Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine September 2024 by Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine

DOWN THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Marshall’s Joy Williamson as ‘Dorothy’

ONE YEAR IN Major Warner’s lesson plan

HOMETOWN, HOMEMADE HE-MAN

Remington resident piling up Strongman accolades

Surgical Care in Our Community

When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.

With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.

Sarmed

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Al Yassin, MD Gastroenterology

G. Benjamin Wampler, MD General Surgery

Mohamad Salkini, MD Urology

Joseph Brown, MD General Surgery

Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery

Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Cynthia Dougherty, MD General Surgery

When

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

$23 SINGLE CLASS PASS

*Not combinable with any other offers. Expires October 31, 2024

DMVs Premier Female Strength Training Studio

Emphasizing Physique and Glute Growth

Women owned and operated

Empowering women to train for strength

Certified Physique trainers & Body Building coaches

Specialty physique machines

State of the art glute equipment unavailable in commercial gyms

NOVA Glutes provides its members with community, intimacy, privacy and female empowerment.

CLASSES

• Full Body 5: Five of our Big Lifts, at 5 o’clock

• Specialty Glute Morning/Evening

• Hinge and Hammies

• Quad dominant & Thighs

• Muscle Mommy: mid-day class

• “60 for 60” longest class offered

$189 monthly (unlimited classes)

$180 monthly:

Military (active/retired) & ages 12-17

Ages 12 and up!

Ilove living in Fauquier County for many reasons. But a big one is having family close by who are also involved in the community. And I bother them often for the magazine, mining their knowledge and experiences. They’re probably tired of getting texts from me usually starting… “I don’t mean to bother you, but if you have time…”

Lately I’ve been doing it a lot. Last issue,

when preparing an article about Dwayne Bowman’s controlled burn, I needed to fact check a couple of permit requirement details and a name. Who better to consult than the deputy chief of Fauquier County Fire Rescue System? That would be my niece, Natasha Lorenzen, who grew up here and has been a firefighter in the county since graduating from Fauquier High.

This issue I have an article about the 911 Call Center dispatchers. A quote from Natasha about the emergency response system in Fauquier and the dispatchers’ huge role in it really brings the story together.

My other niece, Jessica Ross, is an RN at Fauquier Health. While preparing the article on the retirement of Dr. Kornetsky, written by Will Scaring, something kept niggling in the back of my mind. Finally, it came to me, a story Jess had told me. She had always wanted to work on medical missions, and when she heard Dr. Kornetsky was leading

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

A Celebration of Fauquier County

PUBLISHER

Dennis Brack dennis@warrentonlifestyle.com

EDITOR Pam Kamphuis pam@warrentonlifestyle.com

ART DIRECTOR Kara Thorpe kara@warrentonlifestyle.com

ADVERTISING

Sales Director: Jim Kelly jim@warrentonlifestyle.com, 434-987-3542

Senior Account Executive: Cindy McBride cindy@warrentonlifestyle.com, 540-229-6038

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Jay Ford creative@warrentonlifestyle.com

a mission about 15 years ago to Haiti, she chased him down the hall of Fauquier Hospital and begged him to let her go with him. She accompanied him on a few trips (as did Natasha, with her emergency medical training with the fire department) and was there with him after the earthquake and during the cholera outbreak. Talking to her about him in such a different environment added a whole other awesome dimension to the story.

As I said, they probably roll their eyes when they get a text from me, but they’re always up to help. And I appreciate it. It’s a community magazine, after all.

EDITOR

Pam Kamphuis

ACCOUNTING

Carina Richard-Wheat cwheat@insidenova.com 540-905-7791

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Email: subscribe@warrentonlifestyle.com 540-675-3338

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE

Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine 70 Main Street, Suite 32 Warrenton, VA 20186 • 540-349-2951

ON THE WEB FauquierNow.com/lifestyle

Facebook: @FauquierNow, @WarrentonLifestyleMagazine Email Newsletter: Sign up at FauquierNow.com

The Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 11,500 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2024 Rappahannock Media LLC.

The Lifestyle magazines is a sister publication with Fauquier County's Leading Online News Source, FAUQUIERNOW.COM Visit us for the latest local news, calendar, classifieds, obituaries, real estate announcements, newsletter sign up, Warrenton

Your End-of-Year Financial Checklist

Get Your Finances In Order for a Great 2025

BY NATHAN GILBERT

WMeridian Financial Partners

is an independent, fee-only fiduciary, knowing the best ideas come from a foundation of partnership, community, and cooperation. With offices in Warrenton & Washington, VA., and serving clients nationwide, Meridian offers comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to help clients meet their personal and business financial goals. To learn more, visit meridianfinancialpartners.com.

ith the summer behind us, we’re getting more questions about how best to wrap up this year. As financial advisors, we know things can get overwhelming, but there are a few important things you can do to put yourself in the best financial position.

Plan for tax-advantaged giving

There are a number of tax-advantaged ways to give to family, friends, and charities. By planning your giving now, you can benefit your family while making tax-conscious choices.

Gifts to individuals up to $18,000 are gift tax-free (per year, per recipient), these can be used, for example, to contribute to a 529.

For further 529 giving, you can make a lump sum contribution of up to $90,000 to a 529 account and elect to treat it as if it were made evenly over a 5-year period, gift tax-free.

Charitable giving of appreciating securities or making a qualified charitable distribution (QCDs) can have tax benefits, allowing you to give and avoid paying capital gains taxes.

Save into a Health Saving Account (HSA)

If you have an HSA, you may be able to contribute $4,150 ($8,300 for a family) and an additional $1,000 if you are age 55 or over.

Employer Retirement Plan

If you have a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you may be able to save more (but consult with the plan provider as the rules vary about when you can make changes). The maximum salary deferral contribution to an employer plan is $23,000, plus the catch-up contribution if age 50 or over is $7,500 per year. If offered by your employer plan, consider making after-tax 401(k) contributions.

Maximize Roth contributions

Make Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) contributions and Roth conversions. If eligible, consider electing Roth employer matching contributions.

Accelerate traditional IRA withdrawals

If you are age 59.5 or over, consider accelerating traditional IRA withdrawals to fill up lower tax brackets.

Plan for Financial Changes

You can manage tax liabilities for both wins and losses. If you may be receiving significant windfalls that could impact your tax liability (inheritance, RSUs vesting, stock options, bonus), now is the time to review your tax withholdings to determine if estimated payments may be required. On the other hand, if you have unrealized investment losses in your taxable accounts, consider realizing those losses to offset any gains and/or write off up to $3,000 against ordinary income.

Review your estate plan

As you review the year, now is a good time to review your estate plan and beneficiaries. Especially review if you have had any changes to your family, heirs, or if you have bought or sold any assets this year.

WANT HELP GETTING STARTED? Call us at (540) 878-5416 or email info@meridianfinancialpartners.com.

Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this commentary serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Meridian. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.

Author Erin Keck’s children’s book “First a Hug, then a Kiss, then an ‘I Love You’”. BY WILLIAM SCARING 16 Well Read Raise a Reader Fauquier County Public Library promotes early reading as a key to success in school. BY CASSANDRA BROWN ANDERSON

A chat with Fauquier County Public Schools Superintendent Major Warner.

Cover Story Homemade HeMan

Remington’s Owen Heflin piling up Strongman accolades. BY KIPP HANLEY

38 Local Heroes

The Calm in the Storm

Fauquier County’s 911 Call Center dispatchers are integral to the emergency response process. BY MARY SCRO 44 Day Trip

The Frontier Culture Museum

Staunton museum features Shenandoah Valley’s blended culture.

Local History

The Blue Laws

Sunday sales restrictions died hard in Fauquier County. BY JOHN TOLER 56

Real Estate Roundup

Top sales in Fauquier County 58

Wine and Dine Totally Tomatoes

Recipes for the end-ofsummer favorite. BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA 62

Wine and Dine Simply Classic

Say goodbye to summer with cocktails from the prohibition era. BY DANIEL DUCA

ON THE COVER

Marshall’s Joy Williamson in the role of Dorothy in “Wizard of Oz the Musical”.

MARY ROOK

Owen Heflin of Remington placed first in his division in the Strongman USS Nationals competition in Denver this summer. Photo by Luke Christopher

Embracing a Thrilling New Chapter:

Renovations and Enhancements Coming Very Soon to OTAC!

A Vision for the Future

As we celebrate these remarkable milestones and turn our eyes towards the future, we are thrilled to announce significant changes on the campus. Members and guests will experience a new pinnacle of fitness at our renovated health club, now reimagined as a boutique haven for personalized wellness. With a focus on high-touch customer service and customized solutions, we elevate every aspect of your journey.

All new equipment will be delivered on September 28, and additional new programming will be introduced by our team of dedicated trainers and instructors in our group, small group, and semi-private training formats. Private trainers are committed to your unique goals and creating a safe path to guide you each step of the way. Our refreshed environment combines luxury with effectiveness, ensuring every visit is exceptional. You will discover how our tailored approach of comprehensive support can transform your results and redefine your experience.

Old Town Athletic Campus (OTAC) is incredibly honored and grateful to the Fauquier County community for voting us BEST FITNESS CENTER for the 19th consecutive year, the Best Yoga Studio for the 8th consecutive year, and our performance and baseball coach, Chris Forsten, as BEST TRAINER/COACH for the second time. Your support and trust in us inspire our continued commitment to providing the very best health and wellness services.

Join Us for an Exclusive Early Bird Opportunity

To celebrate these exciting changes, we are offering exclusive Early Bird membership pricing! This is a chance to join the new and improved OTAC at a special rate before the grand opening on October 1. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the best fitness center and yoga studio in Fauquier County.

