Country Zest & Style Holiday 2019 Edition by Country Zest & Style

ZEST S&TStytlel H O L I D AY 2 0 1 9

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Tis the Giving Season:

BOYS WILL BE BOYS SPREADING JOY FOR ALL WITH CHRISTMAS TOYS

PRSRT MKTG U.S. PoStaGe

PAID

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RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

110 E. Washington St. | P.O. Box 1380 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | 540.687.5588 | sheridanmacmahon.com

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MArSHALL, VIrgINIA

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gracious georgian Manor home, 11,000 sf, built in 1930 | Updated and suitable for large scale entertaining | 7 BR, 7 1/2 BA, 7 FP | High ceilings, formal gardens & private setting | Belmont style stable w/30 stalls and 2 apartments | 4 BR guest house/entertainment complex, 4-car garage w/office | 4 restored tenant houses, skeet range, pool & tennis court | 241 acres recorded in 3 parcels | Land mostly open & rolling with bold mountain views, numerous ponds and vineyard

French Country home, recent renovations | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop setting overlooking lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | 79.89 acres

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Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

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HARMONY CREEK

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Hilltop setting with beautiful distant views | Farm house circa 1920, completely restored and enlarged | 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, large country kitchen | 129.15 rolling & useable acres | 3-bay equipment shed/ work shop, guest house, 4-stall barn complex, riding ring, spring-fed pond and stream

Very private home with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths | Lots of light - All brick colonial home surrounded by mature plantings and extensive hardscape | Located in the Warrenton historic district | Detached 2 car garage, in-ground pool & fenced patio | Fully finished basement with separate entrance | Master bedroom balcony over looks pool

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A rare example of late medieval architecture, circa 1890 & 1935 with massive central chimneys, steep roof lines, and unusual brick patterns | 5 bedrooms, 3 full & 2 half baths | Double barreled ceilings, winding staircase, generous sized rooms & decorative fireplaces | Situated on 111.74 acres | Strong stream, stable with cottage & stone-walled terrace gardens

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

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24717 Country Zest NOV 2019.ai

11/8/19

2:26 PM

Middleburg Just Loves a Parade F By Leonard Shapiro

ive years ago, Christmas in Middleburg Majordomo Jim Herbert got a call from local businessman Ron Poston, wondering if there might be an opening in the annual Christmas parade for a group of highly-skilled Hispanic riders, all living and working in the area, to strut their stuff down Washington Street. One of those riders worked in Poston’s construction firm, and Herbert never hesitated.

“We had six riders in 2015, and they were definitely crowd-pleasers,” he said. “The next year, there were 25, and the next year they added a dozen women. They come out in full Mexican cowboy regalia, their skills are amazing, and people just love them.”

Photo © by Valerie Buller- Rough Coat Photography

One of the most popular attractions in the parade is a group of riders in full Mexican regalia, lassos and all.

The “Charros” and all the parade participants surely will be shown that same love again on Saturday, Dec. 7, when an iconic event that began in the mid-1970s kicks off at 2 p.m. It will be preceded at 11 a.m. by the Middleburg Hunt, hounds and all, also parading through town, with many other activities scheduled, shops and restaurants open for business and five food trucks available in the BB&T parking lot. There’s a craft show at the Community Center and Breakfast with Santa at the Middleburg Charter School. Foxcroft students will face paint children on Madison St. And an adult choral group from Shenandoah Conservatory will break out in Christmas caroling all around town throughout the day. Thousands will be lining Middleburg’s main street to watch a parade lineup that includes high school bands, marching Corgis, high-stepping horses, fire trucks, floats from local schools, churches and businesses, muscle and vintage cars, motorcycles, some Washington Redskin alums, with Santa Claus at the very end. Herbert loves talking about one of the most anticipated days on the Middleburg calendar, an event that has received national media coverage and gets rave reviews rain, snow or shine. It’s his tenth year as the parade’s “Organizer,” a totally volunteer job. He has help from a half-dozen other dedicated local volunteers—Cindy Pearson, Kevin Daly, JoAnne Hazard, Kevin Hazard, Punkin Lee and Dee Dee Hubbard. Christmas in Middleburg is a non-profit operation, and Herbert has started an endowment fund with a goal of raising $400,000, with the interest used to pay for some part-time help. Herbert also offered a major shout-out to Middleburg Chief of Police A.J. Panebianco and his staff, as well as law enforcement from other nearby areas to help with parking, security and crowd control. Two years ago, with perfect weather, a record 24,000 people came to town. “The most beautiful part of it is that this is a true representation of the character and complexion of Middleburg,” said Herbert, who owns a commercial real estate firm. “When people drive through, they know Middleburg as a chic, horse country destination. But they haven’t scratched the surface. They don’t see the shop owners, the people who live here, who work on the farms. “When they come to the parade, everyone in this town opens their arms and their hearts to them. They create an experience for them, and those same people will come back here time and again. They get to see what Middleburg is truly all about.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

of NOTE

ZEST S&TStytlel

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BE ON THE LOOKOUT through this issue of

ZEST & Style ZEST S&TStytlel

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

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Distributed and mailed throughout the Virginia countryside and in Washington and at key Sporting Pursuits and Celebrations

for the hummingbird.

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 798 Middleburg, Virginia 20118

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PHONE: 410-570-8447 Editor: Leonard Shapiro, badgerlen@aol.com Wine Editor: Peter Leonard-Morgan

Art Director Meredith Hancock/Hancock Media @mhancockmedia Contributing Photographers: Crowell Hadden, Doug Gehlsen, Douglas Lees, Karen Monroe and Tiffany Dillon Keen ILLUSTRATORS Crowell Hadden and Daniela Anderson Contributing Writers: Melissa Phipps, Kevin Ramundo, Justin Haefner, Sebastian Langenberg, Sophie Scheps Langenberg, Caroline Fout, Emma Boyce, M.J. McAteer, Tom Northrup, Tom Wiseman, Jimmy Wofford, Mike du Pont, Leslie VanSant, Louisa Woodville, Sean Clancy, Carina Elgin, Jodi Nash, Mara Seaforest ADVERTISING Kate Robbins, Katepolo@icloud.com For advertising inquiries, contact: Leonard Shapiro at badgerlen@aol.com or 410-570-8447 ON THE COVER Robert Stettinius Zimmerman and Edwin James Molenaar are ready to roll. Their 100 percent country classic sweaters and the sleek red roadster are from Little Lambkins/The Shaggy Ram in Middleburg. The boys are on their way to deliver some holiday gifts to others. With many thanks to Robert’s parents Lucy and Teddy Zimmerman, grandparents Cathy and Tad Zimmerman and Susan and Al Thompson. And Edwin’s parents Kara and Brett Molenaar, grandparents Shannon and Jim Davis along with Joy and Don Molenaar. The boys already have two nice items from The Fun Shop: a basketball and a Leffy Christmas doll donated by Tom Wiseman of Wiseman and As-sociates in Middleburg. Each year Windy Hill Foundation conducts an extensive holiday giving campaign to benefit its residents. This year, their greatest need is for gifts for older children. The most desired items are: soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, Nike white crew socks (six-pack), bath and body gift sets, nail polish gift sets and beanie hats. Unwrapped donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Windy Hill Foundation’s main office at 2 West Wash-ington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117. Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photos used his Nikon D850 and is shown here in a selfie with his wife, Karen Monroe, also of Middleburg Photo / @countryzestandstyle

/ @countryzestand1

www.countryzestandstyle.com 4

He appears in two ads and the first two to find him (one each) will receive a gift from that advertiser. Send your reply to badgerlen@aol.com.

t’s the giving season—Thanks(giving) at the start, followed by the Christmas/ Hanukah et al celebrations. So, with a nod to the Beach Boys, wouldn’t it be nice to say thank you to so many for adding so much ZEST to our splendid corner of the planet.

Food Editor: Daniela Anderson

/ Country Zest and Style

Count

Let’s start with the little fellas on the cover, and particular thanks to a local mom and a grandma for taking them to, shall we say, a rather rollicking photo shoot. Better yet, those toys in the photo will be donated to Windy Hill, always a worthy cause. We’ve got some stories focusing on several fascinating folks, but sadly including the recent Photo by Vicky Moon death of Nat Morison. One of his long-time Will Allison friends, Winston Wood, has written a touching tribute. If it doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, better check your pulse. There’s my friend Wayne Gibbens, who lives halfway between Middleburg and Upperville on a magnificent property filled with acres of glorious native plantings. Wouldn’t it be nice to congratulate him on becoming a life member of the board of visitors for MD Anderson in Houston, one of the preeminent cancer hospitals in the world. He’s quietly paved the way for many local residents to be treated there. Wouldn’t it be nice to thank volunteer Jim Herbert, now celebrating his tenth year as the “organizer” of Christmas in Middleburg, and particularly that rousing annual parade that draws thousands to the village the first Saturday in December. Wouldn’t it be nice to recognize Reggie Cooper, the affable general manager of Salamander Resort & Spa, for heading a facility that was awarded five-star status this year. He’s also involved with a number of local worthy causes, including Seven Loaves, which helps feed hundreds of local residents. Wouldn’t it be nice to applaud Will Allison, a long-time dynamo of the Virginia Gold Cup in The Plains. This ZESTY octogenarian, who still practices dentistry, has grown Gold Cup into two of the premier events on the national steeplechase schedule, drawing thousands to the venue. And talk about ZEST. We have a profile of the great Gomer Pyles. His marvelous photographs focus on superb sunrises and sunsets, vegetables, local wildlife and rolling fields. And so, let’s conclude by wishing one and all a glorious holiday season and a very happy new year, the better to add even more ZEST into your life. Leonard Shapiro Editor Badgerlen@aol.com

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Unique Artist Seizes an Opportunity

Photo by Manfred Photography.

“Seven-and-a-half” is one of Douglas’ paintings in an exhibit at Salamander Resort in Middleburg.

Back in the saddle at Salamander Resort.

her luge as well as drawings for other members of the Virgin Islands luge team.

By Linda Roberts

ead down and all four hooves off the ground, the wildly bucking bronco twists in the air—riderless. A lone western boot sails off in the air toward the right side of the canvas.

The influence of artist Henry Asencio, whose work blends classical ideas of figurative paintings with a unique contemporary style, launched Douglas’ interest in oil painting some years ago. Portraiture is Douglas’ passion and browsing through his website, his work comes alive while evoking a mood and connecting the viewer powerfully to the eye of his subject.

Artist J Douglas (“There’s no ‘a,’ ‘y,’ or period in J,” he said.), who created the painting, was asked what happened to the other boot and its cowboy owner. With a wry grin, Douglas said he didn’t know, but suspected the rider was on his way to the hospital. Douglas’ artwork has stretched far and wide, and around the world, from his small studio tucked in a mountain setting near the Shenandoah River in Warren County. His quick wit and engaging personality connect Douglas instantaneously to his clients and the customers he serves. When he’s not painting, he’s working at Salamander Resort in Middleburg. He likens Salamander’s owner, Sheila Johnson, to a fairy godmother who launched his art career in directions he never could have traveled solo. “She gave me opportunities to be successful and I ran with them,” said Douglas. He now has an exhibition of his work mounted in the Salamander stables’ conference room, a large 5’x7’ oil hanging in the resort and prints for sale in the gift shop. Douglas paints some Saturdays in the resort’s lobby to the delight of visitors, and he’s working on illustrations for a book Johnson has commissioned about the resort’s mascot, Cupcake, a miniature horse. In addition to his life as a full-time fine artist, Douglas serves and bartends at Salamander. He’s met people from all over the world and has sold

Photo by Linda Roberts.

J Douglas at work in his home studio. some of his oil paintings internationally. “I love to make people feel good,” said Douglas, “and I have met some very interesting people at Salamander.” Growing up in Dallas, Douglas said he’s “a lifetime student of the arts” who followed the pathway of a graphic artist in college and afterwards when he relocated to Northern Virginia. Along the way, martial arts entered the picture when Douglas opened his own school of Tae Kwon Do in Leesburg and became a 6th degree black belt in the practice. Mounted on a plaque in his studio, the black belts hang next to paintings in various stages of development. “No one starts as a black belt,” Douglas said. “I look at art the same way…as climbing a mountain. You have to start at the base.” Graphic arts bolstered Douglas’ career as he designed a Jimmy Buffett-inspired license plate for Virginia and had his photo taken with Buffett. His friendship with Virgin Islands Winter Olympian Anne Abernathy led to creation of an illustration for

“I love eyes,” he said. “That is what it’s all about. The eye must be right.” Horses, running, jumping and standing quietly, are interspersed with his human portraits. Douglas’s wife, Cindy Battino, a life coach in Middleburg and a long-time equestrian, urged him to paint horses and Douglas initially resisted. “I wasn’t going to paint horses just because I was in horse country,” he quipped, adding that he “had done human portraits for 30 some years before painting horses.” However, a few horses led to more and now horse portraits are an ongoing part of his work. Named an Emerging Artist of the Year in 2019, Douglas’ work was featured in an international juried art show sponsored by Art Comes Alive. He’s also a member of the Portrait Society of America, Artists in Middleburg (AiM) and the American Academy of Equine Art. While grateful for the stage he is with his art, Douglas constantly works on improvement, studying and taking workshops. “People say they wish they could paint like me,” he said. “And I say I wish I could paint now like I will in five years.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

For Wayne Gibbens, It’s Been a Lifetime of Good Works By Wayne Gibbens

Middleburg area resident Wayne Gibbens was honored recently by Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center by being named a lifetime member of its Board of Visitors. He’s been on MD Anderson’s BOV since 1981, devoting countless volunteer hours to promote, heighten awareness and raise funds as a national and international ambassador for one of the world’s great medical institutions.“Wayne loves to have a purpose,” Beth Gibbens, his wife of 56 years, said in an interview for a stirring video tribute honoring her husband. He wrote the following story for the hospital’s Promise magazine in 2016.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Beth and Wayne Gibbens

n the late fall of 1962, life was amazingly good for Beth and me. She was 23 and held a coveted position teaching high school English and journalism in the Austin public school system. I was 26, serving my second term as a member of the Texas Legislature. We were euphorically in love, became engaged and set a wedding date for June, 1963. Weeks later, our dreams were shattered with the crushing diagnosis that Beth had “terminal” cancer—melanoma. We were told, “Beth will not likely live until June,” a mere six months away. We felt like we had been hit by a truck, utterly devastated, heads spinning, searching for hope and grasping for help. From my work in the Legislature, I knew of MD Anderson. Beth’s mother and I made arrangements to get Beth to MD Anderson immediately. Dr. Lee Clark was waiting curbside for us when we arrived at the hospial. At that time, the hospital consisted of a single, small, beautiful pink granite building. Dr. Clark opened the car door and took Beth’s hand, and we walked into the hospital, where Beth remained for months. We spent our engagement with Beth at MD Anderson and me in Austin, commuting to Houston on weekends and as many weeknights as possible. Dr. Clark was amazing. Little wonder he is referred to as the “legendary Dr. Lee Clark.” He was our inspiration, our “rock.” From that beginning, he became our treasured friend. The entire MD Anderson team was loving, caring, supportive and dedicated. While the diagnosis that we were given in Austin seemed to be correct, the odds were defied and Beth was released a couple of weeks before our June wedding date. We were married as planned. A tough beginning. But this story is ultimately a happy one.

