Country Zest Holiday 2020 Edition by Country Zest & Style

FALL 2020

HO HO HO!

Stud the Corgi Caitlin and Bowen Slater Lucy and Anna Zimmerman Carry on Holiday Traditions of Many Generations INSIDE: ROOSEVELT'S ROUGH RIDE THE ADAMS FAMILY

PRSRT MKTG U.S. PoStaGe

PAID

PERMIT NO. 82 WoodStoCK, Va

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

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

FIDELIO

CATESBY FARM

ARLINGTON FARM

DEERFIELD

THE PLAInS, VIRGInIA

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGInIA

MARSHALL, VIRGInIA

UPPERVILLE, VIRGInIA

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg | Unbelievable finishes throughout | Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings | 6 BR, 5 full BA, 2 half BA | 6 FP, gourmet kitchen | Improvements include office/studio, stone cottage with office, spa, guest house, pool and lighted tennis court | Landscaped grounds with stream, waterfalls, boxwood and special plantings | 61 acres

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 | 167.59 acres mostly open & rolling with bold mountain views and large spring-fed pond | Also available with 241 acres for $8,500,000

296 acres of farmland off the Atoka Road | Working farm in crops and hay and improved with multiple large farm buildings and 3 cottages | Beautiful building site for a main house if desired | Conservation easement allows for 1 division and permits construction of an indoor area and additional equestrian and farm buildings | Mix of open land, creeks, pond, woods, pasture, crops and rolling topography

181 acres | Brick manor house c. 1844 | 4 bedrooms, lovely kitchen, multiple porches, pine floors, 7 fireplaces, original mantels, large windows, detailed millwork | c. 1810 log cabin/pool house, guest house with theater, 2 tenant houses, 5-bay garage and workshop | Sizable pond

$8,750,000

$6,500,000

$4,950,000

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

CREST HILL

PHEASANTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EYE

DIXONS MILL ROAD

$4,500,000 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

HILLCREST

HUME, VIRGInIA

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGInIA

MARSHALL, VIRGInIA

UPPERVILLE, VIRGInIA

Experience unparalleled privacy on this exceptional Fauquier property along the Rappahannock River | 203 immaculately maintained acres w/approximately 1 mile river frontage | 1 acre stocked pond | Elegant stone & clapboard house | 5 BR, 4 full & 3 half baths, gourmet kitchen, spacious great room | Gunnite pool w/stunning views of Blue Ridge Mountains | Old Dominion Hunt | 5 stall Jim-Fletcher built barn | Residence set back 1/2 mile from road | VOF easement

Solid stone home c. 1790 expanded to 5 BR | First floor master suite and large family room additions | 9 FP, antique floors and millwork | Extensive outdoor living spaces, large pool and terrace, multiple outbuildings | 2 car barns used to garage 20+ cars | Accommodates large scale entertaining

Lovely brick home on hilltop setting, completely redone by current owners | Wood floors, high ceilings, lots of light | 6 BR, 5 1/2 BA, 5 FP, sweeping stair case in foyer | Basement level finished for family enjoyment w/ media room, office, gym, billiard room, full bar w/ kitchenette, full bath & outside entrance leading to pool and spa | Improvements include 3-car garage, heated 4-car garage w/car lift | Potting shed/studio w/ attached heated green house | 20 car barn for serious collector | Swimming pool with spa | 5-stall barn | Property fenced and cross fenced | 68.23 acres

Spectacular hilltop setting, bold mountain views and Paris valley views | Home updated in 2017 | 4 BRs, 4 BA, 3 FP, gourmet kitchen, vaulted ceilings, skylights, lovely gardens, walkways and terrace | Improvements include in ground pool with spa | 2 stall barn with tack room, room for horses, spring fed pond | 13.37 acres next to parkland surrounded by large estates

$2,375,000

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

$3,600,000

$3,200,000 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

alix coolidge 703.609.1724

11 SOUTH MADISON ST.

$1,425,000

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

BUST HEAD ROAD

ALDIE SPRINGS

10 CHINN LANE

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGInIA

THE PLAInS, VIRGInIA

ALDIE, VIRGInIA

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGInIA

Charming home w ith 3 bedrooms, 2 full BA & 2 half BA, FP with insert in family room | Rear deck for outdoor entertaining & front porch add to the charm | Attached 2-car garage | Large Morton building for storage, workshop or more garage space | 28.34 mostly wooded & private acres, multiple springs & creek plus waterfall | Trails throughout, hunters paradise | Minutes to Route 50 and Route 15 | Property has Fios

In town living with main level primary bedroom with pocket doors that open into the living room | 3 BR, 2 half BA, hardwood floors & fireplace | French doors open to private patio with mature gardens & space for expansion | Great full time or weekend getaway property within walking distance to town

