cards and I went down there and happened to talk to Natalie Ortiz, who runs the farmer's market,” she said. “She told me they didn’t have a card person and how awesome it would be.”

She was invited to be a guest vendor and was also asked if she wanted to hold some workshops there. Although most of her Stampin’ Up! classes are held at her home, where she has a lot of repeat attendees from the age of 12 and up, she’s doing at least a few classes this year at the Market. “We're talking about July workshops right now, and then maybe another one in the fall.”

Gollem also has a website, Handmade with Tara, as well as an Etsy shop of the same name, where people can buy her crafts and also order customized merchandise for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other events.

When she was contacted about being in Warrenton Lifestyle, she couldn’t have been more excited. “My neighbor is the Warrenton Santa and he was on the cover,” said Gollem. “When I saw that, my wheels started moving and I thought maybe I could be in the magazine too.” A month

later, the editor contacted her.

“I love getting a copy every single month and look forward to what is going on in my area. This is our hometown now, and we like to delve into supporting local businesses as a family. We want to make it awesome.”

Of course, there's always the potential of moving back overseas, but she thinks and hopes they’ll be here for a while. “I know that no matter what, I'll be able to take Handmade with Tara and all my Stampin’ Up! stuff with me, so I feel like I found my happy place. I don't need to be in one particular geographic place - I can do it from anywhere. I can share this with anyone around the world. I'm just so excited that I found something that allows me to get paid to craft.”

She added, “I would never have grown to what I have and be able to do what I love without the support from my loving husband. Michael has encouraged me to pursue this passion and has been my biggest advocate from day one.” L

Handmade with Tara

W: handmadewithtara.com

F: @HandmadewithTara

I: @handmadewithtara

She Knows Cow

Talk

Karen Way of Ovoka Farm raises specialty Wagyu cattle

BY GLENDA C. BOOTH PHOTOS COURTESY OF OVOKA FARM

Karen Way has 380 cows, some weighing up to 1,500 pounds, grazing in the pastures on her 700-acre farm in Fauquier County’s Blue Ridge foothills. Most are Wagyu, a Japanese breed of beef cattle. She pets them affectionately, talks to them sweetly, and soothes them by playing music. It’s called “quieting the cows,” she explained, trying to keep them calm. By avoiding being agitated, they develop less muscle which ultimately means tastier beef on the dinner plate.

When Way hops out of her truck, they amble over, wide-eyed, as she makes various sounds and asks them how they’re doing. They might respond with what to most people sounds like a moo, but Way knows that a moo is not just a moo. She can tell if the cow is “saying,” “I’m hungry” or asking, “Why are you here?” She knows cow talk.

“These are really cool cows,” she stressed. Compared to the traditional Angus beef cattle popular among US ranchers, “They’re different. They need daily attention.” Wagyu cattle are brownish-black and weigh between 1,400 to

Ovoka has had multiple owners over the years, but the land is storied. Surveyed by George Washington in 1769, it was part of the Robert “King” Carter vast land grant in 1731, and some of the buildings on the farm date to that era. A strategic location during the Civil War, both the Union and Confederate armies occupied the farm at times. General Stonewall Jackson’s troops bivouacked across the road under oak trees.

Calves on Ovoka’s pasture. It takes 29 months from fertilization to a “finished” cow, a term of art for a cow ready for slaughter.

Mitul Gandhi, MD Jey Maran, MD

Robert Marsh, MD

Tejas Suresh, MD

1,500 pounds, less than most black Angus cows. “They’re friendly and spunky,” she added. “They like to play.”

Ovoka Farm

Way and her husband Guy Morgan are owners of Ovoka, a picturesque farm in Paris, Virginia, within walking distance of the hamlet’s tiny “downtown,” amid undulating foothills and a stone’s throw from Paris on property dating back to a 1731 land grant. Way’s uncertain about the origin of the farm’s name but thinks it could mean “ever-running water.” She often goes up to the highest point at 1,400 feet to de-stress and from there on a clear day, she can see the

Where to find Ovoka Wagyu Beef

Washington Monument in the distance, as vultures and raptors float above on wind currents. The tranquil green valley unfolds below and beyond.

Way, who practiced real estate law in Chicago, and Morgan, who worked in the energy industry, had never studied agriculture or worked on a farm when they purchased Ovoka in 2008 and ordered Wagyu embryos from Japan in 2010. Implanting the embryos into Angus cows as hosts, they raise the cattle humanely in pastures, unlike in Japan where farmers confine them. They use no chemicals or growth hormones and they feed the herd non-GMO grains with buckets, not machines. Way’s philosophy: “Everyone should have access to clean beef.” To her, “clean” means beef from cows that have grazed only in pastures.

