B rookside
FEBRUARY 2020
An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Brookside, Vint Hill, Snow Hill, Jamison’s Farm, Warrenton Chase and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Neighbors
ALSO INSIDE: Working for Better Homes, Stories for Valentine’s Day and Tips from our Expert Contributors!
Being Present with
THE SCHWINDS Cover photo by The Little Photo Shop
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D e ar Residents, PUB LICATION T EA M
Publishers: Michael & Debbie Wykowski Content Coordinator: Aimée O’Grady Designer: Olivia Gendusa Contributing Photographer: Melinda Ratcliff, The Little Photo Shop ADV ERTISING Contact: Michael & Debbie Wykowski Email: mwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-203-9130 FEEDBACK/ID E AS/SUBM I SS I O N S : Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: aogrady@bestversionmedia.com. HOA SUB MISSION INFO RM AT I O N Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to the residents. We create customized homeowners association sections at no cost to the HOA or the residents.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the February issue of Brookside Neighbors! There is really no place like Virginia if you enjoy experiencing all the seasons…in a few short days. In just over one week this month we had 4” of snow and lovely 70-degree spring weather! Our weather really encourages people to be flexible and roll with the punches because if there is one thing we have little control over, it’s the weather! I hope everyone is enjoying both extremes! In this issue, we meet the Schwind family. The members of this family love adventure and are serious thrill seekers! From the wilds of Alaska to the calm of the Caribbean reefs to the convenience of our neighboring Shenandoah mountains, the members of this family enjoy going with the flow wherever they happen to be and always look forward to their next great journey! Check out their adventures on page 6. Liz Rose from Habitat from Humanity shares with us how Habitat helps people change their circumstances when “going with the flow” is no longer working for them. This is accomplished by working with them to build their house and set them on a new path to a better, healthier, more financially stable life. You can read more about their efforts on page 10. This month also celebrates Valentine’s Day. Each year during the first two weeks of February we write one thing each day that we love about our children on heart cut-outs and tape them to their bedroom door. On Valentine’s Day, I collect them and we read them together during dinner. It’s such a simple way to make our kids feel special and remind them that they are loved in both big and small ways! This issue also delivers stories of love: Ramona Linden from Ciao Bella Celebrations shares with us the state of love in our community, Anne Marie Paquette from the Mosby Heritage Area Association submitted a love letter between a local girl and a solider from the 1800s and Anita Parris Soule offers a delicious and simple dish to share with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. I hope you enjoy this issue of Brookside Neighbors!
Aimée O’Grady Content Coordinator
MADELEINE HOME DÉCOR, LLC
I
make the design experience stress-free, fun and friendly for my clients. My goal is to supply the inspiration that helps clients create the home interior of their dreams.
Full-service Interior Decorating LIVV Home Collection™ of fine furniture, custom window treatments, wall and floor coverings, accessories, lighting and even closet systems Complimentary design services
540-569-9955
Email: madeleine@decoratingden.com www.madeleinehd.decoratingden.com Warrenton Va 20187
Brookside Neighbors
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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS HEATING, COOLING AND PLUMBING Appleton Campbell Featured Employee: Scott Wayland “It’s great to see the growth over the years and the awesome team of people that work hard every day to make happy customers”. - Scott Wayland, Vice President Appleton Campbell is a Class A contractor with masters in Plumbing, HVAC, Gas Fitter & Electrical. Please visit appletoncampbell.com to learn more. 540-347-0765 | appletoncampbell.com FAMILY LAW, CRIMINAL LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING Mark B. Williams & Associates, PLC Mark B. Williams Mark B. Williams has been practicing law in Virginia since 1990. He focuses on criminal law and personal injury. The firm also includes attorneys Alyssa D. Phillips, an experienced family law advocate, William D. Ashwell, who handles estate planning, business, and civil litigation cases, and Joseph R. Pricone, who practices criminal and traffic law. Mark B. Williams & Associates provides a high level of personal service and a total commitment to protecting the interests of the their clients. (540) 347-6595 | www.mbwalaw.com EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Saint James’ Episcopal School Rachel Sirene Saint James’ Episcopal School (SJES) in old town Warrenton offers preschool (age 2) through Grade 5 with purposefully small class sizes, caring faculty, appropriately challenging academics, Christ-centered worship, and multiple service opportunities. Academics are rooted in children’s innate curiosity to learn, whether in preschool through play, or elementary classes with project-based learning across all curriculum or exploring the outdoors through inquiry-driven discoveries. SJES is accredited by VAIS. 540-347-3855 | www.saintjamesepiscopalschool.org HAIR AND SALON Iva Bella Salon James Cornwell James is the Creative Director and leader of the Iva Bella artist team. He is a gifted Master Hair Designer, Makeup Artist, and Stylist. Known for making his clients feel and look amazing, he is a sought-after talent for the every-day woman as well as celebrities, musicians, and beauty industry peers. A master of his craft and on the constant quest to push boundaries with innovative techniques, James is involved in all stages of creating your Iva Bella experience. 540-216-3653 | www.ivabella.com DERMATOLOGY Lawrence J. Finkel, M.D. Dermatology Dr. Larry Finkel - Board Certified Dermatologist For almost 20 years, Dr. Larry Finkel has served the community's dermatological needs. He is Warrenton's and Fauquier County's most experienced and longest practicing dermatologist. As a member of several dermatology-related associations, he has lectured and is published in professional journals. Dr. Finkel is also an avid community sponsor, supporting many groups including: the Fauquier Free Clinic , the Fauquier Hospital Foundation, the Falcon Booster Club at Fauquier High School, the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, the American Children of SCORE, and Allegro CSA. He also performs with Fauquier Community Theater and sings tenor in Mint Condition—a local Barbershop Quartet. 540-347-2020 | finkelderm.com
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DOG WALKING, PET SITTING AND PET CARE SERVICES My Pet’s Friend Melissa and Richard Macias My Pet’s Friend is veteran-owned and provides fully licensed and bonded dog walking, pet sitting and pet care services in Fauquier County. Brookside residents Melissa and Richard took over MPF in 2018, having been its original clients in 2009. Their core mission: Providing pets with love and care in the comfort of their own home while providing owners with a stress-free way to handle their pet’s needs without compromising their own security and privacy needs. 540-905-4884 | missy@my-pets-friend.com www.my-pets-friend.com PRIVATE EDUCATION Covenant Christian Academy Amanda Bryson Covenant Christian Academy (CCA) is a VCPE-recognized independent school located between Gainesville and Warrenton, Virginia. CCA is a certified member of University-Model® Schools International and is fully accredited with AdvancED. Our international organization supports over 80 college-preparatory schools worldwide. The University-Model® combines the best aspects of public, private, and home education. 540-680-4111 | info@covenantva.org | www.covenantva.org