$1,300,000 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

$1,100,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

$1,010,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

$899,000 Margaret carroll 540.454.0650

Signs of So Many Good Christmas Times

By Leonard Shapiro

Photo by Debbie McLaughlin

or all the obvious pandemic-related reasons, sadly there will be no jolly Christmas parade in Middleburg this year. But one treasured tradition will be on display for all to savor—those whimsical wooden holiday signs lovingly designed and painted by a beloved Hill School art teacher, the late Em Sharp. There are 26 in all suspended on light poles all around the village that go up right after Thanksgiving. A close inspection of the Santa sign hung near Thomas & Talbot’s real estate office at the corner of Washington and Madison streets reveals the painted first names of all the children attending Hill when they were originally created in the 1960s. One of them was local businessman Jim Herbert (Class of ’66). Over the last decade, he’s voluntarily headed “Christmas in Middleburg” and organized the spectacular parade. He fondly remembers Em Sharp and how excited his classmates were about her holiday creations. “She was just a wonderful teacher,” Herbert said. “And the town has been the beneficiary of something that really has become iconic.” Em Sharp’s daughter, Kate Carey, also a Hill alum, recalled her mother “thoroughly enjoyed doing them. She loved working with those big signs. They’re neat, one-of-a kind art that no other town has. When I walk down the street, I just get a big grin on my face and reflect on all those fun times, simpler times. They bring back so many good memories.” At Hill, founded in 1926, it’s always been about traditions, because as Head of School Treavor Lord noted, they “help to build a sense of community and provide students with the opportunity to be part of something greater than themselves.” In a few short years, Hill will celebrate its centennial, 100 years of serving children in an educational environment that values community and total education. Traditions throughout the school also Photo by Vicky Moon allow students, faculty, and staff to connect to the Em Sharp community. Several years ago, Hill’s Alumni Association continued Sharp’s legacy by funding a total restoration of the signs, many showing signs of weathering wear and tear after being on display for so many years. “Along Washington and Madison Streets they swing in December breezes,” the late Worthy Caulk, a fellow Hill teacher and Sharp’s good friend, wrote in 1983. “Good old Pooh bear with his honey pot, a cheerful toy engine, a lively jointed puppet….each as colorful and delightful as the next.” One of the “newest” signs was created in 1988 and hangs in front of Middleburg Millwork on Madison Street. It’s an image Millwork owner Dave Ball wanted to honor one of his long-time employees. Bud Warner, an African-American and Ball’s right-hand man for 26 years, died in the fall of 1988. According to the Loudoun Times-Mirror, Ball “talked it over with Em Sharp…and together they came up with a great idea…. Putting a carpentry tool in his hand didn’t seem quite right…Bud was also a talented musician, so she placed a guitar in his hands.” A few years earlier, Worthy Caulk asked Sharp to pick her favorite sign. “Maybe I like the old man with the goose in front of the (now Atlantic Union) bank,” she said. “’Christmas is coming…the geese are getting fat… please put a penny in an old man’s hat.’ I enjoy looking at them. I enjoy doing them. It keeps me from doing housework.” The more things change the more important traditions become. Thanks to Em Sharp, this holiday tradition lives on.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

of NOTE

ZES ST T & Sty t lel

Country

BE ON THE LOOKOUT through this issue of

ZEST & Style for the hummingbird. ZES ST TStytlel & Country

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

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

Contributing Photographers: Crowell Hadden, Sarah Huntington, Doug Gehlsen, Douglas Lees, Karen Monroe and Tiffany Dillon Keen

PHONE: 410-570-8447 Editor: Leonard Shapiro, badgerlen@aol. com Wine Editor: Peter Leonard-Morgan Food Editor: Daniela Anderson Art Director Meredith Hancock Hancock Media @mhancockmedia

Contributing Writers: Anita Sherman, Carina Elgin, Caroline Fout, Childs Burden, Emma Boyce, Jimmy Hatcher, Jimmy Wofford, Jodi Nash, John Sherman, John Toler, Justin Haefner, Kevin Ramundo, Leslie VanSant, Linda Roberts, Louisa Woodville, M.J. McAteer, Mara Seaforest, Melissa Phipps, Mike du Pont, Sean Clancy, Sebastian Langenberg, Sophie Scheps Langenberg, Tom Northrup, Tom Wiseman

For advertising inquiries, contact: Leonard Shapiro at badgerlen@aol.com or 410-570-8447

ON THE COVER

Karen Monroe and Doug Gehlsen

For this Christmas-inspired photo shoot we included both Lucy and Caitlin along with their daughters and Stud, a Welsh Corgi, in the image. To ensure the set was evenly lit, we added an additional fill light on the left. The white background was supplemented with two sheets of reflective white tile board on the floor. The reflection adds depth to the set. The key light was provided by my trusty Alien Bee Einstein with a beauty dish and the two fill lights are Profoto B1 and B2 with 18 inch umbrella diffusers.--Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo. / Country Zest and Style

/ @countryzestandstyle

/ @countryzestand1

www.countryzestandstyle.com 4

Country

He appears in two ads and the first two readers to find him (one each) will receive a gift from THE RED TRUCK Rural Bakery, with locations in Warrenton and Marshall. Send your reply to badgerlen@aol.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, PLEASE

am sooooo ready for a new year. How about you?