For more information, visit otacfitness.com/elevate or schedule a tour. We look forward to welcoming you to the new and improved Old Town Athletic Campus.

our neighbors

Big Shoes to Fill

Kenneth Kornetsky, M.D.,

P.C. retires from practice leaving a legacy of kindness in his wake

BY WILLIAM SCARING

Dr. Kenneth Kornetsky looked like he was dressed for church when I met him for coffee, in a full suit and a thick but trimmed beard. When I entered the cafe for our interview, he was there waiting for me despite my arriving ten minutes early for our appointment. His walking cane was propped up against the wall, hands folded, waiting patiently. We shook a very firm handshake, and I got him coffee; black and hot, despite the blazing heat outside. Based on this introduction, I almost expected someone who was formal and strict. I was pleasantly proven wrong, the second I saw the kind expression on his face as we sat down to chat about his career.

Kornetsky, an esteemed and longtime Fauquier County nephrologist, has recently retired after 45 years of serving the community through his practice, Bluemont Nephrology Associates (since its founding in 1980), as medical director and primary nephrologist of the Warrenton Dialysis Facility (since 1980), and as medical director of Culpeper Dialysis (since 1988). Warrenton’s dialysis center started with six stations for providing services to patients in kidney failure; it has, under his guidance, grown to 21 stations operating in two shifts per day, six days a week, able to serve up to 42 patients daily. During his long career he also served as president of medical staff at Fauquier

It’s about the patients, first and always

Health, and on the board of directors.

Nephrology is a highly specific study of medicine, focusing on the kidneys and role they play in the body: filtering toxins and waste from the bloodstream. Nephrologists are perhaps best known for performing dialysis procedures, using machines to replace the kidney filtration process, usually in cases of kidney failureIn treating kidney patients, nephrologists often see patients with other medical issues which must also be considered in treatment. It’s a highly specialized field that requires a complex understanding of biochemistry, anatomy, and the connections between.

In this, Kornetsky excels.

Dr. Nivedita Chander, a colleague of Kornetsky at Bluemont Nephrology and a nephrologist with over 20 years’ experience, observed as Kornetsky diagnosed a patient whose only major symptom was a rash. She said “Dr. Kornetsky has an incredible knowledge of the science involved in our

work. Nephrologists are kind of geeks, but even I was surprised with how quickly he figured it out.”

According to coworkers and patient reviews, Kornetsky is known for being extremely patient-focused, something Chander considers priceless.

“It’s about the patients, first and always,” Kornetsky said.

Kornetsky is one of those rare men whose impact can be felt across the globe without being a head of government. Not only has he donated massive amounts of his time and effort to his local community, but he has also given it abroad to communities desperately in need of medical assistance.

Kornetsky has served with Medical Missionaries, a nonprofit based in Manassas dedicated to delivering medical supplies and expert care to impoverished communities in Haiti, since 1999. At present he serves as vice president on the organization’s board of directors, but he has also often served in the field.

Providing medical care in Haiti is a far cry from analyzing kidney patients in his Warrenton office, but he excels at both. “You see everything in Haiti,” said Jessica Ross, an RN who accompanied him several times. “It’s fast moving, and you never know what’s coming in the door. It was before I started going with him, but they used to travel on donkeys to get up mountains.”

“I’ve been with him when we worked through the earthquake and seen trauma patients, and also when we worked through the cholera outbreak. You have to do it all. He’s super calm in an emergency, and he’s great at thinking outside the box and making do with limited resources. He never slowed down.”

Kornetsky deflects praise on this, noting that it was a “team effort”. For a man of his talents and intelligence, Kornetsky seems determined not to be in the spotlight if he can help it.

When asked about his own plans for the future, Kornetsky laughed and said, “Well, my wife is definitely ready for a vacation.”

Vacation doesn’t seem to be something very much on his mind, however, as he still plans on contributing his efforts to the Medical Missionaries for as long as he can. Due to the political situation in Haiti, the organization is not sending anyone there right now, so Kornetsky is working from the U.S. to oversee the operation of the clinics and manage medical supplies.

“I would like to go back,” he said.

And maybe one day he will. As Ross says, “He’s always up for the adventure.” L

Dr. Kornetsky with volunteer medical staff members in Haiti.

“We can all help our students develop the skills and tools that help them become wellrounded, warm-hearted adults.”

—Dr. Amrit Daryanani

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the School Setting

BY TUTT STAPP-MCKIERNAN

Schools are associated first and foremost with academic preparation–but in both schools and families, an increasingly examined subject today is how we balance the changing world, a college-prep academic program, and the mental and emotional wellbeing of our students. Where and how does student wellbeing intersect with other components of a contemporary and whole education?

For Dr. Amrit Daryanani, Director of Student Services and Wellness at Wakefield School in The Plains and known there as “Dr. D,” the role for wellbeing is not to intersect with other components, but to surround them.

“Wellbeing is almost the white space around academics,” she says. “We have concern for the overall wellbeing of our students, and that touches on so many different domains in their lives. Without wellbeing, academics is much harder! So this is an important area for us to consider here at school.”

Responsive vs. proactive

As schools seek to use their resources wisely in creating a healthy environment for students, they must balance being responsive to problems when they arise for individual students with being proactive, equipping students with the resilience and tools to understand, examine, and manage their own wellbeing, and thereby forestalling many problems in the first place.

“We have to have a counseling component that is ready to respond to problems, because in our world today, any news outlet is happy to share that there are a lot of problems right now in mental health, for all of us,” says Dr. D. “The other piece, though, of being more proactive, is also a beautiful piece that is continuously unfolding.”

According to Dr. D, “We approach wellness here from looking at many different domains…there’s the physical domain of wellness, there’s the emotional domain, there’s the cognitive domain, and the spiritual domain–and for those uncomfortable with

the word ‘spiritual,’ just drop in the words ‘meaning’ and ‘purpose!’...So considering all the new research that’s coming to us on wellness [and on] the interconnectedness of the different domains, all of this informs us in continuously trying to adapt our programming and our support systems here on campus for our students.”

“Mental Health First Aid”

Dr. D thinks that one of the important steps Wakefield has taken is to train all of its faculty in “Mental Health First Aid” (MHFA), an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance abuse challenges, sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

“MHFA gives us a community of adults that is accessible…we want for students to have lots of options for mentorship…[so] supporting faculty in being able to provide mentorship around issues of wellness and self-care is really important,” she says.

How do we help create a community of students who are vigilant about their own mental health and wellbeing? This ties to the idea of identity formation, an essential task of

adolescence. MHFA encourages both faculty and students to share in this important step.

“MHFA emphasizes that self-care is an important component of wellness, and that faculty need to not only talk about it, but do it, and model it!” says Dr. D. “It’s an important piece of how we support students on their own journey to wellness.”

Volunteering

According to Dr. D, one of the most beneficial things a school can do to increase wellbeing is emphasizing to the students the importance of volunteering–and doing it with them!

“That piece of doing it with them is so key,” says Dr. D. “There is a sense of community and of comradeship that is built when you work together towards a positive end, and for something that students resonate with–something that truly interests them in terms of serving. One thing that I think families could do to really foster wellness is active volunteering together.”

Dr. D sponsors two ongoing volunteer efforts for Wakefield’s Upper School students: at the Middleburg Humane Foundation, and through the “Wood Ministry” at Grace Church in The Plains, helping elderly or infirm community members manage their firewood.

Volunteering, Dr. D emphasizes, is not just going out there to help–it’s not “one and done.”

“Volunteering on a regular basis is to enter into a relationship with an organization, and with all of the beings, whether they be human or animal or environmental, that that organization serves,” she says. “It’s a very deep and thoughtful process when it’s done with intention, and over time, and with support, and with follow-up.”

Curiosity

Join Us for an Open House on October 25th!

JK through 12th grade on 65 acres in The Plains, VA. School-provided transportation available. Now accepting applications.

www.wakefieldschool.org | @wakefieldschooltheplains

First a Hug, then a Kiss, then an ‘I Love You’

By Erin Keck, illustrated by Olivia Serio

BY WILLIAM SCARING

Bedtime stories are a ritual that many families practice across the country. I myself can remember getting read to sleep by my father with classic stories like “The Hobbit” and “The Velveteen Rabbit”. For us, it was a cherished routine.

Many families have special routines, whether bedtime stories or another ritual, that strengthen bonds between parents and children.

But what happens when that tradition, and all other family traditions, are interrupted?

According to the nonprofit United Through Reading, more than 100,000 military parents are deployed across the United States every year, leaving behind approximately 250,000 children. This interrupts the rituals and impacts the parent/child relationship. Many children miss this routine when a parent is away.

That is a problem that first time author and Warrenton resident Erin Keck is currently working to address with her new children’s book, “First a Hug, then a Kiss, then an ‘I Love You’”. The book, illustrated by longtime

friend Olivia Serio, is a short, illustrated love letter to military families and the sacrifices that they make, follows a young girl named Haven as she copes with her father leaving for his military deployment. Throughout, Haven’s relationship with her mother and friends is highlighted as helping to provide the support that a child needs.

While Keck was not married to her husband Jeremy, a third-generation veteran of the Air Force, at the time of his deployment, his father was active and deployed during his own childhood. The stories she heard from her husband fueled the idea behind this story. “It’s so difficult for families with a deployed member because the deployed miss out on so much of their family’s life. It’s such a sacrifice. Bringing comfort to those families was also a major goal of mine with this book,” she said.