Strong relationships are often forged in adversity. From coping with adversity comes strength, perspective and appreciation of what really matters—life itself, each other, family, friends and the good, decent people who, through the years, enrich life. Fifty-six years later, Beth and I are still happily married, and grateful beyond description for God’s blessings. While it was considered unlikely that Beth could have children, odds again were defied and we have a precious daughter, Elizabeth Epley, now an active and productive Board of Visitors member at MD Anderson, with a special interest in pediatric cancer. Elizabeth and her husband, Mark, have given us two extraordinary grandsons, Sam and John. MD Anderson is an important part of our lives, individually and as families—Gibbens and Epley. Nominated to the BOV by my longtime friend Larry Temple, I serve on the Executive Committee and have chaired others over the years. Beth and I have chaired several significant MD Anderson events, among them the institution’s first event in our Nation’s Capital several years ago—A Conversation With Sissy Spacek, with Bob Schieffer interviewing. The connection to MD Anderson that Beth and I share now spans a period of time greater than two-thirds of the institution’s existence. MD Anderson is the best in the world! It is made so by the dedicated and wondrous people who work at every level, bottom to top. It is a place of hope and heroism. All who come are the beneficiaries of the heroic work of the MD Anderson team of doctors, scientists, volunteers and employees at every level. We are, together, Making Cancer History®.

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant Winter Special

ASHBY WINTER GETAWAY

Enjoy a stay in any of our four School House rooms or Fireplace room Wednesday through Sunday. Package includes a 3-course meal for two in our restaurant (gratuity included) and a bottle of our Ashby Port. Package originally valued at $535. Winter Getaway Package Price: $450 Email us at info@ashbyinn.com or call us directly at 540-592-3900 to redeem this offer. Valid 12/01/19 through 3/31/20

Book Now 540-592-3900 | 692 Federal Street, Paris, VA 20130 6

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

THE OTHER ELIZABETH 17 EAST MAIN STREET, BOYCE, VA Saturday-Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. More info: 540-837-3088 or www.elizabethlockejewels.com

Holiday HAPPENINGS

Please Join Us

Wednesday, November 27 at 7:30pm Upperville Baptist Church 9070 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville Enjoy a Great Evening with Your Neighbors Trinity Bell-Ringers, Mt. Pisgah Choir & More Local Talent The Offering Benefits: The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program Providing food during this holiday season and throughout the year to those families who need help in our community! Donations are welcome Make check payable to Churches of Upperville Outreach Program And send to: Peter Nicoll 1378 Crenshaw Road Upperville, VA 20184

On the evening before Thanksgiving…. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 AT 7:30 P.M.: Kick off Thanksgiving weekend for the inspiring spiritual sounds of Mt. Pisgah choir, elegant resonating Trinity Bell-Ringers and others at Upperville Baptist Church. The performance is to benefit the Churches of Upperville Outreach Program for providing food during the holiday season and throughout the year. Details: 540-592-3297. FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 AT 5 P.M.: The Middleburg Museum Foundation and The Middleburg Business & Professional Association will kick off Christmas in Middleburg at 5 p.m.—rain or shine—with the town’s traditional tree-lighting. Join the celebration at the foot of the town Christmas Tree in the Pink Box Garden (corner of Madison and Marshall) for singers, caroling and refreshments. There will be a special visit from Mrs. Claus and her elves. 540687-5152 or 540-687-8888. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 8 A.M.: Christmas in Middleburg begins with Breakfast with Santa at the Middleburg Charter School and continues through the day with the Middleburg Hunt, hounds included, will trot down Washington St. at 11 a.m. and the main parade will step off at 2 p.m. (See also page 3). Details: christmasinmiddleburg.org. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT 7 P.M.: “Hidden in Plain View” at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church features the European piano gems of the early 20th century with celebrated pianist Sophia Sabbayya Vastek sharing the gifts of European composers Lili Boulanger and Karol Szymanowski. $10 suggested donation. 105 E. Washington Street, Middleburg. 540-687-6297 or emmanuelmiddleburg.org.

SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 4:00 pm Family Service

and

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

8:00 pm Festival Service

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

and the

11:00 pm Candlelight Service

Holy Eucharist.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

10:30 am Celebration of the Christ Child Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

On Rt. 50 in Upperville, VA (Just 15 minutes west of Middleburg) 540-592-3343 www.trinityupperville.org

The 26-member Shenandoah University Conservatory Choir will perform on Saturday afternoon, December 14th at the Middleburg United Methodist Church. SATURDAY DECEMBER 14 AT 4 P.M.: Chanticleer Director Emeritus Dr. Matt Oltman will lead the 26-member Shenandoah University Conservatory Choir in a not-to-be missed concert of classical and contemporary Christmas favorites in the final Middleburg Concert Series performance of 2019. The afternoon concert will take place at the Middleburg United Methodist Church, 15 W. Washington St. in Middleburg. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite. com for $20 per person or by mail from: Middleburg Concert Foundation, PO Box 1967, Middleburg, VA 20118. Students and guests 18 and under are free. Details: www.middleburgconcerts.com, or 540-592-1660, middleburgconcerts@ gmail.com. Refreshments will be served following the event. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT 3 P.M.: At Emmanuel Church Parish House, the vibrant Celtic music of the season will herald the holidays. $10 suggested donation. 105 E. Washington Street, Middleburg. 540-687-6297 or emmanuelmiddleburg.org.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Jill and Alex Vogel brought out a special chair for Senator John Warner at the Atoka Country Supper II they hosted at their Oak Spring. More than 600 friends and supporters enjoyed a delightful day in Upperville, which included an entertaining speech by the five-time senator. Mrs. Vogel was re-elected as a state senator on November 5.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Brian Noyes owner, cookbook author and baker at The Red Truck in Marshall and Warrenton got into the World Series in high style while rolling out some dough.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Dave Hutchison of Perkasie, Pennsylvania with his hand built Hudson at the Hunt Country British Vehicle Show at Willoughby Farm near Marshall.

The ballroom at Salamander Resort and Spa was recently transformed with Moroccan lights and palms into a stage set of Casablanca for this year’s Windy Hill Gala fundraiser. The Honorary Chairs: Gloria and Howard Armfield, who have given so much for our community, came as Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart as a send up to the 1942 film. And, Doc Scantlin lit up his iconic memorable Imperial Palms big band with passion.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

When the film “The Hoy Boys”documenting the life and careers of twin photographers in Washington at the Star and the Post- made the list for the Middleburg Film Festival, Heather and Richard Taylor knew it would be a sweet reunion. Left to right: Betsy Hoy Shiverick, producer (daughter of Tom Hoy), Director Dave Simonds, Richard Taylorfriend of the Hoys for 40 years, Barbara Hoy-widow of Tom Hoy, Heather Taylor-friend of the Hoy’s for 60 years with Producer Paul Shiverick. Of course, Country ZEST highly recommends this film.

The Shaggy Ram & Little Lambkins. The Shaggy Ram, now in its 31st year, has just adopted the Little Lambkins. So along with our lovely English & French antiques plus all accessories for your home, the Lambkins specializes in quality classic attire for infants & children. It’s our new look & folks are loving it! Come see us soon! New items arrive daily.

Joanne & Sandy 3 E Washington St. Middleburg. VA 20118 540.687.3546

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Whether you are looking to make improvements to an existing facility or program, or you are looking forward to a new venture, the team at Fieldcraft is your ally in all of your agricultural endeavors. Our comprehensive suite of services includes; Equine and production animal facility design and management Pasture planning, maintenance, and renovation Soil and forage analysis Development of feeding and management protocol for all classes of horses and beef herds • Pond management • • Development of heavy use areas, riding arenas, and other functional spaces • Installation of automatic livestock waterers and hydrants • Comprehensive property management for non-resident owners • Project oversight for subcontractors and vendors • Wetland and forestry improvement for nutrient credits • Now offering comprehensive property and agricultural asset security, including access control, video monitoring, and activity analytics. • • • •

Fieldcraft. Our pride lies in working shoulder- to -shoulder with our clients to help them stewardship of our land and animals. Our work is our craft.

RESPONSIBLE. RESPECTFUL. Resourceful. Steven Putnam

Walt Hasser Nick Greenwell

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Photos by Vicky Moon and Coady Photography

The XXXIII edition of the West Virginia Breeder’s Classic under the guidance and care of President Carol Holden of Middleburg kicked off with a Gala Dinner Dance sponsored by Valley Equine at the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown. Owners, trainers, sponsors and friends gathered in the ballroom for dinner and the can’t-sit-still, toetapping music of Prince Haveley and the HRH Band. The following evening, many more gathered at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, reveling at the races sponsored by the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Bank of Charles Town and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

Jockey Xavier Perez guided Anna’s Bandit, owned By No Guts No Glory Farm, to a 5 ½- length victory in the $175, 000 Cavada Classic Stakes at seven furlongs for fillies and mares, three years old and up. The winner’s share was $157,500.

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Ann MacLeod and Lenny Hale are regular attendees. The featured $300,000 Stakes, at 1 1/8 miles for Three Year Olds and up, was won by the bay gelding Castle Bound trained by James Casey and owned by Taylor Mountain Farm. The Casey/Taylor Mountain Farm team won three races on the card.

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Kevin Haymaker, senior vice president of Bank of Charles Town, with Dennise Haymaker.

Gustravo Larrosa rode Castle Bound to an astounding victory by a head, which paid $138.40 for a $2 win ticket.

AtlanticUnionBank.com 800.990.4828 Sharyn Correy and Cindy Tucker Curtis.

Tim Grams chats with Carol Holden.

CountryAUB19005_Cash ZEST &Bonus_Country Style | Holiday 2019 1 Zest_4.667x12.indd

10/25/19 11:48 AM

Dangerous Blind Bombing Set the Stage for D-Day Author Norman Fine is well-known in this area for his writing on fox chasing and sport. This is an excerpt from his a new book: Blind Bombing: How Microwave Radar Brought the Allies to D-Day and Victory in World War II.

By Norman Fine

he U.S. Eighth Air Force had to try something different in early 1944 if the Allies were to launch a planned D-Day invasion that summer. Since the strategic bombing campaign began in 1942, the thick European weather had scrubbed 70-80 percent of all planned missions. As a result, the strategic prerequisites for D-Day— destruction of the Nazi war-making infrastructure and its Air Force–were yet to be accomplished. Allied scientists claimed that their top-secret microwave radar could get them in the air to bomb targets, no matter the weather. If the cloud cover was thick, a few radar-equipped heavy bombers–socalled Pathfinder planes—could lead the formations, find the targets through the overcast, and drop the first bombs and marker flares. The formations behind would simply follow and blindly drop their bombs on the Pathfinders’ bombs and flares. Prologue: Stan Fine was wakened from his strange bunk at 5 a.m. “Rise and shine, Lieutenant. The schedule’s up. Breakfast at 5:50, briefing at 6:30, takeoff at 7:30.”

Writer Norman Fine of Millwood

The crews gathered in the briefing room at

operations. Promptly at 6:30 a.m., the screen was pulled from the map, revealing the target—Berlin! The flight route had been marked, flying altitude assigned, and wind and weather information provided. The cloud cover over the target was expected to be 10/10—that is, heavy overcast, or blind. Fine’s first combat mission—Pathfinder (PFF), lead plane, deep penetration, Berlin. He’d be flying eleven cold, dangerous hours to a heavily defended target and back. Fueled, armed, and loaded with bombs, the PFF plane and the B-17s of the 91st Bomb Group leading the formations began the slow taxi from their lollipopshaped pads onto the perimeter road and toward the runway. At 7:30 a.m., the dull throbbing of engines became a roar as throttles were opened, and one B-17 after another accelerated down the runway. Fine’s attention was riveted on the glowing radarscope. He set the range scale to maximum and watched as the image of the English coastline slowly fell away and the European coastline approached. Over land once again, he tried to relate the image on the screen to his map and the course they were following. Tributaries were easy to distinguish. Finally, a large bright smear appeared. Berlin.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Fine set the range scale for fifty miles, the distance at which he would begin his bombing run. He set his “lubber line,” a mechanical cursor showing the ideal track to the target, near the center of the bright blob, and gave the heading to his pilot. Then he watched his position relative to the lubber line for several miles to compute the plane’s drift and correct the heading. They were now thirty miles from the target. No one on board could see a thing on the ground through the cloud cover. Fine switched to a shorter-range scale. They drifted off the approach again. “Mickey to pilot. Correct two degrees right.” “Mickey to navigator. Keeping line on target. Twenty-five miles to target.” Fine was computing, from his altitude and calculated ground speed, the distance before reaching the target at which his markers and bombs must be released. Based on those calculations, a bombing circle appeared on the radar screen and surrounded the plane’s position at the center of the screen. The higher the altitude, or the greater the ground speed, the earlier the release and, therefore, the larger the diameter of the bombing circle. The bombardier set the data from the Mickey station into the Norden bombsight on the chance that the cloud cover might break and that he could take over visually. The crew was getting restless. They weren’t

used to the long, straight bombing run required by the radar procedure. Black puffs from the antiaircraft batteries on the ground began to appear around the aircraft. The plane rocked. “We’re a sitting duck,” someone said. The bursts outside increased in intensity. Fine’s attention was fixed on the radar screen. He waited. All that mattered to him at the moment was not screwing up. The plane pitched and shuddered from the concussions. The center of the blob that he hoped was his target in Berlin crept toward the electronically created bombing circle surrounding the plane’s position. They touched. “Mickey to bombardier. Bombs away.” Six hundred eighty-eight aircraft from twentyeight bombardment groups all across England were sent to Berlin that day. Twelve aircraft were lost, 347 were damaged, 135 men went missing in action, and 20 men were wounded. Those who flew the blind mission had no idea if the effort had been worthwhile. Twentyfour hours later, back at the Pathfinder base at Alconbury, Fine read the report. Some of the most accurate bombs dropped on Berlin to date were those dropped on March 22. No one said a word to him. His only thought was, “I’ll never live through twenty-five missions.” The book is available at Second Chapter Books in Middleburg.

