B rookside MAY 2020
An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Brookside, Vint Hill, Snow Hill, Jamison’s Farm, Warrenton Chase and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Neighbors
From Boats to Campers,
the Simpson Famil y Enjoys Every Day
ALSO INSIDE: A Tribute to Our Community Healthcare Personnel: Michele Clarke - 9 Hero's Bridge Continues to Serve Our Most At-Risk Population - 14
Cover photo by The Little Photo Shop
Celebrating our 2020 Seniors!!!! - 22
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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.
Edith Wharton, an American novelist, penned this beautiful quote in 1902 and it has never been more true than now, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it.” We, the team at Brookside Neighbors, believe that our readers and our sponsors are both the candle and the mirror. So many of you volunteer with organizations that are dear to your heart, others work in industries that are vital to the health of our community and still others are conscious to extend grace to others during good times as well as uncertain ones. This issue brings to you stories about people who are making great changes with their small actions. Meg from Make Everything Good whose mission is simply to assist and support the needs of others. You can read her story on page 10. The Simpson family graces our cover this month. This local couple hails from North Carolina and is raising three children. Matriarch Candace is one of our healthcare workers who never dreamt she would find herself working in a pandemic. With her husband’s position deemed essential, both parents leave home daily at risk of exposure to the virus. Read more about them on page 6. We also feature Michele Clarke, RN. Michele has been a neonatal nurse throughout her career and is raising three young women who recognize the sacrifices she has made to pursue her passion. We thank Candace, Michele and each of their colleagues for their efforts. These two women are exemplary mothers and examples for their children. While these times are uncertain, there is much to be grateful for. Our community is strong and holds up those that need it, our teachers are committed to helping families navigate the world of pandemic homeschooling, our healthcare personnel stand ready to care for the sick during the pandemic peak, and our workers put themselves at risk everyday to ensure our community members can keep their shelves stocked. We hope that you, our readers, can see the silver linings in these circumstances, no matter how thin. Enjoy the time with your children and family and the quieter days we now find ourselves living. Please send us some photos of your recent activities. Maybe you finished a 1000-piece puzzle that had been sitting on the shelf, or you hosted a virtual game of monopoly with friends, or you volunteered making lunches for school aged children, or even fostered a shelter dog. We love receiving your input here at Brookside Neighbors and we look forward to seeing your awesome photos in the near future. Blessings for a peaceful May.
ady, r G ’ O e é m Ai ator t Coordin Conten
Debbie and Michael Wykowski , Publishers
Brookside Neighbors
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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS HEATING, COOLING AND PLUMBING Appleton Campbell Mike Appleton, President of Appleton Campbell "Our top priority is the health and well being of our customers and employees. I thank all first responders, health care workers and essential workers during this time. Together we will all grow stronger." - Mike Appleton, President of Appleton Campbell: Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical. Please visit appletoncampbell.com to learn more. 540-347-0765 | appletoncampbell.com DESIGN BUILD – KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELS AND NEW HOMES Golden Rule Builders, Inc. Joel Barkman Joel is the President/Owner of Golden Rule Builders, Inc a design build firm in Catlett, VA specializing in kitchen/bath remodels and custom homes. Joel has been named the Builder of the Year by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), and Business Person of the Year by the Fauquier County Chamber of Commerce.Joel and his wife Patty have five children and are active members of the Dayspring Mennonite Church. He also serves on the boards of Good Life Ministries in India, New Horizons Ministries in Colorado, Lord Fairfax Community College and Fauquier Hospital. 540-788-3539 | www.GoldenRuleBuilders.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/GoldenRuleBuilders FAMILY LAW, CRIMINAL LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING Mark B. Williams & Associates, PLC Featured Attorney - Alyssa D. Phillips 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
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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 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
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Michael and Debbie Wykowski at dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or 703-203-9130.
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
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
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 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
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Resident Feature
We would like to thank Smilez Pediatric Dental Group for sponsoring this month's feature story.
From Boats to Campers, the Simpson Family Enjoys Every Day By Aimée O’Grady | Photography by The Little Photo Shop
hanks to a mutual friend, Ben and Candace met in 2000 while living in North Carolina. Two years later, and only one month after Candace earned her master’s degree in nursing to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner, the two married. They stayed in North Carolina near family and friends for another four years. With a degree in systems engineering, there weren’t too many opportunities for Ben. A friend in Maryland offered him a job working on a government contract with the Federal Aviation Administration. The couple, by then parents to 2-yearold Madeline and 6-week-old Brett, found themselves leaving home and
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settling in Warrenton in 2006. “It was a difficult move,” says Candace about not having friends nearby or family to help. “But I had been offered a job at Child Health Associates before moving and when my maternity leave was over, I began working there and quickly found new friends,” she says. Candace worked for Child Health Associates until the practice closed in 2016 and she accepted a position as a Nurse Practitioner with Piedmont Pediatrics. “Throughout my career in nursing as a mother, I have been only five minutes from my kids,” she says of the convenience of working in her community. “It worked since Ben had to commute and at one
time was travelling to Anacostia, MD every day.” Today, Ben works in Chantilly and enjoys the shorter commute and more time to spend with his family. As a healthcare personnel, Candace has watched the practice where she works respond to the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Piedmont Pediatrics had not considered telemedicine, it just wasn’t a priority,” she says. “But because of the pandemic and social distancing orders, we needed to implement it. Within a few days, we had telemedicine up and running to continue providing safe care for our patients, especially mental health,” she continues.