Why raise Wagyu cattle? “Because it tastes good,” she quickly quipped. A university professor advised them on how to produce a cow with good interstitial marbling, one of the keys to fine beef. Interstitial marbling refers to fat that is dispersed within the muscle, unlike fat that is between muscles and must be trimmed off before cooking. Wagyu cattle have a predisposition to interstitial fat storage, which makes the meat exceptionally tender, juicy, and flavorful. For this reason, as well as the time investment, Wagyu beef is one of the most expensive beef products available.

It takes 29 months from fertilization to a “finished” cow, a term of art for a cow ready for slaughter. “It’s math,” said Way, understanding how much and what to feed a weaned cow at 900 pounds and getting them to 1,500 pounds. “There’s a lot of art to finishing,” a threephase process, she explained, to get good marbling that’s optimal for good taste.

Ovoka’s herd is a carefully balanced mix of full-blood

The Ovoka Team. Back row, L-R: Lucky Giyanani, market and inventory specialist; Alaina Lambert, photographer/videographer; James Thornley, farm hand; Nik Giyanani, market and inventory specialist; Henry Washington, farm hand; former employee Jill Eckert; Avery Morton, operations & sales manager. Front row L-R: Welcoming committee Max and Bryce Way; Jessica Morton, COO; Karen Way, owner and CEO; Roy Lambert, chief agribusiness officer.

Ovoka offers a selection of cuts of their beef including steaks, roasts, ribs, grind, osso bucco, and more.

Beyond the Cattle: What else to do at Ovoka?

Farm Tours

Private and group tours available. Meet the cattle, learn about sustainable farming practices, relax with the amazing views and countryside, and enjoy beef tastings prepared by the resident chef.

Culinary Experiences

Gourmet Tasting Dinners featuring the farm-raised beef prepared by Ovoka’s resident chef and served in the manor house’s elegant main dining room. The evening starts with hors d’oeuvres in the courtyard and finishes with after dinner drinks in the cherry room.

Stay

Immerse yourself in history and experience life on a working cattle operation and relax and enjoy the farm’s amenities. Private farm tour included.

The Farm Bunkhouse: A beautifully restored cozy two-story 18thcentury log cabin with three bedrooms and a full kitchen that sleeps six. Private backyard with firepit, private pond for catch-and-release fishing.

Farm Manor House: Beautifully restored historic 1780s sevenbedroom columned mansion with a southern plantation aura and modern comforts. Enjoy the gardens, outdoor terrace, pool, cabana, bathhouse, courts, (basketball, pickleball, croquet), and stables.

Japanese Wagyu and American Angus. The beef produced maximizes the deep flavor and richness that Wagyu imparts. Full-blood Wagyu beef is also available for the ultimate special occasion.

In the Community

Ovoka’s team sells beef wholesale, retail, at farmers markets, and from their own farm store. It’s also valued by high-end restaurants far and near, such as L’Auberge Provencale in Boyce, Red House Tavern in Haymarket, Three Blacksmiths in Sperryville, Field and Main in Marshall, and Patrick O’Connell’s Patty O’s Café in Little Washington.

The farm also gives back to the local community, donating 30,000 pounds of beef to food banks, including Fauquier FISH’s (For Immediate Sympathetic Help) food pantry, every year. And they host an annual “block party” for the neighborhood.

So what kind of music soothes Wagyu cows? “They love rhythm and blues,” Way contends. “No hard rock like the Foo Fighters.” L

Ovoka Farm | 750 Gap Run Road, Paris

P: 703-732-8503 | W: ovokafarm.com

I: @ovokafarm.virginia/ | F: @OvokaFarm.Paris.VA

After tasting a Waygu beef dish at Field and Main Restaurant in Marshall, Kimberly and Brandon Sheppard from Clarke County decided to visit the farm and buy some of Ovoka’s products.

Roy Lambert, chief agribusiness officer, out working with the calves.

A Marshall resident, he worked at local Farmers Co-ops for over 30 years.

Jessica Morton, Chief Operating Officer, in the field catching up with the herd.

NOL PUTNAM

Fauquier County, Rappahannock County, artists, friends, and collectors are mourning the loss of artist/ blacksmith Nol Putnam who died on June 11 after a brief illness.

Putnam is well known in Fauquier County from the almost 20 years he operated his forge in The Plains before relocating to Huntly in Rappahannock County in 2001.

His death, wrote Tim Carrington of the Foothills Forum, “turned the strong, sinewy iron worker into air and light, love and memory, connection and creativity.”