One of the major themes within the book is goodbyes and long separations from a loved one. Keck, as a mother of three and a spouse to a veteran, took to heart the importance of the connection between a parent and child, especially one sometimes separated by the demands of the military. She said, “I really wanted to emphasize the goodbyes that Haven goes through in the book. If I can show how she handles goodbyes, it might help other children in her shoes.”

It seems like among the goals she’s described, Keck’s accomplished a good number of them. She recently had a public book reading at Erin’s Elderberries to a big crowd. She’s also been reaching out to local bookstores to get her debut on the shelves. Considering the reaction to her book has already been an exciting one, Keck is considering new angles for her writing career as well. “I haven’t started truly planning anything yet, but I think it would be exciting to make a sequel or make this a part of a larger book series.” L

firstahugbook.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erin Keck lives in Warrenton with her husband Jeremy, an US Air Force veteran, and children Haven (7), Crew (4), and Charlotte (2). This is her first book.

Raise a Reader

Fauquier County Public Library promotes early reading as key to success in school

BY CASSANDRA BROWN ANDERSON FOR FAUQUIER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Every night before bed, five-year-old Hugo Joga picks out three books for his parents to read aloud before he drifts off to sleep.

“He gets excited about that time,” his mother Katie Joga said. “He loves picking out his own books.”

His parents have read to him since he was a newborn, creating a daily routine. “Now he wants to read chapter books,” Joga said.

In April 2023 Hugo completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Warrenton branch of the Fauquier County Public Library.

As part of the program, parents track books they read with their child before they

10 Ways You Can Raise a Reader*

1 Develop a reading routine with your newborn.

2 Continue to read with your child even when they become independent readers.

start school. For every 100 books logged, children receive a reward at the library. When they reach 1,000 books they receive a certificate, special bookbag and their photo posted on the library’s “Wall of Fame.”

Hugo “always beams with so much pride when he sees his face up on the wall,” Joga said. “He developed incredible reading and comprehension skills at just five years old, giving him a very strong start to kindergarten.”

Reading with your child doesn’t have to be sophisticated, Fauquier County Public Library Director Maria Del Rosso said. “Whenever you have the opportunity — if you see a sign, a cereal box, instructions on how to do something — read it aloud to them so they can hear the cadence of your voice and hear new vocabulary,” Del Rosso said.

All three branches of the Fauquier County Public Library offer free programs and resources to encourage early childhood literacy including story times (in-person and to-go), an eight-week summer reading program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Paws to Read, and StoryWalks at two locations (C.M. Crockett Park near Midland and on the Warrenton Branch Greenway).

The library also provides various technologies to encourage young readers including AWE Learning stations, Launchpads, Tumblebook, educational videos, and access to e-books and e-audiobooks.

3 Reread your child’s favorite stories.

4 Visit the library early and often to check out a variety of books or attend free programs like story times.

5 Read everyday things like road signs, grocery lists, cereal boxes, etc. Mix things up by listening to audiobooks together.

6 Set an example by reading in front of your child.

7 Talk positively about reading.

“The library is a hub of excitement and learning for Hugo,” Joga said. “It's not just a place for books; it's an exciting community space where he can explore, learn, and grow through all the variety of free programs offered. We're grateful to live in a community that really goes above and beyond to provide the kids with this space.”

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

When Heather Sonnen heard about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, she jumped at the chance to get her children excited about reading.

“I was never a good reader. I had a reading disability,” Sonnen said. “Looking back, I realized I never had someone read to me. I didn’t enjoy reading until I was an adult.”

When she had children, she made sure

8 Have rich conversations with your child about what you’re doing; speak in full sentences and use interesting words.

9 Understand the basics about learning to read.

10 Talk to your child’s teacher or doctor if you have concerns about your child’s development.

*Adapted from 10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader | Reading Rockets

Hugo Joga completes the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Fauquier Public Library

Wayne Bradway reads to Sunny, a Paws to Read dog

to start reading to them as infants. As often as possible, Sonnen takes her children to the library, checks out story times to go with various themes, and plays audio books.

Three of Sonnen’s children have participated in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

“It has shaped their appreciation of books,” she said. “The program is a good supplement to getting them prepped to reading on their own.”

Sonnen encourages other parents to make reading fun. “Have older kids read to younger kids. It makes them feel important and boosts their confidence because little kids don’t care if they stumble,” she said. “There’s no pressure reading to animals or other little children.”

Since 2018, Wendy Miller, a Pre-K teacher at Coleman Elementary School near The Plains, has embedded the program into her classroom. For every 100-book milestone, a librarian visits the classroom to read a book aloud and conduct an activity.

“They become better readers, and school means more to them even at four and five years old,” Miller said. “As they get older it helps with writing and answering questions, comprehension, and understanding tests.”

At the beginning of every school year, Miller takes students and their parents on a field trip to the Marshall branch where they tour the library and get library cards.

“The kids are excited they have a library card, and they want to use it,” Miller said. “That encourages their parents to take them to the library.”

Each year her students log between 600 and 700 books before school ends with a goal to read the remaining 300 to 400 books during summer break.

Paws

to Read

Excitement fills the children’s section of the Bealeton branch as four canine companions visit the library on a Sunday afternoon in July.

Five-year-old Wayne Bradway gingerly approaches Lilly, a therapy dog from K-9 Caring

Mert Cook, Library Assistant at the John Marshall branch library, reads to a pre-school class at Coleman Elementary School

Angels, and starts reading a book. Lilly quickly falls asleep to the sound of his voice.

Paws to Read is a library program for emerging and reluctant readers 5 to 10 years old. Volunteers visit with therapy dogs who patiently listen to children read aloud which helps boost children’s confidence.

“They listened,” Lexi Shropshire, 10, said about the therapy dogs. “I liked Lilly the most. She was the most cuddly. I like showing her the photos in the books.”

Lexi’s mother, Joyce, said they often walk to the library from their Bealeton home and especially enjoy reading to dogs.

“It’s helped her socially to interact with other kids because she’s homeschooled,” she said. “It helps her to be more outgoing, to be more confident whether she’s interacting with a dog or a person.”

Wayne, a rising first grader at Warrenton’s Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School, is participating in the summer reading program. His parents credit library activities for helping advance his reading skills.

“At the beginning of summer, he just started reading, and now he’s sitting there reading by himself,” his mother Gabby Bradway said. L

For other ideas or activities to promote early literacy skills, visit DaybyDayVa.org or ask your local librarian.

education

One year in

A chat with Fauquier County Public Schools

Superintendent

Major Warner

BY GRACE SCHUMACHER

Major R. Warner Jr., Ed.D. began his journey to the top educational post in Fauquier County nearly 30 years ago.

Warner is a lifelong Fauquier County resident and a graduate of its school system. His career in education has seen him transition from a classroom teacher to deputy superintendent, a role he held for six years. In April 2023, Warner was appointed to succeed former Superintendent David Jeck.

In a recent interview, Superintendent Warner discussed his first year at the helm, highlighting memorable moments and outlining ongoing priorities for the years ahead.

Channeling the student voice

Amplifying youth voices has been a major focus for the first-year superintendent. Warner helped co-establish advisory groups targeting high schoolers to engage students and integrate their perspectives into policy and initiatives.

Warner has since expanded the mission of addressing mental health and academic gaps exacerbated by COVID, to include middle school students,

“I really felt like we were missing an opportunity with middle school students… [who] kind of got lost in the shuffle,” he said.

“It is important for them to see that if you collectively share a concern, that we’re listening. I’m honest with them that if we can fix it, we will. If we can’t, I’ll explain to them why,” he said. “The things that are important to middle school kids aren’t complicated. They’re simple things that become complicated because we don’t address them.”

Concerns about athletic opportunities, for example, were raised by middle school students this past academic year, “One of the things that [students] talked to me about, as we went from five to four middle schools, is that we’ve kind of squeezed out some of our sixth-graders relative to opportunities, and athletics is a big deal with them,” said Warner.

During the most recent budget deliberations, Warner proposed an allocation of resources to expand opportunities for middle

school athletics.

“I think broadening the student voice this year is really one of the things that I am most proud of,” Warner said. “We’ll be taking the kids that were in the advisories last year and adding new sixth-graders and new ninth-graders. We are planning a Student Leaders Conference involving those kids. We’ve never done this, so I’m excited …”

Communication with parents

Warner said a main goal has been enhancing communication with parents, guardians, and school community members with the intention of involving them in steering safety measures and protocols through the formation of a parent focus group.

“My job is to depoliticize what we do in public schools so that we can get back to

Warner looks forward to celebrating each high school graduating class when May rolls around.

focusing on what matters most, and that’s whether [students] are learning, whether they’re safe.,” Warner said.

Absenteeism and learning loss

Warner has also emphasized tackling absenteeism and learning loss by balancing discipline with academic engagement.

Chronic absenteeism is considered as missing 2 to 3 days per month or a total 18 days which is considered to be at least 10% of the standard 180-day school year, regardless of reason.

According to state data from the 2022-23 school year, 14.5% or 1,130 students were considered chronically absent from Fauquier County Public Schools.

In addition to absenteeism, Fauquier school officials last school year identified discipline concerns which are, in fact, interrelated.

According to Warner, data collected by the school division indicates part of the reason Fauquier students are struggling with chronic absenteeism is due to out-of-school suspension for behavior. Warner believes this requires creative problem solving.

Starting this upcoming fall, the division plans to introduce a new short-term suspension center for high school students who receive out-of-school suspension.