Resident Feature While there are many conditions that require a doctor or nurse practitioner to physically see a patient, there are some areas where telemedicine will work, and mental health is one of them. “Mental health among our youth is such a growing problem,” she says. “We are already seeing issues with students who experience anxiety and depression at school. We also need to be aware of how parents’ stress is rubbing off on kids. However, all vaccines and immunizations need to be done in the office and while we don’t want people to come to the practice who are healthy, we can’t have children fall behind on their immunizations either. It’s important that all parents call the office to check in when well visits are due to see if their child needs any immunizations.” The changes Candace has seen at Piedmont Pediatrics are extreme but warranted. “Patients no longer wait in the waiting room. They check in from their car when they arrive, and we call them in when the exam room is ready. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 are examined in a special room with equipment used only for those patients.” Healthcare personnel at the practice wear masks throughout the day, “It serves to help reduce risk of exposure, but also reminds us to not touch our faces.” All day use of a mask causes irritation around the ears as so many reports indicate. Back at home, Candace and Ben have coordinated their schedules so the family can share most evenings together. Since both parents are leaving the house to work, they each have a disinfecting routine they perform before there are hugs with the children. Madeline, now nearly 17 and Brett, 13, help watch 7-year-old Liza. The at-home order has brought the siblings closer. “I witness a lot less fighting than I have in the past,” says Candace. “The kids seem to be bonding in new ways during this experience. They are learning to adapt.” { continued on next page }
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Resident Feature Inheriting her mother’s tender heart, Madeline aspires to follow in Candace’s footsteps. “Madeline likes the medical field and hopes to become a nurse practitioner. I will be there to guide her, but also want her to know that she can take flight and pursue her own path.” Although it seems like interest in the medical field runs in the family, “My mother was an EMT volunteer. I grew up watching her help others. I knew early on that I wanted to work with children but did not want to be a teacher. Being a pediatric nurse was my calling. I never considered doing anything else.” she says. Meanwhile, Brett shares his father’s interests in engineering and technology and hopes to become a video game developer. Liza is the social butterfly in the family and the baby they always wanted but weren’t sure they would have. “We always wanted three children, but I was so overwhelmed working full time and keeping up with two kids. Ben’s work schedule and long commute were stressful. He transferred to a position closer to home and I transitioned to part time, which made all the difference. Liza transformed the family dynamic. She made things complete” Candace says of her third child. Although life looks a lot different these days than it did only a few short months ago, the Simpsons are looking forward to when the life can resume normalcy. “When we moved to Virginia, we bought a boat and spent several years enjoying boating until the kids got bored with it and we decided to trade it in for a camper,” says Candace. The family camped every weekend from May through September even heading to Disney and visiting family along the way. “The kids love the camper. They love to get away from home but still have their things with them. We head out during the day for hikes and activities. At night we relax back at the camper with a campfire. We are finding there are a lot of places to camp in Virginia that are only a few hours away, but still feel like getting away,” she says. The family had trips planned this spring and summer that were either cancelled or on hold pending the governor’s orders. Like their neighbors and all Brookside Neighbors readers, they are looking forward to when the masks and gloves can come off, and life can return to some degree of normal. Until then, Candace stresses to her children to remember this time, these moments in history because she has never experienced a time when she couldn’t get something she needed. “These are unprecedented times we are living through and the kids need to remember them,” she says of experiencing these historic moments. In the meantime, Candace and Ben will continue leaving their children for work and will return home each evening and perform their new routines before settling in as a family.
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.
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Michele with da
A Tribute to Our Community Healthcare Personnel:
ughters: Laine, Bry nn and Avery
MICHELE CLARKE By Aimée O'Grady
Her career spans more than two decades. It is one that she describes as greatly rewarding with more highs than lows. But it does not come without sacrifices. White's Mill resident and Brookside Neighbors reader, Michele Clarke is a registered nurse. For nearly 22 years, Michele has been a neonatal nurse. Her career began in Washington, D.C. and progressively moved west before she settled in Warrenton as a newlywed with her husband, Kevin, in 2005. Today, Michele works for Fauquier Health and describes going into work as a bag of mixed emotions: “On the one hand, we are told to stay home and I firmly believe that our region will weather this storm well if we all do as we are told, but as a nurse, I have to leave my children and go to work,” she says. While she feels she is not at as great a risk as nurses who work in intensive care units or emergency room departments or those working in urban hospitals, she still understands that her chances of exposure greatly exceed those who have the ability to obey the stay-athome order and work out of their houses. “My husband is a K9 handler with Fairfax County. He also leaves the house each day to work. We are both at risk of exposure to the coronavirus,” she says. Back at home, the couple is raising three young girls, ages 14, 11 and 9. Their oldest will be heading to her freshman year of high school in the fall and, like so many of her classmates, has missed the celebrations that come with leaving 8th grade. On top of those disappointments are frank conversations Michele and Kevin had to have with their children, “The girls are very understanding of our circumstances. We discuss what is happening at dinner when we are all together as a
Michele
at work
family. Both Kevin and I have changed our routine before we enter the house. We change our clothes and disinfect everything before coming inside. Other than work, we don’t leave the house and are following the stay-at-home orders.” While no one today has experienced a pandemic, Michele does recall the swine flu in 2009. “Our middle daughter had just been born and she ended up getting the swine flu. We were all vaccinated. I remember working during that epidemic, but it was nothing like this,” she says in comparison to COVID-19. Michele started following news of the coronavirus when the disease spread from China to Italy. Her hospital began working on plans when the nation did as a whole. “When it was clear this was a global threat, the hospital began to take action. It is continually evolving. We are updated daily,” she says of her current work environment. “I’m proud of my job. Today, healthcare workers head into their jobs with a lot of anxiety due to the unknown, but once we are there, we are hyperfocused on the tasks at hand and get lost in our work. There isn’t time think about what is happening outside of the hospital,” she says. Although she does confess that she simply cannot imagine working in the epicenter of the virus in New York City. “It’s just gut wrenching to see what they are experiencing.” Michele is inspired by the global healthcare effort, “These people are heroes. And so are all the service workers who are working to keep our society functioning. They are all putting themselves at risk. I’m so grateful to all of them.” Michele feels this experience has helped everyone change their perspective. “It’s been refreshing to see people come together to support one another. Our community has rallied to make sure everyone is being taken care, from our elderly, to our businesses and of course the healthcare personnel. Hopefully when this is all over, we will recognize how much we all have in common and will come together putting all differences aside.” While she waits for the virus to pass and normalcy to return to her family’s daily routine, Michele will continue to don her scrubs and head to the neonatal care unit to make sure the newest members of society are born into the safest environment she can provide for them.