INSURANCE State Farm Insurance Carmen Rivera Carmen first started with State Farm in May 2000. She and her team help the members of our community manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. They always provide exceptional, personalized and caring customer service for you and your family! They are focused on Auto, Homeowners, Renters, Life and Small Business Insurance in Warrenton and the surrounding areas. 540-347-1566 | www.carmenriverainsurance.com carmen.rivera.e3uu@statefarm.com REAL ESTATE RE/MAX Regency Dawn Arruda Dawn is an experienced 3rd generation real estate professional dedicated to providing her clients with the highest level of service. For her, “Real Estate is more than selling a house. It is marketing a home and making sure my clients have a smooth and worry-free experience from start to finish.” Dawn uses a designer approach and the latest technology to make it happen. 540-729-6740 | www.dawnarruda.com | arrudahomes@teamregency.com
CABINET PAINTING Heather’s Painted Treasures Heather Workman Heather Workman is the owner and operator at Heather’s Painted Treasures. Her team specializes in taking tired and dated cabinetry and give them “new life.” They have a unique style of prep, cleaning, priming and painting your cabinet doors and drawer fronts in their temperature controlled, ventilated and dust free paint booth. This results in amazing cabinets that are as close to “factory new” without the factory! 703-655-7852 | www.heatherspaintedtreasures.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Michael and Debbie Wykowski at dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or 703-203-9130.
TAX PREPARATION Marshall Consulting Group, LLC Douglas M. Marshall, III CPA As a leader in the accounting industry Doug is committed to providing close, personal attention to his clients. He takes pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. “We believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of your success!” 540-347-2161 | www.mcgllccpa.com
LANDSCAPING Landkraft Landscape LLC John Gorg John Gorg is owner and operator of Landkraft Landscape, LLC where “Landscapes with Distinction” are created. Landkraft a design-build company specializing in outdoor living spaces featuring fine patios, walks and planting arrangements. John is a graduate of Virginia Tech’s landscape architecture program, has 20+ years experience in the field, and a personal touch to make each project a success through a process of consultation, creative landscape design and quality craftsmanship. 571-237-5719 | www.landkraftlandscape.net
TRAVEL AGENT I book travel for U Alesia House Alesia has been traveling for over 40 years. In 2016 she took her love for travel and her knowledge of the industry and became a travel agent. Providing specialized group travel, individual travel and tour groups she is our local travel concierge who can plan and orchestrate all the details of your vacation. Amazing Journeys begin with a single step. Contact Alesia today for the first step in your next adventure. 703-477-2311 | Alesia@ibooktravelforu.com www.ibooktravelforu.com
PERFORMING ARTS Lasley Centre for the Performing Arts Kalie Lasley Kalie Lasley is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Affiliate Teacher and the Executive Director of Lasley Centre for the Performing Arts in Vint Hill. Ms. Lasley has an extensive background in dance, including time as a professional dancer at the prestigious San Francisco Ballet. Lasley Centre opened in 2011, growing into a 9,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility where students from pre-ballet to pre-professional train to be technically sound artists in a nurturing environment. 540-905-2782 | klasley@lasleycentre.com www.lasleycentre.com
LASLEY CENTRE F O R
THE
P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
Exceptional training from Pre-Dance to Pre-Professional Year-Round Enrollment
www.lasleycentre.com
540-905-8311 Brookside Neighbors
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Resident Feature
Being Present with
The Schwinds By Aimée O’Grady
Photography by The Little Photo Shop
On the eve of Christmas eve, the Schwind family members were back under the same roof. Something that hadn’t happened in over eight months. Their separation becoming a new normal for the family of five accustomed to spending a lot of time together either as a family unit or just two members sharing an experience. Kettle Run senior Rachel recalls memories of heading to the Shenandoah with her father, Michael, when the preschool day ended. On his shoulders she “climbed” Old Rag. On one occasion, the two ran down the fire road back to their car to escape a summer storm. They kept running and ultimately completed two Marine Corps Marathons together, the most recent this past fall that began as a complete deluge before the sweltering heat set in. “I should have stayed home,” exclaimed Rachel whose enthusiasm for the run faded as she stood at the start line in her soggy running shoes. The night before our interview, brothers Jacob and Ryan camped at Sky Meadows, a frequent site for the family. “I’ve dropped them off at Harpers Ferry and picked them up at Sky Meadows three days later,” Michael recalls. When Rachel was only eight, the family hiked from the Sperryville entrance of the Shenandoah
National Park back to Sky Meadows during spring break. Now, with their children nearly grown, Michael is looking forward to “really cool adventures” like biking through national parks. A rim to rim hiking trip at the Grand Canyon is scheduled for May with friends just one week before Rachel graduates from Kettle Run. With years of fond memories behind them, Kari and Michael are excited for the next chapter of their lives as empty nesters. The couple met in college at the University of Iowa. Kari pulled by wanderlust joined the Air Force as a nurse eager to see the world. Unfortunately for her, but to her mother’s delight, she was stationed just two hours away at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. While in the service, she spent six months deployed to Panama and used that time to become a certified scuba diver. “We were in the jungle and able to dive whenever we had the time,” she recalls. After five years of service and pregnant with Jacob, the couple’s eldest son, the Air Force informed Kari that she was being deployed to Korea for two years without her husband or baby. It was then that she decided to leave the military. “I couldn’t leave my family behind,” she says. Two years later, Ryan was
born. Rachel came along two years after that to complete the family. The family stayed in Nebraska until Kari was pregnant with Rachel. “With two young boys and a pregnant wife, I received a call that I was being relocated to a California office,” says Michael who has spent nearly two decades with Porsche Financial Services. “While our belongings were on a truck to California, we received another call that the transfer was being changed to Atlanta,” he says. The family shifted gears, headed south and waited for the truck with their belongings to turn around. The date was September 11, 2001. “It was surreal,” says Michael. “We didn’t have a TV and needed to buy basic household items, like garbage cans, while the country was under attack.” For once the nation’s busiest airport was silenced with all air traffic grounded.