Part of a two-year pilot program, the center will be located in a central office building near Brumfield Elementary School with the capacity to accommodate up to 10 students a day. Limited to grades nine through 12, these students will continue to complete classwork under teacher supervision in

order to prevent learning loss.

Cellphones in schools

An increasing number of school districts in Virginia are starting to tackle the growing issue of classroom distractions, particularly those caused by cellphones.

On July 9, Gov. Youngkin issued Executive Order 33, which directed schools to adopt policies for age-appropriate restriction or elimination of cellphone use during instructional time. Fauquier County Public Schools will enforce this policy for the upcoming year.

Students will be allowed to bring phones to school and access them during non-instructional time, but they’ll be expected to put phones away in the classroom.

Additionally, Warner outlined his expectation for county teachers to act as role models for students in this respect.

Warner helps Donna Grove cut the ribbon in celebration of the school division’s completed vestibule projects.

Warner with county spelling bee winner Riley Min from Auburn Middle School.

While there are some who feel that cellphones should be taken out of schools entirely, he says that the overwhelming request from the schools’ families is to tighten policies and surveillance, particularly in middle schools.

Library materials

The surge in book challenges and shifts in policy across the country have led to heightened discussions about content in school libraries, and settling the question of establishing appropriate content on the school library shelves was an immediate matter Warner faced and continues to face.

Starting with this school year, library policy specifies that all parents will receive notifications regarding the material their student checks out unless they specifically choose to opt out of these notifications. Parents also have the option to disallow their student from checking out material labeled explicit.

“The evolution of this [policy] has taken a little bit of time but really got to the place of understanding. There was a little bit of fear from some, but the sky has not fallen,” Warner said. “Kids are as engaged in the library as they’ve ever been. Our librarians are as engaged with kids as they’ve ever been.”

Clockwise from top left:

Warner with fellow Marshall Middle alum David Graham and one of his past teachers Rhonda Hendricks.

Looking ahead

In reflecting on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, Warner set a hopeful tone for the future.

“If you were to ask me about my Mount Rushmore moments this year, I would say empowering and uplifting the student voice,

and what we did with the budget,” he said. “We had to really strip it down and make it clear what we were asking for…we just tried to align everything through three lenses — learning, safety, and engagement — and let people see that our actions match our words.”

Warner also highlighted his commitment to teacher compensation, noting that the fiscal 2025 spending plan dedicates a 3% compensation increase across-the-board for school staff. Warner considers this a good start but intends to continue to aggressively focus on the issue.

Warner emphasized the community’s resilience and unity in the face of tragedy, remembering the loss of Fauquier High School’s former principal Kraig Kelican who was killed nearly one year ago in a car crash.

“Our response showed the community how we can come together and put aside differences to support each other when tragedy strikes,” Warner said. “And I think that said a lot about what kind of community we have, that we get to live in. We can support each other in tragedy, we can support each other when we disagree over policies, but how do we find common ground?” L

Originally published on FauquierNow.com.

Read the unabridged article here

Warner discusses the Taylor Middle School Project with Josh Johnston (left) and Clay Campbell (right).

our neighbors

HOMEMADE

HEMAN

Remington resident piling up Strongman accolades

BY KIPP HANLEY

Lifting unusually heavy things has become so second nature to Strongman champion Owen Heflin that he joked that he doesn’t remember exactly why he started doing it in the first place.

One thing is for sure, though. The 26-year-old Remington resident does it often and does it exceptionally well. Heflin took first place in the 181-pound

weight division at the 2024 Strongman USS Nationals on June 8 in Denver, CO, besting a field of 40. The victory earned him a very heavy gold belt and a $1,000 cash prize. It also capped off a banner year that included his fourth straight Virginia state title this spring.

The individual events at Strongman competitions are designed to severely test entrants’ full range of muscle strength. At times, they can seem almost cruel, with

some of the events changing at the last second to see how the competitors will react to the new challenge.

To prepare for these competitions, Heflin drives to his father Dennis’s home near the Culpeper County line several times a week where he works out in the basement, garage and barn. His weekend workouts are brutal, often lasting four hours. Heflin works out with a variety of homemade equipment, some of which he made himself and some of which his father helped him construct.

One of the homemade contraptions is an adjustable bar that they affixed to the backboard of a basketball goal where Heflin can practice tossing a beer keg over. On Saturday, July 27, he demonstrated the “farmer’s walk”, where he muscled a 320-pound sledlike apparatus 50 feet down his dad’s drive -

THE SKINNY STRONGMAN ON

Strongman is made up of several nontraditional events designed to test a competitor’s strength in a variety of ways. They are typically repetitionor time-based.

way. His next scheduled competition — the Maryland state championship in November — doesn’t include that event but it never hurts to be prepared, he said.

Heflin is very much a self-made Strongman. The former powerlifter began training during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and soon realized just how much stronger he needed to get if he were to compete. With gyms closed, he began to bring in equipment to his father’s house, including enough concrete to make several 300-pound balls that mimic the stones used in competition. He also began watching YouTube videos where he learned to perfect his form.

“I thought I was strong because of power lifting and then I tried this, and I was like, ‘whoa, I suck,’” Heflin laughed.

Lifting and dropping concrete balls over poles or chucking weighted beer kegs over his shoulder isn’t the only way Heflin keeps in shape, though. He adheres to a strict diet of protein and starches, eating five times a day for a total of 3,000 calories. He avoids eating food cooked in vegetable oil and sometimes will have to water load to drop weight so that he can compete in the 175-pound weight class. The idea is to load up on water and sodium several days before an event. As the event gets closer, you start to limit your consumption. Together with trips to a sauna, Dennis describes the process like “wringing out a wet towel.”

Scoring: Strongman has a points system based on how many entries there are in a certain event. The competitor with the most repetitions or fastest time in one event receives the same number of points as entries. For example, a competitor who finishes second in a field of 30 will receive 29 points.

Divisions: The field is separated into men’s and women’s weight classes with the exception of the Senior events, which only require a male or female competitor to be at least 50 years old.

Below: Heflin with his father Dennis

and his mother Tammy

who are both heavily involved in his training and a source of inspiration.

Bottom: Heflin lifts a 250lb.

“He is very dedicated,” said Heflin’s grandmother Mary Fletcher. “He doesn’t go off his diet. We could have Thanksgiving dinner, and he will not eat it. He will cook his own dinner.”

Heflin’s journey to Strongman champ is somewhat improbable. When he graduated from Liberty High School in 2016, he considered himself a typical teenager with no plan to compete in any sort of sport. Heflin topped out at 5-foot-7 and was never the tallest guy on any of his athletic teams growing up.

“I believe they nicknamed him tater tot because he was kind of short and chunky,” said Dennis.

BY KEH SPORTS

But Dennis got his son pumping iron as a junior. Heflin slowly became stronger and stronger, and eventually started to power lift — a competition that is based on lifting your maximum weight in squats, bench press and deadlift. Soon thereafter, his dad began encouraging him to compete in the Strongman competitions.

Left: A workout at his father’s home in Remington.

(center),

(left),

sandbag load medley, scored on time, at the Nationals in Denver this summer.

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

A broken hand sidelined him from competing in the 2020 state competition, but success didn’t take long. A year later, he won the state championship. In 2023, Heflin finished sixth overall in his first-ever national event and broke into the winner’s circle in the final event of the 2024 competition – the Stone Over Bar. His seven successful repetitions were tied for tops in the field and vaulted him from second place overall to first.

He tried an eighth time to lift the 300-pound stone, but said he was “gassed” at that point. Also, the sticky substance used by competitors to help grip the ball made it more difficult for him.

“I had 20 something people before I went, and all that tacky [material] is on that stone,” Heflin said. “When you go to pick it up it is easy, but when you go to lift it, all that tacky is getting stuck on your shorts. … That’s what got me. It’s still on my shorts.”

Despite his success, Heflin’s attitude has stayed humble. He met his girlfriend, Kaia Lehenbauer, at a neighborhood Halloween

Left: Heflin trains for the “Yoke Run”, which is scored on time in competition. Center and left: Heflin competing at the Nationals this summer, lifting a 150 lb. Circus Dumbell and a 300 lb. Atlas Stone, both scored on repetitions.

party a few years ago, and she said it took three hours of talking to find out about his Strongman competition life. Even his coworkers for the Town of Purcellville Water Department don’t know the extent of his success, said Fletcher.

Next year, Heflin hopes to compete in the recently created Natural Strongman league but has no illusions that he can make a living on his muscles. Only the largest and strongest men do that, he said. Still, his discipline and devotion to the sport has been inspirational to Lehenbauer, who often works out with him.

BY KEH SPORTS

“I have been encouraging him, [I have told him], you have a gift,” Lehenbauer said. “[I said] Please, just pursue it, do it until you don’t want to any more or until it stops making you happy.” L

are the reason for my success.

For the Lead

Marshall’s Joy Williamson in the role of Dorothy in “Wizard of Oz the Musical”

BY MARY ROOK

Last spring, in a room filled with thirteen other girls, 17-year-old Joy Williamson of Marshall fought for a lead spot in the cast of Pied Piper Theatre’s production of “Wizard of Oz the Musical”. Joy had performed in a few plays and musicals in Fauquier County, but Pied Piper, the well-established youth theater company at the ARTfactory in Manassas, was a bigger company, and this was the biggest role she’d gone for in her career so far

Joy said, “I’ve always had a dramatic flair since I was little.” According to her mother, Ruth Williamson, Joy started to entertain the family as a toddler, wearing costumes over her footie pajamas. Ruth enrolled her daughter in theater programs, and since seventh grade Joy’s schedule has been kept busy with pageants and musicals, memorizing scripts, song lyrics, and dance routines.