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www.geortho.com Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

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athy Grey has a lifelong love of cooking. “I watched by grandmother make scalloped potatoes and memorized it,” Grey recently recalled, adding that she also often observed her grandmother making hot fudge from scratch. She also has a penchant for design and eventually attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in her Photo by Vicky Moon hometown of Los Angeles, earning a Kathy Grey is at work in her design studio and showroom Hunt Country degree in interior design. Kitchen & Bath in Marshall. Kathy’s career launched in LA, initially working for an architect in Beverly Hills who specialized in kitchen design and offered German custom cabinetry. She later relocated to Nashville with a top kitchen remodeling group, where she honed site management skills in addition to working as a designer. As her career evolved, she eventually was able to combine her culinary background with architecture and, voila…Hunt Country Kitchen & Bath Studio in Marshall. Her goal is to create a space with “the least Photo courtesy. amount of steps,” she said. That concept Jett, an elegant Afghan Hound, is also embraces innovative consideration of Kathy Grey’s constant companion body dynamics, including the space in lower at home and at the office. cabinets. Kathy’s designs frequently include drawers in under the counter cabinets, Hunt Country eliminating the back-breaking stress of Kitchen & Bath Studio crawling around to search for a pot or pan. At any time, she has between three to 8393 West Main six projects percolating in different stages. Marshall VA 20115 She’s absorbed in the complete development 540-364-5402 o of not only kitchens, but also baths, 540-272-0846 c laundry suites, tack rooms, entertainments www.huntcountrykitchens.com spaces, and more. This embraces design, Showroom hours Tuesday production selections throughout the Friday noon to 4 p.m. building or remodeling process, along with Available additional days and site management. hours by appointment Hunt Country Kitchens & Bath collaborates with industry partners, including Miller Home Improvements and Daniel J Moore Design, the latter occupying the shop across the hall. In 2016, she collaborated with them and they were honored with a first place National Chrysalis Design award for kitchen design in the category of kitchen remodel over $150,000. She’s also won numerous design awards, including regional winner of the respected Sub-Zero Wolf Design contest. Her 300-square-foot studio on West Main Street serves both as her workspace and as a showcase for custom cabinetry products she offers, including cabinetry from Stylecraft Corp., out of Terre Hill, Pennsylvania and Hagerstown Cabinetry from Maryland. In addition to custom cabinetry, Kathy showcases solid brass hardware from Water Street Brass, hand-made and finished to order from Lakewood, New York, and Emtek hardware, among others suppliers. Hunt Country Kitchen & Bath Studio exhibits and markets details including selections of all finishes required for a complete renovation from cabinetry, hardware, countertops, backsplash materials, lighting and paint selections. It would be remiss not to mention she is now able to indulge a shared passion in this part of the country…a love of horses. “Icy, is my mare,” she said, “and just an amazing girl. We’ve been together approximately 18 years trail riding and popping over logs and coops. She’s a once-in-a- lifetime horse.” Her second horse is Indy, a gelding, and they’re now working on ground manners. There’s also an elegant black Afghan Hound named Jett. Each day, after feeding and caring for the horses, they go for a long walk rain, shine or snow. “I’m happy to have dogs and horses,” she said. “I’m happy to work and I enjoy what I do.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

every child

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

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Tannenbaum is a fir tree (die Tanne) or Christmas tree (der Weihnachtsbaum). Although most Christmas trees today are Fichten (spruce) rather than Tannen, the qualities of the evergreen have inspired musicians to write several “Tannenbaum” songs in German over the years. The best known version was penned in 1824 by a Leipzig organist named Ernst Anschütz. The melody is an old folk tune. The first known “Tannenbaum” song lyrics date back to 1550. A similar 1615 song by Melchior Franck (1573-1639) goes: “Ach Tannebaum, ach Tannebaum, du bist ein edler Zweig! Du grünest uns den Winter, die lieben Sommerzeit.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

At a seat. Have

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Das soll dein Kleid mich lehren

Thursday, December 12 | 7pm

Sunday, December 15 | 3pm

Celebrated Pianist Sophia Sabbayya Vastek shares the gifts of European composers Lili Boulanger and Karol Szymanowski

Vibrant music and song with Celtic heart to herald the season.

Hidden in Plain View European Piano Gems of the early 20th Century

PHOTOS by Crowell Hadden History by germen-way.com Horse ornaments from The Fun Shop Golf ornament courtesy of the editor Trees from: Hartland Farm the day after Thanksgiving 12230 Belle Meade Rd Markham, VA 22643. http://www.hartlandfarmandorchard.com/

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The ink for your imagination Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Salamander Has a Five-Star Rating, and GM Cooper was there for nine years, promoted to general manager is grandfather was and was involved in developing the man in charge at condominiums and expanding the iconic Royal York the resort’s spa to 35,000 square Hotel in Toronto. feet, the largest in New England. His father ran the luxurious “It was a fun place and we had Fairmont Hotel in Banff Springs. a great time there,” he said. “It’s So no surprise that Reggie the place where I really got into Cooper, the grandson and son the luxury resort business.” of hotel lifers, is now general Then came one more move, manager of Middleburg’s perhaps the most fortuitous of Salamander Resort & Spa. all. He went to the Canyon Ranch A Canadian native, Cooper, in Lennox, Massachusetts, now 52, was a ski racer talented an upscale resort focusing on enough to make the team at the health and wellness. “I could University of Colorado, where have stayed there to the end of he earned a degree in resort my career,” Cooper said. “Then I management. met Mrs. Johnson.” Following graduation, he That would be Sheila Photo by Leonard Shapiro worked in a Toronto-based Reggie Cooper is the general manager at Johnson, Salamander’s restaurant company, then decided founder/owner. She’d been Salamander Resort & Spa. “I didn’t want to be in a city any a Canyon Ranch guest, and more. I set out to find a place with green, open space.” Cooper soon was making a visit to her Middleburg He moved to Maine to handle sales and marketing property and was blown away. at a small ski resort near the New Hampshire border. “When I saw the place, the beautiful detail Cooper stayed five years, played a significant role in everywhere and her dream to create a five-star number of skiers go from 87,000 lift rides a year property that would be thought of as one of the great when he arrived to 550,000 when he left. resorts in the country, I was very impressed. This He then had an opportunity to do more of the same was a very unique opportunity. I told my wife Linda at the Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont, one of the I was definitely ready for this kind of challenge. premier facilities on the East Coast in a ski mecca town. “I didn’t know a lot about the region. But I saw the By Leonard Shapiro

proximity to airports, to a Middle Atlantic customer base and affluent travelers. And when I got to know Mrs. Johnson, that sealed it. She’s just an incredibly dynamic entrepreneur and I definitely was aligned with what she wanted to do.” Cooper is now in his fifth year at Salamander. His initial focus was to provide guests the highest possible level of service, as well as to grow the sales and marketing effort to pull in corporate business. The resort now has a respectable 70 percent occupancy rate, and Cooper said there is a strong local presence in the use of its spa, equestrian center and restaurants. “We also had to create programs to attract people,” he said. “Guests can play golf at Creighton Farms. We’ve got the zip line, great equestrian facilities, a wonderful spa. We’re in an area with history trails, beautiful places to go hiking and biking, and the number of wineries has exploded.” Cooper and his staff of 330 were rewarded for their efforts last February when the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide gave Salamander a five-star rating, one of only 270 such facilities world-wide. Johnson owns six different major hotel and resort properties, and Cooper was asked if running one of therm may also be in his future. “This is a very special place,” he said of Salamander. “Everywhere I’ve worked, I always say it’s the most beautiful place and the best community I’ve ever been. Then I decide to move and I say the same thing. But it’s hard to imagine anything better than this. I love this place.”

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

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By Jodi Nash hen are you too old to work out?

To get fit for your age? Is it really “use it or lose it?” The consensus among local fitness professionals is by all means, MOVE! Carol Hueter, a long-time certified personal trainer, specializes in working with 60-year-olds and up, some at the Trainer Kay Colgan puts Richard Taylor through his paces. Middleburg Tennis Club, others in their own homes. After an initial assessment of a client’s baseline fitness and health challenges, she designs a one-hour workout tailored to that client’s needs. Taking into account personal goals, and any chronic health condition or injuries, she utilizes everything from recommending a long walk to free weights, stability balls, resistance bands, or medicine balls. For those with access to stationary bikes or elliptical machines, she plots a cardio fitness regimen and encourages climbing house stairs four or five times a day. The important thing is to work up to a mid-intensity workout, and stick with it. “Just move” Hueter said. “And variety is great”. Some clients need more correction or motivational feedback than others. That’s the beauty of personal training—the trainer’s time and focus is exclusively on one individual, maximizing the workout potential. Hueter’s emphasis is on helping people to adjust to the subtle shifts in strength and energy, as people transition from decade to decade. “Things you previously took for granted, suddenly become harder,” she said, adding that she also values her client relationships. They offer as much to her in wisdom and experience, as she does to them in training. “You’ve earned the slower pace,” she said. “Just don’t ever let go completely!” Kay Colgan, owner of Middleburg Pilates and Personal Training and a certified Pilates instructor and holistic nutritionist, said she avoids the “senior” label for its negative connotation. In her view, thinking that way limits true potential, and creates fear which becomes an obstacle to staying active. “The best exercise is the one a client enjoys and will do consistently” said Colgan, who also believes cross training is an excellent way to create a balanced body. “Pilates compliments other forms of exercise, especially yoga. The Pilates method increases coordination, using breath, rhythm and strength in a series of exercises that build core stability.” Pilates also develops balance, and lengthens and tones all the muscle groups. “I feel young is a state of mind,” Colgan said. “It doesn’t matter how many years have passed, bodies given good whole foods, clean water, physical exercise and a connection to people and the environment equals a life that is lived to the fullest.” Both women advocate staying physically active as an effective way to create energy for the rest of life. For those starting out, keep in mind there are four major types of exercise that comprise a well-balanced fitness routine: endurance (heart and circulatory system), strength and weight bearing exercises (reducing muscle loss and increase bone density), stretching exercises (keeping as much range of motion in joints as possible and maintaining agility), and balance exercises (through yoga, tai chi, barre, or dance classes) to prevent falls. A little-discussed component of fitness as you age is one of the most crucial: kinesthetic awareness or “spatial orientation” ----the ability to know where you are in space. Falls are among the biggest problems as people age, with changing vision, vertigo and balance issues elevating the risk. It can be highly beneficial to move through space, using ballroom dance, ballet, Zumba, jazzercise, or some form of martial arts. This sort of complex and patterned movement engages the brain to frequently rewire its neural pathways, boosting memory, improving cognitive function, muscle memory, balance, agility, flexibility and endurance. Movement to music can elevate mood, reduce depression, develop rhythm, and just generally make one feel happier. Or, as Ralph Waldo Émerson once said: “Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Middleburg Humane Opens New Facility Photos by Crowell Hadden A brand new 10,000-square foot shelter for the Middleburg Humane Foundation opened on 23 acres in Marshall. All types of critters from dogs, cats, horses, chickens, bunnies and goats are welcomed for rehab, relocation and medical care. For details: middleburghumane.org.

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The new Middleburg Humane shelter

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Chicken House

Dental area

Ashly Janson Rob Banner and Mairead Carr

Cat Room

Dog workout room

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Country SIDE

Conservation Easements Benefit Everyone

By Kevin Ramundo

onservation easements are one of the most important tools that exist for preserving rural lands and open space. They can provide an attractive option for landowners who would prefer to keep their lands, rather than sell them for potential development. According to the Piedmont Environmental Council, as of 2018, conservation easements in Fauquier and Loudoun counties have protected almost 166,000 acres. That includes land along streams, rivers and scenic byways; historic battlefields and districts as well as farmland, forests and wetlands. This land is protected forever and benefits are substantial: reducing development pressure in rural areas; providing cleaner air and water; keeping prime land available for agriculture and forestry; maintaining wildlife habitats; enhancing recreational opportunities; and, preserving scenic landscapes for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and an easement holder such as a private land trust organization (for example, Land Trust of Virginia and Piedmont Environmental Council) and local and state governmental agencies like the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Under the agreement, a landowner decides to give up the opportunity to develop some or all of the property. To qualify, the property must have attributes worth conserving, including valuable agricultural soils,

water resources, scenic views and wildlife habitats. Landowners donating a conservation easement are likely to be eligible for certain state and federal tax benefits. The amount is based on what a real estate appraiser determines to be the difference between the value of the property before and after development rights are given up. As attractive as tax reductions and other benefits can be, a landowner can decide to sell a property for development and, probably, make out better financially. But there are important trade-offs. If sold for development, the landowner gives up the property and maybe even the home. Also lost is the opportunity to pass family lands to future generations and any revenues associated with agricultural or other activities on the land. It’s important to remember that easements are not anall-or-nothing proposition. A landowner can retain some limited development rights on the property, and the land can always be sold in the future, subject to the terms of the easement agreement. Some mistakenly believe easements exist solely for conserving very large properties. Actually, easements can be donated on land as small as several acres. And everyone can benefit from tax reduction opportunities, either directly if a person has large tax bills to offset, or through the ability to sell the tax credits which can be important to landowners who are interested in generating cash while conserving the land they care about. Easements do not impose restrictions on the

landowner. They are agreed to by the landowner and the organization holding the easement. Easements also are thought to be expensive. Yes, there are legal and appraisal costs, but there are programs that will help cover part of the costs. Some also believe conservation easements adversely affect the fiscal health of local jurisdictions. Not true. Easements keep rural lands in agricultural and open space uses which are fiscally positive for local jurisdictions. The amount of public services these uses require is substantially lower than what is required for residential development. According to the American Farmland Trust, studies conducted over the last twenty years have consistently shown that working lands generate substantially more public revenues than the cost of services they require. That’s in sharp contrast to land used for residential development. Property taxes associated with residential development seldom cover the cost of schools, roads and other public services additional housing requires. The resulting deficit can only be reduced by increasing property taxes on existing residents, scaling back services and/or by borrowing money. So, the next time you drive down the many scenic rural roads in Fauquier and Loudoun. remember that much of the land you see is preserved under conservation easements. They’re protected forever for everyone’s benefit. Our elected leaders should be encouraged to support conservation easements and other programs that help preserve our rural and open lands.

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METRO + Connections to the Silver & Orange Lines on LC Transit

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

+ Split travel costs with fellow carpoolers + Read, sleep or work as a passenger

JOIN THE GROWING OPPOSITION TO BANBURY CROSS RESERVE! Over 700 (and counting!) concerned citizens and community leaders have already signed a petition opposing the Banbury Cross Reserve development, which would establish 38 homes on 571 acres of beautiful and historic countryside on Middleburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern boundary. In late September, the Middleburg Planning Commission voted (5-1-1) to deny the first application, citing various deficiencies in the project. The developers (Middleburg Land 1 LLC, led by managing member, Andrew Hertneky) are likely to submit a new application. We believe the Banbury Cross Reserve Housing Development would be detrimental to our community and its history and would potentially cause long-lasting harm to our countryside and natural resources.

SIGN THE PETITION IN OPPOSITION Please visit the following website to sign the petition in opposition and to learn more about how you can help. https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/oppose-the-banbury-cross-reserve-development

DONATE TO THE OPPOSITION Please visit the following Go Fund Me page to donate to the opposition to these projects. https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-us-oppose-the-banburycross-development?utm_source= customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

A Christmas Wish List By Kate Robbins

Cyndi Ellis, Middleburg Common Grounds

As the holiday season approaches, we reflect on what might make this Christmas special in the Middleburg area. It could be an extra log on the fire and more eggnog in your glass; the pine scent of Christmas trees; singing carols at the Pink Box; a day of riding to hounds (perhaps followed by dinner with friends or family); or feeding your horses a traditional bran mash on Christmas morning. And so we ask,

“ SMILES!”

What do you want for Christmas?

Jamie Gaucher, Business & Economic Development Director, Town of Middleburg. “ I’m wishing for patience, peace and profits.”