In his honor, we are publishing an abridged version of an article that his close friend, Veronika Benson, wrote in The Piedmont Virginian Magazine’s Spring/Summer 2018 issue. Please enjoy this look back at Nol.

Nol Putnam: Metal Muse

Six feet tall and wiry, 83-year-old Nol Putnam still boasts a full head of hair. In 2004, he posed as Mr. May in Rappahannock County’s risque men’s calendar. More recently, he was featured in a provocative photography exhibit. Despite his ease in front of a camera, there’s not a shred of evidence that

Putnam could be mistaken for the superficial model-type. His thoughts and opinions run deep and his talent as a blacksmith even deeper. And his reputation in the world’s second-oldest trade reaches far beyond the Piedmont.

It wasn’t until 1972, though, that one of the region’s most celebrated blacksmiths began

to labor in his trade. “The first time I handled the tools, I knew working with iron was my calling,” he recollects. “When it was hot, I could manipulate the iron — could learn to change its shape, its dimension into an idea — tools became an extension of my mind.”

White Oak Forge

His White Oak Forge is the first thing you encounter when approaching Putnam’s fiveacre property in Huntly.

With its timber-frame and pitched roof, his smithy resembles a weathered New England cottage. Various samples of his iron work hang on the walls, and there is a huge metal table, which functions as both a drawing surface and finishing area. Several intimidating machines stand at the rear as does the forge

“For half a century artistblacksmith Nol Putnam transformed one of the Earth’s hardest and most unyielding substances into flowing forms, such as leaves, stems, tendrils and seed pods.”

—TIM CARRINGTON, FOR FOOTHILLS FORUM

From the National Cathedral to the Rockefeller Estate, his work is renowned. but Oliver Montalant Putnam is more than a great artist. Meet the Philosopher Blacksmith.

BY VERONIKA BENSON

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER FOR FOOTHILLS FORUM

itself. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a pizza oven, but this hearth burns coal, and exceeds temperatures of 2,500 degrees.

“My favorite tools,” he confides, “are a reworked hammer, two pair of tongs that magically appear when needed, and a six-foot folding, stainless steel ruler.”

There’s especially an art to the hammering when, for example, he does so at a slight angle and the veins in a leaf emerge. He likens this manual process to that of using a “rolling pin and dough,” but somehow this seems far more technical and physically demanding than baking. The forging of iron into the rods of a gate, for example, requires a twisting of the metal while it’s hot. When asked if the iron ever breaks when in this superheated state, Putnam replies, “Never.”

The name of each sculpture evolves as he designs and crafts the work. It is Putnam’s belief that “artists do things with images to better understand the world. And they have an obligation to ask questions, enhance awareness, raise consciousness, and elevate the mind.” In his opinion, “the public needs things to experience that are beyond voyeuristic, especially now.”

For Putnam, blacksmithing is “an ancient, nostalgic trade,” and he considers its fire “mesmerizing.” He continues at his age to evolve through painting, writing, yoga, and even peace-making. Through creative endeavors, and his interaction with others, Put-

nam hopes he can make a larger difference. There’s no doubt Putnam will leave behind an incredible legacy in his metal works, yet it is another work he now cherishes, and hopes will have the most powerful influence. This

work is motivated by his concern for the spiritual and economic suffering of fellow humans.

“There is a troublesome divide in our culture,” he says, “but as an optimist, I feel we can and should begin healing this fissure at the community level. We should come together and talk with one another, about things that are difficult to discuss,” he says, a look of concern casting a shadow over his face. “We ought to celebrate our differences, and respect one another in spite of them.”

Perhaps his struggles as an artist fostered such a wealth of compassion. There was one year in New England when he had three mouths to feed, and only $2,000 to his name. “We bought a few chickens, some pigs, a cow, and planted a garden, which carried us through the winter,” he explains.

And this is the kind of perseverance his art speaks to, by way of both its tensile strength and its universal truths. From the National Cathedral to the Piedmont and beyond, his legacy will abide.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS BRACK (PUTNAM); HENRY EASTWOOD (GATE)

Then 83-year-old Nol Putnam at work in his Huntly forge in 2017.

Putnam’s Folger Gate at the National Cathedral

Edible Fabric. Endless Possibilities

Bealeton entrepreneur Marilyn Bawol’s invention Flexique ® has revolutionized cake decorating

BY SUE BALDAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARILYN AND JOE BAWOL

As a natural born artist, Marilyn Bawol always loved creating beautiful things with her hands. These included oil paintings, stained glass, and what would later lead to a life-long career, cake decorating.