Goodbye 2020 and, definitely good riddance. It was all about a perpetual pandemic along with a chaotic campaign laced with racial and ethnic discord. And, “Bond, James Bond” was no longer available to fix any of it, though martinis, shaken, not stirred, would surely ease some pain. Still, despite months of travail, there was plenty for which to be grateful. And really now, how fortunate are we to live in what remains the greatest country on earth, and to inhabit the Virginia countryside, one of the most gorgeous places on the planet. Surely, it’s got to be better in 2021, particularly if a few resolutions are kept. For example: keep wearing masks, washing hands and remain socially distant. A few more resolves, some particularly distinctive to our area. Will the fools in speeding cars who keep crossing double lines to pass at a zillion miles an hour on two-lane country roads just cease and desist? You might save 12 seconds, not to mention lives, deer included. Driving up to pedestrian crosswalks in Middleburg, Warrenton, Upperville and The Plains, how about hitting the brakes and coming to a complete stop so folks can safely cross. Will the Middleburg Safeway please start putting out those little packs of mustard and mayo so cashiers don’t have to leave their registers to fetch them from the service desk? Thank a policeman, a fireman, a soldier and any other first responders. Shop local. And now, on to our holiday issue of Country ZEST. We’ll start with kudos to faithful readers Susan Agnew and Falita Liles, both from Middleburg and the first to identify our signature hummingbirds hidden in ads in our last issue. It wasn’t winner, winner chicken dinner. The prize was far better—a luscious apple cake from the Red Truck Bakery, and a copy of owner Brian Noyes’ fabulous memoir/cookbook. We have scads of swell stories, photos and columns. This includes John Toler’s fascinating piece on Teddy Roosevelt’s very rough 1909 ride on a horse from the White House to Warrenton and back. We’re profiling The Rev. Jonathan V. Adams, the dynamic new rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville. And if you’re still shopping for that perfect gift, don’t miss the heartwarming story about two brave young women, both survivors of campus assaults, and the gorgeous jewelry they’re creating. Wine Columnist Peter Leonard-Morgan and Food Editor Daniela Anderson offer some perfect pairings for holiday dining and imbibing. There’s plenty more to digest, hopefully to add even more ZEST to your upcoming Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Leonard Shapiro Editor Badgerlen@aol.com

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

this season, we give thanks for open space

Step outside and take a deep breath. Give thanks for the fresh air, the vast skies and the gorgeous landscapes. In Hunt Country, we are grateful for the open spaces and majestic landscapes that surround us. We are constantly reminded how lucky we are to live this healthy and peaceful way of life. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in seeing one of our properties, contact Thomas & Talbot today. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to show you the Hunt Country way of life with social distancing in mind.

Quail & Hound Farms Photos by Vicky Moon

endy and Rick de la Torre have a small farm in Middleburg, where they began their country life four years ago after traveling the globe for work. They purchased some chickens and began selling eggs. Then they moved on to bees and honey and now… scrumptious sauces. This includes “Middleburg Grill,” from a recipe Rick created. “I’ve been working on it for a number of years,” he told Country ZEST. “It’s a combination from travels in Spain and Germany. We captured the essence of what we wanted from European travels.” When they moved to Virginia, they visited local farmer’s markets and “focused on the right ingredients. And, we wound up with a tangy sauce that complements every meat.” They also sell Habanero Plum Sauce and, just in time for the holidays, the latest flavor….Bourbon Peach. Add to the line several special rubs: Savory Steak House and Virginia Heat. Their logo and clean fresh look is a collaboration. “We did the designs in house,” Wendy said. “We wanted to create something traditional and that was elegant with a classic font.” Their neighbors along Snickersville Pike often came by to purchase products and now they have an online following with customers from California, Texas and Florida and even as far away as Pakistan. Details: www.quailandhound.com.

Middleburg Grill sauce

The rubs include Virginia Heat

The Quail and Hound line of honey produced on their farm includes Habanero and Raw Wildflower Wendy and Rick de la Torre owners of Quail and Hound Farms in Middleburg

Antique Arms, Edged Weapons & Armor Since 1957

Dealers and Appraisers for Fine Antique Firearms, Edged Weapons & Armor

www.davidcondon.com Recipient of the United States Department of the Interior Citation for Public Service

(Visit our online catalog) We are always looking to buy vintage guns, daggers,

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. sporting gun and military related books, gun related Recipient of the U.S. 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 or outright sale.VA 20118 Middleburg, VA services, 20117 consignment ratesMiddleburg,

Free 1-800-364-8416 Te. 540-687-5642 • FaxToll 540-687-5649 • Email: info@davidcondon.com 109 E. Washington St. (Rt. 50) Post Office Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10-5:30 • Sat. 10-3Box 7

Middleburg, VA 20117 Middleburg, VA 20118 Tel. 540-687-5642 Fax 540-687-5649 Email: info@davidcondon.com www.davidcondon.com Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Another Christmas, Another Generation

MIDDLEBURG COMMON GROUNDS

Photos by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

aitlin Eileen Slater is married to George “Fletcher” Slater and is shown here, and on the cover, with her two-year-old daughter Martha “Bowen” Slater. Mrs. Slater grew up in Middleburg, attended Hill School, Foxcroft School and the University of the South: Sewanee. She’s a Junior Kindergarten teacher and coaches elementary school sports at Hill. “ My parents moved to Middleburg when I was two,” she said. The Slaters are now six generations in the area (actually Upperville and proud of it) with Bowen. Her list to Santa includes a trampoline, art set and indoor fort. Lucy Thompson Zimmerman is married to Edward Arthur “Ted” Zimmerman and is shown here with her two-year-old daughter Anna Alston Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman grew up in Warrenton, North Carolina and went to Hollins, Virginia. “I’ve lived in Middleburg for ten years,” she told ZEST. “I work for a financial planning firm, Wiseman and Associates in town. Anna loves singing, drawing, and riding her pony. We still need to write a letter to Santa.” Her brother, Robert Stettinius Zimmerman, now age four, was on last year’s Holiday cover of ZEST. Anna and Robert are fifth generation Middleburg residents on their father’s side. And, Anna and Bowen are best friends.