Wendy Osborn, Chloe’s of Middleburg “ Dry, warm and sustainable. “ (Osborn is pictured with some of Chloe’s signature gift items, including Vinrella umbrellas (“keeps you dry”), cashmere toppers (“warm“) and faux fur hats and headbands (“ sustainable”).

Sandy Danielson, Director Artists in Middleburg “ To be with my family in Minnesota. My mother passed away in March and this is the first Christmas without her- so we all need to be together.”

Graham Alcock, Equine Dentist

Bridge Littleton, Mayor of Middleburg

“ I have everything I need—a great wife and three kids. I guess I could use a bicycle rack for my car.”

“Let me make every four-foot putt.”

Martha Cotter, Executive Director, Community Music School of the Piedmont. “… And so I’m offering this simple phrase, To kids from one to ninety-two, Making music in oh so many ways,Will make Christmas merry for you!”

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2019

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

WEEKEND SALE SERVING IT ALL UP WINTER Christmas FEBRUARY 16-18

Greetings

By Daniela Anderson Food Editor

Ladies & Children’s Winter Clothing

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he Middleburg Tennis Club has been serving up a smashing good time and rousing tennis competition for 50 years. What began with a handful of locals with a passion for the game and Sunday evening potluck barbecues has grown into a social and recreational club on ten plus acres off Zulla Road. The dining menu has also evolved greatly from the original 1960s Sunday evening potluck menu or lunch of a cheeseburger on a paper plate at the club. Members now enjoy many different culinary creations. During the holidays life gets busy, so for visiting friends and family, we offer up Tamarind Braised Short Ribs from the club’s kitchen.

Tamarind Braised Short Ribs

Crabtree, Bronnley & Michel Toiletries

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For allWHOLE that glitters during STORE the Christmas season!

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You’ll love our collection of ornaments, serving platters, china, linens, chocolates and candy canes and don’t forget the candles. Discounts may not be combined Add to this sweet scent of spruce, spice pear, cinnamon and oranges. It’s almost time for Santa to arrive. Loyalty Points will NOT Accrue or apply to Sale Items

117 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117 (next to the Post Office) 540-687-6590 www.thefunshop.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Serves 4-6 5 pounds beef short ribs, bone on Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 1 celery rib, chopped 2 garlic cloves, skin left on 1 orange for zesting 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce 1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate (comes in a jar, slightly thicker than ketchup) or paste (comes in a block) 2 fresh (or dry) bay leaves 1/2 cup Madeira 1 cup red wine 2-3 cups chicken broth Heat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a large, heavy Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the oil, then the short ribs (add them in batches, if necessary) and brown on all sides. Transfer the ribs to a plate as they finish browning. Pour off all but one tablespoon fat.

Christmas...

not just a season... an inspiration and a feeling!!! ank you one and all for your support. Much health and happiness for the New Year and always ❤

Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic to the pot, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the vegetables are soft and the browned bits in the base of the pot have been loosened. Put the short ribs (and any juices that have collected on the plate) back in the pot. Add the light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tamarind paste, orange zest and bay leaves. Pour in the Madeira and red wine. Add enough chicken broth to just cover the ribs. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Braise the short ribs until they are dry tender when pierced with a fork, about four hours (longer if the short ribs are big). using a slotted spoon, transfer the short ribs to a plate. Let the cooking liquid settle, spoon off as much fat as possible (ideally, you would do this over the course of two days and would, at this point, put the liquid in the fridge overnight and peel off the layer of fat in the morning). Set the pot on the stove over medium high heat. Bring the cooking liquid to a boil and reduce to a syrupy consistency. Lay a short rib or two in each of four wide, shallow bowls. Spoon over a little sauce. Serve proudly.

For details on membership www.middleburgtennisclub.com.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Cantankerous to the End, T

By Winston Wood

hey’ve lowered the lights at Galatoire’s, a hush has fallen over the bar at Peter’s Tavern near Gramercy Park. On Wall Street, the smart money is shorting shares of A. Smith Bowman Distillery, knowing that its sales of Virginia Gentlemen whisky will drop sharply. And in a lonely office in the bowels of Citifield in Flushing Meadow, Mr. Met sits slumped in a chair, a tear trickling down one cheek of his bulbous baseball head. Nat Morison has departed all that he loved in life—classic jazz, dogs, baseball, ice hockey, the University of Virginia, bourbon, his pipe, good books, good conversation, the family home Welbourne, his many friends and extensive family -- and has gone to the big DKE house in the sky. A stroke claimed him October 10 at age 83. To say he was one of a kind begs understatement. If you look up the word “cantankerous” in Merriam-Webster’s Illustrated English Dictionary, you’ll see his picture there. Cantankerous, though, in a good way, based on firm (yes, one might say stubborn) personal standards rather than sour attitudes.

PHOTOS BY CROWELL HADDEN AND TIFFANY DILLON KEEN

According to his wishes, Nat Morison was buried in a simple pine box.

He insisted, for example, that per tradition there are no “freshmen” at the U., only First-Year Men (especially men). It was the Battle of Sharpsburg, not Antietam. That people who wouldn’t want to live in New Orleans, Manhattan or Piedmont Virginia need psychiatric attention. And don’t get him started on opera or rock ‘n roll. In the 40 some years I knew him, I never once saw him without a necktie, even once driving a tractor around the farm. I regularly offered to take him to watch his beloved Mets play the Nationals when they came to town, get good seats and chauffeur him back and forth, but he always declined. “I’ve never liked Washington,” he’d say (all those statues of Yankee generals?), “And I’d be out of place with all those slobs dressed in red tee shirts.” Do I exaggerate? Hardly. His standards, character and, again yes, his eccentricities, are there for all to see in Crazy Like a Fox, the movie that Richard Squires wrote and produced in 2004 inspired by Nat and filmed around the area. My children have never forgiven me for taking them on vacation when the casting call went out for people to appear as extras. Hundreds turned out to show their regard and affection at his memorial service late last month at the family home. Lest you think it a spontaneous outpouring by family and friends, though, in typical Nat fashion he scripted the whole thing in instructions drafted years ago, including the music to be played and the eulogies NOT to be delivered. The skirling of bagpipes signaled the start of the ceremonies, followed by a procession in New Orleans fashion of jazz musicians leading a horse-drawn wagon carrying Nat’s simple pine coffin down the long drive to the house. Readings of prayers and psalms were followed by a second procession to the family cemetery three miles away for a graveside service, again to musical accompaniment dictated from the beyond. As his coffin was lowered into the hand-dug grave, friends and family members filed past dropping in assorted

The service, on the iconic front porch of Welbourne, included prayers and psalms. small tributes: flowers, a horse’s lead rope, Virginia Gentleman bottle caps, and a favorite stick ball bat. The crowd then trekked back to Welbourne for a celebration of Nat’s life that lasted well into the night. What with the Sunday stickball games, summer jazz camps, the justly famous Welbourne Cakewalks, Christmas Eve, 12th Night and Mardi Gras parties, milk punch after the 11:30 service at Trinity Church, and all the several other ways he brightened our lives, the consensus among his many, many friends is that things around Middleburg may never be quite the same.

En route to Old Welbourne.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

and a Great Friend

The casket is carried to its final resting place.

Richard Roberts and a few others wait quietly under a tree during the burial.

Sherry Morison extends a greeting to a young attendee.

The funeral cortege pulls out of the drive at Welbourne.

In true New Orleans style, jazz musicians were very much a part of the service.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

The Land Trust of Virginia would like to thank the following businesses for their annual support. Their sponsorship enables us to protect Virginia’s open spaces through

conservation easements. Steward

Guardian

Supporter

Advocate allen wayne Brand S trate gy • Graphic Desi gn

In-Kind

The Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Virginia’s open space, agricultural land, natural areas, and cultural heritage. To become a business sponsor, please contact kerry@landtrustva.org or call 540-687-8441. For more information, go to www.landtrustva.org

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Designer and dynamo Barbara Sharp at her bustling spot for this year’s Christmas Shop held at the Community Center to benefit the Emmanuel Church of Middleburg outreach programs.

Photo by Douglas Lees.

Photo by Vicky Moon

The STYLISH Robin Keys at the Middleburg Fall Races at Glenwood Park.

British fashion designer Selena Blow paid a visit to the countryside recently for a private showing at Glen Welby of her fashions. Her work is inspired by traditional styles of vests and hacking jackets with a contemporary transformation of upbeat bold colors and intriguing linings.

The Mosby Heritage Area Association Historic Houses Dinner Party at Stonehedge to benefit their educational programs: John Zugschwert, Jill and Robert Monk, Andrew and Jane Bishop, Dianna and Stephen Price, Adeline deButts and Robert deButts, Rose Rogers and Sally and Russ Fletcher.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Kat Imhoff, the dynamic former president and CEO of James Madison’s National Trust property Montpelier, has re-joined the Piedmont Environmental Council to serve as a senior conservation fellow out of their Charlottesville offices. Her experience includes the recent collaboration between the two groups placing 1,024 acres of the fourth president’s home in Orange under permanent conservation easement. “With great enthusiasm, I am re-joining the PEC team, which has been setting a high bar for conservation not only in Virginia but nationally,” Imhoff said.

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CELEBRATIONS Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Illustration by Crowell Hadden

Three wise men at the Christmas Shop recently held at the Community Center-Ron Lang, Alan Platt and Dale Thompson who was honorary chair.

Susi Bailey and Stew Nystrom managed the admissions table at the art show in Millwood. Friends and family gathered for a private reading and signing for Patrick Smithwick’s lastest book: Racing Time: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Liberation. (Standing) Speedy Smithwick, Andrew Stifler, John Coles, Eva Smithwick with Nicky Perry, Patrick Smithwick and Julie Coles (seated in front.)

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

The Middleburg Academy Equestrian team traveled south to compete at Woodpecker Farm, near Fredericksburg and return with armfuls of colorful ribbons.

Photo by Vicky Moon

It was a family outing at the Sixth Annual Oyster Roast and BBQ to benefit Piedmont Child Care held at the Hill School barn.

Marlene Baldwin played the piano during Emmanuel Church’s Christmas Shop Holiday Bazaar at the Community Center.

A Fall Supper was held at Audley Farm in Berryville to benefit The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Clarke County Land Conservation Fund.

Michael Gerwirz chats with Franny Kansteiner. The lovely centerpieces were done by Mary Shockey with plant material from her garden at Callendar.

Sisi Gallagher and Laura Dabinett

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Cleo Gerwirz

Beatrice Von Gontard and Charlie McIntosh

February 21, 2020 Friday, 6-8 pm Art Auction & Reception

at the Middleburg Community Center

Kevin Adams, View From Emerald Lane

Kevin H. Adams Anthony Barham Brittany Beiersdorf Ross Taylor Boyd Misia Broadhead Lauren Bruce Wodicka Mike Budzisz Tiffany Budzisz Armand Cabrera

Debbie Cadenas Teresa Duke Leanne Fink Gail Guirreri-Maslyk Jillian Holland Bonnie Hoover Laura Hopkins Cody Leeser Margaret MacMahon Carroll

Deborah Morrow Marci Nadler Lee Newman Jill E. Poyerd Katherine Riedel Dana Lee Thompson Antonia Walker David Williams Jessica Wilson

artofthepiedmont.org see website for latest auction info pre-purchased tickets available online for $20 | tickets available at the door for $30 a benefit for Middleburg Montessori School

Properties In Hunt Country

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Warrenton ~ Historic 400 Acre farm with 6 BR/3BA Main House on 3 levels. Attic, Formal Dining Room, original Hardwood Floors, new Windows and Sun Porch with large Fireplace. Panoramic mountain views, Great Run creek flows the length of the whole farm, and there are two ponds. Approximately 300 acres of grasslands for horses or cattle. The farm is in a Conservation Easement with The Virginia Outdoors Foundation which gives an Owner permission to to divide into 3 large parcels. $4,125,000

FOX FORD FARM

Jeffersonton ~ Unique 4 BR country house with pool and outbuildings. One and 1/2 miles of Rappahannock river frontage. Open, rolling fields. Investment, horse farm, brewery, B&B, farming or winery potential. All around views, flowering gardens, privacy and peace. 15 $1,991,000 on 239+acres minutes to Warrenton. or $1,443,000 on 142 acres

GONE AWAY

The Plains ~ Luxurious home on 83 acres with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tastefully renovated to provide space for gracious entertaining as well as comfortable family living. 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms. Gourmet kitchen. Large covered stone terrace. Pool. Guest house. 3 bedroom tenant house. Stabling for 6 horses. Located off a paved road with a paved driveway. 3 car garage. Security gates. In Orange County Hunt territory. $3,500,000

WOLF DEN

The Plains ~ Nature lovers Paradise! Custom built in 2007, the French Style Country home sits high overlooking Little River and tree tops, absolutely serene. This home provides privacy and security including gated entrance and cameras around home and 4 stall barn with 1 bedroom apartment. The 18.67 Acres are in 2 parcels, the home and barn on 17.05 Acres and additional vacant 1.62 Acre Parcel. Orange County Hunt Territory. $1,550,000

ROOKERY

Middleburg ~ Charming period home (c.1840), completely renovated with meticulous care to preserve its historical integrity. Beautifully sited on 7+ acres with spring fed pond, manicured grounds, stone walls & towering trees. Gourmet kitchen & sun room, both with vaulted ceilings. Recreation room with wood burning fireplace, Master Suite and Bath, 2 additional bedrooms and another full bath on the second level. Terrace and inground lap pool. The property includes a 3 stall stable, tack room & storage area, a riding ring and 4, board fenced paddocks. $1,395,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is dee

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REAL ESTATE Phillip S. Thomas, Sr. Celebrating his 57th year in Real Estate

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DESTINAIRE

Hume ~ Impeccably maintained, exquisite 118 Acre horse farm with ten fields and paddocks of 4 board fencing, gently rolling land & panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with glimpses of Skyline Drive. In addition to the stucco and stone main residence, there are guest and tenant homes, numerous barns and run-ins to house 25 horses comfortably, and an indoor dressage ring. $2,000,000

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Marshall ~ Renovated home on 5+ wooded acres surrounded by protected land. Contemporary design with an open floor plan. 4 BR/3 BA, new Kitchen, formal Dining w/fireplace, Living Room w/fireplace, exposed beams and brick. Master Suite has lux Bath, private terrace & unique glassed-in storage room. New roof, bathrooms, hardwood & ceramic tile floors, extensive landscaping. Open deck along entire back of the house. Easy commuter location just minutes to Marshall and I-66. $799,000

FEDERAL COURT

Middleburg ~ Commercial office condo with great location in the center of town. Amenities include spacious reception area, conference room and large private office or flexible space for 3 offices. Updated 1/2 Bath, kitchenette, storage space, & built-ins. HVAC. On site parking with 2 assigned spaces included. Priced at only $225,000

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A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements

LAND & ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967

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Mary Ann McGowan Rebecca Poston Emily Ristau

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At Nick’s Market in Marshall, There’s Something For Everyone

By Leslie VanSant

ollow any path around the well-worn wooden floor at Nick’s Market & Deli in Marshall and most anything a shopper could need is there to be found. A meal. A drink. Flowers. Household supplies. Phones. Luck. Located at 8294 East Main Street, the store has been operated and owned by the Sarsour family since the early 1990s when Nick and Sana Sarsour took the business over from the Glascocks. The couple had been encouraged by Sana’s father to start a business in Marshall because he thought it was a nice, welcoming community. Now the market is managed by their son Joe, who has been working there for most of his life. Nick, a long-time presence in the Marshall operation who now spends most days at the family’s Warrenton store, is usually there on Sunday to give his son a day off. And plenty of Sarsour cousins, nieces and nephews also work there part-time. “I officially started working here when I was 16,” Joe Sarsour said. It’s “officially” because, as with many family businesses, he and his siblings grew up spending time in and around the store. His start date coincided with an older brother leaving for college, a new car, and a handshake deal. “My dad had gotten my brother a new car to go to college,” Joe said. “Of course, at 16, I wanted a new car. too. So my brother made a deal. If I would stay and help with the store that paid for his education, he would give me the car when he graduated.”