Are you ready to get organized with custom cabinets and benches? These were built in a neighboring home in Warrenton!
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Brookside Neighbors
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Charity Spotlight Color Me Brave
Meg Hawkins: Making Everything Good By Marianne Weaver
M
aking Everything Good’s mission is to assist and support the needs of individuals, families and organizations associated with public safety, military, veterans, and the local community. “We enjoy helping others and organizing events to raise funds for charities. We believe in service to others,” said Meg Hawkins, director and co-founder. “We are a local small nonprofit and we truly blessed by our supporters.” LAUNCH Hawkins said she has always undertaken volunteer and charity work. One of the main projects she and her husband, Eric Provow, worked on was Project FACT. “Oftentimes victims of assault must give all their clothing to the police as evidence during an investigation. As a result, victims will often wear hospital gowns/scrubs when leaving the hospital because replacement clothes are rarely available,” said Hawkins. “This can be distressing in an already traumatic situation. Victims need clothing to wear after they are discharged and able to go home or to a shelter. Victim advocates and hospitals provide clothing to victims, but they rely solely on donations from the community.” Hawkins organized her first Project FACT event in 2017 and tasked her friend Angela Bryant to create a flyer. “At the top it stated: Making Everything Good presents: Project FACT,” said Hawkins. “And I totally had a blonde moment when I was reviewing it and wondered, who’s Making Everything Good? My husband said, It’s you! It spells your first name – Meg.’” The nonprofit Making Everything Good was officially established in 2018 to assist and support the various charity events and causes produced by Hawkins, PROJECT FACT When someone is a victim of domestic or child abuse they are sent for a forensics examination at the Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team, which addresses the unique needs of abused children and adults. They offer expert medical evaluation and forensic evidence collection for victims of domestic violence. “I was speaking to a victim advocate when she advised me that she had to send a victim home in a pair of scrubs,” said Hawkins. “When I found this out, I stated that a victim will never leave without proper clothing and undergarments. We have collected items for the FACT department for over two years. Whenever they need something, they contact me via email and I deliver what they need. People are constantly donating to the cause throughout the year which is very helpful as well.”
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Project FACT 2019
MEG hosts an annual fundraiser called – Project FACT. Additionally, people donate clothing throughout the year. “Every donation goes directly to these victims, and it truly does make a difference,” said Hawkins. “It is a compassionate way to show support to victims who are in the middle of a traumatic experience. Our hope is that this will help facilitate the recovery process and allow survivors to leave the hospital with dignity and respect.” DAVE’S CHRISTMAS CRUISE Dave’s Christmas Cruise was initially started by Dave Gambale, owner of Freedom Bail Bonding. “Dave’s Christmas Cruise was named to honor of a dear friend, Dave Chapin, who passed away a few years ago,” said Hawkins. “It raises funds to enable the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad via the Children First Charity, LLC, to purchase and deliver toys for children who are hospitalized during the holiday season.” When Gambale asked for help, Hawkins agreed without hesitation. “I hope to either host an event or motorcycle charity ride to help raise funds,” she said. “We haven’t started planning that, but it will have to be in the fall, maybe in October. In November, there are drop boxes at each Fairfax County Police district station. Anyone can drop off toys after Thanksgiving until the first week in December.” THE MEG EXPRESS, ETC. Hawkins has honored her commitment to support law enforcement, veterans and and first responder families in need through the MEG Express and other initiatives.
MICHAELA MUMMERT Licensed Virginia REALTOR
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“For the last 18 months, we have been working behind the scenes for numerous veterans and first responders providing transportation to treatment centers,” she said. “We keep their anonymity because of the sensitiveness of these acts of support.” Last year, a member of MEG heard about a local public safety family who needed help supporting their nonverbal son with autism. He communicates with family and teachers through an iPad application.
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“The application alone is $400, and the iPad is another $400,” she said. “Thankfully, we were able to secure an iPad from an anonymous donor and we provided the funds for the family to purchase the app for their son.” COLOR ME BRAVE
We paint furniture too!
The third project, Color Me Brave, provides resources for local police and fire department personnel to make a monthly trip to Inova Children’s Hospital where they engage with the kids and their families. “During their visits, coloring books, crayons, stickers, and other goodies are given out to bring smiles and joy to the patients and their families,” she said. “Each year, over 500 coloring books, crayons, stickers, and other items are passed out by our local heroes.” For more information about MEG, visit www. makingeverythinggood.org.
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Brookside Neighbors
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Calendar of Events
MAY 2020
The Calendar of Events is proudly sponsored by Cherie Beatty, Realtor
WARRENTON FARMERS MARKET The Saturday Farmers Market is running as a drive-through market in the parking lots of Old Town Warrenton. The market will run 8am to Noon and will include a Market Manager station in the parking lot between 2nd & 3rd streets, so that SNAP recipients may use their benefits and matching incentives to shop the market. Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged for our Drive-Through Farmers Market, which can be made by contacting one of the vendors listed below. Before coming, please see the Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market Rules During Social Distancing available at warrentonva. gov/visitors/local_attractions.
Restaurants The Black Bear Bistro: 540-428-1005 Ellie’s Place: 540-216-7810 Gateau Bakery & Tea Room: 540-347-9188 Great Harvest Bread: 540-878-5200 Molly’s Irish Pub: 540-3495300 Renee’s Gourmet To Go: 540-347-2935
OLD TOWN WARRENTON CURBSIDE PICK-UP Call ahead to verify information has not changed. Visit www.oldtownwarrenton.org for the most updated list of curbside restaurants.