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The little girls are wearing Caitlin Slater with Bowen Slater Antoinette of Paris dresses from Little Lambkins in Middleburg. Lucy Zimmerman’s tartan taffeta Beluva blouse is from The Shaggy Ram, also in Middleburg. The moms are wearing jewelry from Zest Clothing & Co. in Middleburg. The Mountain & Moon chain necklaces are unique and timeless jewelry in sterling silver and gold plated metals, designed in Australia and created ethically by artisans of India. The distinct signature aesthetic is designed to make a statement and inspire boldness. Lucy and Caitlin are also wearing Betty Carre earrings. This line is designed by Betty Carre, a Brazilian artist and designer, inspired by her travels to create trendy, yet sophisticated jewelry. All of her jewelry is 18k gold plated on brass, hypoallergenic, and lead and nickel free. Her designs are timeless statements in beautiful brushed gold and vibrant colors. The handmade black rocking horse by Dennis Osborn is a family heirloom courtesy of Karen Osborn Monroe of Lucy Zimmerman with Anna Zimmerman Middleburg Photo.

DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.*

MARY P.T., O.C.S.* 204 WILSON, E. FEDERAL ST.

* Board Certified Orthopedic ClinicalST. Specialist 204 E. FEDERAL American BoardP.O. of Physical Therapy BOX 893 Specialties

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118

204 E. FEDERAL ST. P.O. BOX 893 WILSON, DEL MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 www.middleburg-pt.com

540-687-6565

P.O. BOX 893 MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118

* Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

204 E. FEDERAL ST. 540-687-6565 P.O. BOX 893

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 www.middleburg-pt.com P.T.,540-687-6565 O.C.S.*

www.middleburg-pt.com

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday MARY 2020 WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* 540-687-6565

* Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist www.middleburg-pt.com American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

THE EGG AND I Photos by Sarah Huntington

By Drew Babb

he egg is a cairn. No, not Toto, the Cairn Terrier in The Wizard of Oz. This cairn is an old-world-inspired pile of stones that commemorate or memorialize or just looks stunning on a Fauquier foothill.

Lewis Whitesell stands by his cairn.

The “I” (of the egg and…) is Lewis Whitesell, legendary in these parts for his stonewalls and chimneys and cabins. But for this tour-de-force he wielded a decidedly artistic sledge and trowel to build a couple of cairns for his patron, Mark Ohrstrom, on Ohrstrom’s farm near The Plains. The Egg is eight feet tall. Took 28 days to craft. The core is hollow but there’s a center post to keep Whitesell (and his son Ryan, a co-creator), well, centered. The secret sauce may have been precisely sized cut-out templates fashioned from Pink Panther Owens-Corning insulation that guided his sublime gradating and undulating egg.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

The long view of the cairn egg.

The Egg’s big brother stands on another slope. This beauty is 16 feet tall. It’s more of a tower. It was christened New Year’s Eve 2019 with a bundle of olive-oil soaked rags which shot out an ethereal flame to announce its arrival. Whitesell has been hauling and hammering and nudging stone for 35 years. He came out of Virginia Tech with (of all things) a degree in forest management. But he kept seeing trees as so-many board feet and then remembered that he didn’t want to cut down trees after all. He apprenticed with local masters Charles Wolfe and Fred Chamblin, then signed on with brother Doug Whitesell, who was already into masonry. Doug went on to be a renowned antique clock restorer. But that’s another story. Whitesell is known for mentoring masonry newbies. And for staying out of their way so they can evolve the way he has. He passes along his thanks “… to the team who perfected ibuprofen because there’s pain in this trade…and it’s nice to have an alternative to the classic go-to analgesic: whiskey.” Whitesell looks forward to more eggs and cairns and other dazzling whimsies. He declares, “My joints creak a bit. My workdays are shorter. But I’m not done yet.”

Me and my cairn shadow.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

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ABC By Anita L. Sherman

hey’re gone now. Hummingbirds headed by the millions for points far south. For many in these parts, hanging out the hummingbird feeders is an annual ritual the porches, yards and gardens would not be without.

During the spring and summer, we watch for their frequent, often frenetic, feeding visits. We delight and wonder at the speed of their flight, the pin-pointed accuracy of their sucking prowess and their often territorial protectiveness of nectar bearing flowers or homemade sugar water. We delight in observing them and wouldn’t want them to go away forever. They’re inspiring…so small but so strong. We count on their annual return. But who watches over them? Fauquier County has a reputation and long legacy in land conservation and preservation thwarting efforts at rampant development. Much of the county remains rural and that is by design. That same spirit of saving the environment extends to birdlife as well. With offices in The Plains and Washington, D.C., the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) may be located locally but its reach is global. The headquarters for ABC has always been in The Plains. They also have remote field staff scattered across the country. Celebrating a 25-year anniversary, this nonprofit works diligently to conserve wild birds and their habitats. Across the Americas, more than 500 native bird species are threatened with extinction — 12 percent of 4,230 species. In the United States alone, nearly 300 of 750 native bird species, or 37 percent, are declining in population. ABC’s efforts are measurable in preventing the extinction of endangered birds, conserving bird habitat, reducing threats to birds and building a community of bird conservationists.

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Creating partnerships throughout the Americas, they work with local, regional and national agencies as well as private land managers to protect environments for threatened species.

Go Green Middleburg 8/7/20 9:43 AM | Holiday 2020

The ruby-throated hummingbird was chosen as the symbol of the American Bird Conservancy in The Plains for its small yet feisty nature.