Photos by Leonard Shapiro

Proprietor Joe Sarsour That was nearly 20 years ago, and Joe, who is fluent in several languages, including Arabic and Spanish, has dedicated himself to the store and the community ever since. His loyal customers run the socio-economic gamut, and he knows most of them by name. “At the time, I really loved that car,” he said. “It was a red Chevy Blazer. And my brother gave it to me. But the greater gift was the store. I love working here and seeing my customers. They’re like family.” A meal and a drink. “My mom used to make our meals at the store,” Joe said, “and people would come in and ask her what smelled so delicious.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

And so, authentic Middle Eastern fare arrived on the food scene in Marshall. Hummus and grape leaves made from scratch are found daily alongside tamales and other Mexican foods. Soups, fried chicken, mac and cheese, Marshall frog legs (humongous french fries) round out the hot deli fare. The made-to-order sandwiches are excellent, as well. (Try the tuna!) There are rows of coolers offering a variety of cold drinks, and there’s chilled beer and bottles of wine. Flowers. Household supplies. Phones. Outside the store, you can buy flowers, plants and small trees for your garden, cleaning supplies, even cell phones at Nick’s. Yes, cell phones, which were added to the inventory about 15 years ago and remain a strong seller. “I wanted to diversify what we carried to keep the store relevant for our customers,” Joe said. “I work hard to stay ahead of our customers needs with the products we carry. If something isn’t selling, we’ll stop carrying it.” Luck. At Nick’s, while waiting for that freshly made breakfast or lunch, you can play the lottery and definitely get lucky. Still, at Nick’s Market & Deli, with a remarkable inventory, fabulous food and friendly service, everyone is a winner in some way no matter what numbers are chosen. Nick’s Market & Deli in Marshall is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The family also operates other locations in Warrenton and Bealeton.

The Orange County Hounds Conservation Foundation recently hosted a trail ride leaving from Muster Lane Farm. This is to support the mission of the foundation to promote conservation and preservation of open space and an appreciation of field sports.

The Natural Order and Open Space

By Marcia Woolman

n order for nature to thrive, it needs a natural setting, what we create with open space and conservation easements. Given the space and time to follow its natural course, land will heal itself, water will remain clean, and wildlife habitat and wildlife will thrive. Land will heal itself by proliferating new growth. Fallow fields carbon dioxide from the air. The roots will grow deep and soak up heavy rains before a field turns to mud and fill the local streams with sediment that kills the small invertebrates providing food to all kinds of fish and little creatures at the bottom of our food chain. Insects and bugs are food for all the wild creatures that then become food for larger animals that have access to them. Yes, fields that are out of sight or along the streams are priceless in their importance in developing a balance in nature. The same principles apply to all fields that are healthy. And how to keep them healthy? Proper annual or semi-annual seeding helps maintain a well-rooted carpet of food. These time-managed fields feed the livestock-for enjoyment and the ones we use for health and vitality. Pastures where fencerows and wetlands are mowed around or, better yet, fenced off, allow them to return to their natural or fallow field value. Those areas, when lying beside mowed and valuable pasture land, turn into a sanctuary for wildlife and further protection for streams as they control run-off and flooding. They also allow the growth of native trees that will sprout up and provide shade eventually and become homes for more little creatures and some larger ones like raccoons, possums, and squirrels. Woodlands are another part of the natural puzzle that exists on the land we choose to protect as open space. And open space is more than open fields; it’s the composite of a natural, whole, landscape that’s a balanced natural habitat. This is what we know as our countryside. Young trees provide food for birds and deer. And for balance, we also need older woods that have an abundance of dead trees. They hollow out with age and become castles for squirrels, raccoons, opossums, pileated woodpeckers, and many others. The old tree, when it finally falls, turns into soil that’s enriched by the fungi that has grown on and in it. That tree gives back everything it took up from the earth and returned it enhanced. Decaying trees are an integral part of balanced, natural, open-space lands. Woodlands are home to a cotillion of diverse wildlife who use it for food, shelter, and security. Trail cutting is a wonderful use of the land for our enjoyment, and lets in sunlight to promotes a web of life as they wind through the forest. They create more food and more diversity. It’s up to us now to take charge of creating more open space so our children and grandchildren can enjoy what we have had and now plan to protect. I once saw an old sign dangling from a fence while fishing in Idaho some thirty years ago. “Fishermen welcome!” it read. “Please leave it like you find it. We are only stewards for our time here. We are taking care of it for the Lord.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

American Legion Marching Toward a Bright Future

By Sebastian Langenberg

ong-time Middleburg area residents surely are familiar with the American Legion Post 295 headquarters on The Plains Road. Perhaps they’ve attended one of their pancake breakfasts, been guests at a party or wedding or even participated in one of their sponsored runs. Most recently, they held the annual “Rally Around the Flag” 5K run on November 9 as a fundraiser. Clearly, the Legion is always looking for ways to connect with the community, not to mention veterans from the local area. “I do as much as I can for vets all around the country,” said John Moliere, the current vice commander and a Post 295 member for the last thirty years. “I was a Vietnam vet, with my kids all grown up, and looking for some place where I could pay some earth rent.” “I always loved being with other guys with similar backgrounds,” said Franklin Payne, a World War II veteran, former post commander, and a longtime member who served in the European theater. “I always loved getting together to talk about old times.” Moliere indicated that more veterans, particularly those from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, are becoming interested in joining the Middleburg post, which has about 40 dues-paying members and recently added two Marine veterans in November.

He added that the effort to increase membership has also been helped by Loudoun County native Rob Jones, a combat engineer in the Marine Corps who lost both his legs when he was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010. Jones, a graduate of Loudoun Valley High and Virginia Tech and now lives in Middleburg, is running for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District against Rep. Jennifer Wexton. Earlier this year, he received national coverage when he ran 31 marathons in 31 days to draw attention to veterans issues. He also was on hand to present awards at the Rally Around The Flag 5k run and has helped locate potential new members for Post 295. The Legion building last year received a $12,000

grant from the Home Depot Foundation to spruce up and repair the building. Out front, they’ve also added a mural of an American flag and eagle, along with the logos of each of the country’s military branches. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. It’s the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in their communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, veterans benefits and continued devotion to service members and veterans. It was initially formed by war-weary World War I veterans, and now has 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts across the country. Post 295 also hosts guest speakers, including a recent appearance by former Secretary of the Navy and Senator John Warner, also a veteran. And Moliere recently spoke about the importance of service to the country at MIddleburg’s Hill School. Moliere also wanted to remind local residents that the Middleburg facility is always available for a cost- effective $400 rental for any sort of event, from wedding receptions to private parties. With that rent money, it’s a wonderful way to say “thank you for your service.” For further information, go to http://www. middleburglegion.org/,

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Garden Club’s Going Green

ark your calendar for December 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Hall at 105 East Washington St. in Middleburg.

The Middleburg Garden Club’s Annual Christmas Flower Show, Greens Sale and Bazaar will be center stage. New this year will be The People’s Choice Award for Floral Design, so come and vote on your favorite. This popular event is part of the Christmas in Middleburg celebration and is always a much-anticipated event, drawing visitors from all across the state for the striking presentations. The show is a tradition that spans over 80 years of the club’s community involvement and offers residents and visitors alike a glimpse into the beauty and magic of floral design and gardening. The Middleburg Garden Club has won both Virginia and national awards for the best holiday flower show. They are also a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. The theme of the show this year is “The Nutcracker,” and will showcase a variety of holiday floral interpretations and artistic crafts. The chairs this year are Melanie Blunt and Lauren Vogan. There also will be individual design and horticulture classes open to entries from the public. Be sure to take a peek at the adorable children’s arrangements. The seasonal decorative crafts and gourmet items are made by the members, along with greens and wreaths, and all will be for sale. “It’s just amazing every year to see so much talent showcased in our Christmas show,” said Melanie Blunt, the president of the club. “And we love offering bows, wreaths and lots of hand items to sell in the bazaar to help you decorate your home.” There is no charge for admission. All proceeds from the sale help support the Middleburg Garden Club’s charitable beautification and community projects. For details: melanieblunt315@gmail.com or laurenvogal@aol.com.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Making Spirits A Small Town Mayor Bright with a Big Time Vision

By M.J. McAteer

wasi Fraser is that seldom-sighted species, an oldstyle Republican. “My brand of Republicanism is not present in Washington now,” said the mayor of Purcellville. Instead, Fraser looks to Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt for his models of what good governance should look like. “We need to retool,” he said. “We need to start looking beyond political parties at what is right for humanity.” Fraser, 48, is many things that are out of sync with his party these days. First, he’s an immigrant. He was born in Guyana and Photo by M.J. McAteer arrived in Brooklyn at age 10 with his parents and four Purcellville Mayor siblings. Most Americans, if they know of Guyana at all, may Kwasi Fraser recall it only as the location of the horrendous mass suicide/ murder perpetrated by Jim Jones back in the ‘70s. It’s much more than that. The small country boasts one of the highest levels of bio-diversity in the world. Unlike most of its South American neighbors, it’s been able to preserve much of its natural habitats, partly by forging a leading-edge partnership with Norway to help minimize deforestation. Nearly 30 percent of Guyana’s population is black, and so Fraser is a minority figure in his party in more ways than one. Even more of a rarity for a current Republican, he’s a centrist who opts for middle ground over scorched earth. He’s also a fiscal conservative whose mayoral priorities have been to reduce the town debt and manage growth in a way that “preserves the character and soul of Purcellville.” During his three terms in office, Fraser has restructured a punishing obligation incurred by the town’s decision that pre-dates his tenure to spend $30 million on a wastewater treatment plant. And he’s been looking for ways to leverage the town’s assets by bringing “capitalism to open space.” Fraser prefers using some of the under-utilized land the town owns for multiple purposes—planting trees for carbon sequestration, or as sites for drone testing, bike trails, or even an equestrian center. “We need to use our existing assets to pay down debt,” he says. He’s also proud of having helped stop three annexations and the kind of high-density development that’s been embraced in much of Loudoun County east of Route 15. The services required by residential developments, however, far outstrip the tax benefits they generate, the mayor said. “For every dollar you receive, you pay $1.60.” He believes it’s far better to attract businesses, which are revenue positive for a town like Purcellville. Fifty-three new business enterprises have opened in Purcellville in just the past year, he said. “Kwasi is one of the most innovative thinkers I have ever had the opportunity to work with,” said town manager David A. Mekarski. “He’s constantly looking through a non-traditional lens to maintain a high level of town services.” Mekarski oversees the daily operations of Purcellville, while Fraser, whose job is part-time, functions more like a chairman of the board. He oversees twicemonthly town council meetings and sets the legislative initiatives. The job of small-town mayor also tends to be heavy on ceremonial duties. He’s cut many ribbons and issued countless proclamations--40 honoring Eagle Scouts alone--and appears regularly at an assortment of town events such as the annual tag sale and outdoor Halloween festival. Such duties obviously necessitate many nights and weekends away from home, and his wife, Angela, and their three teenage children. “Without their support, I couldn’t do it,” said Fraser, who also has a full-time day job as a program manager for Verizon. Fraser originally ran for mayor because “I felt the need to give back.” Now, after almost six years in office, he’s undecided on running for another term in the 2020 election. He’ll likely announce in January. “I need to sit by a waterfall,” he said, “and just think about it.”

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

That Old-Timer Music Offers a Happy Place

By Emma Boyce

hen Jean Ann Feneis sits down at the piano, she’s transported. No, she’ll tell you, she’s not the best. In fact, at 71, she’s still learning. But having discovered the instrument late in life, the reward of playing eclipses any self-doubt. For the last five years, Feneis has been taking lessons with Eberle Damron at the Community Music School of the Piedmont. She’s one of several older adults turning to the school to pursue a passion that had otherwise been placed on hold. “I love to sit in my piano room and practice,” said Feneis. “I have a happy life, but when I play I feel like it’s a new happy place to go to.” Feneis, like many her age, has the luxury of time. The constraints of work and family have abated. Resources have expanded. But just because more time allows for other pursuits doesn’t mean they come easy. Science reminds us that children are musical sponges, picking up notes as easily as naughty words. Adults, on the other hand, must work harder. “Children who have parents that make them practice are much better,” she said, recalling the time her husband teased her about a five-year-old outplaying her. “I had nobody hanging over my shoulder, except Eberle.” Still, Feneis’ mindset has also changed. The idea of being the best no longer really matters, and in that sense, Feneis might be more advanced than her younger counterparts. Feneis plays piano because she loves the sound. She plays because, as a child, she longed for lessons, and now, as an adult, she refuses to move into a house that won’t also fit her

Piedmont Music Piedmont Music student Jean Ann teacher Miho Sato Feneis de Saucedo baby grand piano. Chris Patusky, 56, already had a background in trumpet when he sought out lessons for the jazz piano at the Community Music School. He thought a jazz pianist teacher would be hard to come by in Upperville, but the school surprised him. Martha Cotter, the school’s director, had recently hired one out of Shenandoah University. “Randy Martono-Chai is a tremendous player,” said Patusky of his young teacher. “He’s so far above me in the knowledge of jazz, so it was great to have an authority regardless of his age.” Patusky’s return to music coincided with a point in his life when he could both afford lessons and make time for them. “After I did other things with my career, I came back to music,” he said. “I have a passion for it. It’s a release, a diversion into a different place mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It feels great to go there.” Despite the advantage of knowing how to read music, the piano might as well have been a foreign language for Patusky. “It’s a difficult thing to pick up,” he said. “Two

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

hands, a bass clef and treble clef. The piano takes a lot of hours of practice, but it’s easier, too, because I don’t really care how I do. I don’t have instructors who are demanding a certain performance from me and I’m old enough constitutionally in my mind and in my personality to not care so much.” Miho Sato de Saucedo, who has been teaching classical piano at the school since 2004, experiences the struggles of adults learning music firsthand. Her students range from young children to seniors. She knows that returning to music as an older adult or even picking it up for the first time takes some courage. “It’s hard to go back and face it,” said Sato. “Students find it’s not as easy as it used to be. The ones that stay with it are really motivated. They find meaning or purpose in it. That’s why it’s so rewarding to work with them.” Sato’s older students encounter just as many physical barriers as mental ones. Stiff hands. Bad backs. In those cases, Soto begins the day with exercises like wiggling fingers until circulation improves. One woman in her 70s didn’t believe improvement was possible until, after three weeks of exercises, she noticed better feeling in her fingertips. “Music improves their body parts and their movements,” said Sato, also a board-certified music therapist. “But the brain is key…Almost everywhere in the brain is activated by making music. Movement, memories, emotions.” Sato used to teach women in their 30s and 40s, but many quit. Their families came first. Work schedules got in the way. Music, at that point, was expendable, but when, in life, a space does opens for art, Chris Patusky said it best. “It feels great to go there.”