“Every time we would go to a birthday party, wedding, or other celebration, our gift would always be the cake,” she said. “I was doing it for friends and family, and then a neighbor told me, since I was so good at it, that I should really start my own business. So I did.”

Her husband, Joe Bawol, helped by designing a website for the home-based Unique Cakes LLC. “After that, it just started rolling,” said Marilyn. “That was about 20 years ago.”

After baking and decorating cakes for many years, Marilyn began attending cake shows all over the country, where she competed and also took classes to expand her skills even further.

After much success, she started teaching classes as well and later became a certified cake competition judge.

One day, one of her Unique Cakes customers asked for a wedding cake that resembled a birch bark tree. “I came up with this product on wafer paper that kind of looked like that,” she said. “It didn't happen overnight - we worked on it for about 6 months.” The innovative and unique final product became Flexique®, an edible fabric-like compound.

“Marilyn didn't want to use buttercream, fondant, or gum paste,” said Joe. “She wanted something different that would look like the real thing. When you put Flexique on

wafer paper, you can form it around the cake and it actually has the texture, depending on how much you put on, of tree bark.” While the product is flavored with white chocolate, other flavors can easily be added. “At competition shows, people would ask what it was I was using and were just really interested in it,” she said. “There wasn’t anything else like it on the market. That's when Joe and I decided to go ahead and establish Unique Flexique LLC.”

The product is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, and not just on cakes. “One lady used it to make a four-foot long dragon that actually had a mechanical motor that made the wings flap and shoot fire

Akili went into school at Covenant Christian Academy in Vint Hill and asked his classmates, ‘Anyone want to do this?’

Classmate Luke Bazill from Bristow piped up and said, ‘I’ll do it.’ So that was that.

STICK & STRINGBEAN ON THE THRU-HIKE Two local young men conquer the Appalachian Trail

BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOS COURTESY OF AKILI MCCULLOUGH AND LUKE BAZILL

When Akili McCullough was bored one summer day during high school, he scrolled around on YouTube watching films. He came across an hour-long documenta ry of a hiker’s experience on the Appalachian Trail. When it was over, he said to his mom, “I want to thru-hike the AT.”

Akili didn’t have much previous hiking experience, and the AT thru-hike is a challenge for even the most experienced hikers. It is, how ever, on many peoples’ “bucket list”.

His parents had always raised him to be independent and were confident in his ability to take on the challenge. His dad, Keith McCullough, was excited for him to have this experience and stretch himself out of his comfort zone.

His parents knew he could tackle it on his own, but his mother An nette McCullough said, “I prayed for the Lord to send someone who

TUNES OF THE TREK

These guys listened to some great music during their adventure.

Lord Huron’s “Ends of the Earth” provided the overall theme, and a variety of other favorites rounded it out. Get in the spirit of the trip by scanning the QR codes to each as you read along.

The beginning of the approach trail, 8 miles to the start of the Trail on Springer Mountain.

would go with him.” Her prayers were answered when Luke Bazill, a friend who attended Covenant Christian Academy in Vint Hill with Akili, volunteered to go.

Luke’s mother Amy Bazill’s first reaction was, “Wow, that’s going to be really hard. The AT thru-hike is the type of thing that either makes you or breaks you.” But his parents encouraged him to take a gap year and go, realizing that later in life sometimes it’s harder to take the extended time off needed to complete the trail.

Sending your children out into the wilderness for an extended period has got to make any parent stop and think. Keith said, “I’m a researcher, so I researched everything about the AT. I felt better when I learned how much technology played a part in the trail. For instance, there are apps hikers use to communicate, so they would warn each other about dangers, such as bear or moose.”

So that was that. The adventure was on, and Akili and Luke’s preparations began with their sights set on the summer of 2022.

GETTING READY

Both point to finances as the primary focal point for preparation. Luke worked 40 hours each week and saved every paycheck while Akili took on a job at a local car wash and saved as well.

With the financial aspect under control, the two began to prepare physically, first walking regularly with backpacks, then hiking. “We did small sections in Sky Meadows [in Delaplane],” said Luke.

Knowing that they would need copious amounts of cold weather gear and other equipment, the two began timing how far they could walk each day while hauling their backpacks.

“We started around 16 miles when we were hiking around in Sky Meadows,” Akili said. “We just said, let’s fill our bags and hike for as long as we can in one day.”

After planning a schedule for their trek based on the mileage they could cover each day (making sure to schedule in a stop in Virginia on

stick & stringWHO??

Mother’s Day), Akili also prepared for lodging, forecasting how much it would cost when they needed an overnight stay whether at an inexpensive hostel or a less cost-effective option when necessary.