We would like to thank Gainesville Dental Associates for sponsoring this month’s feature story. 6
FEBRUARY 2020
Resident Feature They stayed in Atlanta until 2006 when Michael received another transfer to the Washington, DC area. “We are from Iowa,” says Kari, “so we knew we didn’t want to live in the thick of the suburbs. Warrenton’s proximity to the mountains was appealing and the price tag more comfortable for us during the peak of the housing market.” Today, only Rachel lives with the couple. Jacob is stationed in the Navy where he is a student naval aviator at Pensacola Naval Air Station. During his free time, he has become a certified scuba diver. Ryan is a junior at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, “I heard about the school when I was in 8th grade during an ARMY-NAVY football game commercial and it grabbed my attention,” he says of his choice of college. “I made it my goal to get into the school.” He is also considering becoming a pilot and will submit his preferences in a few months. An outdoor enthusiast, Ryan spent three weeks mountaineering in Alaska, a month on a boat in San Diego, and with a friend in Puerto Rico, he too has become a certified scuba diver. Jacob, although the oldest, followed in his younger brother’s footsteps. After graduating from Old Dominion University with a degree in biology, he decided to join the Navy and is currently stationed in the Pensacola. While he plans to become a pilot, he would still consider a job in the medical field in the future. Rachel keeps a busy schedule with volleyball and basketball at Kettle Run as she waits on word from college applications. She is considering a degree in economics. This year, Rachel is also a Fauquier county election official and sits on the superintendent’s, student advisory council. Student members on the council express student needs to Dr. Jeck. Rachel has served on the council since her freshman year. When Kari jokes that neither boy joined the Air Force, Ryan is quick with his retort that they didn’t want to be stationed in Nebraska. With both of her sons certified scuba divers, Kari thinks it may be time for her to take a refresher class and join them in the reef. Continued on next page
Can Together We
Nominate Someone
WHO DESERVES A NEW SMILE!
We are donating a smile makeover to someone who is deserving in our community & we need your help. Send Your Nomination to Community@GainesvilleDentalAssociates.com
• Dr. Jason Kiangsoontra, DDS onte, DMD rlos Ap a C . r D DDS • enport, ne Dav i l a F . r S • D hade, DD Send Your Nomination to . Tony Che Dr. Theo Batistas, DDS • Dr Community@GainesvilleDentalAssociates.com
703-754-7151
GainesvilleDentalAssociates.com
7521 Virginia Oaks Drive, Ste 230, Gainesville, VA 20155 | Across From CVS on Rt. 29 Brookside Neighbors
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Resident Feature The family’s tight bond, strong connection with each other and nature, and sense of humor have served them well. Jacob’s Naval Air Station, where Ryan also knows many students, made the news in early December when a gunman opened fire. Family anxiously awaited news that Jacob was ok. “The station was on lock down while the FBI conducted their investigation. I was able to get word out to my family that we were all ok.” He says of the experience that has become tragically commonplace. Ryan awoke during finals week with a series of text messages of the situation. He then logged on to a community social group to confirm that his classmates were all ok. Jacob sent his father a link to the Pensacola police scanner website so he could stay updated with the news. As an interventional radiology nurse at Fauquier Health, Kari does not always carry her phone. A coworker alerted her to the situation. With his family assured of his safety, Jacob remained on lock down. The following week included meetings and memorials. An ear infection delayed Jacob’s swim training and took him away from the building where the shooting occurred and where he would have been if his scheduled had not changed. The Schwinds are looking to the new year and new chapters for nearly every family member and have their sights set on adventures that will keep the family members together time and time again in the quiet, calm and peaceful solitude that can be found on the Appalachian Trails, the monumental scale of the Grand Canyon, and the quiet reefs off island shores. It is there where they can unplug from their busy and sometimes harrowing lives to be fully present with one another.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at aogrady@bestversionmedia.com.