Headlines on their website share the news of brown-headed Nuthatches return to Missouri, a South Dakota project that benefits the Great Plains birds and working lands, and fixing power lines and street lights to save seabirds and sea turtles in Hawaii to name just a few. Birds serve as indicators of a healthy environment. Their sensitivity to habitat change is a tool that ecologists can measure. According to their website, “whether ecosystems are managed for agricultural production, wildlife, water, or tourism, success can be measured by the health and diversity of bird populations.” Protecting birds may be a laudable goal and seemingly not controversial. But the work is challenging when it collides with human-caused threats like window strikes, collisions with wind turbines, use of pesticides, and poorly managed fisheries. And then, there are all those free-roaming cats. “Cats kill approximately 2.4 billion birds every year in the U.S. alone, making cat predation by far the largest source of direct, human-caused mortality to birds,” said ABC’s Director of Public Relations, Jordan Rutter. “Up to a billion birds die in collisions with glass each year in the United States.” “These two threats are all around us and ones that folks can take action on today. Safely containing cats when outside and treating windows are solutions anyone can do.”

Th os e w h o s e e k Hi m s t i l l f i nd Hi m. . .

Thanks to an avid bird watcher, ABC was created on Nov. 1, 1994 by George Fenwick. His desire to build a fearless conservation group that wasn’t afraid to tackle challenging issues like pesticides and free-roaming predators. Back to the hummingbird. It was chosen as the logo symbol for its small but feisty and persistent nature. The qualities have boded well as the organization continues to ensure native bird species and their habitats are protected. Mike Parr, ABC’s president, joined in 1996 after graduating from the University of East Anglia in England and working for BirdLife International. He’s chair of the Alliance for Zero Extinction and a member of the board of directors of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. “I’m proud of the incredible results we’ve achieved for birds across the Western Hemisphere in our first 25 years,” said Parr. “That said, current threats continue to grow, and new threats are emerging. Twenty-five years from now, we need the situation to be better, not worse, for birds. “ABC will be stepping up our game, helping birds and bringing the bird community together, into the next 25 years and beyond. Though the challenges ahead are many, conservation success always starts with a few people who really care, then move it forward. Let’s make it so.” To learn more about the American Bird Conservancy, visit www.abcbirds.org.

Christmas

at the Anglican Church of St John the Baptist Christmas Eve A Service of Lessons & Carols 6pm First Mass of Christmas 11pm

Christmas Day Masses at 8am & 10am 540.364.2554 www.st-johnthebaptist.org

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Main St & Winchester Rd Marshall, VA

In a satirical cartoon mocking President Roosevelt’s physical condition and his General Order No. 6, his terrified horse is saying, ‘Suffering Caesar! What am I up against?’

A visit of presidential magnitude “T

By John T. Toler

here has been a good deal of talk in Congress and in the papers and among the grumblers in the army and navy about my physical exercise order, which as a matter of fact was very moderate,” President Theodore Roosevelt wrote to his son Kermit in a letter dated Jan. 14, 1909. The President was referring to his General Order No. 6, which required a physical fitness test for all officers that included either an 80-mile horseback ride, 100-mile bicycle ride or a 50-mile walk, to be completed in three days or less. Roosevelt was criticized in the ranks and in the press, and to prove the validity of the order and his own physical capabilities, he came up with a plan to ride over 90 miles on horseback in the dead of winter in less than one day. He was familiar with the Town of Warrenton through his friend and fellow Spanish-American War veteran, Commodore John C. Wise, who lived on Culpeper Street across from St. James’ Episcopal Church. Wise notified local authorities about the planned visit and made arrangements for a lunch at the Warren Green Hotel, and a quick turn-around. Accompanying Roosevelt on the ride were his military aide, Capt. Archibald W. Butt; Surgeon General of the Navy Adm. Presley M. Rixey; and Lt. Cary T. Grayson, the naval surgeon on the Mayflower, Roosevelt’s presidential yacht. The date was Jan. 13, 1909, and Capt. Butt arranged for cavalry personnel from Ft. Myer to set

up relay points at Fairfax and Gainesville for fresh mounts. Roosevelt had planned to use his favorite mounts, “Roswell” and “Georgia,” but due to a miscommunication, “Georgia” was left at the stable. After breakfast and a quick physical exam, the riders departed the White House at 3:45 a.m. The weather was bad, but they reached the relay point at Fairfax by daybreak. They changed saddles and bridles and headed to Centreville in a freezing rain. Fresh mounts awaited them east of Gainesville, but the standard military mounts were rougher and slower than they expected. They passed through New Baltimore and reached Warrenton at 11 a.m., where a luncheon of soup, roast beef and potatoes was prepared for them. Word of their arrival had gotten out, and schools and some businesses closed. “By the time the distinguished visitors reached the Warren Green, a large crowd had gathered to pay their respects, and there, presented by Dr. Wise, many Warrentonians had the honor and pleasure of meeting the President,” wrote Fauquier Democrat reporter M. Louise Evans. After a brief introduction by Dr. Wise, Roosevelt thanked the crowd for their warm welcome, and shook many hands. Members of the Warrenton Hunt offered to accompany the President on the return trip, but he respectfully declined. A little over an hour after their arrival, the riders mounted up. They reached Centreville in a freezing rain, and Fairfax by dark. With the ice and poor visibility, progress was slow, but as they entered Washington, they took off at a gallop for the