VINT HILL Old Bust Head Brewing Company: 540-347-4777
Shopping and Entertainment Earth, Glaze, & Fire: 540-878-5701 Sherri’s Stuff: 540-359-6314 The Open Book: 540-878-5358 VonCanon General Store: 540-216-3742
MARSHALL Field & Main Restaurant: 540-364-8166
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MAY 2020
Call today to get your FREE no hassle home evaluation to see what YOUR home is worth.
While we are unable to gather for events, there are many events still taking place online from our favorite local organizations. Just take a look! VIRTUAL EVENTS Baking with a Lisp Just an unstable stay at home mom and amateur therapeutic baker discussing my mental health in a funny, silly an informative way. www.facebook.com/bakingwithalisp Warrenton Inklings Society Writers Group Allegro Community School of the Arts weekly writers group that meets Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 via Google Meet. Email aimee@allegrocsa.org to be added to the meeting. Fauquier County Public Library Events www.fauquierlibrary.org for event details Storytime with Mrs. Ellen: on the library YouTube Channel Curbside Pickup: Materials can still be checked out using curbside pickup, just like ordering groceries!
Monica Fernandi Classes Virtual Strength Training Sessions $10/session Virtual Yoga Classes $8/class Empower-U: A soft place to land after Divorce “ - gain your confidence and your own voice back .. maybe even find your NEXT soul mate www.facebook.com/monica.a.fernandi Vint Hill Yoga www.facebook.com/VintHillYoga/ Rise & Shine Flow class, Gentle Vinyasa, Body Sculpt and more all via Zoom! Online Food Drive - Amazon to Food Pantry - Feed the Community This online food drive will stock the Community Touch Clara House Food Pantry in Bealeton. Go to: www.amazon.com/hz/ wishlist/ls/1Y7QR4DFB1OBN?ref_=wl_ share Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center, Blue Ridge Physical Therapy, Dominion Internal Medicine, Urological Associates of the Piedmont, Fauquier ENT, Bluemont Nephrology, as part of the Greater Pied-
mont Medical Alliance, and The Foundation of Blue Ridge Orthopaedics are sponsoring this online food drive. Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center Tele-Health Appointments From the comfort of your home during COVID19. Blue Ridge Ortho has implemented a tele-health program allowing our established orthopaedic patients, established physical therapy patients, established pain management patients, established medical nutrition therapy patients, and established occupational therapy patients to continue to be seen in the safety of their home. We are happy to be able to offer this to our patients! www. facebook.com/BlueRidgeOrthoVA Bring Outdoor Activities Inside: Let Recreation.gov help you bring some fun outdoor activities, indoors! No, we don't mean letting wild animals into your home or creating an indoor sandbox. Instead, our dedicated team has pulled together some of our favorite outdoor-themed, indoor activities for the whole family. Recreation.gov and scroll down to Find Inspiration & Information,
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On the Front Lines of Social Isolation: How Hero's Bridge continues to serve our most at-risk population
S
By Aimée O'Grady ince its inception in 2016, Hero’s Bridge has been serving an at-risk population. Specifically, veterans age 65 and older. Traditionally an isolated segment of the community, in many cases these individuals have little to no family members to support them. They also face a variety of health conditions due to both their age in some cases exposure to chemicals, injuries and wartime traumas during their time in service.
When COVID-19 warranted an at-home order by the governor, Hero’s Bridge was ready to respond.
“We quickly minimized our face-to-face visits but increased our phone visits with veterans to avoid potential exposure to the virus and re-evaluated our programs to see how we could continue to serve them,” says Molly Brooks, Co-Founder and President of Hero’s Bridge. Molly is also a registered nurse who works full time for a regional health care organization. Her experience proved invaluable to the circumstances Hero’s Bridge faced. One week later, Hero’s Bridge was prepared to implement four programs to make sure their veterans continued to receive care. Tulips are delivered to brighten a veteran's day
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Janelle Davenport with Hero's Bridge delivers groceries to at-risk veterans
• Porch Care Packages: The team made a list of both essential items and a few creature comforts, jumped into the Hero’s Bridge van to shop for items and delivered them to veterans identified as in greatest need. The team will continue this program on an as-needed basis throughout the duration of the epidemic. • Video Check-In: Two Hero’s Bridge veterans have received a tablet that will alert them to take their medicine, send information back to a central hub to monitor their vitals and perhaps more importantly, will allow a virtual visit from a team member to help combat isolation. • Meal Service: For veterans who do not receive care packages, a meal delivery grocery delivery service is being used to ensure veterans not only have access to food but have food that takes their specific dietary restrictions into consideration. • Pen Pal Program: This arrangement has paired veterans with a local family, also isolated, to communicate with. If children are in the family, the veteran can expect drawings and pictures to decorate their walls. Older students may pose questions about their service; whereas adults will have another adult to communicate with. “I am proud of the Hero’s Bridge team for pivoting so quickly to identify ways that we could still serve our veterans while also minimizing in-person contact to protect their health,” says Molly. “It is a privilege to help veterans navigate these challenging times.” Hero’s Bridge is dedicated to serving elderly veterans, age 65 and older. We serve, stand by and honor our aging veterans through six distinct programs. These services are available to our heroes wherever they call home, at no expense to them or their families. www.herosbridge.org Jackson and Leah enjoy getting mail from their veteran pen pal, Caryl
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Photo by Excell Dance
Allegro Community School of the Arts expands dance program with Excell Dance Company merger By Lachelle Yoder
Amid the challenges of adjusting to a new sense of normalcy, Allegro Community School of the Arts and Excell Dance Company are excited to announce that the two have merged, folding Excell dance programs into the full repertoire of Allegro offerings. “It has been my pleasure to raise young dancers in Warrenton for the past 12 years and I look forward to continuing the endeavor with Allegro,” says Excell owner Kim Bridges. “Over the years, I have observed Allegro theatre programming and felt it was a good fit for Excell. Allegro offers advanced programming to truly help dancers excel in their art.” She continued, “The Excell name and the quality that it stands for will continue to stand as a symbol of the arts in the Fauquier community. We are proud to stand by the talented instructors at Allegro to extend their artistic outreach.” “Allegro could not be more pleased with the offer made by Kim Bridges and Excell staff to join our school. The classes and students they have attracted are a welcome addition to our programming,” says Lachelle Yoder, Allegro co-founder. The official merger took place in April as both organizations merge the dance program into Allegro for a seamless transition and be available via Allegro virtual programming until in-person classes resume. Excell and Allegro will keep the Main and Fourth street locations currently occupied by Excell in Old Town Warrenton, giving the organization substantial presence throughout the Old Town district. “We are excited to return to Main Street with Excell,” says Sam Yoder, Allegro co-founder. “We experienced