“It [the “Wizard of Oz the Musical” audition] was elimination style,” Joy said. The girls were to sing, then asked to leave, one by one, while the rest continued to audition together. Joy was nervous. Pied Piper is one of the region's premier youth-oriented theater groups, and they often pull talent from nearby Colgan High School, an audition-based performing arts school. Joy was a homeschooled unknown. Competition was fierce.

“She was a wild card,” said Ruth. “We didn’t think she’d have a chance.”

“We sang for [the roles of] Glenda and Dorothy until there were only two [girls] left,” Joy said. The other girl was cast as Glenda, and Joy got the lead role of Dorothy.

“Joy had a great audition,” said Kimberly Kemp, executive producer of the show. “She embodied the character that was reminiscent of Judy Garland.”

Joy and Ruth couldn’t have been happier about the triumphant casting, and

Joy worked extremely hard in and out of rehearsals to shine as the lead.

“Breaking a leg” – almost literally Then, three weeks before opening night, the unthinkable happened.

Joy broke her collarbone during rehearsal. It happened during a dance routine. “I fell on the ground right on my clavicle and it snapped in half,” Joy said. She knew immediately that it was broken, and the first thought that ran through her head was, “Oh no, am I still going to be able to do the show?”

Since the injury happened so close to the show date, there wasn’t a replacement for Dorothy. And on top of that, Joy’s doctors determined she’d need surgery. But she was committed.

“Joy was a trooper, determined to perform no matter what,” said Kemp. “I had to talk to her mom to ask her to please take it a little easy.” Before the surgery, Joy was in a wheelchair because walking made her broken bones grind together, but she went to rehearsal anyway to make sure she was still on point.

Joy, who showed an early affinity for the theater, with her mother Ruth before a Christmas pageant

BY MEGAN MARSHALL

On Wednesday, April 24, surgeons reset the bone and put in a steel plate with six screws. Joy was back at rehearsals that Saturday, out of the wheelchair and without painkillers, and everyone set to work helping to accommodate Joy’s unique condition.

“We made some changes to the choreography, lowered her shoes, and tried to make her traffic pattern, on stage and off, clear so we wouldn’t have any potential bumps,” Kemp said.

But when the time came for the performance, Joy still had to wear a sling. Ruth constructed one to match the signature sky blue gingham Dorothy’s character wears in the production. “We called it my ‘Gingham Slingham” Joy joked.

Pied Piper’s performances are held in Merchant Hall at the Hylton Performing

Jeffrey Harris, DDS

Paul Harris, DDS

Arts Center at George Mason University, a professional venue with a 100-foot stage, orchestra pit, and seating for over 1000 in plush, red velvet seats. It can be an intimidating place to perform.

“Talk about ‘lions and tigers and bears, oh my!’” said Joy. “That was a fun cherry on top, it made it really, really exciting.”

Joy’s dramatic resume:

7th Grade “Hello, Dolly!” (ensemble), Fresta Valley Christian School

8th Grade, “Fiddler on the Roof” (Grandma Tzeitel), Fresta Valley Middle School

8th Grade, “Sound of Music” (Luisa Von Trapp), Torch Drama Club

Joy’s performance was well-received. Vince Worthington, director of the production, said, “Numerous audience members told me that she was the perfect Dorothy. The combination of innocence and grit she portrayed, the youthful exuberance and the stubbornness she displayed in the face of challenges both in her role and in her

9th Grade, “My Fair Lady” (lead street sweeper), Fresta Valley Middle School

9th Grade, “The Merry Wives of Warrenton” (cheerleader), Torch Drama Club

10th Grade, “The Little Mermaid” (Under the Sea dancer), Hope Drama Club

10th Grade, “Wizard of Oz the Musical” (Dorothy), Pied Piper Theatre

50 Years Experience in Dry Cleaning/Laundry Service

Wedding Gowns

Formals, Delicates

Household Items, Linens & Sheets

Comforters, Blankets Wash & Fold Service

real life contributed to the success of the production.”

Learning to overcome adversity

This kind of perseverance and resilience might be surprising, considering Joy was only a freshman in high school, but even before this theater production, Joy was no stranger to adversity.

At a young age, Joy was diagnosed with dyslexia. It took her a long time to learn how to read, but Ruth said she saw Joy had a lot of talent shining through. Despite her daughter’s challenges, Ruth made a point to find situations where she could grow and shine. “Joy’s grit and determination allowed her to push past all [her challenges],” Ruth said.

Even though she was dyslexic, Joy joined

the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) when she was in the ninth grade. She competed that year and surprised everyone, including herself, by winning the state championship and moving on to the Nationals, an almost unheard-of accomplishment for a freshman.

Joy explained, “You have to start some -

where otherwise you’ll never start at all.” Wise words from a petite young woman – Joy stands only 5’ tall at 17 – who is referred to as “a dynamo on and off the stage” by Kemp. What’s Joy’s secret? Three things: her faith, a great mom, and the invaluable knowledge that life changes. Joy said she prayed through her trials and her mom was

always there to help her along.

“Being dyslexic, being small, people being mean because you’re small, a broken clavicle, nothing is set in stone,” she said. “I had to put a lot of trust in the Lord and myself and keep persevering without losing hope and faith. Don’t let other people get you down. You can do it even when you don’t think you can. There will definitely be mean people, but you will find the nice people and they’ll always be there. Keep working hard.” Joy wanted to especially give this message

Joy with her mother Ruth on performance night in the lobby of Merchant Hall at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University

Varicose veins can cause achiness, throbbing, heaviness, itching,

and leg swelling.

You don’t have to live with these symptoms. Our experts specialize in minimally-invasive treatments for varicose veins and unsightly spider veins, including:

• Endovenous laser ablation

• Varithena

• Sclerotherapy (injection and laser)

Improve your mobility, enjoy activities more comfortably, restore your circulation…and your confidence.

local heroes

The Calm in the Storm

Fauquier County’s 911 Call Center dispatchers are integral to the emergency response process

BY MARY SCRO

For the dispatchers at the Fauquier County’s Communication Division 911 Dispatch Center in Warrenton, there is no such thing as a typical day. When the phones ring, they could face anything from a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action to a car accident, a heart attack, a fire, or a less urgent, lower priority matter like a fraud report or a request for a burn permit.

But whatever comes in, the highly trained dispatchers are ready for it. They are the central hub of all emergency communications between the public, first responders, and other county or state agencies. In the 2023 calendar year, the division handled over 135,000 calls, including over 23,000 emergency calls.

It takes a certain kind of person to be able to not only excel at this job but thrive at it.

“The people who make the best dispatchers — and what we look for most [in an ap -

plicant] — are those who are compassionate and empathetic,” said Assistant Communications Manager Allison Marshall, “because that’s what people in crisis need.

Dispatchers are also evaluated by the agency for their ability to remain calm in crisis and multitask efficiently. They also need to be able to handle the pace, pressure, and emotions of the job. Only about half of the new hires become certified after the initial 6–9-month period of training and classwork.

The Call Center Process

Information and calls come in via the phone, first responder radios, and even text messages. All active communications are visible on all the agents’ computer screens, allowing them to communicate seamlessly. Well-defined procedures and processes are in place for all types of calls.

If the call is for an in-progress emergency with threat to life or property, dispatch of

the fire department EMTs begins simultaneously while the call agent collects and enters details, to save precious time in responding. Sometimes the law enforcement agency is simultaneously dispatched, for example, for a traffic accident or burglary. The dispatch agent remains on the line with the caller until help arrives and the call is cleared by a first responder.

After that, the dispatcher is out of the loop, and other agencies take over. What that sometimes means is not knowing what happens after that, how the situation was resolved.

“For me, the hardest thing when I worked in the Dispatch Center was not knowing the outcome of a call,” said Marshall. “Sometimes we’d find out days or weeks later, and sometimes not at all.”

Trust and Support: All in a Day’s Work

Can it get hectic at times? “Absolutely,” said Peyton Dewald, a call agent who has been on the job for 3 years. “We can go from calm to nonstop action in minutes if calls start flooding in. But I trust my teammates and together we can handle whatever comes in.”

They all love helping people and being able to show compassion to people in crisis.

“I like being the first one they talk to

Fauquier County Call Center Dispatcher Peyton Dewald (left) and Assistant Communications Manager Allison Marshall (below).

when they need help. I like that I can set the tone for their whole experience,” said Ryann Bradshaw, an agent who started in March.

“It’s hard to see people hurting and in crisis, but it also makes me appreciate what I have at home that much more.”

And even though the job can be difficult at times, it is also very satisfying.

Dewald’s most memorable and rewarding call was a CPR save. She verbally directed the caller in performing CPR on a person in cardiac arrest. The dispatchers are provided with Emergency Medical Dispatch Guidecards from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, which include detailed step by step instructions for how to handle just about any emergency imaginable, including walking someone through performing CPR.

Every shift has at least four experienced agents, plus one or two who are in training. This team worked a Monday day shift in the dispatch center. L-R: Peyton Dewald, Brick Sharum, Melisa Thorpe, Lillie Gouldthorpe and Ryann Bradshaw

Our dispatchers are the first line of defense in any emergency, and their role is crucial.

A great dispatcher can set the tone for the entire response, providing clear, timely information that helps first responders hit the ground running. They’re also the voice behind the phone, offering calm in the chaos for callers who are often experiencing one of the worst moments of their lives. The Fauquier dispatch team is exceptional— they’re the calm in the storm, ensuring our crews and the public have everything they need to make a difference when it matters most. They rarely get the thanks they deserve, but their impact is immense.”