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A Place for Members to Call Their Own

The Middleburg Tennis Club is a full service, private, member owned club. We host members, their families, and guests in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A wide range of services and amenities are offered to help provide optimum enjoyment of our club. Opened in 1969, the club resides on a 10+ acre site nestled in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country, just outside historic Middleburg, Virginia. With nearly 400 memberships, MTC has a warm and friendly environment with a country casual feel.

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Saying Goodbye to a Middleburg Gem “The outpouring of affection and gratitude has been humbling,” he om Hays has worn many continued. “The sale has been great, hats over the years—social but not been enough to change my studies teacher in East mind. I didn’t want to make the Harlem, a New York City wrong decision, so I waited a long cab driver doing carpentry on the time to do it. And now, it just feels side, an occupational therapist in a right.” mental ward. But in Middleburg, it’s Unlike countless businesses he’s been all about one passionate pursuit seen come and go in Middleburg over as a highly-successful jeweler with a his tenure as the longest individual devoted local and regional clientele. shop-owner in town, Hays found a And now, after nearly 50 years as formula to make it all work. the proprietor of Thomas Hays & “It’s a difficult town to be successful Son on Madison Street, he’s decided in business,” he said. “There is not Photo by Leonard Shapiro to move into another phase of his a lot of foot traffic and you have to Tom Hays life—a well-earned retirement. maximize the local and the tourist His elegant little shop will close for business. You also have to have a strong service end. good on Dec. 23, a decision that did not come easily It’s really an art to make it work.” for a 76-year-old man who arrived in town in 1972. The art part also has always kept his interest. He initially opened a small boutique that included Back when he lived in New York, where he earned clothing and gifts and eventually morphed into a Masters degree from NYU, he initially dabbled in jewelry and all the services related to that business. designing his own jewelry. Over the years, he spent “The reason I’m stopping is because of my age,” he a lot of time traveling to New York’s famous 47th said in a recent interview. “In a small town, there is Street diamond district to purchase items he’d later a lot of down time, and too much time between the sell in Middleburg. And he also developed a network next big sale. As much as I love it, it’s time.” of fine jewelry artisans around Northern Virginia For the last few months, Hays has held a going- who have executed his designs and supplied the out-of-business sale he described as “just amazing.” shop with a variety of gorgeous pieces. By Leonard Shapiro

“One of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I have is made of antique stickpins that he designed,” said Upperville attorney Mildred “Bucky” Slater, a longtime patron. “He’s a very nice man, a very talented man. We’re going to be sorry he’s closing.” That sort of devoted local clientele keeps coming back year after year. But he’s also well aware that buying trends in recent years have shifted to the internet and led to the demise of many brick-and-mortar institutions both locally and around the country. “That’s the challenge in Middleburg,” he said. “Because millennials seem to be so squeezed for time, they can shop online. They use their free time for experiences, not going into stores. All small towns have suffered. I’ve talked to shop owners in England, and their small villages are dying because of it.” Hays actually grew up in a very big town— Washington, D.C.—and famed Washington Post Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein was a childhood friend. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1966 and eventually gravitated to New York. He once traveled the country in a camper, and actually discovered Middleburg on the advice of friends. “I drove out here one day,” he said. “And I said yes, this is it.” With $10,000 in savings, he opened up his business, and the rest, as they say, is local retail history. “It’s been a hell of a ride,” Hays said. “I could not have written a better life story for myself.”

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By William H. (Mike) du Pont

ack in the 1950s, several Middleburg teenagers, including Sandy Young and my brother, Victor, went off to boarding school at the Pomfret School in Eastern Connecticut, a fine institution with a very active sports program. Pomfret was particularly known for its’ crew teams, which often won the New England secondary school rowing championship. They rowed four-oared shells like most of the secondary schools, but the colleges and universities rowed eights. In their fifth form year (11th grade) Sandy and Vic both went out for crew, Vic as an oarsman, Sandy as a coxswain. Vic was a big, coordinated, muscular lad, first string varsity football. Sandy was more diminutive, but a first-class fellow, well-liked by all and known back then as “the Gnat.” As crew season came, they were both placed in the same shell, designated No. 2 on the crew team, with the No. 1 shell all seniors. However, as the practice season approached the competition season, it became very apparent that Sandy’s crew had the superior shell on the water. His crew consisted of William Marris ( known as “Limey”), as No. 1 oar, Pete Roudabush No. 2, Vic du Pont No. 3, Sandy Bricken No. 4 or stroke and, of course, Sandy Young as coxswain. Marris was an English boy who had come over for one year in an American school. Some would think “Limey” was a pejorative nickname for an Englishman, but I think not. In the 18th century, the English discovered that limes (vitamin C) cured scurvy, the scourge of sailors long at sea. Well done “Limeys!” Sandy’s team was out as Pomfret’s No. 1 shell through the competitions that season. The races were held every Saturday and consisted of shells from several different schools. They won all their races except one, finishing a close second to Brown and Nichols. The crew season culminated in the Great Worcester Regatta held on Lake Quinsigamon near Worcester, Massachusetts. The competition consisted of two three-quarter mile sprints for each ranking: Nos. 1, 2 and 3 shells. These were extremely tough competitions; an oarsman had to be very fit because they rowed the body of the race at about 32 strokes a minute and finished at 40-plus. Wyatt Garfield, coach of the crew team, felt that the seniors should have the honor of representing Pomfret as the No . 1 boat and Sandy Young and his boat would be No. 2, much to their chagrin. The races went on, and, predictably, the seniors lost their race. Sandy and Vic’s boat not only won, they set the fastest time overall on Lake Quinsigamon that day. The job of the coxswain is much more important than appears. He not only steers the shell and beats time for the oars to row to, he’s the leader of the shell. He must keep the oarsmen’s spirits up, together, controlled and focused. With a shell full of 17- and 18-year-old boys just starting to feel their oats, this was a big job. And with Bricken and du Pont in your shell, this was really a big job! They sometimes lost a firm grip on their control and focus but definitely had the strength and drive. And Sandy Young, now a long-time Middleburg resident, held it all together and produced what many consider to be the finest crew in the history of Pomfret School. William H. (Mike) du Pont is a long-time Middleburg resident and former MFH of the Orange County Hounds.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

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PROPERTY Writes

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his 16-acre estate is the private residence of one of Washington D.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preeminent builders. Custom designed for entertaining family and friends, this is the benchmark for living the gracious and comfortable lifestyle. One notices the quality immediately upon entering the gates off Smitten Farm Lane. As the driveway curves to the right, the handsome stone residence appears amidst the beautifully manicured grounds. One enters through the wide front door into a grand foyer with wide, plank cherry flooring and graceful curved stairway. The foyer opens to many of the rooms and leads to the magnificent veranda, which wraps the home and overlooks the pool and lawn. This veranda, which can be accessed directly from all but one of the main level rooms, creates an outdoor haven for relaxation; its size and quality rivals the grand porches of the spectacular coastal estates.

A greenhouse conservatory and formal gardens add to the ambiance of this classic country setting.

Special features of this property include: entrance security gates and an extensive security system throughout the home, custom four-foot wide exterior doors, French doors with screens to the veranda, wide board cherry flooring throughout the main level, custom moldings and woodwork, powder rooms, spacious breakfast room with banquette seating, mudroom area with laundry room and dog bath, outdoor shower, terraced lawn with stone retaining walls, stocked pond with fountain all within the Orange County Foxhounds location. The kitchen includes a Viking gas range and grill with vent hood. Three ovens, two dishwashers, a Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer, under-counter drink refrigerator and ice-maker.

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The main level includes living room, dining room, den and family room each with a fireplace, sunroom and wet bar.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

For Gomer Pyles, the Planet is a Playground

By Leslie VanSant

f you were casting the movie biopic of his life, the lead role surely would be filled by a cross between Jeff Bridges (the “dude” in The Big Lebowski) and Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams). Gomer Pyles, with a full white beard and a trademark bandanna keeping his flowing locks in place, has a Zen approach to life and gardening, and a boundless love of the outdoors and planet earth. He lives to watch the sun and moon rise another day, and see what happens in the “movie” he calls life. “We encounter each other in our movies,” he said. “We have to just roll with it.” Some know Pyles because he’s the principle of Able Bodied Computers, helping area residents, businesses and farms set up or fix computers for years. His friendly countenance helps calm clients whose computers and printers have decided to revolt. Others know him for his art: photography. A California native, Gomer is actually a nickname he earned in middle school. He has a degree from Cal State in sociology and recreation, is a skilled carpenter as well as a computer savant. He has literally hitched, walked or driven across the country, gathering friends and memories along the way. Since his first journey, a walk around Lake Tahoe at age 19, he has always packed an open mind, a guitar and a camera. For the record, he quickly realized he could not circumnavigate Lake Tahoe by foot in a week. But he also learned to make friends, and to also enjoy solitude. “We all have to learn to overcome that fear of loneliness so we can live together better,” he said.

One of Gomer’s favorite photos. Photos by Gomer Pyles

Gomer Pyles, at sunset. Fast forward to the 1980s and Pyles found himself in The Plains, working to renovate the old store building into the restaurant and bar called “Leathercoat” which is now Girasole. He liked being in Virginia, having had fond memories of visiting his grandparents in West Virginia, so he decided to put down a few roots. Literally. “My grandma taught me about gardening and canning,” he said, and his quirky garden planted in and around his old car is well known for its bounty. Annual harvests include peppers, garlic, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and more. He puts up pickles, salsa and sometimes apple butter. He also credits his grandparents with instilling in him a desire for sustainability. He lives by the credo of reduce, re-use and recycle. He grows his food organically and shares the bounty that comes from the earth with his family and friends.

His love for nature and the earth also is crystal clear in his photos. “I started taking pictures with an old Minolta in the ’70s,” he said, “but I didn’t really start seeing photography or the world like I do now until after my stroke in 2009.” Pyles shares a photo or two a day via his Facebook page. He stops whenever his eye is intrigued and snaps away with a camera or his Iphone. Part luck, and a big part skill, his photos remind us all of the sheer beauty of nature found here in Virginia’s Piedmont. His themes may repeat, but the images are never the same. He captures sunlight dancing across a field, reflections in windows and puddles, birds, insects and flowers. There are countless images of the full or partial moon, and his work inspires thought and awe through the serendipitous beauty of nature. He captions his photos simply “Along the road to a client’s farm,” which conveys his own wonder and the pure luck of seeing something that amazing and beautiful every day in his “movie.”

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A Hunting They Will Stay (In Middleburg)

By Emma Boyce

wo bronze hounds, suspended mid-chase in front of 301 East Washington Street, mark the new Middleburg location for the Master of the Foxhounds Association & Foundation. Formed in 1907, it’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a goal of preserving the sport of mounted hunting in its various incarnations across the United States and Canada. “There were a lot of places that they could have chosen for their headquarters,” said Middleburg resident Penny Denegre, MFHA’s second vice president and, for over twenty years, Master of Fox Hounds for the Middleburg Hunt. “Perhaps one reason they chose Virginia is that out of 150 recognized hunts under their purview, 25 are in Virginia. From that standpoint, it makes sense that it’s here.” (Pennsylvania, with ten hunts, comes in a distant second.) Before making its home in Middleburg, the MFHA had an office in Millwood. At one time, it was even located in Boston. The Middleburg move now seems permanent. As the nexus of American fox-hunting, the Middleburg area has dedicated its stores and restaurants to the sport. It’s nearly impossible to walk down Washington Street without encountering the village’s most famous staples, the fox and the hound. While some states consider fox-hunting antiquated, for many of the denizens of Northern Virginia, it’s a way of life.

Two bronze hounds, suspended mid-chase grace the front of the Middleburg based Master of the Foxhounds Association & Foundation.

Penny Denegre (right) with her husband John Denegre.

“We Virginians are very grateful and proud that it’s here. It means a lot to us,” said Denegre, noting the symbol of the town of Middleburg is the running fox. “Historically, many famous Virginians were avid fox-hunters, George Washington being probably the most famous.” The impetus behind the move to Middleburg came from former MFHA President Dr. John R. van Nagell, who believed in the importance of having a brick-and-mortar facility devoted to the sport. “He felt very strongly that we needed a presence, some place where people could come and learn about fox-hunting and where there could be an exchange of ideas,” said Denegre. Following through with Nagell’s vision, the new headquarters aims not only to be a haven for participants, but also for those new to it.

In the future, the MFHA hopes to have a foxhunting library, as well as educational brochures for newcomers. On view now are bronze sculptures and portraits, excluding one painting by Ellen Emmet Rand, temporarily on loan to the National Sporting Library & Museum. The building itself is something to see. Erected in 1830, it served as the home of Lorman Chancellor, mayor of Middleburg during the Civil War. Confederate raider Col. John Mosby often joined him for dinner there on Sundays. It also was the long time residence of the Allen family, who founded and still own The Fun Shop. Today, the building is looking to make history again as the permanent location of the MFHA. “The MFHA now has a home,” said Denegre, “and that is a wonderful feeling.” The MFHA building is open to visitors Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Archwood Green Barns Winter Market Goes Through Dec. 22

By Carina Elgin

kip the traffic, help your local small farm producers, and have fun with friends and family by doing your holiday shopping at the Archwood Green Barns, just outside The Plains. The Sunday Farmer’s Market has been so popular with shoppers and vendors, the regular season has been extended until November 24, and a Winter Market has been added for December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd (hours 10 a.m to 3 p.m.). The Winter Market will take place in the heated small barn and adjacent parking lot, where visitors can browse the tables inside and tents outside for locally produced foods and gifts to help spread holiday cheer. There will, as always, be prepared foods, baked goods, artisan gifts, preserved foods, meats & eggs from local farmers, seasonal produce, storage crops, honey, coffee, and even a few new vendors. Martin’s Farms Lamb and Dry Aged Beef is a source for delicious meats to serve over the holidays. Martin’s also sells gorgeous wool blankets, made from their own sheep that graze the fields around The Plains. Hess Fruits and Produce always has fresh fruits and vegetables, and try Living Springs Microgreens. Jerry’s Berries has some of the best local, organic berry products, such as tasty jams. J Bird Coffee Roaster is always ready to offer a sample of their coffee, roasted in Charlottesville. Cross Roads Teas will have gourmet teas, fresh scones and other scrumptious bakery items. Dimitri Olive Oils sells a variety of infused oils, vinegars and sauces that make beautiful gifts, as do the lovely products from Happy Anchor Soapery. Watery Mountain Essentials, based out of nearby Warrenton, offers artisanal bath and body products, as well as hand-poured candles. And, be sure to stop by Immortal Mountain Chocolates to sample and purchase those special little treats. Plan on having lunch at the market, or grab a snack. Choices include the farmto-table Happy Family Food Truck, Lamacita or the Dancing Cow Grill, all serving locally-sourced deliciousness. New vendors are being added, so be sure to stop by and see what the local Holiday Elves have been busy producing for you and yours.