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decreased visibility when we let go of 20 Main Street. It will be wonderful to have a presence right in the middle of the Old Town district,” he continued. Allegro Community School of the Arts has seen substantial growth since moving to Old Town Warrenton in 2013. In January 2019, the school moved into a 7,000 square foot space at 39 Culpeper Street, previously occupied by the Fauquier Times. Technicians from iSenPai, an Allegro sponsor, donated and installed a state-of-the art telecommunications system for Allegro Community School of the Arts. The system was intended to bring programs such as the Academy of the Blind to vision impaired students around the world. With the coronavirus worldwide pandemic, the virtual programming was implemented school-wide. In response to COVID-19 and Governor Northam’s stay-at-home order, Excell programming will transition to a virtual platform, along with the rest of the Allegro programs. Allegro instructors have moved all teaching online to their students: Orchestra, Theatre, Dance, and Private Instruction. Online students are being offered additional pre-recorded content to enhance the online experience: Masterclass Trainings, live classes, activity sheets are among some of the content being planned. Students can continue with their instrument and voice instruction, dance and theatre classes, and music therapy from the safety of their homes abiding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 restrictions. Allegro kicked off their virtual programming with a virtual music competition inviting students under 18 to upload videos of themselves performing a song or playing an instrument. The winner will be announced by May and will receive a starter recording studio set valued at $300.
Students already enrolled in classes will receive communications from their instructor via the chat platform, Basecamp, for the week’s virtual class. Anyone suffering from social isolation and the confinement of their homes is encouraged to contact Allegro to learn more about the virtual program series. Allegro is the premier arts school in the region. Allegro offers private lessons, musical theatre, orchestra, choir and vocal ensembles, music therapy, creative aging, music academy for the blind, recording arts, literacy, visual arts and workshops. Visit www.allegrocsa.org or www. facebook.com/allegrocsa for information.
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Recipe Corner
Pasta Carbonara By Anita Parris Soule
This recipe for Pasta Carbonara is one of the first things my dad taught me how to cook. Now, it’s a recipe I make for my kids often and they love it just as much as I did (and still do). It’s definitely my daughter’s favorite dish and she requests “creamy noodles with bacon” frequently. Although it comes from my dad, I have fiddled with the recipe just a bit and as a result, I have allowed people to successfully make a recipe they had previously written off after having disastrous results with other recipes. Since my original post in 2013, I have heard from several family members and friends that they made my version of carbonara and were thrilled with the results. I love stuff like that!! Helping people enjoy the cooking and eating process is one of my favorite feelings. “Carbonara” roughly translates to “coal burner” in Italian, and this dish gets its name because of the copious amounts of freshly cracked black pepper, which are said to resemble flecks of coal. Pasta Carbonara is one of the simplest pasta recipes but it does require some technique. Many, many people have told me they have always had bad luck making carbonara. Adding hot pasta to eggs is a recipe for disaster, which is why one day I decided to temper my egg yolks with some of the starchy pasta cooking water. It is the secret to success. Well, not so secret anymore. I have heard from family members and friends how my recipe and technique have allowed them to successfully make this dish at home. Hurray! My work here is done.
What goes into Carbonara? Pasta: any variety of dried pasta, though I really prefer a long noodle for this. Bacon: Or pancetta, guanciale (which is traditional but can be hard to find), really you can use any smoked and/or cured meat you love or leave the meat out for a vegetarian version and sub in some roasted mushrooms or other vegetables. Egg yolks Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano: but feel free to use just one or the other, or use any sharp, aged, salty grating cheese Black pepper and lots of it Garlic and onion: This is not in most traditional Italian recipes, but my dad added it and I do too. Fresh Parsley: optional but my dad added it and I like the freshness and color it adds Given the current state of affairs and the limited resources many of us are working with, I encourage you to use what you have to create this dish. Don’t worry about what the food snobs and authenticity police would say. In this most current version I used some bacon end-cuts, or “seasoning meat” from my favorite local farm—Hayfield Farm in Fauquier County—and it might just be my new favorite version of the dish. To me, this dish is pure comfort food and always makes me remember being in the kitch-
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en with my dad. When I first wrote this recipe in 2013, my dad was still here. I could text him, call him, email him if I had any questions on a recipe. Sharing this recipe now, after losing him a little over 18 months ago, is quite an emotional process. I have no doubt he would be so pleased seeing his recipe not just on my blog, but in print as well. It makes my heart hurt knowing I can’t share this with him, but I’m comforted that his recipes and memories are being shared with so many and in that way he is living on in our kitchens as we create new memories. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and that it will become a much-beloved part of your meal rotation, too.
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MAY 2020
Ingredients
• 1lb of any long slurping noodle such as spaghetti or linguine fini • 8 ounces bacon (thicker cut the better) cut into small strips • 1/2yellow onion very finely diced • 1or 2 garlic cloves smashed and finely minced • 4egg yolks (place in a medium sized mixing bowl) • 1 1/2 cups parmigiano and romano-finely grated (or just oneor the other-whatever you have or prefer) • 1 cupof reserved pasta cooking water • Lots of freshly ground black pepper • handful of chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 2. Once boiling salt generously and cook your pasta according to the package directions – I usually go a minute or so under. 3. While waiting for the water to boil, begin crisping the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat stirring occasionally. 4. While bacon is crisping, separate eggs and add your yolks to a medium bowl. Reserve egg whites for another use if desired. 5. add 1 cup of grated cheeses to the egg yolks 6. When bacon is crisp, remove to paper towel lined plate to drain and pour off excess bacon drippings, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan along with any brown bits. 7. Return pan to heat and add onions and garlic, cook until softened, but not brown – about 5 minutes.