—NATASHA LORENZEN, DEPUTY CHIEF, FAUQUIER COUNTY FIRE RESCUE SYSTEM

“I read the steps word for word and walked them through it,” said Dewald, “until a first responder arrived on the scene.”

Through it all, staying calm and focused while responding as quickly and kindly as possible is the goal of everyone in the dispatch center. They know their diligence can not only save lives but is essential to the overall safe and efficient operations of the onsite first responder teams.

Training, teamwork, and trust, with compassion and calmness are the driving principles behind this successful and key part of Fauquier County’s first responders’ team-based operations. L

Fun!

Your Guide to Quick Fall Getaways in Virginia & Beyond FALL

As autumn sweeps across Virginia, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, offering the perfect backdrop for a season filled with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you're exploring the wineries of Northern Virginia , the rolling hills of Central Virginia , or the scenic byways of Western Virginia , fall is a time to embrace our region’s natural beauty and rich traditions.

Explore Fall Fun! by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or at insidenova.com/fallfun

PLUS, find print copies of Fall Fun! at locations around Fauquier and Prince William counties and throughout the region.

FALL Fun!

One of the most cherished activities during this season is leaf-peeping – an opportunity to witness the spectacular change of colors in the foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive offer some of the most scenic routes, where every turn reveals a new vista of autumn splendor. Hiking enthusiasts can take to the trails at Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest to fully immerse themselves in this seasonal spectacle.

Fall in Virginia also brings a wealth of festivals, such as the Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival, celebrating everything from local crafts to the bounty of the harvest. And some, such as the Youth for Tomorrow

Country Fair in Bristow, support local nonprofits. Others showcase regional artisans, music and local farm-totable cuisine.

For those who enjoy a taste of the finer things, Virginia’s renowned wineries are in full swing during the fall, with vineyards offering tastings, tours and events amidst the stunning autumn scenery. The crisp fall air enhances the experience of savoring a glass of locally produced wine.

This special publication is your guide to making the most of fall in Virginia, highlighting the best places to witness nature’s artistry, celebrate the season and indulge in its flavors.

Look above to explore Fall Fun!

day trip

The Frontier Culture Museum

Staunton museum features Shenandoah Valley’s

blended culture

BY GLENDA C. BOOTH PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM

According to historian David McCullough, the great Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is the “only place of its kind in the world”.

Within a comfortable driving distance from our area for a day trip, the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton tells that story.

The open-air, living history museum that displays how the Shenandoah Valley became a fusion of cultures, where indigenous people, the English, Germans, Irish, and enslaved Africans forged an American identity.

The museum, set in the rolling countryside, has two parts, one featuring the Old World, demonstrating how settlers lived in their home countries, and the second featuring America, how they adapted and lived in this country. Self-guided tours with a detailed map lead visitors along approximately 2 miles of paved walking paths to highlight the 11 permanent exhibits and other demonstrations. The exhibits feature some original buildings from Europe and other locations in the Valley and some especially created for the museum. To bring the original buildings, crews had to dismantle, ship, and re-assemble the pieces.

The Europeans and Africans of different origins migrated and learned to live together in a place where Indigenous people had lived for centuries. Some sought a new life. Some came against their will. These farmers, craftsmen, craftswomen, and homemakers created a blended, frontier culture.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Europeans saw the colonies as places of opportunity, where there was available land and less governmental oppression. Europeans started exploring the area west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1670s and started settling in the valley in the 1720s.

Museum interpreters in period costume describe both how settlers lived in their home countries, the “Old World,” and how they adapted to the “New World,” America, and forged a new life.

How They Lived and Survived

For Indigenous people, this was not a “new world.” This had been home for thousands of years. Visiting youngsters especially enjoy exploring the Eastern woodlands wigwam,

a dome-shaped house made of sapling poles, bark, grass, cattails, hides, and other materials, a replica of those from 1650 to 1750.

Guides explain that indigenous people hunted, foraged, and grew maize and beans using wooden sticks and hoes and animal bones. At times, Native people helped settlers survive.

Starting in the late 1600s, some German emigrants fled their home country. A 1750s German peasant farm is represented by a timber frame, oak wattle and daub farmhouse with a small indoor kitchen and barn, original buildings from Hordt, Germany. “Daub” is a mixture of clay, sand, straw, animal hair, manure, and lime, which holds the wooden wattle together. Here, guides demonstrate coopering and furniture making.

A historical interpreter and trained blacksmith demonstrates the craft in the late 18th-century Irish forge.

A reconstructed circa 1760s one-room log cabin is typical of those built by early European settlers.

When Akili McCullough was bored one summer day during high school, he scrolled around on YouTube. He came across an hour-long documentary 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.” Luke Bazill, a friend who also attended Covenant Christian Academy in Vint Hill, volunteered to go with him. Stick and Stringbean were off on what many call “the hike of a lifetime”.

Skills and Cuisine

At an 18th-century Irish tenant farm typical of Ulster, Northern Ireland, visitors can explore the garden, learn how to process flax, and watch women spin thread.

Nearby, an especially popular demonstration is the blacksmith forge where trained museum blacksmiths demonstrate how they made and repaired tools in Ulster. The forge is actually from Ferbranagh, Northern Ireland. Guests can buy their S hooks and nails in the museum gift shop. Woodworkers show their skills throughout the museum, making shingles and fence posts.

Gastronomes can tease their taste buds learning about multiple foodways brought to the New World, from sauerkraut to okra.

At a 1650s era English house from Hartleberry, Worcestershire, England, visitors can see how cooks prepared roasted lamb, chicken, bread pudding, and stews in cast iron

and deduction you deserve so you get your maximum refund. Guaranteed. Call today to make your appointment.

Taxes are complicated. Getting your taxes done isn’t enough - you need your taxes done right. That’s where we come in. We hire and train the most qualified tax professionals to ensure you claim every credit and deduction you deserve so you get your maximum refund. Guaranteed. Call today to make your appointment.

77 W LEE HWY., WARRENTON, VA 20186

77 W LEE HWY., WARRENTON,

77 W LEE HWY., WARRENTON, VA 20186 SHOPPING CENTER, BEALETON, VA 22712

77 W LEE HWY., WARRENTON, VA 20186

SHOPPING

Taxes are complicated. Getting your taxes done isn’t enough - you need your

* If you discover an H&R Block error on your return that entitles you to a larger refund for smaller tax liability, we’ll refund the tax prep fee for that return. Refund claims must be

15135 MONTANUS DR, CULPEPER, VA 22701

* If you discover an H&R Block error on your return that entitles you to a larger refund for smaller tax liability, we’ll refund the tax prep fee for that return. Refund claims must be made during the calendar year in which the return was prepared. OBTP#B13696@213

Inc.

CENTER, BEALETON, VA 22712 15135 MONTANUS DR, CULPEPER, VA 22701

22701

DR, CULPEPER, VA 22701

* If you discover an H&R Block error on your return that entitles you to a larger refund for smaller tax liability, we’ll refund the

fee for that return. Refund claims must be made during the calendar year in which the return was prepared.

OBTP#B13696@213 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

A historical interpreter in the German tailor shop preparing material to make a flag.

Visiting the Museum

1290 Richmond Road, Staunton

Hours: Open 7 days a week, 360 days a year, hours vary by season. Please note costumed interpreters are not on-site mid December - mid March. Guided tours are offered and included in the price of admission during that period.

Stop by the welcome center for a detailed map and a list of daily activities

Allow several hours to walk to all exhibits. Golf carts available for rent.

Guided tours available, book 2 weeks in advance

Bring a picnic; snacks and bottled water available at the Welcome Center; food trucks on site on special event days.

EVERY GENERATION. THIS IS WHY WE WALK.

BY GLENDA BOOTH

pots in a fireplace using recipes from the 1615 cookbook, “The English Housewife”. Guides at an open-air kitchen show how those forcibly brought from West Africa in the 1700s made traditional meals. “They came empty handed, but not empty headed,” says museum guide, Audrey Miller. They cooked in pottery vessels over an outdoor fire. They grew yams in mounds and made bread which they dipped in a stew spiced with cooked peppers. They also grew black-eyed peas, okra, and melons and carried water in gourds. Curators are growing banana trees on site and the museum eventually will have three traditional houses here.

Musical Traditions

Guides at the Africa site demonstrate a djembe, a hollow, carved wooden threetoned drum with a goat skin head. Africans considered it to be a “talking drum” because they used it to communicate to the next

Wigwam, typical home of Indigenous people, approximately 900 to 1650.

African American church constructed by enslaved African Americans pre-1850 near New Hope, VA.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 7 & 8: 250th anniversary of Lord Dunmore’s War, a frontier conflict between the Virginia Militia and Native American nations. Event will feature historian-led demonstrations, activities, and lectures showcasing the conflict from both perspectives.

Fall Activities: Interpreters will spin wool and demonstrate making apple butter and other seasonal dishes.

October 19: International Archaeology Day with demonstrations and activities about finding and interpreting these clues to the past.

Oct. 26 Revolutionary War Weekend: Captive Beyond the Mountains. Reenactors and historical interpreters will tell the story of thousands of British and German prisoners of war, known as the Convention Army.

Nov. 11: Native American History Day will feature the history and contributions of the Native Americans Spring: the museum will feature sheep shearing and host a fiber festival showcasing wool processing and fiber arts.

village. In their African homeland, each town had a drum, and only respected elders were allowed to play it.