I BOOK TRAVEL FOR U Winter weather has you dreaming about the warm blue water? It's never too late to book that
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CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS alesia@ibooktravelforu.com • 703-477-2311
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ALESIA HOUSE - Your Dream Vacation Builder
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FEBRUARY 2020
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Real Estate
December 2019 SOLDS SOLD DATE
ADDRESS
PRICE
8305 Lucy Avenue
$690,000
5
4.5
5,019
16,653
Dec. 30, 2019 6334 Redwinged Blackbird Drive $550,000
5
4.5 THE WOODS AT WARRENTON 4,765
30,274
Dec. 5, 2019
Dec. 13, 2019
BEDS BATHS
LOCATION
SQUARE FEET LOT SIZE SQ FT
RAYMOND FARM
5861 Ridgecrest Avenue
$550,000
5
2.5
AVALON ESTATES
3,500
39,988
Dec. 23, 2019
7544 Millpond Court
$520,000
5
4.5
WHITE’S MILL
4,984
11,360
Dec. 27, 2019
7129 Cavalry Drive
$450,900
5
3.5
MOSBY WOODS
3,600
24,999
Dec. 13, 2019
5452 Westfield Court
$735,000
4
4.5
SNOW HILL
4,943
87,399
Dec. 30, 2019
5417 Bears Lane
$675,000
4
3
MACRIDGE ESTATES
2,946
180,495
Nov. 27, 2019
5181 Island Court
$577,120
4
3.5
BROOKSIDE
3,010
8,712
Dec. 11, 2019
4066 Shrayer Court
$570,000
4
4.5
VINT HILL
3,207
13,896
Dec. 5, 2019
6412 Cotswold Way
$473,000
4
2.5
BUCKLAND OAKS
3,466
33,018
Dec. 16, 2019
7255 Moss Lane
$410,000
4
2.5
MILL RUN ACRES
2,158
48,639
Dec. 27, 2019
4591 Hillside Court
$320,000
4
3
BROKEN HILLS
2,363
53,313
Dec. 6, 2019
9065 Buckland Mill Road
$640,000
3
2.5
GAINESVILLE
2,367
130,000
Nov. 27, 2019
6763 Riley Road
$405,000
3
2.5
BROKEN HILLS
3,250
87,120
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
DAWN ARRUDA & CO. LLC OUR NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
47 99 $ 22.5 Million %
2019 YTD # OF TRANSACTIONS
SALES PRICE TO LIST PRICE %
2019 YEAR TO DATE SALES
31 74
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
5-STAR REVIEWS
All information provided in this advertisement is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be verified by interested parties.
Brookside Neighbors
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Charity Spotlight
Fauquier Habitat Seeks
PARTNER FAMILIES By Liz Rose, Associate Director of Development
Fauquier Habitat hosted an Applicant Information Session in January, in which people learned how they can own an affordable home through the Habitat partnership program. Those interested in applying to become a Habitat partnering family received an application.
Carolina and Ramon Navarrete at the new home ribbon cutting ceremony. Carolina now serves on our board and volunteers with Women Build and both volunteer on the new build site on Haiti Street. Wendy, Guadeloupe, Raymond and Marco are their kids.
As Fauquier Habitat begins the look for new partner families, one may ask, “what does it mean to be a Habitat partner family?” The best place to start is with the Habitat model. Habitat for Humanity builds decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in need of a decent place to live. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat does NOT give away houses. The labor of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes, and no-profit loans make it affordable for low-income families to purchase Habitat houses. With mortgage payments at or below 30% of their monthly income, families that partner with Habitat, start down a new path— one with far fewer barriers to a better, healthier, more financially stable life. Qualified Habitat homeowners meet three main criteria: a need for better housing, a willingness to partner with Habitat, and demonstrate an ability to pay an affordable mortgage.
Are you ready to get organized with custom cabinets and benches? These were built in a neighboring home in Warrenton!
Voted Fauquier's BEST of the BEST 2 Years in a row!!
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FEBRUARY 2020
A family may need better housing because of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded living conditions, unstable building structures, unsafe neighborhoods, or lack of access to land and affordable financing. Future Habitat homeowners who partner with Habitat complete “sweat equity” hours, working alongside volunteers to help build and renovate the places they will call home and attend financial education and budget-planning classes to prepare for homeownership. Habitat offers a hand up, not a handout. Fauquier County’s median household income is $94,347. A qualified Habitat family’s income is between 30-60% of that median income, which is between $36,390 to $72,780 a year for a family of four. That could be the salary of a schoolteacher, firefighter or an employee of a small local business. In the United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) study, which identifies households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the essential cost of living for the county (the ALICE Threshold), they reported that 31% of Fauquier residents are ALICE households. The ALICE report also shared the “Household Survival Budget,” which reflects the bare minimum that a family needs to live and work today. It does not include savings for emergencies or future goals like college. These results show that the “Household Survival Budget” for a family with two adults, one infant and one preschooler in Fauquier County, is $92,784. The median home price in the area is over $400,000. 1 in 6 Fauquier families spends more than 50% of their income on housing. Our area is in desperate need of affordable housing. Fauquier Habitat is a solution and they are looking for partners to help further their mission. As Habitat opens the partnership (homeowner) selection process, they will need committee members to help choose qualified future homeowners. As prospective homeowners enter the partnership program, Habitat will need advocates to guide those homeowners through the process. As new homes are built, and old ones are restored, Habitat will need volunteers, materials and land to develop. Fauquier Habitat needs you, will you join them? For more information about Fauquier Habitat, visit www. fauquierhabitat.org.
2:1 MATCH!
Every dollar donated by February 24th will be tripled.
Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Fauquier Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. We proudly support Fauquier and Rappahannock counties in Virginia. Fauquier Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing in partnership with families in need. Reaching across religious, cultural, and racial boundaries, we seek to rebuild a sense of community with the common goal of strong neighborhoods and dignity through homeownership.