8. Turn heat off and leave onion/garlic mixture to cool slightly. 9. When your pasta is almost cooked, scoop out a cup of the water, and very, very, VERY slowly drizzle the hot water into the egg yolks and cheese while whisking constantly. If you pour the hot water in too quickly, or without whisking, you will have scrambled eggs. 10. When your pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander or scoop directly from pot to pan with tongs, and add it to the skillet containing the onions and garlic, grind in as much black pepper as you can stand, I like about 20 grinds from my pepper mill. 11. Quickly add the egg mixture, remaining cheeses, bacon, and parsley if using and toss immediately with tongs until the mixture clings to the noodles and becomes silky. 12. At this point the hot pasta will cook the eggs, but not curdle them, so it is very important to add the egg mixture to the noodles as soon as they come out of the water. Let this sit briefly, one or two minutes, and stir once again before serving. 13. Serve immediately with extra black pepper, parsley, and cheese on the side. Email me with any questions on this or any of my recipes. Also, if you need help creating pantry meals with what you have one hand, I’m a pro and I’d love to help. anita@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
19
Business Profile
Covenant Christian Academy Providing Education in All Situations
U
By Aimée O'Grady
niquely positioned to quickly transition to fulltime distance learning, Covenant Christian Academy was able to focus on the needs of their community during the COVID-19 crisis. “We have a few families who have lost their income due to COVID-19 and to help with this, we established a tuition assistance fund. Families who were able to donate did. We have even had some of our teachers donate their 4th quarter salaries to the fund,” says Amanda Bryson, head of CCA. This is just one example of the CCA community coming together for its families. During these unprecedented times, it is the support of the community that helps people cope with daily uncertainty. Covenant Christian Academy is one of only a handful of schools nationwide that have adopted the University-Model® of teaching. This model better prepares students for college than the traditional education style. “In the United States, we see a 30% drop out rate for college freshman,” says Amanda. “The intent of our style is to greatly reduce that number and prepare our students for the style of learning expected of them during their higher education years.” CCA provides instruction to students from preschool through high school. The elementary-age students are on-campus two days each week and the other three they are working at home with their parent.
Once students move on to middle and high school grades, they are on-campus three days a week. While at home, parents are using the assignments prepared and distributed by their child’s teacher. This style of teaching is a hybrid model that includes several educational components including the social component of being with classmates, the private school component and seeing a parent as an educator. Amanda had made the decision to close school to help flatten the curve at the same time that the Virginia Governor ended classroom instruction for an initial two-week period, followed by later orders to close for the remainder of the school year. “While we were well-positioned to respond to Governor’s orders, we value the facetime that students receive and have had to accommodate that lack of connection.” Other challenges the school faced was a shortage of devices. “With parents working fulltime from the home, we saw a lack of devices for students. We sanitized and distributed many of our school devices to make sure each of our students had what they needed to complete assignments,” she said. To monitor the new school environment that everyone found themselves in, CCA send out a weekly survey to determine any trouble spots. “Overall, we are seeing positive feedback from our surveys,” says Amanda. While CCA looks forward to welcoming
their students back on-campus for the 2020/2021 school year, Amanda hopes that families will enjoy the positive of being home together. “One of the advantages of the University-Model of teaching is the preservation of family time. We hear so often that students are so busy, and families do not spend enough time together. Our school helps to preserve that time together and right now, there is a whole lot of family time happening,” she adds. For the twelve CCA seniors who will be graduating this year, the administration is sorry to see the year end the way it has. “Our seniors are very special to us. This year we are launching our second graduating class. The school printed signs that we placed in each of our senior’s yards to celebrate this milestone and we hope to celebrate with them later this summer when gatherings can resume,” she adds hopefully. Covenant Christian Academy partners with parents to educate with excellence and prepare students to impact the world for Christ. Building a strong sense of community among the faculty, staff, families and students of Covenant Christian Academy is a core value and high priority.
“CCA is such an incredible place to learn and grow. It is the perfect mix of both private school and homeschool. The teachers are passionate about teaching their students, and making each child realize their individual potential and God-given talents. We have truly found a home at CCA.” — Chrissy Freeland, CCA Parent and Brookside resident
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MAY 2020
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CCA CLASS OF 2020! We are so proud of our Golden Eagle graduates!
Kayla Solomon
Coby Gardner
Austin Carr
Rachel Sandifer
Rbeka Wiggins
Evan Owens
Haley Verrilli
Brendan Cobble
Haley Riddle
Austin Khalatbari
Vince Manzo
Michael Ward
Photo credit: Lifetouch
Brookside Neighbors
21
Celebrating Kettle Run High School Seniors By The After Prom Committee Dear Class of 2020, Congratulations on your achievement! Your senior year is not the traditional way to conclude your years of public school, but your young life has seen many changes in our world. From the aftereffects and grieving of the 9/11/2001 attacks to the current pandemic, you have seen how events can change the course of one’s life unexpectedly. Unexpected events can cause uncertainty of our way forward. The observance of traditions provides us confidence of the path forward. Foundationally, many of our traditions center on family and friends. Our personal, family, and community traditions remind us that our paths forward endure, regardless of current
events. Even if current events require us to honor our traditions differently, as long as we remain true to those foundational elements, we will remain focused on what matters most. To your friends, family, and community, YOU and your accomplishments are important and matter most. While your path forward may not include the standard traditions, the Class of 2020 holds a singular place in history. This pandemic brings into sharp focus the fact that each life is bigger than just the person living it. We are a community. To that end, know that your community is heartbroken you have been unable to observe many of the traditions that bring us celebratory closure to an important chapter of your life.