Visitors are also treated to various live fiddle, guitar, and tin whistle music at some of the museum’s farms showing the many musical traditions from different cultures. Songs no doubt rang from the log church constructed by enslaved African Americans before 1850. It was the original place of worship for today’s Mount Tabor United Methodist congregation near New Hope, Virginia.

The museum, which opened in 1983, captures a slice of Virginia’s past and shows that people of diverse backgrounds can adapt, survive, and strive to get along with each other. L

frontiermuseum.org

A house representing an Ulster, Northern Ireland, tenant farm in the 1750s.

BY GLENDA BOOTH

Warrenton, VA 20186 nwonkdahewhsiwI“ about

Home is the most comfortable place of all, and the place to provide hospice care. The house you’ve lived in for decades, or an independent, skilled nursing or assisted living facility. Any patient, family member or friend can contact us anytime, 24/7.

“I wish we had known about hospice sooner.”

“I wish we had known about hospice sooner.” most comfortable place of all, and the best place to provide or assisted living facility. Any patient, family member or e house you’ve lived in for decades, or an independent, can contact anytime, 24/7. Our staﬀ lives and works here because caring for our community is our passion.

400 Holiday Court • Suite 101

the most comfortable place of all, and the place to provide hospice care. The house you’ve lived decades, or an independent, skilled nursing or assisted living facility. Any patient, family member or can contact us anytime, 24/7.

493 Blackwell Road • Suite 319

Warrenton, VA 20186

540.349.3970 | heartlandhospice.com

540.349.3970 | heartlandhospice.com/Warrenton

540.349.3970 | www.heartlandhospice.com/warrenton we “I hospice sooner.”

Home is the most comfortable place of all, in for decades, or an independent, skilled nursing friend can contact us anytime, 24/7. 540.349.3970 | heartlandhospice.com/Warrenton

540.349.3970 | heartlandhospice.com/Warrenton

400 Holiday Court • Suite 101

The Blue Laws

Sunday sales restrictions died hard in Fauquier County

BY JOHN TOLER

It is unlikely that anyone around here under the age of 60 remembers Virginia’s “blue laws,” which restricted what retail businesses and “those laboring in a trade” could do on Sundays. The laws dated back to 1779 and for the most part, were observed without question, at least officially, until the early 1960s.

A major change in the laws came in October 1961, when the Virginia General Assembly adopted Sect. 18:1-358, of the Code of Virginia, which replaced the long list of prohibited items and activities with the requirement that business as usual could be conducted on Sundays, “…when it may be considered necessary.”

Interpretation of what was allowed was left up to local authorities, starting a controversy that would not be resolved for years.

“Insofar as Fauquier shoppers and merchants were concerned (with the new bill), it was necessary to buy a steak and head of cabbage,” according to an article in the Oct. 26, 1961 edition of The Fauquier Democrat. The necessity of buying steak on Sunday was questionable, but the law still prohibited the sale of produce, except hams.

A similar issue of whether or not washing clothes on Sunday was “necessary,” if one had to use a coin-op laundromat.

Being open on Sunday was not evidence of a violation of the law, but if someone

County

LEFT: Judge Richard H. Marriott

notifying his customers that he would be open for business on the Sunday (Dec. 22) before Christmas at 10 a.m.

complained of a specific violation, backed up with evidence, a warrant could be sworn out and the offender taken to court.

Violators would be charged with a misdemeanor, and upon conviction fined no more than $100 for the first offense, and $200 for the second and subsequent offenses occurring within one year. If a violator refused or was unable to pay, he or she could be sent to jail for up to 30 days.

In addition to prohibited sales, “…a person engaged in other work, labor or business in violation of Section 18-329, or who employs others to be so engaged,” was also guilty of a separate offense.

Confusion in Warrenton

Just before Christmas 1962, Carl Braun, owner of Braun’s, a variety and department store on Main Street (site of present-day Molly’s Irish Pub) placed a half-page advertisement in The Fauquier Democrat

However, County Sheriff Sam Hall (1898-1984) notified all county merchants that they were “…taking chances of being prosecuted if they sold merchandise proscribed by state law.” Braun’s and most other merchants were closed that Sunday.

At Drug Fair in the Northern Virginia Shopping Center, store manager Francis Tavenner took heed of the Sheriff’s warning. “This caused us to refuse to sell some items,” he said. “We did our best to comply.” Prohibited merchandise included clothing, housewares, gifts and toys.

According to the article published in the Dec. 27 edition of the Democrat, “Customers were hard on clerks who had to fend with the annoyance of those who were trying to do their Christmas shopping, and found they couldn’t.”

No warrants were issued to local merchants, but the confusion had gotten only worse; for example, the basic question as to whether or not Christmas decorations could be sold was never officially answered.

TOP, LEFT: Complainant Thomas W.S. ‘Tommy’ Davis

ABOVE:

Sheriff Sam Hall Jr. was tasked with enforcing the blue laws in Fauquier County.

“Virginia lawmakers apparently neglected to include holiday baubles on their permitted or forbidden list,” said Tavenner.

A violator is prosecuted

The situation came to a head less than a week later, again involving Drug Fair. As reported in the Jan. 10, 1963 edition of the Democrat:

“A third complaint of selling merchandise illegally on Sunday has been filed against Drug Fair in the Northern Virginia Shopping Center. The complainant is Thomas W. S. (“Tommy”) Davis Jr., son of the co-proprietor of the Blue Ridge of Warrenton, a downtown hardware store.

“In a warrant issued Dec. 30 and served on Drug Fair personnel, young Davis charges that he was sold ‘two live fish, known as guppies, fish food and gravel on a Sunday, in violation of the blue laws.

“Earlier complaints charged that on Dec. 23, a girls’ sweater and a head scarf were sold at the drug department store. A hearing in County Court was postponed until Monday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.”

At the hearing, Drug Fair was convicted of three counts of selling merchandise in violation of Virginia’s blue laws. Drug Fair’s

Photographed as construction was nearly complete in July 1960, Drug Fair anchored the east end of the Northern Virginia Shopping Center, and Safeway (now Costello’s Hardware) anchored the west.

attorneys vowed to appeal the convictions, for which Judge Richard H. Marriott imposed fines of $25 on each count, plus costs.

Marriott set bond on each count, but then criticized the method by which the prosecution had assembled the evidence against Drug Fair. He noted that in addition to the purchase made by Davis, the two earlier buys were made by Deputy B. B. Pearson of the Sheriff’s Office, and Mrs. Elvis Gundy, assistant manager of Braun’s Department Store.

“The evidence shows a disgusting and distasteful use of civilian entrapment, to induce a competitor to violate the law,” said Marriott. He added that Drug Fair paid the same town, county and state taxes as other local businesses, and that “The economic basis of these United States is free enterprise.”

Marriott also expressed his frustration with the new interpretation of the blue laws. “The statute — whether it is good or not — is based on what is a necessity or not. It places a burden on the merchant to see that an article is sold, or not sold, on Sunday,” he stated. “The evidence did not show that it

was necessary to buy the guppies on a Sunday… unless they were bought to be eaten.”

Drug Fair’s attorneys moved that the charges be dismissed, claiming, “Although the company was on trial, there was no evidence that the company had connived in, directed or authorized sales made by their clerks.” When Marriott refused to consider this argument, the attorneys reiterated that in two of the violations, competitors were involved.

When this didn’t sway the judge, they noted that the Drug Fair clerk who sold the scarf was under 18 years of age, therefore Mrs. Gundy was guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Stone had the final word, and while correct, demonstrated another weakness of the blue laws. “The burden is on the company to prove they told their clerks what not to sell on Sundays,” he said, adding, “The list of prohibited articles is not in any way meant to be comprehensive.”

On March 1, 1963, Drug Fair pleaded guilty in circuit court to two charges of

violating the blue laws by selling the sweater and scarf. The guppy charge was dropped, and the company paid $25 and costs for each of the two violations.

Thus ended a contentious period, and afterward those involved were able to let bygones-be-bygones. That was good, since Frank Tavenner Jr., son of the Drug Fair manager; Jr.; Upton H. Richards Jr., son of the attorney represented who represented Drug Fair; Linda Gundy, daughter of the assistant manager of Braun’s; and Tommy Davis Jr. were members of Fauquier High School Class of 1965. Warrenton was still a small town then.

The last vestiges of Virginia’s blue laws, which targeted auto dealers, ended in the late 1970s. Dealerships were expected to stay closed on Sundays until noon or later, so that employees who wanted to go to church in the morning could do so. As time passed, they set their own Sunday hours.

On Sept. 23, 1988, Virginia’s mostly forgotten blue laws were declared unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court. L

At FirstLight, the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to work in the garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by local owners, Mark and Stacey Harvey, will spend time getting to know your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan to fit your needs:

• Conversation & company

• Transportation, shopping & errands

• Medication reminders

• Laundry & light housekeeping

• Walking & mobility assistance

• Mail & paperwork organization

• Bathing, dressing & hygiene

• Conversation & company

•

• Bathing, dressing & hygiene

Caring husband and wife team, Mark & Stacey Harvey... here to make a difference.

• Assistance with meals

• Medication reminders

• Laundry & light housekeeping

• Assistance with meals

•

Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

•

• And much more!

• Mail & paperwork organization

•

• And much more!

•

TOP 10 Fauquier’s

Top Sales

The ten highest-priced homes that sold between mid-July and mid-August in Fauquier County. Data and photos from Zillow.com.