“You have to figure out how much that would cost so you know what to save up. For the most part in the south, you’re staying in a hostel [for a bed and showers] so we didn’t have to sleep out in the tent. In some places they have tenting spots. There are places in New York and New Jersey where there are no hostels so you’ll need to pay for a hotel, he said.

Akili also organized a system to source food. In addition to the provisions that they would haul with them, their parents would send scheduled packages to post offices as well, requiring impeccable timing for their arrival in towns along the trail. It was a good theory, but

LORD HURON THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Blood Mountain, 30 miles into the Trail

McAfee Knob, Virginia is one of the most photographed spots on the AT, with a 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East.

All thru-hikers have a trail name. Akili and Luke were “Stick” and “Stringbean”, referring to the fact they they were both slim.

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was brutal.”

in practice wasn’t always perfect. One time, we arrived in Damascus and the post office had just closed on a Saturday,” McCullough said.

CHALLENGES

Once the two departed for their trek on March 5, 2022, from Georgia’s Springer Mountain, they weren’t without challenges.

“The whole thing was chal-

lenging, and it changed based on different states,” said Luke.

Akili added, “There were three different battles. First was the physical battle, second was the mental battle, and third was the calorie battle,” referring to every thru-hiker’s challenge to be able to carry enough food to balance calories expended with physical exertion.

Persevering through those battles,

Summit of Mt. Washington, the boys’ biggest challenge. “Getting up there

MARTY ROBBINS THEY’RE HANGING ME TONIGHT

Below: Trail Magic; Right, the first resupply package from home in Helen, GA

is the higest mountain in the Northeastern US at 6,288 feet. It’s also know for its extreme weather. In 1934, the wind on the summit was clocked at 231 miles per hour, at the time the highest wind velocity measured on earth. On a clear day, views extend as far as 130 miles to Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, and the Atlantic Ocean.

MT. WASHINGTON

the two hikers also encountered weather-related challenges from springtime’s unpredictable thunderstorms to high winds. They also encountered bitter temperatures. Akili detailed one night that he says was the coldest he ever slept through, cautioning that he was using the term “sleep” very loosely.

“It was in between 0 and 8 degrees [Fahrenheit] and windy all day. The shelter was facing the wind so you couldn’t take shelter from the wind — it was miserable and cold. I set up my tent inside the shelter and was still freezing. We collected water and within 15 minutes it froze solid. It was really bad. Thankfully the next day we were going into town and we had a warm bed to sleep in.”

One of Luke’s specific challenges came as a result of an injury to the bottom of his feet when the two were in Pennsylvania, not even halfway through the trail. He continued trekking but ultimately needed to stay behind for a few days at the tail-end of the trail,

FRIENDS MADE ALONG THE WAY

TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EXPERIENCE

Despite their challenges on the rugged terrain as they trekked up the trail, both have positive takeaways, as well.

Luke said, “When it comes to the trail my favorite part was the state

I’ TS OUR FOURTEENTH BIRTHDAY! Every year we’ve been open you’ve voted our hometown bakery the best around; we were born right here in

year at

BLUE SWEDE, BJORN SKIFS HOOKED ON A FEELING

summiting Mount Katahdin several days after Akili.

“We met Buddha at Gooder Grove Hostel in Virginia. He hiked with us a while and then left us in the dust.”

MARTY ROBBINS YOU GOTTA CLIMB

101 Appalachian Trail

Length: 2,190 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.

Opened: The AT was the vision of forester Benton MacKaye, who proposed the idea in1921. It was developed by volunteers and opened to hikers in 1937.

Maintenance: Overseen by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), a private nonprofit established in 1925, and the National Park Service (NPS) and maintained by thousands of volunteers.

Hiking: Ranges from day or weekend hikers doing a few miles to section hikers who cover longer chunks, to thru-hikers who hike the entire trail in one season, either northbound or southbound.

Average time to thru-hike: 5-7 months

Fastest thru-hike: 41 days, 7 hours, 39 minutes, 53 miles per day, by Karel

Sabbe

of Maine. Very different from all of the other states, steep mountains — the second half is more flat but there are tons of crystal-clear lakes — wildlife is crazy. We got to see a wild moose which was really cool.”

Akili agreed, appreciating the Smoky Mountains and the opportunity to experience the change of seasons, seeing the land and trees turn from barren to lush. He also appreciated the people he met along the way and documented that portion of the hike through artwork while they were in the towns close to the trail.

“I thought, why not draw some people? I was planning on doing it while on the trail but it was constantly wet or stuff would happen so it was impractical,” he said.