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

A signed print of a portrait of President Roosevelt painted by Gari Melchers was presented to the citizens of Warrenton in appreciation of their hospitality during his visit on Jan. 13, 1909. “stretch,” reaching the White House at 8:30 p.m. Even after about 17 hours in the saddle and the miserable weather, Roosevelt claimed he never felt better. When asked about the ride, he replied, “It was bully!” In appreciation for the hospitality shown by the people of Warrenton, Roosevelt later presented the town with a signed print of the portrait done of him in 1908 by artist Gari Melchers. It hangs today in the Virginiana Room of the Fauquier County Public Library Main Branch. Roosevelt left office on March 4, 1909, succeeded by William Howard Taft. But he continued to be a force in politics, first as a Republican and later in the Progressive (“Bull Moose”) Party. He retired from public life in 1916 and died on Jan. 6, 1919. Capt. Butt died April 15, 1912 in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He was remembered for his selfless efforts to save other passengers. Lt. Grayson, promoted to Admiral in 1916, continued his connection with the White House, serving on board the Mayflower during Taft’s administration. He was later appointed White House physician for President Woodrow Wilson, and served as Wilson’s personal aide. Admiral Grayson retired in 1928 and moved to a new home at Blue Ridge Farm near Upperville. In 1935, he succeeded John Barton Payne as chairman of the American Red Cross, a position he held until his death in 1938. Admiral Rixey, who was the founder of the U. S. Navy Nurse Corps, retired in 1910, but continued to serve on the Naval Examining Board. He died in 1928.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Perspectives on Childhood, Education and Parenting “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” JRR Tolkien

By Tom Northrup

ecently, I asked a friend and fellow retired colleague what percentage of a child’s learning at school he believed to be social—that which occurs outside of the classroom. Recognized for his wisdom and wit, he replied, “About 90 percent” In reflecting on my junior high years, I recall two of my most formative experiences. Neither took place in the classroom. One was my failure to defend an “uncool” friend who Tom Northrup was being teased by several of my “cool” classmates. To this day, I can see the sadness in his eyes when he realized I was not going to stand up for him. Equally memorable was the disappointment in myself, both that day, and for years to come. A second was my decision in eighth grade to begin smoking cigarettes, then to quit within a year. Wanting the acceptance of a charismatic teammate was the initial driver. The influence of a coach who stayed after school with me to work on my athletic skills—whatever the season—altered my priorities. The pandemic has given educational leaders an unprecedented chance to more fully understand and appreciate the challenges parents and children are facing. The primary stress for parents is having the time and stamina, both mental and physical, to juggle multiple demands and roles—vocational, parental, and now as a teacher. Children must deal with the isolation, not being able to enjoy the school daily structure and activities (social, extracurricular, academics). Dr. Michael Thompson, a psychologist and school consultant, has observed that adults must recognize the primary motivating factor for children to come to school is to be with friends, classmates, sometimes even teachers. The last six to eight months have highlighted the need for educational leaders to reimagine and redefine their relationship with parents and children. The realities confronted by the 21st century American family demand that the role schools play be broadened. In-person schooling should begin again soon, and pandemic restrictions will pass. But the demands on families will remain, whether single parent, dual working parents, or one parent at home, one working. They all face significant challenges in raising their children. The institution best positioned to be partners to parents in this enterprise is the school. Historically, most schools have not been viewed in this way. What would an expanded role entail? My view is that the school day could be expanded to 6 p.m. with participation optional. The staffing and curriculum would be selectively different from the “regular” school day. It would supplement and support them. Services would include clubs, free play, enrichment activities, academic support and time to complete homework, and mentoring (student to student, and adult to student). Healthy snacks and transportation also would be essential. While an extended day program would be optional, a significant percentage of families likely would utilize it and their children would love participating. By adding this time to their day, there is a greater likelihood that students would be increasingly motivated and invested in their work and school. These children would have the opportunities an unhurried and safe neighborhood setting offers—a place to pursue interests, get to know and learn from peers, make independent decisions and stay up with school work. All contribute to psychological balance, physical health, and self-confidence. At the end of the day, parents and children would be in a better frame of mind to decide how to spend their evening hours. Together.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Little Girl Pals Now Doctors in the House

By Carina Elgin

ix-year-olds Megan Cassidy and Katherine “Kaki” Elgin quickly became best friends and soon were thriving in the creatively cluttered first-grade classroom at the old Northwestern Elementary School in Rectortown in 1997. Now called Claude Thompson Elementary, the long brick building is one of Fauquier County’s eleven public elementary schools. The respect and friendship between the two girls and their first-grade teacher, Kathleen “Kay” Piper, has lasted 22 years. Recently, they were all re-united on Zoom, celebrating both young women earning doctorate degrees. Megan now admits to being a bit out of sorts starting first grade, having just moved from Pennsylvania to The Plains, where her dad was huntsman for the Orange County Hounds. However, she and Kaki, a dairy farmer’s daughter, bonded quickly. Outside the classroom, they spent countless hours playing with their plastic Breyer horses and real ponies on the farm. Mrs. Piper’s classroom was a magical haven. Books were everywhere, with a quiet reading nook full of pillows. There was art on the walls, and a captivating craft table in back of the room. “Mrs. Piper taught us to love reading,” Megan recalled. “We would sit in a big circle and each read a sentence out of a book.” And Mrs. Piper’s “extras” also made learning so much fun. Kaki still remembers her first time