Brookside Neighbors
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Calendar of Events
FEBRUARY 2020
The Calendar of Events is proudly sponsored by Cherie Beatty, Realtor FEBRUARY 9 Hong Kong and the Tian’anmen Square Massacre: Retrospective on the Massacre 31 Years Later, and Its Relation to the Hong Kong Events Time: Arrival 1:30, presentation begins at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $35 Location: Old Bust Head Craft Brewery, 7134 Lineweaver Rd and the Cold War Museum, 7142 Lineweaver Rd, Vint Hill www.coldwar.org FEBRUARY 10 Women’s Self Defense Class Build a foundation for self defense and learn how to protect yourself and others around you. This workshop focuses on mindset and situational awareness. Explore how to avoid being a victim by using physical tactics to defend yourself if attacked. Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cost: $10 Age: 14 and older Location: Marshall Community Center, 4133A Rectortown Road, Marshall https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 10 Scrabble for Adults Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Location: John Marshall Library, Marshall Community Center, 4133A Rectortown Road, Marshall https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 11 Pajama Story Time Stories, songs and activities! Bring the entire family for this fun and interactive program. PJs are welcome! Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
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FEBRUARY 2020
Location: Warrenton Central Library, 11 Winchester Street, Warrenton https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 11 Monthly LEGO Free Play The library isn’t just about books anymore. At our monthly Lego Club, the library provides loads of Legos and children are free to create whatever they’d like. Building with Legos helps to build motor skills, spatial reasoning, and creativity. It’s also a lot of fun! Build the tallest tower, design your dream home, or create something totally unique. Open to students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Location: Warrenton Central Library, Marshall Community Center, Bealeton Library https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 13 Every Thursday Warrenton Inklings Society Collaboration Two members may read each Thurs. and have their work critiqued. The Third Thurs. of each month is an extended session where an Inklings member will conduct a brief tutorial on a variety of topics such as showing not telling, point of view, genre and more. If time permits, more attendees may read. Be sure to have a piece ready to share! Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Location: 39 Culpeper Street, Warrenton https://www.allegrocsa.org/ literacy FEBRUARY 15 Parent’s Night Out for Valentine’s Day
Do you need a night out with your significant other or friends, but have trouble finding a babysitter you can trust? Parent’s Night Out gives you an opportunity to drop off the kids for a night of fun and go out for some “me” time. Kids will enjoy music, games, food, dancing, and movies. Time: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Cost: $5/child Location: Marshall Community Center, 4133A Rectortown Road, Marshall https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 17 Hibernation Habitats Look for animals that have gone to sleep for the winter at the Northern Fauquier Community Park! Learn facts about how some mammals and reptiles cope with freezing temperatures by hibernating. Afterwards, create a fun winter craft! Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon Cost: $10/person Location Northern Fauquier Community Park, 4155 Monroe Park, Marshall https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 19 Fauquier County Job Fair Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Location: Fauquier High School, 705 Waterloo Road, Warrenton https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 20 Mystery Book Club Members will discuss Night Passage by Robert B. Parker; new members welcome; free; no registration required; sponsored by the Friends of the Fauquier Library. (540) 422-8500, ext. 6862
Time: Noon – 1:00 p.m. Location: John Barton Payne Building, 2 Courthouse Square, Warrenton https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 22 A FUNraiser 5K for Verdun Adventure Bound! A frosty run through the woods on a beautiful cross country course! Hot Chocolate awaiting you at the finish line. Time: 10:00 a.m. – Noon Location: Verdun Adventure Bound, Rixeyville www.facebook.com/ events/1237498813113855/ FEBRUARY 22 Maggie Siner painting demonstration and artist talk at Berkley Gallery Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 31 Main Street, Warrenton www.berkleygallery.com FEBRUARY 23 Betrayal in Berlin: The Berlin Tunnel and the Mole in MI6 Time: Arrival 1:30, presentation begins at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $35 Location: Old Bust Head Craft Brewery, 7134 Lineweaver Rd and the Cold War Museum, 7142 Lineweaver Rd, Vint Hill www.coldwar.org FEBRUARY 28 Generosity Feeds 24% of children in Fauquier County, VA struggle with hunger. You Can Change the Math in Child Hunger! February 2020, be a Hunger Hero by joining Marianne Clyde Center for Holistic Psychotherapy and Generosity Feeds for a Meal Creation Event to create 11,000 meals to fight child hunger locally.
Time: Noon – 2:00 p.m. Location: Warrenton Community Center, 430 E. Shirley Ave, Warrenton www.facebook.com/ events/799271667173686/ FEBRUARY 29 Presidential Primary Election In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline 5:00 p.m. The last day to vote in-person absentee for the March 3, 2020 Democratic Presidential primary election is Saturday, February 29 from 9:00AM to 5:00PM in the Office of the General Registrar. Location: Office of the Registrar, 528 Waterloo Rd, Suite 200, Warrenton https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 29 Unicycle Show and Trial Class Watch incredible unicyclists perform their feats of skill and balance while riding unicycles from two to six feet tall! They’ll
perform formations, ride specialty equipment, and navigate ramps. Want to try it? Anyone over the age of eight is welcome to try to ride a unicycle, after the performance. Take a beginner class and see if you have the balance needed to ride with one wheel. Already know how to ride a unicycle? Come join the experienced riders and learn new tricks or try a mini unicycle or other stunt bike. Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Location: Vint Hill Community Center, 4235 Aiken Drive, Warrenton https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search FEBRUARY 29 Baking with Mom or Dad Enjoy a day baking with your kids without messing up your kitchen! Children learn to measure and mix while making delicious pastries and cookies. All supplies are provided and goodies may be taken home to enjoy. Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $15/person Age: 5 and older Location: MCC Kitchen/Café, Marshall Community Center, 4133A Rectortown Road, Marshall https://apm.activecommunities. com/fauquierparksandrec/Activity_Search MARCH 3 Presidential Primary Election Day All county polling places open at 6:00AM and close at 7:00PM on election day. MARCH 28 Hero’s Bridge Vietnam Veteran’s Day 5K A unique race to show our appreciation for our Vietnam Veterans, taking place in beautiful and historic Remington, Virginia! The race will begin at 10:00am with a 5K, proudly starting off through a corridor of motorcycles. Post race, events will begin with a “Welcome Home” at 11:30am. Prayer will be followed with race medals, a 50/50 and general
raffle, and award presentations. This event is for runners, walkers, kids, furry friends, and our honored Veterans and their families. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Time: 9:00 – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $25/registrant Location: Remington, VA www.facebook.com/ events/791400554625179/
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Expert Contributor
Top Ten Real Estate Tips for Buyers and Sellers By Dawn Arruda & Co. L.L.C.