Using sketch paper, Akili drew pencil sketches of other hikers, people they met, or some of those people bringing a little magic to the experience through kindness.

“This day was the worst day of the whole hike. I almost got hypothermia. We were hiking up to Angels Rest Hostel, and there was this random dolly in the woods, no roads around it, just sitting there. I made a dumb joke and put up a Dolly Parton Song, just to make that very bad day a little better.“

He posted his drawings, as well as other photos and videos, on social media.

One of his posts gave a call out to people who helped them along the way. He said, “Tim and Nancy at the Hike Inn were awesome. They were really nice and hospitable. We didn’t know they only took cash, so they drove us into town to an ATM machine. They knew we were new to the trail.”

And then there’s the “trail magic” — people will go to the trail and randomly leave out food for thru-hikers. Hikers would never know when they might find trail magic, so it was special. “There were some really rough days and that just made it so much better,” Luke said.

WHAT’S NEXT?

As for the future, Luke has enrolled in online classes at Western Governor’s University with an

DOLLY PARTON JOLENE

ELTON JOHN I’M STILL STANDING

TINY TIM

LIVIN’ IN THE SUNLIGHT, LOVIN’ IN THE MOONLIGHT

“Trail Families are groups of hikers that travel together and meld into a sort of family. Springer was like the grandpa. He was a very entertaining guy.”

Lincoln, a hiking partner through the White Mountains

Jerry and Ranger, a retired Army Ranger who hikes the Trail around the NC area.

eye on studying data management and analytics. Meanwhile, Akili resumed his work at the local car wash with intentions of becoming a police officer after he meets the age requirement of 21 years old. He says that since his return he also re-hiked a part of the Appalachian Trail with a friend visiting from Texas and that he has hopes of traveling to Colorado.

SUMMITING

MT. KATAHDIN

There were two sets of very proud parents meeting their sons on Mt. Katahdin.

“It was really emotional,” Amy said. “I was grateful to have him back safely, but more proud of him than anything. I didn’t know if he’d be able to complete it, but

he proved it to me. It was a very challenging, character-building time for them both.”

Annette said, “It’s proof that they have the tenacity to start an adventure and complete it. I was concerned that they might have to stop for some reason, but I knew the journey would be completed. I am so pleased with the people they’ve become, and I’m very proud of him.

I am honored that God made me his mother.”

Both moms mentioned that both boys, who had been pretty reserved, seemed more confident and outgoing. And Keith McCullough mentioned another skill his son had picked up. “Akili came back with a desire to cook, which he had no interest in before he left.” L

Dr. Shannon Moore | Dr. Lisa Butterfield | Dr. Barbara Masiello

Left: Akili reached the summit of Khatain on August 10, 2022; Below: Luke reached it a few days later.

To me, hiking it just seemed like another mountain. It hit Luke right away, that we had accomplished what we set out to do, but it didn’t really hit me until after I got home and woke up the next day and realized that I didn’t have to get up and hike any more.

WHAT WAS REACHING AND SUMMITING MT. KATAHDIN LIKE? AKILI SAID...

home & family

Stars Aligned

Purple Willow Behavioral Health Prioritizes Parental Involvement in Therapy for Kids with Special Needs

BY AMIE BOWMAN

PHOTOS BY GABRIELLE JENNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

Lindsey Colombo, owner of Purple Willow Behavioral Health in Warrenton, learned her life’s purpose in college. She said, “While I was majoring in social work, I had the opportunity to intern at a local hospital in the pediatric units. I was assigned a patient who was deaf and blind because of a brain injury. One day, I casually asked who was responsible for teaching this child to communicate (the hospital had teachers on staff). I received more shoulder shrugs than I did real answers. In the weeks that followed, I visited that patient whenever I could. I sang songs, read books, and tried to teach the limited sign language I knew at the time. My supervisor stopped me and said, “What are you doing? This is not your job.” I was blindsided. My initial reaction was, if this is not my job, then I want it to be my job.”

She switched her graduate school focus from social work to special education but had trouble finding a program still accepting applicants for that year. She said, “I truly believed that if I were meant to do something else, then the stars would align.” They did. She taught special education in the public school system for 10 years until her son was born in 2020.

In addition to special education, Colombo is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and holds a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

ABA, which involves using changes in a person’s environment to shape their behavior, is the gold standard

in care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can be a devastating diagnosis for parents to hear about their child.

Thankfully, parents today have more behavioral health options than ever to help their special needs child achieve their fullest potential. However, waitlists for ABA services are typically very long, and for families in rural areas it is even more challenging.