Kaki Elgin and Megan Cassidy (in cap and gown). tasting star fruit. Megan recalled trying maple sugar candy. The whole class learned to knit, and both girls remember Mrs. Piper discussing great artists like Georgia O’Keefe. They learned about different cultures and holidays, and both were most impressed by Santa Lucia’s visit, burning candles and all. The girls stayed friends as Megan went to Highland in Warrenton, and the University of Kentucky, where she studied animal science. She worked as a veterinarian tech, and persevered in applying to vet schools, her childhood goal. Kaki went to Fauquier High for one year, before heading to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. She did her undergraduate degree at Princeton in politics, worked at the Brookings Institution, and attended Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs for her PhD, fitting

in plenty of international travel. The girls always stayed in touch. Earlier this year, Megan became an equine veterinarian, with a “virtual” graduation. She watched with her family on a big screen in their Culpeper home as professors and fellow graduates from the Western University of Health Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, in Pomona, California were creatively honored and celebrated. And she was totally surprised when the photographer her mother booked was actually her best friend—Kaki. In October, a few months later, Kaki used Zoom to defend her PhD dissertation from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs. She was upstairs in her family’s farmhouse, while far-flung examining professors and the audience looked on. Mrs. Piper was in that “gallery,” listening to the discussion of Russian foreign policy. They even held a Zoom “after-party,” with family and friends from all walks of Kaki’s life, including Mrs. Piper in Warrenton and Dr. Cassidy in Lexington, with a stethoscope around her neck. Dr. Megan Cassidy now practices at the highlyregarded Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington. Dr. Katherine Elgin is doing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Study in Washington. Quite an accomplishment for two young girls from the little school in Rectortown, and their remarkable first-grade teacher.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Preserving the Life and Times of Jack Dawson

By Annie Mickum

his past summer and early autumn, I had the opportunity to collect oral histories on the life of Jack Dawson, a true local mountain character, an individual born and raised on Hungry Run Road, nestled into Virginia’s Bull Run Mountains near The Plains. In early July, I began work as a Folk History intern with the The late Jack Dawson, photographed outside Virginia Outdoors Foundation, his home next to a wheelbarrow of black creating an oral history project walnuts collected throughout his property. on Mr. Dawson’s life and legacy. In working with those who knew him best to preserve his story, the grace and resilience of his life came into clear focus. Jack died in 2012 at the age of 95. In his early years, he spent his time working alongside his family and the greater Landmark community to plant, harvest, and maintain the surrounding farmland. By adulthood, Jack had acquired an unparalleled understanding of the land, its history, and the necessary care required for their preservation. His days were spent in good conversations with his neighbors, quiet acts of kindness, and cups of coffee brewed so strong that their smell still hung in the air when I visited his home this past summer. His garden, though now overgrown, was meticulously tended in its heyday. His TV, which was installed toward the end of his life, would blare so loudly that a neighbor stopping by for a visit could hear it loud and clear from almost two hundred yards away. He was gentle and generous in spirit, never letting a visitor leave without something to take with them—an apple, a piece of candy, and certainly an abundance of stories to carry on for generations to come. Jack was a historian and a specialist in all things local to Landmark and its neighboring communities. As his neighbor and dear friend Dr. Steven Jameson said, Jack “lived friendly with nature,” and was an incredible naturalist eager to share his knowledge with anyone who wanted to take a walk through the woods he grew up alongside. Though his unique circumstances could be easily trivialized, having lived his life in a home without plumbing or running water, and having no means of private or public transportation, Jack’s life was built on the symbiotic foundation of rural community. The knowledge and skills he acquired were nothing short of masterful, and though he had little in the way of material positions, he willingly shared all he had with those he knew and cared for. The legend of his kindness, commingling with his humble living conditions, could easily abstract his story into just that—a mountain myth. In one of the very first interviews of the project, Landmark local Dean Elgin noted that on the day of Jack’s funeral in April, 2012, NASA retired the space shuttle Discovery, landing at Washington Dulles Airport, just over twenty-two miles away from town. He recalled seeing the shuttle fly overhead during the service, and took a moment to consider all that had changed over the course of Jack’s life. I took that same moment during our interview to consider all the ways that, despite his seemingly isolated life in the Bull Run Mountains, and without the modern comforts of indoor plumbing or a car, Jack had somehow managed to reach the lives of so many, quietly shaping our community for generations to come.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Blessing of the Animals PHOTOS © Vicky Moon

Somebody’s got Bess Putnam’s goat The Rev. Jonanthan Adams

All creatures great and small.

Colton Haney and Whiskey

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Laurie Volk and Stewart Marr brought: Chi Chi the Chihuahua, Rabbit the coon hound and Jelly Bean the Cardigan Corgi.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Kat Gemmer, Kat Gemmer

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW

“My grandmother killed a rattlesnake on the road to the big barn with her hoe by chopping its head off. She was so matter of fact. Chop! And we then kept walking.” PHOTOS © Vicky Moon

Ms. Baker’s Sunflowers are planted every year for welcome flower. They are tall singles and multi-branched. “I have no idea where they came from,” Kat noted.

Kat Gemmer

The circa late 1700s White Bunch Beans in Kat’s hand are known as Granny Donna Beans. “It is our oldest and favorite bean and a source of protein through the winters in Appalachia.