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Looking for more great local gifts this season? “Your Window and Door Specialist”

Over the mountain in Berryville, you can find the home of Gunters Honey, a family-run operation producing a large variety of local honeys, including Buckwheat. Their honeys can be found in many local retail outlets; they’re the largest honey producer in the Mid-Atlantic. The best spot to order their selection online is at Mountain Ridge Way Products, which specializes in several Virginia grown delicacies. www.mrwproducts. com.

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At the Holy Cross Abbey, they offer delicious fruitcakes made by the Trappist monks at their Berryville monastery. These full, rich moist treats, are now available online, to be sent to friends and family. They also offer “monastery truffles” and creamed honey in a variety of tantalizing flavors (brandy or blueberry honey, anyone?) www. monasteryfruitcake.com.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Keeping a Year End List and Checking it Twice

By Tom Wiseman

ith the Middleburg Christmas parade on the horizon, I’m reminded that 2019 is quickly drawing to a close.

My son, William, is already seven and my dad is nearing his ninth decade. Where did the time go? How is it that we’re already entering the 2020s? With the end of the year rapidly approaching, I want to remind you of a few items we deem important to wrap up in 2019. • Harvest Losses: Be sure to harvest any losses in your portfolio so you can use those losses to offset any gains. Stacking those losses against realized gains can be critical in reducing taxes and is helpful when it comes time to pay the taxman! • Required Minimum Distribution (RMDs): If you are 70.5, be sure you’re withdrawing the minimum amount from your retirement accounts otherwise a tax of 50 per cent will be imposed upon the amount not withdrawn. YIKES!

Tom Wiseman

• ’Tis The Season for Giving: If you wish to give money to family or friends, remember you may gift up to $15,000 per year without filing tax forms. If you are married, both you and your spouse may give the recipient of your choice $15,000 (a total of $30,000). This is a great way to inspire a family member’s love and minimize your taxable estate. • Feeling Charitable: Consider setting up a Donor

Advised Fund account in which you can donate cash, stock, or non-publicly traded assets like real estate and let them grow tax-free. This is also a great way to utilize low-basis stock that otherwise might be very expensive to sell. For example, the Microsoft stock you have been holding on to for 20 years which would be a tax nightmare to sell would be an ideal stock to gift to a favorite non-profit. • Family Discussion: We think it’s incredibly important to talk about wealth transfer among family members. If you haven’t already done that, go ahead and have that conversation with your loved ones while they are all together for the holidays. We’ve found that it’s comforting to all parties involved to have some knowledge of family estate plans. Even if it’s as simple as letting your children know where our estate documents are located, it’s a start • Fund Qualified Accounts: Go ahead and make your annual contributions to your retirement plan. Be sure you’re contributing at least what your employer matches for 401ks, 403bs, Simple IRAs etc. As for traditional or Roth IRAs, you may contribute up to $6,000 and if you’re over 50, you may contribute up to $7,000. We know you have until April 15th 2020, but it never hurts to be proactive. If you don’t have a retirement plan or account, you may want to explore how setting one up can benefit you personally. These are just a few of the items we think necessary to check off your list for year-end. If you have any questions, we’re more than happy to help. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

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By Sebastian Langenberg

here’s truly a world-class orchestra, the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, in our own back yard. And proof of their prowess can be found in their yearly holiday concert. On Sunday, Dec. 8, they’ll perform Handel’s stirring Messiah, with a twist, at 3 p.m. at Highland School in Warrenton.. This piece is actually a sing-along. The audience will be provided the words and the music and will be encouraged to sing .

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The concert will feature soloists Emily Casey (soprano), Nakia Verner (alto), Jason Labrador (tenor) and Matthew Ogden (bass), along with members of the highly-acclaimed Reston Chorale. “I love the fact that we fully engage the audience and the energy that you get from the audience participating in that level,” said Kate Garretson, Executive Director of the PSO. The Messiah was originally composed for Easter, but has now become a fixture of the Christmas season. Handel wrote it over four weeks in 1741, quite a rapid pace, working morning, noon and night. And of the iconic composers of all time, his contemporary, Mozart, once said of him that “Handel knows better than any of us what will make an effect.” “The music speaks for itself,” said Glenn Quader, the versatile conductor and music director for the PSO. A native of Washington D.C., he’s also equally adept in the classical, jazz and popular genres.

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The orchestra also will be spotlighting will be performing Vivaldi’s “Triple Violin Concert.” The three featured violinists playing the piece will be Concertmaster H. Lee Brewster, Associate Concertmaster Jason Labrador, and Principal Second Violin Matthew Gattuso. “I want the audience to get to know our players,” said Quader, who also is hoping for many youngsters to attend. “Thanks to an anonymous donor, all of our student tickets are free.” That will be the case for all PSO concerts this year, one Garretson’s goal as executive director. “We want to make classical music accessible,” she said. The orchestra also has been committed to staging more local events, including a performance last year at Buchanan Hall in Upperville, the better to engage the community. Tickets for the Messiah are priced from $25 to $35. For more information go to www.piedmontsymphony.

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Vineyard VIEW

A Sommelier’s Story at a Historic Location By Peter Leonard-Morgan

ne of Middleburg’s shining stars is the awardwinning Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, tucked away on 265 rolling acres just three miles northwest of Middleburg. The inn is at the top of a steep, curved drive off the appropriately named Snake Hill Road, which itself winds its way from Foxcroft Road to the village of St. Louis. The property has some fascinating history. Jamie “The Scot” Leith provided supplies to General George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War from what was then the 640-acre farm close to where Goodstone now sits. Later on, Leith descendants fought in the Civil War with the south’s John Singleton Mosby and General J.E.B. Stuart, local legendary figures from a bygone age and a turbulent, momentous period in American history. During the early 1900s, the land was acquired by the Goodwin family. They built a substantial house and equestrian facilities, naming the property Goodstone. Sadly, fire razed that original house to the ground in about 1939. However, the front façade remains to this day as the photogenic entryway to the outdoor heated pool, and a true selfie spot. The Warburg banking family eventually purchased Goodstone in 1943 and set about constructing what

Photos by Peter Morgan-Leonard

Goodstone Inn sommelier Stephen Elhafdi. we see today as the main manor house. That house has been fastidiously expanded upon over the years in its guise as a destination inn and restaurant, with rooms and cottages dotted around the property.

Goodstone’s sommelier, Stephen Elhafdi, is a native of Morocco whose French influences brought him to mainland France at the tender age of 14. Following school, or lycée, Stephen made the

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The Conservatory dining room at Goodstone.

decision to learn all about the science of wine and enroll in an oenology program in historic Nantes, which is, appropriately, in the heart of the Pays de la Loire wine region. He graduated after three years in 1985 with that essential understanding of wine and wine-making which would ultimately guide him to a career as a sommelier. Then Stephen made the bold move to the United States where he had extended family. He began his restaurant working life at La Colline, which was then a wellknown and beloved French restaurant on Capitol Hill. The chef there, Robert Greault, took him under his wing. Colline, aptly, is French for “Hill.” La Colline was followed by a continuing apprenticeship next to the acclaimed Marc Fusilier at Chez Marc in Manassas, a Master Cuisinier of France, and Commander of the Cordons Bleus of France. There, Elhafdi honed his craft as sommelier over the ensuing 14 years. After Chez Marc, it was back to Washington for Elhafdi, who spent the next 13 years with renowned Chef Bob Kinkead at his eponymous Kinkead’s American Brasserie. Esquire Magazine named it as one of America’s 25 best new restaurants when it opened in 1993. In 2013, Elhafdi accepted the role of Wine Director and Sommelier at Goodstone and has nevr looked back. During his first six years there, he’s developed the wine program from a solid base to a point now where he oversees some 6,000 bottles, and 650 varietals. Two years ago, Goodstone opened its newly expanded Conservatory, a wonderful dining room with windows all round and overhead. There, guests enjoy truly exquisite dishes prepared by the talented culinary team, matched perfectly with wines suggested by Elhafdi. For larger groups, there is the “Wine Cellar,” a completely private room to the side of the Conservatory. A visit to Goodstone is always a treat and Stephen’s deep knowledge of wine ensures perfect pairings. Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is located at 36205 Snake Hill Road in Middleburg. For more information call 540-687-3333.

The wine cellar at Goodstone.

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Purchasing and consigning quality antique arms ofmedals, all types swords, knives, bayonets, uniforms, flags, belts, since 1957. Appraisers and other collectable militaria.We to the Smithsonian, thebuckles National Park Service and also thepurchase National Firearms Museum. gun and military related books, gun related Recipient of the U.S. sporting Department of the Interior’s Citation for Public Service. tools, vintage ammunition, etc. If you have any antique or collectable you want Address: to Visit our shop!military or gun items thatMailing sell please contact us for more information our Box 7 109 E. Washington St (Rt. 50) Post on Office appraisal services, consignment rates or outright sale.VA 20118 Middleburg, VA 20117 Middleburg,

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Perspectives on Childhood, Education and Parenting Staying Tech Connected, to a Point

By Tom Northrup

“H

igh tech” and “high touch” are terms introduced by John Naisbitt in his prescient and thoughtprovoking book Megatrends (1982). In 1999, he co-authored a follow-up work entitled High Tech, High Touch. Naisbitt’s thesis is that with the rapid and inevitable advances in technology (“high tech”), people would increasingly need and seek avenues for human activity and connection (“high touch”). His insight continues to offer a simple and elegant framework to reflect on how we balance these two in our homes and workplaces. I acknowledge and appreciate the many ways that technological advances have helped to make us healthier, safer, and more easily connected to family and friends. I’d also like to explore how school leaders and parents can evaluate whether the reliance on technology is beneficial in two areas. The first is the use of email to conduct parentteacher “conferences” about a child’s academic or social struggles or challenges. Email offers many advantages (free, quick, paperless). It’s terrific for scheduling appointments or providing logistical information. For several reasons it’s also an ineffective medium on which to have important home-school conversations. For both parties, composing thoughtful on-line responses is time-consuming, and such exchanges lack the opportunity for non-verbal communication, as well as the spontaneity which an in-person

“The two biggest markets in the United States are consumer technology and the escape from consumer technology.” –John Naisbitt, Author

conference offers. Additionally, these email conversations require teachers to spend time and energy (both finite resources) that would be better allocated in preparing lessons, meeting with students individually, and having personal time. Using email exclusively to schedule a day and time and to define the topics for discussion at the conference is preferable. Such “high touch” meetings between teachers and parents promote understanding, partnership, and trust, and are usually more satisfying to both. A second use of technology which some schools are employing, is a system that tracks a student’s grades and test results on a daily basis. Parents can access this information in real time. While there are a few children who would benefit from this close electronic monitoring by parents, it’s not helpful to most. A fundamental parenting principle, in my view, is that each year children should be afforded an increasing amount of latitude (opportunities to make independent decisions, and to learn from successes and missteps without adult intervention). Therefore, in their later school years, students should

be managing their academic, extracurricular, and social responsibilities without excessive adult oversight. Certainly, parents should be informed by periodic reporting from the school, and even better, from conversations initiated by their child. But hourTom Northrup by-hour information is intrusive and potentially harmful to the child’s long-term growth. In rare circumstances, daily communication between school and home may be in the child’s best interests, but the need for such monitoring should be carefully evaluated and agreed to by both teachers and parents. Naisbitt’s books continue to be relevant, and they encourage thinking about maintaining a healthy balance between technology and human connection. While the sophistication of technology grows daily and exponentially, we now have enough experience with its benefits and drawbacks to be better positioned to make more informed decisions in balancing these competing demands. We all know that periodic unplugging often restores the soul, and ironically, some of the most creative “high tech” thinkers are designing ways to do this. Tom Northrup, a long-time educator, is Head of School Emeritus at The Hill School in Middleburg.

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It’s A Fabulous New Day For Upperville Horse Show

By Louisa Woodville

mily Day of White Post is the new Upperville Colt and director of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, the oldest horse show Horse Show in the United States that draws 9197 John S. Mosby Hwy. more than 2,000 hunter-jumper riders to Upperville, VA 20184 historic Grafton show grounds and Salem USHS1853@gmail.com jumper rings. It takes place in 2020 June 1-7. 540-687-5740 “I have a lot of good feelings about upperville.com Upperville that I wanted to bring to this job,” said the 51-year-old mother of two. “So far it’s been great, and I’m really learning. People on the board ask me to do things, and my job is to get them done.” Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis, president of the board, is enthusiastic about Emily’s decision to take on the directorship. “It’s all good, good, good!” he said. “She’s local, she’s smart, she knows horses, and everything about her coming on board is good. She’s a perfect fit.” Day, 51, looks like she stepped out of a 16th-century portrait, despite being dressed in jeans and pea-green wool sweater. Tall, with striking brown eyes and an aquiline nose, she has an engaging smile that puts people at ease. She laughs easily and a lot. “I’m excited about being a part of the Upperville team,” she said. “It’s a show that means a lot locally, as well as internationally and nationwide.” Both Day and the board want to make sure the 167th edition of the show offers the spectacular grand prix final competition as well as opportunities for local equestrians. “We want to stick to our roots as we gain popularity internationally,” she said. “Upperville is a very popular place, so there’s always the balancing act between making sure that the locals are able to come [along with Olympic-caliber professionals from elsewhere].” Day grew up in Unionville, Pennsylvania, where her father—fox-hunter, author, historian, and veterinarian Matthew McKay-Smith—founded the Delaware Equine Center and pioneered a number of innovative surgical and diagnostic procedures. Her mother, Winkie, raised and showed English bull terriers and, like her husband, avidly fox-hunted and competed in endurance riding. “In 1983 my father sold out his partnership in the Delaware Equine Center and became the medical editor of Equus Magazine in Gaithersburg,” Day said, explaining her family’s move to White Post, where her father had grown up.