It’s that time of year again – ARE YOU READY?
A
pproximately 40% of all real estate transactions occur between May – August. As a result, Spring is the most important time to prepare your house for sale. Here are my top real estate tips for both home buyers and sellers. These tips, together with the right real estate agent, can help you get the price you want and the home you love.
5 Tips for Sellers The first 2 tips are the most essential when preparing to list your home for sale. 1. Clean. Yes, cleaning can be a daunting task. Home cleanliness could mean you are most likely to be the next property sold in your area. The small things matter in creating a positive first impression for potential buyers. Wipe down baseboards, clean windows, remove dust and debris from light fixtures, replace light bulbs, clean off kitchen and bathroom counters. 2. De-clutter. The goal in preparing a house for the market is to make it feel as open and expansive as possible. Getting rid of unneeded items is a quick way to make your rooms seem bigger. Thrift stores, yard sales, and selling items online are all wise ways to recycle excess items. For those items that you plan to move but may not need right now, pack them up. Moving can be a stressful experience. De-cluttering is good for the soul; you will feel in control.
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FEBRUARY 2020
3. Schedule a Pre-Listing Visit. Schedule an initial visit to walk-through your home with your Real Estate Agent. During this visit, you should discuss potential changes tailored to your budget and to make the sale happen as quickly as possible. Discuss paint colors, landscaping changes, home repairs, a marketing plan and list price. A trusted real estate agent can assist you in answering questions according to your budget and expectations. 4. Do a Home Inspection. If your budget allows, schedule a home inspection with a licensed company. A home inspector will give you a report of the structural and mechanical soundness of your home. The report details critical items that may need immediate repair. It is best to know upfront what needs to be done to your home and have the time to fix these items. Be proactive rather than reactive before any home sale contract negotiation. It could result in a greater return on your investment and fewer surprises.
5. Request Professional Photography. Online photos are your one chance to grab attention from potential buyers. All homeowners deserve to have professionally taken photographs of their home. Because of high resolution photography, it is even more important that your home is clean and de-cluttered.
Take Away: Make a list and tackle one item at a time. You will feel a sense of accomplishment instead of being overwhelmed.
5 Tips for Buyers 1. Find a Trusted Lender. Because of changes in mortgage regulations, it is important that your lender communicate clearly with you and your Real Estate agent. You generally have more success with lenders that you can meet with and are readily available to answer your questions. Speak-
ing to your lender one-on-one will reduce any confusion and your stress level. 2. Get Loan Pre-Approval. Being pre-qualified means, a lender gives you an estimate of how much you could potentially borrow. Being pre-approved means that the lender is ready to make you the loan. As the demand for houses goes up and supply goes down, a pre-approved buyer has a leg up on the competition. 3. Communicate Priorities. What are your preferences in regards to school districts, garages, floor plans, number of bathrooms, number of bedrooms, fixer-upper vs. move-in-ready, accessibility, commute times, price? These are the kinds of questions/answers which will help your agent get to know you and your preferences. 4. Visit 5 Homes/Day. After looking at more than 5 homes in a day, it is difficult for buyers to remember distinctions between them. If you have multiple homes which interest you, rank them and visit the Top 5 that day. Take notes, pictures and videos to help you
recall home features. 5. Make a Vacation Plan. As many home buyers begin looking at what is available in the market during Spring, it is important to have a plan in place with your agent about vacation time. Too often, the perfect home becomes available while you are on vacation. Your agent can visit the home and FaceTime you with a video tour of the house. Many homes have been bought without ever having to leave the beach!
Take Away: The most important thing for real estate buyers/sellers is “don’t be afraid to ask questions”. There is no such thing as a bad question. Dawn is always available to answer any Real Estate question. You can contact her at (540) 341-8933 or by email at Dawn.Arruda@remax.net.
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| Expert Contributor |
NOBODY’S PERFECT If you find yourself at the mercy of the Criminal Justice System, choose your best defense.
Mark B. Williams
Is it Worth it to Fight a First-offense Traffic Violation? By Mark B. Williams
E
ven if you were facing what seemed to be a minor traffic offense, it could be a good idea to take every measure possible towards reducing the consequences. That is because Virginia, like many states, operates its driving violation laws on the system that could give you increasing penalties for subsequent offenses. Apart from avoiding a mark on your record, there are other reasons you might want to reduce or contest a traffic charge. Some of these violations come with a sentence of jail time and a license suspension. There are many different traffic laws governing reckless driving, speeding and other traffic violations. It is important to look at the details of the case and decide what penalties you might face — some could be quite severe. Most people do not realize that reckless driving is a criminal offense in Virginia and a Class 1 misdemeanor. If you were to end up with multiple convictions in your past and another looming violation, you could still have options to reduce the long-term consequences. However, it is important to have realistic expectations at this point. Successfully navigating the offense process for ticket often optimizes your outcome, but courts are often not as lenient with multiple offenders as they are with people who have clean driving records. There is no single solution when it comes to traffic problems. Talk to an experienced traffic attorney to discuss your specific situation.