Colombo is one of the Warrenton area’s three BCBAs, and she founded Purple Willow in 2021 after working for a short time in a large ABA agency where she realized that she wanted to have more direct interaction with families. “I wanted to know the kids and the families by name,” she said.

She also knows what it means to need more help; she received special education services as a child and remembers what it was like to feel singled out in a negative way. These types of experiences are what drive the staff at Purple Willow’s passion for helping special needs kids. “We all have our own stories; that’s what makes us good,” Colombo said.

Purple Willow encourages parental involvement in

Above, Top: Lindsey Colombo Founded Purple Willow Behavioral Health in 2021. Above, Bottom: Purple Willow team, L-R: Renee Inge, Allison Ho-Wiygul, Lucia Andujar, Lindsey Colombo, Ashley Childress, Chrystn Sims

their child’s therapy. Colombo welcomes parents to observe therapy sessions and emphasizes that empowering parents to respond to their child’s behaviors and implement ABA interventions outside of therapy sessions is a large part of how Purple Willow does business.

“One of the things I really like about ABA is that it is a science. If you apply the methods consistently and properly, you will get results,” she said. Purple Willow uses a play-based version of ABA that merges behavioral science with emotional connection and focuses on building a child’s communication skills. “Teaching self-advocacy is big for me,” said Colombo, “It makes me feel good when [a child] says they don’t want to do something.”

The staff at Purple Willow share Colombo’s desire to support the whole family. “I’ve always wanted to have the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life,” said therapist Lucia Andujar, “Having families welcome us into their homes and being able to be a part of their child’s growth is a luxury that most people don’t get to experience.”

Purple Willow offers a variety of options, in-home and virtual, for families whose children need behavioral health support. Busy schedules make it difficult for families to access services, and Colombo said, “In rural areas in particular the virtual support option is very important.”

Some of her clientele includes homeschooling families whose children don’t necessarily need special education services but do need academic tutoring, math and reading assessments, or help with special skills.

For families in the school system, Purple Willow offers services for adults caring for children with special needs of any variety. These services range from caregiver coaching to school support services, including attendance at individual education program (IEP) meetings. “Sometimes parents don’t know what services are available that they can ask for,” she explained.

Many of Purple Willow’s services are covered by health insurance but not all. “The most challenging part of the job is the limitations of services placed by insurance issues. I hope in the future that services can be more accessible for more families,” she said.

While Purple Willow is in-network with some insurance companies, children must have a medical diagnosis of ASD for services to be covered. Colombo hopes that requirement may change in the future; Medicaid in Virginia has started to cover ABA with any Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis. “Sometimes we see private insurance follow what the state does,” Colombo related.

That is very good news for parents who have just heard that their child has a disability requiring behavioral health services. L

Purple Willow Behavioral Health

703-623-5471

purplewillowbehavioralhealth.com

Lindsey uses playing on the swing to work with children to help them complete common statements, “Ready, set ... GO!”

SUNDAYS AT TWO

bringing together distinguished writers, artists & scholars for conversations about their work & life.

Join Hope Porter, a leader in land conservation in Fauquier County and Virginia, and veteran journalist and editor Lou Emerson, for a discussion about Mrs. Porter’s nearly 60 years as an “accidental activist.”

Sunday, July 16 2-3 p.m.

What’s Cook’n at the Farmers’ Market

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA, HOME ECONOMIST

It’s not quite morning, yet the anticipation of daybreak has the birds chirping so loudly they woke the dog who’s now waking me by pawing at my arm that’s dangling over the edge of the bed. Every few seconds there’s a muffled half-woof just in case I didn’t feel/was ignoring the pawing. OK, fella…. I’m getting up.

Today is the day we hit the farmers’ market. I guess he doesn’t want me to forget - as if I could. It’s our weekly adventure and we never miss it. The empty basket we bring along will return home overflowing with fresh ingredients to keep me cook’n all week long.

Let’s get into the kitchen!

Ridiculously Easy Broccoli Salad

Move over coleslaw and potato salad. Make room for broccoli salad on the picnic table. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. Buy it by the pound at the farmers’ market or make your own from the fresh ingredients you’ve scored. It’s ridiculously easy.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into random ½ inch pieces)

¾ cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt (dairy or plant)

3 Tablespoons sugar

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

OPTIONAL ADD-INS TO TASTE

Crumbled crispy bacon, raisins, dried cranberries, nuts/seeds, shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS

Toss together. Chill.

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Summer Squash Casserole

Everyone loves this - especially those who say they don’t like squash.