Photo by Barre Dukes courtesy of Phelps Sports

The 2020 edition of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show will take place June 1-7.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

Photo by Louisa Woodville

Emily Day Mackay-Smith’s veterinary expertise helped establish Equus as an awardwinning magazine. In the early 1930s, Day’s New York grandparents, the renowned author and sportsman Alexander MacKay-Smith and his wife, Joan, visited a cousin, William Bell Watkins, at the time Master of Blue Ridge Hounds. After Watkins took the couple fox-hunting, both were hooked. They bought the 600-acre Farnley Farm in White Post in 1932, named after the original 18th century Quaker family. Her grandmother bred ponies and her grandfather wrote articles and books, among other things. Editor of The Chronicle of the Horse until 1976, Matthew founded or co-founded the United States Pony Club, the Leesburgbased Museum of Hounds and Hunting, and the Kentucky-based American Academy of Equine Art, and The National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg. “My grandfather was quite a renaissance man,” she said. “He played a Stradivarius, studied music in Paris, and was a lawyer.” Her grandparents’ farm still holds many memories. “Since I was little, I was coming to ride Farnley ponies,” she said, referring to summers she and her older sisters, Juliet and Joan, would visit from Unionville. She vividly recalls breaking, riding and showing her grandmother’s Welsh and Dartmoor ponies. “If you got to go to Upperville,” she said, “that was really big deal.” she said. Now she’s continuing her family’s legacy. “I ran a pretty complicated business with my husband for 30 years,” she said, referring to Daybreak Stables, where she and her Irish-born husband, Jimmy Day, trains steeplechasers and flat horses, breeds thoroughbreds, and operates a sales business. Running Daybreak involved constantly learning and was complemented by a fox-hunting business she ran until 2010—the year she returned to University of Virginia to finish her degree. While there, she earned a degree in psychology and subsequently became a certified mediator, honing skills to bring people’s divergent interests together—an invaluable asset. “There’s a lot of knowledge on the [Upperville] board of what needs to be done and how to get it done,” she said. “I’m busily trying to navigate their system and see how they do things. There’s a lot to learn about an FEI FourStar horse show. I’ll wear many and any hats, and I think that’s the idea.”

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

In The Field and At The Races Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Darren Nagle guided Able Archer to a 2 ¾-length Photo by Tiffany Dillon Keen win in the $20,000 Kinross Steeplethon over the Kate Gilhool of the Elkridge-Harford Hounds on Skye’s Limit was Alfred M. Hunt Course at Glenwood Park in the champion of the Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Trials. Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg. The sevenyear-old brown gelding, by Eskendereya out of Fareena, by Point Given, is owned by KMSN Stable and trained by Jonathan Sheppard.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Tiffany Dillon Keen

JNAFC 2019 Colby Poe on Hershey

Four wise men at the International Gold Cup: Charley Matheson, Len Shapiro, George Thompson and Charlie Seilheimer.

Hadden Frost rode Dolly Fisher’s Schoodic to victory in the $75,000 International Gold Cup’s 3 ½-mile Timber Stakes at Great Meadow in The Plains. Trained by Jack Fisher, the nine-year-old bay gelding by Tiznow out of Aunt Henny by Hennessy had a 2 ½- length winning margin.

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The Junior North American Field Hunter Championships Photos by Tiffany Dillon Keen

Flora Hannum and Snickers of Orange County Hounds are on a roll. They won the 12-and-under age group at the JNAFHC at Old Whitewood. She also won the Best Junior at the Orange County Team Chase and won Best Camper/ Fox Hunter at the Green Spring Valley Summer Camp in Maryland. A barn party for participants was held at Bryce Lingo’s Orange Hill Farm.

JNAFHC 2019 Colby Poe on Hershey from Old Dominion Hounds.

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An Admirable Act of Pure Steeplechasing Sportsmanship

By Sean Clancy

ough day at Callaway Gardens in early November. Jockeys and horses hitting the ground. Stellar racing. With a cost.

Carrying Jack Doyle’s whip to a somber jocks’ room after the last race, I wondered about blessings in disguise and all the years when we wished for Montpelier and Callaway Gardens to be on separate days, allowing for more runners, better racing at both storied venues. Well, this year we got our wish with full fields at Montpelier in Virginia Nov. 2 and at Callaway Gardens in Georgia a week later. Full fields of fast horses and determined jockeys on a tight, right-handed, demanding course. A cauldron. There was nowhere to hide. Former champion jockey Kieran Norris had two falls, the second sending him to the hospital with three broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken arm. Doyle had two falls, the second ending his season with a broken jaw. It was as brutal as I’ve ever seen, the perspective of a jockey’s life right there in front of you. Jack curled on his side, blood spewing from his mouth, clotting in his nostrils, reaching for his head while trying to comprehend the pain. He could only moan. Doyle has made a positive impact on American steeplechasing since he arrived for seven summer rides in 2014. A winner of more than 200 races in England and Ireland before he came to America, he’s a gifted jockey with light hands, long legs and a gymnast’s balance. Horses like him, horsemen like him. He was six rides away (the finale at Callaway and a possible five at Charleston) from ending his American stint on a high with perhaps his first riding title, and heading home to take the baton from his dad Pat in their burgeoning training business in Ireland.

Jack Doyle surely picked up plum rides in the other races as well. It would have been good sport.

Six rides away. With 20 wins for the season, Doyle went to Callaway with a tenuous onevictory lead over Mikey Mitchell in the jockey standings. It was a margin that had been clawed back through a torrid run during the late summer and fall. Doyle won four races at Colonial Downs, two at Shawan Downs, three at Foxfield. He posted single wins at the Virginia Fall Races, Far Hills, Montpelier and a miraculous triumph aboard Just Wait And See at the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup when horse and rider were down but not quite out. After four seasons in the standings’ top five, maybe this would be Doyle’s year. He’d lost by one win to Darren Nagle in 2018, was way ahead by September in 2016, only to finish fifth after breaking his pelvis in a fall. Irish-born Doyle, 30, had reeled in British-born Mitchell, 28, who burned through the spring and summer, building what looked like an insurmountable lead atop Jack Fisher’s freight trains. Mitchell’s output slowed but he was still in the ring, one back, going to Callaway. That margin vanished when he squeezed 2 1/4 miles out of Storm Team to best Doyle on City Dreamer in the $75,000 AFLAC Supreme novice hurdle stakes. In a year of deciding moments, this looked like a big one. A race later, turning for home on Zanzi Win, Doyle had a chance to wrangle his lead back. They stretched to the last hurdle, sand slipping through the sieve and misjudged or miscommunicated with a long and low stab. Zanzi Win stayed on his feet but jutted like a motorcycle hitting a curb. Doyle usually sticks; he didn’t this time, splaying right, landing awkwardly in front of Sportswear who kicked him like a tin can down a storm drain. With or without a title, Doyle was meant to be getting out and going home. Instead he’s at Johns Hopkins, getting out of surgery and far from home. Sunday’s finale at Charleston was meant to decide the jockey title. Mitchell was live on Fast Car in the 3-year-old race and Eleven It Is in the maiden claimer for Fisher. The jockey had a chance on Gaye Breeze in the 115-pound handicap hurdle, was booked on Paddy’s Crown in the 110 and a maiden was certainly available. Doyle had a couple for his main barn, Elizabeth Voss, and would have

Photo by Doug Gehlsen/Middleburg Photo

Respected in all camps, Mitchell and Doyle each deserved the title. And each will get it. Sunday morning, Fisher walked into the tack room and looked at Mitchell. “So, Charleston, what do you want to do?” the trainer asked. Mitchell told Fisher he didn’t think he should run his two horses, but should honor his commitment on the others. Then he called home and spoke to his parents. Talked to a few other older, wiser confidants. It became crystal clear. “Going down to Charleston, I was putting myself into a position where I was taking away from someone else,” Mitchell said. “I’ve won. Jack’s won. The only other outcome would be winning a race and taking that title away from Jack. That’s what hit me.

Jack Doyle posted this message recently on his Facebook page: Thanks for all the kind messages and well wishes! Got discharged and back home this evening.....fractured jaw in multiple Fleet places and it’s wired shut for 4/6 weeks but it’s all superficial and should heal that normally with time! Also a huge shout 3,10 out to Mikey Mitchell for giving up his of W rides this weekend and leaving the mill, championship a tie, goes to show what Fleet an unbelievably classy guy he is! strea that and 3,10

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2019

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Peter Pejacsevich Principal Broker & Managing Partner | License M 540.270.3835 | O 540.687.6321 x 104 peter@atokaproperties.com

Pejacsevich PeterPeter Pejacsevich Principal & Managing Partnerin|VALicense Principal BrokerBroker & Managing Partner | Licensed M 540.270.3835 | O 540.687.6321 x 104 Scott Buzzelli M 540.270.3835 | O 540.687.6321 x 104 peter@atokaproperties.com REALTOR® & Partner | Licensed in VA

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& Managing Pa

M |540.270.3835 | Oin540.687.63 O x 101 M 540.454.1399 REALTOR® & 540.687.6321 Partner | Licensed VA scott@atokaproperties.com peter@atokaproperties.com M 540.454.1399 | O 540.687.6321 x 101 scott@atokaproperties.com

howcases the rolling hills andAccess majestic mountain property is aa snap snapviews with road road trails and local activities to enjoy. to the property is with S I M P LY B E T T E R . located afrontage stone’sthat throw from multiple country towns, there ample Manorare Rd. This This is is aa includes Carr Ln, Route 17, and Leeds Manor Rd. MIDDLEBURG Country isAT known for. Comprised of 33 parcels totalling ARN TOURFLEETWOOD.COM REAL ESTATE s andMORE local activities to enjoy. opportunity! Access to the property a snap with road phenomenal investment Property is not inisconservation easement. S I M P LYScott B E T Buzzelli TER. ure farmland, this massive plot sits a mere 60 miles west ntage that includes Carr Ln, Route 17, and Leeds Manor Rd. This is a MIDDLEBURG LEARN MORE TOURFLEETWOOD.COM REAL ESTATE nomenal opportunity! Property is notand in conservation easement. On theinvestment property areAT5TOURFLEETWOOD.COM rental homes a historic stone REALTOR® & Partner | Licensed 540.687.6321 | 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 | MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM S I M P LY B E T T E R . ounded by Gap Run, Crooked Run, and other creeks, M 540.454.1399 | O 540.687.63 MIDDLEBURG ARN MORE AT TOURFLEETWOOD.COM VA 20117 20117 MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM 540.687.6321 | 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDLEBURG, VA R E A L | E S TMIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM ATE scott@atokaproperties.com s. Bordered to the northeast by Sky Meadows State Park e’s throw from multiple country towns, there are ample

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520

“Specializing in large land holdings” ED

R CT DERA UNNT O C

CLEREMONT

760 ACRES/LEESBURG

MUSTER LANE

Upperville ~ The Impressive & Historic 1511 acre Estate & Prize Winning Cattle Farm of is an assemblage of 3 contiguous farms, which can be purchased separately. Through the exceptional management, which is willing to stay, this is some of the most magnificent farmland with 33 verdant pastures, natural water resources and forest, which creates a haven of tranquility. $13,000,000

Rare, 760 Acre Working Farm, 5 minutes north of the Town of Leesburg, currently in crops, hay, cattle and sheep. Four residences include the historic main house and 3 tenant homes. Substantial Rt. 15 road frontage. This open land features streams and pond. Currently in 2 large tracts and 1 small parcel. Potential for Conservation Easement Tax Credits. $8,600,000

The Plains ~ 108 gorgeous Acres, This Stately and Historic Estate with its grand rooms is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory, minutes to Middleburg. It also features a pool and pool house, 5 bay garage with office, 2 tenant houses, newly remodeled 11 stall center aisle stable with apt. & office, riding arena and exceptional ride-out to wooded trails and open pastures. $7,250,000

TULEYRIES

OATLAND VIEWS SECTION 1

(Adjacent to CHUDLEIGH FARM SECTION 2) ALDIE ~ 271 Acres on the north side of Oatlands Road between Rt. 15 and Snickersville Turnpike. Divided into 11 HOMESITES ranging in size from 13-41 Acres with private road frontage on Clear Creek Lane. 10 of the 11 parcels have wells and Certification Letters for 4 bedroom septics. Land protected by Loudoun County Open Space Easement. $5,500,000

Boyce ~ Exquisite Federal Style Mansion, c.1833, features 12’ ceilings, dramatic curved stairway and 5 en-suite bedrooms. Sited on 406 Acres in 3 parcels with Easement Potential. Built by Joseph Tuley, Jr., later purchased by Graham Blandy, who bequeathed over half of the original estate to the University of Virginia (State Arboretum of Virginia). Estate includes 3 tenant houses, 12 stall stable with renovated 3 bd. apt. $5,000,000 & numerous historic structures.

CHILLY BLEAK

Marshall ~ The 152 acre horse farm of Chilly Bleak has beautiful open gently rolling pastures and fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. The historic fieldstone home dates to 1820 with later additions creating a 5 BR, 5 BA home with stone terrace and pool. Two Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages. The home is perfectly sited for privacy with easy access to I66 and Rt. 50. VOF Easement. Shared listing with Sotheby’s. $3,750,000

CLEARWATER FARM

SMITTEN FARM LANE The Plains ~ Finely built custom residence on 16 Acres minutes from Middleburg in Prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Designed for Grand Entertaining both inside and outside. The rooms graciously open into one another and lead out to the deep porches, which wrap the home and overlook the pool, grounds, gardens and conservatory. $2,950,000

Marshall ~ Handsome custom built Residence with first floor Master Suite and perfect mix of open and traditional floor plan beautifully sited on 50 Acres. Special features: Swimex Swim Pool, 2 Stocked Ponds, High Speed Internet, Whole House Generator and Geothermal Heating and Cooling. For the equestrian: located in the Orlean Community Trail System and adjacent to a Premier Equestrian Center with stables, riding arenas and trails. $2,900,000

CROSSWINDS

Delaplane ~ 72 Acre Horse Property in Piedmont Hunt Territory. Handsome 7 stall stable perfectly sited for cross ventilation and features an upscale 1 bedroom + den apartment with screened porch. Perfect for training Cross County/Eventing. Uphill gallop with good elevation, 100’ x 200’ riding ring with all weather footing, 5 $1,050,000 fenced paddocks and 2 run-in sheds.

See all our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMASANDTALBOT.com

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements

1967

LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS Middleburg, VA 20118 (540) 687- 6500

2019

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

Country Zest & Style Holiday 2019 Edition

Articles inside

Cup of Coffee - An Admirable Act of Pure Steeplechasing Sportsmanship

Sporting Pursuits

It's a Fabulous New Day for Upperville Horse Show

Perspectives on Childhood, Education and Parenting

Vineyard View - A Sommelier's Story at a Historic Location

A Christmas Concert

Keeping a Year End List and Checking it Twice

Archwood Green Barns Winter Market Goes Through Dec. 22

A Hunting They Will Stay (In Middleburg)

For Gomer Pyles, the Planet is a Playground

Property Writes - Smitten Farm Lane

A Middleburg-centric Crew Unlike Any Other

Saying Goodbye to a Middleburg Gem

That Old-Timer Music Offers a Happy Place

A Small Town Mayor with a Big Time Vision

Garden Club's Going Green

American Legion Marching Toward a Bright Future

The Natural Order and Open Space

At Nick's Market in Marshall, There's Something For Everyone

Celebrations

Style

Cantankerous to the End, and a Great Friend

Serving it All Up

A Christmas Wish List

Conservation Easements Benefit Everyone

An Aging Antidote: Just Move It!

Salamander Has a Five-Star Rating, and GM

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!

Someone's in the Kitchen With ...

Dangerous Blind Bombing Set Stage for D-Day

Sporting Pursuits

Country Zest

Holiday Happenings

For Wayne Gibbens, It's Been a Lifetime of Good Works

Unique Artist Seizes an Opportunity

Middleburg Just Loves a Parade