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“My Own Darling Magee” A Leesburg Love Story
By Anne Marie Paquette, Director of Education, The Mosby Heritage Association ary “Molly” Lack was just 15 years old when she met Tommy Magee. Born in Loudoun County, VA, “Mollie” was the only child of British-born William and Mary Lack. The small family lived a comfortable life in a house on North King St. in downtown Leesburg. Mr. Lack was a wealthy gardener, and the family were active in the St. James Episcopal Church community. When war came to Northern Virginia, lives of Leesburg residents were turned upside down. Along with war came thousands of young men from far-off places. Young men like Thomas Magee. Magee enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861, signing up with Company E, 18th Mississippi, in Corinth., Mississippi. Company E was mostly composed of students from Mississippi College, and they became known as the ‘Mississippi College Rifles’. In Fall of 1861 the Mississippians fought alongside local battalions in the October 21 Battle of Balls Bluff, only a couple of miles from Leesburg. Magee and the others stayed near town over the winter, encamped at Morven Park. Many soldiers came into town to socialize and go to church services. Truth be told, many church visits were made in order to flirt with the locals. In return, Leesburg belles ventured to Morven Park to watch the young men drill and parade in camp. By the close of 1861, Mollie and Tommy Magee were pen pals and visited as often as they were able. It wasn’t long before they declared their love for one another. On February 14, 1862, Mollie wrote in her diary that she and her “beloved Magee” sent each other Valentines. She went on to write, He was here [last] Wednesday evening. When he was going, he put his arm around my neck and kissed me, and said “I love you Mollie, you need not be uneasy.”. . I hope I may never be unworthy of his love. He is so dear to me, my darling.”
Poem from Mollie Lack to Tommy Magee, December 1861. Property of Thomas Balch Library.
The two lovers were soon parted by the war. In March the 18th Miss. marched out of Leesburg towards Richmond, but not before Tommy and Mollie shared a tearful goodbye. “He cried fit to break my heart” Mollie declared. Almost exactly six months later Magee came back, as the Mississippi College Rifles with the Southern Army marched to Antietam. On Thursday, September 4, Magee came to call, and Mollie wrote,
“I knew his voice the minute I heard it. He has not changed one particle. . . He came out to where I was and put his arm around me and pressed a kiss on my lips . . . Next day he came and staid all day and all night and Saturday morning he left me for Maryland and O! how I love him. I love him ten times better than I did before. God protect him!” Sadly, Mollie Lack and Tommy Magee were parted again. We don’t know if they met afterwards, no known correspondence survives. Mollie died, likely of consumption, on July 27, 1864, only a few weeks shy of her 18th birthday. Magee later deserted the Confederate Army and faded into obscurity. The only recorded words of Tommy Magee were his pledges of love to his sweetheart, Virginia’s Mollie Lack. My cheeks have long been dry dear Tom But a tear comes in my eyes, To think of her I loved so well, And those early broken ties I visited the old churchyard And plucked some flowers to strew Upon the graves of those we loved so well Just twenty years ago Some are in the churchyard layed Some sleep beneath the sea And none of our class remains Excepting you and me And when our time shall come dear Tom And we are called to go I hope we’ll meet with those we loved Just twenty years ago.
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December 22, 1861
Brookside Neighbors
17
Expert Contributor
Hiring Your Spouse as an Employee By Douglas M. Marshall, III CPA, Marshall Consulting Group, LLC
This article is intended to address some of the federal income tax pros and cons of hiring a spouse as an employee in a family business. The advantages generally flow from the ability of the spouse to receive tax favored fringe benefits in his or her capacity as an employee. The disadvantages principally flow from the added employment tax and other liabilities that are generated, especially when a related person is an employee.
O
ne word of caution up front: most closely-held S corporations are prevented from realizing any benefits from hiring the spouse as an employee. The spouse of a more than 2-percent S corporation stockholder is automatically treated as a more than 2-percent owner, which eliminates most employee fringe benefit deductions.
Health insurance: A spouse who is hired as a bona fide employee generally can be given health insurance coverage that includes coverage for all family members, including the principal owner spouse, thereby effectively converting all family health insurance premiums into business expenses. Self-employment tax: At 15.3 percent of earnings, the self-employment tax should play a role in deciding whether to have medical premiums and other fringe benefits written off as a trade or business deduction through a spouse-employee. Even though health insurance costs are 100 percent deductible for the self-employed, there are still benefits to setting up a medical plan which is deductible as a business expense since the deduction reduces, dollar for dollar, the profits on which self-employment tax is computed. Running the numbers usually reveals the continuing benefit of having a spouse as an employee covered under a health plan in which the rest of the family, including the owner-spouse, are covered as dependents. And although the wages of the spouse are subject to FICA, the spouse is able to build up Social Security and Medicare credits. Retirement plan impact: In certain instances, having a spouse as an employee can help direct more retirement benefits to the owner. This apparent paradox works because of the testing rules for “highly compensated.� For example, when a spouse is on the payroll as a lower paid employee such as an office manager, choosing to exclude the spouse from participation in a retirement plan can have a positive effect on cross testing, since the percentage of highly compensated employees covered under the plan is reduced dramatically. Because of the attribution rules, there would then be two highly compensated employees. By excluding the spouse from participation in the plan, only 50 percent of highly compensated employees are covered, thereby reducing the percentage of non-highly compensated employees that need to participate in the plan to avoid top heavy rules, or creating a favorable computation for the average benefits test.
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Love in Warrenton By Ramona Linden, Ciao Bella Celebrations
ccording to the National Day Calendar, February is National Wedding Month. The annual wave of holiday engagements and weddings has passed, but with Valentine’s Day right around the corner and spring in bloom shortly thereafter you can bet that Fauquier County is gearing up for a spectacular wedding season in 2020. Our county is quickly becoming a wedding destination for couples from all over Virginia and the mid-Atlantic. The Clerk of the Circuit Court issued approximately 415 marriage licenses in 2019, many to couples born and raised here but also to couples from all over Virginia, the US and all over the world. Hundreds more couples come to Fauquier to marry each year with marriage licenses from various counties around the Commonwealth. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, and variations of the “Courthouse Wedding” for small weddings and elopements are becoming more and more popular. With the rising costs of large weddings, many couples find this route just as romantic and a lot less stressful. Old Town Warrenton is ideally suited for these weddings in no small part because of its wonderful Historical Courthouse, a centerpiece which makes for fabulous wedding photos. As couples stroll through our sweet town for photos or on their way to one of our local restaurants, they’re usually greeted with horns honking and folks smiling and waving as they yell “Congratulations!” The friendly charming feel our small town has to offer adds much to the Courthouse Wedding experience.