SERVES 4 TO 6

PAN SIZE: 10 INCH ROUND X 2 ½ INCHES DEEP (8 CUP) OVEN SAFE CASSEROLE

TOPPING INGREDIENTS

½ cup Italian flavored bread crumbs

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

2 Tablespoons melted butter

CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS

2 pounds small yellow summer squash

½ cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoon Italian flavored bread crumbs

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

3 cloves garlic (chopped - about 1 Tablespoon)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix topping ingredients. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease casserole dish or coat with cooking spray.

3. Cut squash (peeled or unpeeled) into ¼ inch thick rounds. You should have about 5 cups. Combine with remaining casserole ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with topping. Bake (uncovered) till bubbly and lightly browned – 40 to 45 minutes.

Garlic Boiled Corn on the Cob

A mountainous platter of buttered sunshine deliciously mingled with the enigmatic taste of garlic. We’re talk’n heaven on a plate.

INGREDIENTS

12 ears of corn (shucked)

1 whole head of garlic

DIRECTIONS

Cut the garlic across the diameter so the cloves are cut in half. Drop both halves (unpeeled) into the pot as you begin boiling the corn. Cook until the corn is done to your liking.

Grilled Salmon Flatbread Nosh

Hungry? This sandwich will fix that!

INGREDIENTS

Flatbreads (purchased or homemade –recipe follows)

Salad mix

Cucumber

Tomato

Red onion

Grilled salmon

Artisan cheese (your fav) Drizzle Sauce (recipe follows)

DIRECTIONS

For each sandwich, pile ingredients (to taste) on one side of a flatbread. Drizzle with sauce. Fold the empty side of the flatbread over the filling. For vegan – sub grilled tofu for salmon and use vegan cheese

Drizzle Sauce

WHISK TOGETHER:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1 Tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

DIY Flatbread

Call it naan, roti, burrito or sandwich wrap, flatbread is the new darling of the foodie set. It’s surprisingly easy to make. Cheap, too. Or skip the prep and pick up some at the market.

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, mix water, yeast and sugar. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes (uncovered) to proof (rise). After proofing, stir in the remaining ingredients forming a shaggy dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead (using a bench scraper or metal spatula to help) until it comes together –about 5 minutes. Dough will be slightly sticky.

MAKES 10 (8 INCH) FLATBREADS

RECOMMENDED PAN

– 12 INCH CAST IRON SKILLET (BUT ANY LARGE SKILLET WORKS)

LID TO COVER SKILLET

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup warm water

1 (.25 oz.) package active dry yeast (not instant2 ¼ teaspoons)

1 teaspoon sugar

3 cups all purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce

2. Return dough to bowl. Cover. Let rise till double –45 minutes to 1 hour. Longer if needed.

3. Remove dough from bowl. Cut into 10 equal pieces. Set aside. Lightly cover to prevent drying.

4. For the first flatbread, grease the skillet with ½ teaspoon high smoke point fat like canola oil. After that, greasing is not necessary. (Avoid cooking spray. It burns and smokes.) Heat skillet on a medium/low.

5. While the skillet is heating, roll 1 piece of dough into an 8 inch circle on a lightly floured surface. It’s OK if it’s not perfectly round. Using your fingertips, pick up the dough and place it into the hot skillet. It’s fine if it stretches a little or gets out of shape. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid.

6. Cook (covered) till the bottom has browned in spots (1 to 2 minutes) then flip and cook (covered) on the second side (another 1 to 2 minutes).

7. Remove cooked flatbread from the skillet and place on a large plate. Cover with an inverted bowl so the bread will steam. Repeat with remaining dough, piling the cooked flatbreads on top of each other. Keep covered till needed so they stay soft.

Berry Good Cobbler

No trip to the farmers’ market would be complete without the fix’ns for a sweet, juicy, old-timey cobbler. Think of it as an easy way to make pie.

SERVES 6

PAN SIZE – 8 INCH SQUARE X 2 INCHES DEEP PLUS A PARCHMENT LINED COOKIE SHEET

TOPPING INGREDIENTS

½ cup all purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

3 Tablespoons butter (melted & cooled)

Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 Tablespoon)

DIRECTIONS

Mix. Set aside.

FILLING INGREDIENTS

5 cups berries (any type or a combo)

¼ cup all purpose flour

½ cup sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease pan or mist with baking spray. Place on the cookie sheet to catch drips.

2. In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. Using your fingers, flatten bits of the topping into ½ inch pieces and distribute evenly over filling. (Topping will not cover filling.)

3. Bake in preheated oven until filling is bubbly and topping has started to brown – about 55 minutes. L