9253 CLIFF MILLS RD., WARRENTON

$2,250,000

Sold: July 31

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms

2,510 square feet

acres

6659 BLACKWELL RD., WARRENTON

$2,250,000

Sold: July 30

6 bedrooms

6 bathrooms

5133 DUMFRIES RD., WARRENTON

$1,725,000

Sold: July 29

5 bedrooms

7 bathrooms

7,702 square feet

8 acres

8068 BLUE HILLS DR., WARRENTON

$1,325,000 Sold: August 8

$1,295,000

The Big Picture

For the month of June, the number of homes sales dipped by 4% in the Greater Piedmont area. Pending sales activity, however, increased by 11% in most of the area. The median sales price was $550,000, which is 4% higher than last June. Regarding the number of active listings, we saw a 10.3% increase, making it two consecutive months the inventory has increased compared to last year.

—Greater Piedmont REALTORS® 2024 President Steve Gardner

The June Details for Fauquier County

Compared to June 2023

Median Sales Price: $643,000, up 6% Sales Activity: 94, up 1% Days on Market: 21, down 12%

Greater Piedmont REALTORS® is a trade association representing 650 REALTORS® in Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Madison counties.

7493 ENON CHURCH RD., THE PLAINS

$1,250,000

Sold: July 24

4 bedrooms 5 bathrooms 3,788 square feet

acres

7553 AUTUMN WOODS LN., WARRENTON

$1,045,000

Sold: August 9 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 3,630 square feet 6.25 acres

9351 CREST HILL RD., MARSHALL

$999,000

Sold: July 31

7483 LAKE WILLOW CT., WARRENTON

$975,000

Sold: July 31

6628 POTOMAC CT., WARRENTON

$950,000 Sold: July 31

bedrooms

square feet

Together we bring so many skills to the table to help our clients get the very best of their real estate journey. We love to keep up with the latest educational opportunities. Both Wendy and I sit on different boards and committees to not only give back to our community but also to understand the needs of the people we serve. Wendy brings a talented eye for design and staging that compliments Dawn’s compassion for her clients and patience to get them where they need to be. The two of them communicate with clients together providing an exceptional level of service. They are a powerful pair of real estate professionals ready to take on your next real estate journey!

TotallyTomatoes

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA

Ilove tomatoes. This time of year, I just can’t get enough whether they’re my home grown or from the local farm stand.

For sandwiches, I luv ‘em big, red, and gnarly. Thick tomato slices peeking out of white bread dripping with mayo — I could eat them morning, noon and night.

For salads, it’s cherry tomatoes. Using them whole in my salads saves me prep time. For fancy dinner parties, I cut them in half.

Then there are platters of red, yellow, and orange tomatoes layered with slices of fresh mozzarella and just-picked basil that I take to barbecues and grilling parties. My homemade vinaigrette is in a jar. When we arrive, I give the dressing a shake and drizzle it over the salad. Impressive yet embarrassingly easy.

But now tomato season is coming to an end. It’s time for its last hurrah.

Let’s get into the kitchen!

White Pizza with Herbed Chevre and Fresh Tomato

Is it really pizza if there’s no tomato sauce?

The answer is a big yes with this oh-soeasy, oh-so-yummy, oh-so-creamy cheesy pizza topped with ripe plum tomatoes. Yummy enough for lunch but fancy enough for cocktails by the pool.

Don’t like goat cheese? This little gem of a recipe may change your mind. But if you’re timid, substitute cream cheese, feta, or tofu for the goat cheese.

Pickled garlic may surprise you. It’s fabulous and I’m hooked! Think of it as a pickle rather than an herb or spice and use it like any pickle. Readily available in the pickle section of upscale grocery stores and online.

SERVES 4 TO 6

COOK IN THE OVEN OR ON THE GRILL

INGREDIENTS

1 (12-inch) pizza crust (like Boboli)

1/3 cup olive oil (divided)

1 (5- to 6- oz.) package chevre (whole milk goat cheese)

1 (15- to 16- oz.) container whole milk (not skim) ricotta cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (shredded if large - dried not recommended)

1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves (no stems - finely minceddried not recommended)

4 plum tomatoes (sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds)

1 (4-inch long) yellow summer squash (sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds)

1/2 cup pickled garlic (drained and coarsely chopped)

1/2 cup pitted and sliced black olives

1 small red or Vidalia onion (sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds and separated into rings)

Coarse grind pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. If you’re baking the pizza, preheat oven to 450 degrees and put crust onto an ungreased cookie sheet. To grill the pizza, preheat grill to high and put pizza crust on a peel or ungreased cookie sheet so you can slide it onto grill without a pan.

2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil over the top of the crust.

3. In a bowl, mash together the chevre, ricotta, herbs and pickled garlic. Spread evenly on crust leaving a 3/4-inch edge all around without any cheese.

4. Top cheese with tomatoes, then squash, olives, and onions. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with pepper.

5. Bake in the preheated oven (uncovered) or grill (covered) till heated through - 10 to 15 minutes. Do not overbake (or you’ll have a soggy crust). Vegetables should be tender but still crisp.

Bruschetta

Italian salsa! Good the day it’s made. Better the next. Be sure to roast the garlic to mellow. Raw garlic increases in sharpness as the bruschetta chills. Spread on toasted or sauted crusty bread for snacks, lunch or as a first course. Serve with chips for dipping. Use it as a topping for grilled fish or hamburgers. Use anywhere you use salsa!

INGREDIENTS

3 to 4 cups small diced tomatoes (any type – peeled or not)

6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 Tablespoons mashed roasted garlic (about 6 cloves)

3 Tablespoons fresh parsley (no stems, finely minced, or 1 Tablespoon dried)

1 Tablespoon Balsamic vinegar

1 small red or Vidalia onion (small dice, about ¼ cup)

DIRECTIONS

1. Microwave unpeeled garlic till soft – 30 to 45 seconds. Cool until easy to handle. Peel cloves, mash with fork.

2. Mix everything together.

3. Chill.

Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

What can you do when you have more tomatoes than you have sandwiches to contain them? You make Bloody Mary Mix!

I use cherry tomatoes because that’s what I always have the most of in my garden but you can use any red tomato or a combination.

MAKES ABOUT 1 QUART INGREDIENTS

8 cups cherry tomatoes or larger tomatoes cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 cup water

3 Tablespoons white vinegar

1 Tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

1/8 teaspoon pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine cherry tomatoes (uncut) and water in a deep pot. Partially cover.

2. Bring to boil on high.

3. Reduce heat to medium.

4. Cook until tomatoes are mushy – about 5 minutes.

5. Cool till easy to handle – about 10 minutes.

6. Grind the mushy tomatoes using a food mill (not a blender or food processor) to separate the skins and pulp from the juice. Discard skins and pulp.

7. Return juice to the same pot.

8. Stir in vinegar, Old Bay, salt and pepper.

9. Partially cover pot and bring to a boil on high. Immediately remove the pot of juice from the stove.

10. Cool. Refrigerate till serving.

11. Serve over ice with your favorite spirit. Excellent as a “virgin” cocktail too. Garnish with anything from a simple stalk of celery or lemon wedge to a full blown salad in a glass - olives, shrimp, avocado, bacon… anything/everything! L

About the Home Economist Karla Jones Seidita has cooked up a very tasty life. She has been a restaurant and bakery owner, award-winning food writer, lifestyle radio host, cookbook author, country inn proprietor, and farm-to-table teacher. Currently she spends her days at her laptop and in her garden in Sumerduck. Find her at cheesecakefarms.com

SimplyClassic

Say goodbye to summer with cocktails from the prohibition era

BY DANIEL DUCA

After the conclusion of the Olympics, I was inspired to share a classic Parisian cocktail, the Champs-Élysées. Essentially a relative of the better-known Sidecar, the cocktail thrived in Europe in the 1920s while the United States was still under prohibition. Its use of Green Chartreuse adds a potent herbaceous element that’s balanced out by the syrup and the acidity of the lemon, culminating in a simple make with unique flavors to enter into the autumn spirit.

To pair, let me introduce a pre-prohibition cocktail in a similar vein of simplicity: the Boothby. Named after its inventor, William “Cocktail” Boothby, the pre-prohibition San Francisco bartender and cocktail author, the drink is a fun Manhattan variation to spice things up as we transition out of the summer. Cheers.

Boothby

2 oz. rye whiskey

1 oz. sweet vermouth

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 drops orange bitters

1 oz. Brut Champagne

Stir whiskey, sweet vermouth, and both bitters in a mixing glass with ice until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass, then top the cocktail off with 1 oz. of brut Champagne. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Essentially, it is a classic Manhattan topped with Champagne. Experiment with that as you wish.

Champs-Élysées

2 oz. cognac

.75 oz. fresh lemon juice

.5 oz. green chartreuse .25 oz. simple syrup

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, fine strain into a Nick and Nora glass, and then garnish with a lemon twist.

DUCA is the founder and head bartender at Duca Bar Company, a high-end private event bartending service. W: calendly.com/ducabarcompany/consultationcall I: @ducabarcompany P: 540-729-7667 wine

DANIEL

• Access to the largest and most comprehensive oncology research/clinical trials program in the MidAtlantic.

• Ranked #1 physician practice in cancer care in Virginia based on number of Top Docs, according to Castle Connolly, an independent healthcare research firm.

• State-of-the-art technology, labs, and pharmacy supporting a multidisciplinary team approach.

• Highly specialized expertise in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, thoracic surgery, musculoskeletal tumor surgery, genetic counseling, nutritional counseling, social/ emotional counseling, palliative medicine, and more.

571.350.8400

Fauquier l Gainesville (Moving to Bristow Fall 2024!) l Woodbridge

Tone down that sun this Fall with