Photo provided by SweetandSimpleWeddings.com
Just before WW2, Warrenton was a wedding haven with nearly 1600 weddings taking place in just one year. It’s been a while, but Warrenton is heading in that direction again as a growing number of couples choose Old Town for their wedding or elopement. During 2019 just over 300 couples tied the knot in Old Town Warrenton, and many more weddings both large and small were held throughout the county. A Fauquier County wedding is close enough for a day trip for guests coming in from DC, Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, Culpeper and the Virginia Piedmont. Our county has a large pool of experienced wedding professionals, beautiful venues all throughout, and pricing here usually beats what couples can find in DC and Northern Virginia. Couples choosing to marry in Fauquier have a wide array of looks to choose from for the wedding they envision. In addition to being the centerpiece of Virginia Horse Country with its beautiful barns and rolling hills, there are plenty of parks, lakes and more than two dozen wineries throughout our stunning wine country. And of course, there is our charming and historic Old Town in the heart of Warrenton.
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FEBRUARY 2020
Also in Warrenton and Fauquier County is its proliferation of LOVE signs, which are a familiar sight throughout the Commonwealth and known around the country because of the Virginia is for Lovers campaign, which recently celebrated its 50th year. LOVE sign tourism is actually a thing now, and you can find them in shop windows and homes throughout Old Town, at Airlie and in Depot Park behind Claire’s, where the whimsical locomotive-themed sign was the site of a wedding as part of its September 2018 unveiling. Monica Fernandi and Mike King were the first couple to marry there. Some married couples have gotten caught up with the romance of Warrenton’s Old Town Weddings and have come here to renew their vows. Long time residences of Fauquier, Bobby and Phil held their 60th wedding anniversary with a renewal of marriage vows in Old Town surrounded by their adult children and their families. Our town has adopted the #HeartofWarrenton and #LoveWarrenton hashtags to help share and express the joy happening right here in our backyard. Countywide, the hashtag #ForeverBeginsinFauquier says it all.
Recipe Corner
Pear and Prosciutto Bundles By Anita Parris Soule
I
absolutely love this time of year. The cold weather outside seems to make it even cozier inside. This coziness is amplified by the friends and family popping into our homes for a warm winter visit. During quiet winter months I pull out old family recipes and and make the home a warm and welcoming space for people we love. This Valentine’s Day, invite your loved one to help in the kitchen. It creates such a fun, convivial environment and just sets the tone for a relaxing evening. And bonus: it takes some of the work off you! That’s where these little sweet and savory bundles come in. To make these elegant bites, you need a small list of ingredients: pears, thinly sliced prosciutto, cheese of your choice: brie or blue would be my top choices, and some honey that we will infuse with thyme and black pepper. You can wrap these up the morning of your get together or even the day before and stash them in the fridge. Drizzle with honey right before serving, or just leave a little bowl of honey on the tray for your guests to drizzle as they wish. These are great as is, or serve some toasty bread slices or crackers alongside to make it a more hearty appetizer. I hope you’ll give these a try and I wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day. *This recipe makes 24 bundles but it is very easily scaled up or down. Just count on 1/2 a slice of prosciutto per each pear quarter.
Ingredients • 6 ounces of thinly sliced prosciutto (about 12 slices), halved lengthwise • 6 seckel pears (you can use regular, I just love the little seckel pears this time of year) • 4 ounces soft, mild brie or mild blue cheese (or any cheese you love) • 1/2 cup honey • a few sprigs fresh thyme • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To prepare: 1. Place honey in a small bowl, add pepper and thyme leaves, stir and set aside. 2. Quarter pears and remove seeds and stems 3. Lay a thin slice of prosciutto down on your work surface 4. Place one pear quarter in center of prosciutto 5. Place a small amount of cheese on top of pear
6. Add a few thyme leaves and some cracked black pepper 7. Wrap prosciutto around pear and cheese 8. Repeat with remaining ingredients 9. Once all bundles are assembled, store in refrigerator until ready to serve. 10. Remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. 11. Drizzle with honey just before serving For more recipes and stories visit me at www.cookonawhim.com! Anita Parris Soule is a food-obsessed Warrenton native with a passion for delicious food and beautiful words. She is a blogger, food photographer, and recipe developer at www. cookonawhim.com. Check her out on Facebook www.facebook. com/cookonawhimblog and Instagram www.instagram.com/cookonawhim
Brookside Neighbors
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Photo credit: Silvertones Swing Band
Photo credit: Beth Miller-Herholtz
7th Annual Sweetheart Swing Dance By Wendy Martin-Shuma
Saturday, February 8, 2020 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Marshall Community Center, 4133 Rectortown Road, Marshall $10 in advance/$15 at the door
Family Owned & Operated
The Silver Tones will be performing a special sweetheart dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love will be in the air, as the band plays all your romantic Big Band favorites, including The Glory of Love, The Way You Look Tonight, I’m in the Mood for Love, L-O-V-E, I Love Being Here With You, Love Potion #9, and so many others. Make a free dedication of a song to your sweetheart (playlist will be provided). Special guest vocalist, Aaron Talley, will be joining us to serenade all the sweethearts with his velvet voice! The Marshall Community Center is located at 4133 Rectortown Road, less than a mile off I-66, exit 28. Complimentary Valentine’s Day sweets will be served. Refresher/beginner swing dance lesson with swing instructor Valerie Pyle starts at 7 pm. Admission is just $10 in advance and $15 at the door (cash preferred, please). Buy your advance tickets online at www.SilverTonesSwingBand.com. That’s amore!
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Across From CVS on Rt. 29
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Dr. Mohammad Zohaib, DDS
Dr. Lance Chang , DDS Dr. Patricia Wood, DDS