The Kettle Run community will do our best to support you, as we have the classes before you and the ones that will come after you. Thank you to the individuals and businesses within the Kettle Run community for the generous donations and unprecedented support for this year's After Prom. The Committee is working on plans for an appropriate method to distribute monetary donations and prizes as fairly as possible. It is unlikely we will reschedule the actual After Prom event, however when it is reasonably possible, the After Prom Committee will complete prize drawings, award prizes and make every effort to distribute those prizes, to the senior class.
The committee for the After Prom held at KRHS congratulates you on your accomplishment and wishes you all the best in your future endeavors. Most Sincerely, The Committee for the After Prom held at KRHS: Amy Boyle Leslie Cox Jenny & Mark Hunter Ron & Isobel Linton Marlena Maloney Melissa Odom Mike Shenk Hilsy Strickland Lisa Vetter
Photo credit: KRHS Yearbook Committee, Victor O'Neil Studios (VOS Photography) and private families
Senior photos will be published in the June issue of Brookside Neighbors as well. Please forward them to aogrady@ bestversionmedia.com by May 13th.
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Brookside Neighbors
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Kids Get Social Online, but Who Is On the Other End? By Stephanie Kennedy, Social Media Manager/Strategist, owner SocialSteph
At any given moment, there are 750,000 predators online who are out there looking for ways to get our kids!
Every caring parent has worried about who or what is on the other end of their kids’ cell phones. The abundance of social media apps and constant, casual use of personal devices can leave many parents feeling insecure about their kids’ safety. Are they using apps that can potentially open them up to harm like bullying, threats, or worse, predators? No matter the social media platform there will always be a possible risk. It’s vital that parents be forewarned about the dangers that lurk online. As importantly, they must be taught how to avoid them. As a parent of two teenagers and a social media manager for businesses, I am aware of the amount of time they spend on their phones. More importantly, the knowledge that predators are out there actively seeking for their next victim makes me cringe. Parents, it’s our right and responsibility to know what apps our kids are using and who their friends are.
A distant family scare! Approximately 5 years ago my husband and I received a call that my niece’s daughter was picked up at their home in West Virginia on a very early Sunday morning and found with two total strangers during a traffic stop in Dale City, VA. It’s a criminal offense for a stranger to take a minor across state lines. We are truly grateful for the traffic stop: we know now that this was an abduction and things could have been much worse. How did this happen? It’s easy. Predators found a way to connect with her through text and began developing a relationship (grooming), telling her she was beautiful and that she would be taken care of. Her home life was not ideal, to say the least, which made it much easier for them to convince her. Long story short, they went to
jail for two months and she refused to show up in court. The judge let them go. According to the website of Just Ask a local non-profit that helps communities identify human trafficking, this was the perfect example of how traffickers groom their victims through the process of Scouting - Manipulating - Trapping. They also state “Victims can be from any ethnicity, social or economic group, gender, or level of academic achievement. The Virginia Department of Justice states “human trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal enterprise worldwide, with 50% of victims being under the age of 18 and is estimated to overtake the drug trade.” With this knowledge, we as parents MUST have age-appropriate conversations. Please visit JustAskPrevention.org for more helpful tips on the signs of human trafficking. There are a number of social apps out there, and there are some that pose bigger risks to our children and their personal safety and well-being. It’s not fair to say that they are all bad, because these social apps can be a lot of fun, but we need to be careful of apps that pose substantial risks to an audience which is typically much younger. Recent demographics suggest that the average age is somewhere between 16 and 24, but as parents, we know the tweens and early teens are interested in some of these social platforms.
PSA We may be on quarantine but the FBI reports a significant uptick in child contacts from groomers on the internet since school has been closed. Predators are not taking time off and they know kids are at home bored and on their devices. Please have a serious conversation about online safety with your kids. It could save their life.
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Separation and Divorce in Virginia By Alyssa D. Phillips
Separation and divorce can be one of the most difficult and stressful times in your life. The order in which to deal with these issues is different for every family. When children are involved, typically the first concern for parents is determining a custody and visitation schedule that is in the best interest of their child(ren). Once the custodial arrangement is determined then child support is calculated to arrive at a monthly amount necessary for the care and maintenance of the children. When calculating child support, the gross monthly income of both parents is factored into the needs of the children which includes any work-related child care and cost of medical insurance. Division of property is another issue to be dealt with in divorce. In Virginia, the Courts use equitable distribution to divide marital property. In an equitable distribution state, the Court has the ability to classify property as marital, separate or part-marital, and partseparate. Marital property is defined as property acquired from the date of marriage to the date of separation. Separate property, which is not divisible by the Court, is property acquired prior to the marriage, after the date of separation, or gifts you receive during the marriage from someone other than your spouse. Property that is part-marital and part-separate, or hybrid property, is property that is separate but has been comingled with marital assets. Although you often hear that in equitable distribution states, the marital property is divided 50/50, that is not necessarily true. In fact, the Court must consider numerous factors to determine a fair division of the property, such as, the monetary and nonmonetary contributions to the acquisition and maintenance of the property, the debts and liabilities of each party, and the reason for the dissolution of the marriage. When factoring the reason for dissolution of the marriage, it is important to note that in a no-fault divorce, parties separate without any fault of either party. However, if the reason is based upon adultery, cruelty, felony conviction or abandonment/desertion of one spouse, then the divorce would be classified as a fault ground divorce. With a no-fault divorce, the parties must live separate and apart for one year before filing unless they have entered into a settlement agreement and there are no children under the age of 18. In that case, one can file after living separate and apart for six months. With a fault ground divorce the parties can file at any time and seek temporary relief from
the Court for matters such as custody, exclusive use and possession of a residence, an order prohibiting the parties from using certain assets pending a trial or temporary support, child or spousal. Not all cases need to be litigated. It is important to evaluate each case to determine whether it can be resolved through negotiation. Avoiding litigation, if possible, is financially and emotionally beneficial to all parties.
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540.347.6595 • www.mbwalaw.com Brookside Neighbors
25
Real Estate March 2020 SOLDS SOLD DATE
ADDRESS
PRICE
BEDS BATHS
LOCATION
SQUARE FEET LOT SIZE SQ FT
Mar. 5, 2020
6083 Mint Springs Drive
$539,900
5
2.5
LAKE WHIPPOORWIL
3,224
51,174
Mar. 6, 2020
7108 Shepherdstown Road
$539,900
5
4
BROOKSIDE
3,286
9,618
Mar. 9, 2020
7446 Ashley Drive
$579,900
4
3.5
ASHLEY MEADOWS
5,272
52,163
Mar. 10, 2020
5035 Parkside Court
$645,000
3
3.5
BROOKSIDE
4,574
19,998
Mar. 12, 2020
6646 Kelly Road
$340,000
4
3
PARRAMORE
2,458
30,000
Mar. 13, 2020
5842 Green Springs Drive
$800,000
5
9.5
SNOW HILL
10,656
121,532
Mar. 16, 2020
3934 Lake Ashby Court
$579,000
4
4.5
BROOKSIDE
4,205
10,171
Mar. 19, 2020
5848 Woodberry Court
$815,000
5
5.5
SNOW HILL
6,708
88,893
Mar. 26, 2020 7789 Warrenton Chase Drive
$706,000
5
5.5
WARRENTON CHASE
4,159
25,269
Mar. 27, 2020
6299 Margaret Way
$530,380
4
2.5
RAYMOND FARM
3,137
5,502
Mar. 31, 2020
6918 Emma Court
$750,000
6
5.5
BROOKSIDE
5,214
56,349
Mar. 31, 2020
7540 Millpond Court
$529,900
5
3.5
WHITE'S MILL
3,952
10,720
Apr. 1, 2020
4603 Bee Court
$525,000
4
2.5
BROOKSIDE
3,449
7,174
Apr. 1, 2020
4596 Bee Court
$575,000
4
2.5
BROOKSIDE
4,303
7,701
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.
The PATH Foundation finds solutions to ever-evolving problems By Amy Petty, Director of Communications Unprecedented times call for unprecedented actions. The PATH Foundation has been faced with finding solutions to ever-evolving problems. With the health and wellbeing of our residents at stake, we’re collaborating with partner organizations to help ease the burdens our community is facing. Our COVID-19 webpage will be updated as we learn more information and ways to help. Learn more at https:// pathforyou.org/covid-19-update/.
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Connect with churches– Many churches are finding ways to help the community without gathering as a congregation. If your church is helping others, please let us know as we understand which efforts are already taking place.
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Check social media– Nonprofits may post information about their needs on social media.
Donate •
The Northern Piedmont Community Emergency Response Fund is now open to community donations and grant requests for all 501(c)(3) nonprofits experiencing hardship due to Covid-19. If you’re a nonprofit, apply for funds at npcf.org. All requests will be responded to on a weekly basis. The PATH Foundation has contributed $100,000 to these efforts and will continue to monitor needs.
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Fauquier Health: Fauquier Health is accepting donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE; N95, Isolation and Surgical Masks), hand sanitizer and gloves. For more information on what is acceptable to donate, please visit their COVID-19 Preparedness website.
How I can help during COVID-19? Volunteer •
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26
Visit LetsVolunteer.org, our Volunteer Hub’s website. Volunteer needs are being posted there and are updated regularly. As requests for social distancing and self-quarantining grow, we ask that you follow CDC and VDH guidelines in volunteering. Priorities will shift for many organizations, and balancing the health of you and your family with the needs of others is critical. Connect with neighbors– via email, phone call, or a Viral Kindness card. Many people will need assistance while practicing self-isolation or quarantine. Needs will range from delivering food to simply offering time for conversation. You can print and fill out the Viral Kindness cards to get in touch with neighbors nearby.
MAY 2020
Visit https://pathforyou.org/covid-19-update/ for direct links.
A letter from Dawn Arruda & Co, LLC In 2007, I cut my real estate teeth with the worst market in history since the Great Depression. My Dad told me to start my career when the market was on a downturn (believe me, I thought he was crazy) but he knew that I would be able to help and change clients’ lives. He was right! As we enter this new normal, I want you to know that we are changing with the times and setting up safe ways to help you buy and sell your home. Safety is top of mind! To do this, we are implementing a new form of “open houses.” They will become virtual; with the ability to answer questions on live chats with interested buyers and, if potential buyers think it is the right home and want to come by during the open house, we can have booties, gloves, and sanitizers available and create a touch-free environment to move through the home. Staging homes to make them easy to view and walk through with less contact will keep everyone safer. We will be diligent with the potential buyer/clients and ensure that they truly are qualified to purchase the home prior to visits. Technology has always been our strong suit and we are learning more and more ways to make it work safer and more efficiently for our clients. I followed in my father’s and Grandmother’s footsteps because I am a people person and I love what I do to help people through one of life’s biggest decisions. I know that we will get back to some kind of NEW normal and I hope that includes holding hands, giving hugs, and getting together to celebrate all that we are thankful for. While we are easing back into this new life, let’s all be thankful that we are here to enjoy the moments that we look forward to and the ones we are now embracing with our families. As always, we are here for you; if it’s a call because you need something and don’t know who or where to go for answers, if it’s a mask that you need so you can get to the store, if it’s tough to get to the store and you’re in need, if you’re not sure what to do about the move you were planning, if you just need someone to hear what you have to say, we are just a Zoom, FaceTime, or phone call away! Stay safe and get some Vitamin D everyday that the sun is shining and be thankful for that day! Always,
Dawn Arruda
Dawn Arruda & Co, LLC.
We are here for you!
Brookside Neighbors
27
B rookside 2076
Neighbors