By Leonard Shapiro

t first glance, Kat Gemmer’s gorgeous Round Hill garden is filled with what appear to be the standard vegetables grown in similar patches all around the countryside—tomatoes, beans, squash, onions, giant okra and so much more. But this is hardly just another produceproducing patch. The seeds she plants and lovingly nurtures through maturity also have a little history to them, not to mention a future that includes a pot or a plate. They are heirloom seeds that have been passed down from generation to generation of her family going all the way back to the 1700s. “I come from a family that settled in Madison County in North Carolina,” she said. “It’s the Shelton Family and they go back to 1738. The seed has been preserved for generations and comes from that original family.” There are eight varieties of beans, seven varieties of tomatoes and on and on. Many are named for relatives—the Inez or Mamie tomato, the Granny Donna beans for example, the latter the oldest variety of bean she grows dating back to the late 1700s when it served as a prime source of winter protein. “With our heirloom tomatoes, we

have to pick them all and we eat them all,” Gemmer said. “I also do a lot of canning. The greasy beans, the blue chips, used to make leather britches. In the old days, they planted them with the corn but you can’t do that now because the sweet corn of today just doesn’t work with the beans. And back then, tomatoes were considered a delicacy. They would cross pollinate them all the time.” In addition to vibrant vegetables, the garden is surrounded by shimmering French marigolds. “I was always taught that when you put marigolds all around, instead of using pesticides, they would repel insects,” Gemmer said. “It definitely works.” Gardening is hardly Gemmer’s only passion. She’s also a devoted and dedicated teacher as head of the science department at Woodgrove High in Loudoun County. She has served as chairwoman for the popular Upperville Trinity Church Stable Tour, volunteers for other good causes and, with her Navy veteran husband, Jim, raised their now adult children. “I’ve been gardening my whole life,” she said. “And when the kids left, I really got into it. Gardening is a way of life for me.” It’s all in the family, of course. And, all about the history of where it comes from Kat Gemmer, Kat Gemmer.

“Shelton Beans are the same as Granny Donna Beans This bean is the oldest variety on our farm and dates to very early 1800s,” Kat Gemmer said, in recalling stories from her childhood.” My great grandmother changed her name as a young woman in order to be more modern. Appalachia pronunciation of Donna is “Donny.” She was missing a thumb and frightened us by telling my sister, who sucked her thumb, that we would have a gnarled thumb forever. It worked, and for years I would tuck my thumbs at night.” Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Kat uses French marigolds as an easy to grow companion plant to keep the harmful nematodes away.

Kat’s grandmother called these Sweetheart Roses, which are planted by the front door.

Tomatoes a la Kat Gemmer are open pollinated true to seed and include: Maimie Perfect Purple (small canning tomatoes. Never cracks and burst), Maimie Franklin Landers, Inez Yellow, Inez King Big Creek from Carson King, Ethel Orange named for Aunt Ethel Franklin in the family for generations when canned with red are beautiful, Vona Stripe and Vona Johnson Shelton.

Plant Trees, Plant Hope Photo by Robert Banner

The Shenandoah River with the field beyond best illustrates the nutrient banking concept. from the soil before the runoff reaches the river system.

By Robert Banner

efore the pandemic, civil unrest, and the election began dominating the headlines, trees were trending. Climate change was front page.

The Trillion Trees Act, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) was being debated in Congress. Scientific American and National Geographic agreed. Plant trees, and you plant hope. ACRE Investment Management in The Plains is having a big impact on the effort to reverse climate change. The company considers trees the most scalable solution for removing carbon from the atmosphere and nutrient pollution from the river system. It’s been their mission for more than 15 years. As a result, ACRE now manages more than 42 million trees on 120,000 acres of land. You may ask, “How can I possibly play a role in a program so large?” The following may reassure you that we all can make a difference. First, a local story. We’re partnering with Justin Mackay-Smith in Clarke County. Justin is the son of Alexander Mackay-Smith and there’s not a horseman around who does not recognize the name of the late editor of The Chronicle of The Horse. Justin is not a horseman, “just a farmer” on the family farm. Together, we’re converting 25 acres of his cropland back to forest. The new stand is designed to filter nutrient pollution (phosphorous and nitrogen)

The project is in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and their nutrient trading program for state landowners. It’s designed to reduce the growing dead spot in the Chesapeake Bay and find a financial benefit for participating landowners. A Wisconsin couple, Scott Anderson and his wife, Nicki, own and operate Artisan Dentistry, a successful dental clinic in Madison. Their commitment to socially responsible business operation—a “business for good” model— is defined by their participation in the Certified B Corporation community. The Andersons have evaluated their carbon footprint, reduced carbon emissions where they could, and recently purchased carbon credits from our company, GreenTrees (a division of ACRE), becoming the first carbon neutral dentistry clinic in America. “What underpins all this is our interdependency,” Anderson said. “When we’re dealing with a global pandemic that spreads based on our relational interaction, I think that primes our minds to consider the host of other interdependencies that exist between us, the environment, and our neighbors. It’s definitely changed our internal views of the people we live and work with.” Perhaps you’ve heard about “nutrient banking” and wondered, “Can I do this on my land? What’s the benefit for me?”

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

It’s been determined 80 per cent of the problem creating the dead spot is caused by fertilizers leaching from fields into rivers and eventually the Bay. While fertilizers help farmers boost production, they accelerate the growth of algae in the water. The algae dies, bacteria forms, and that consumes oxygen. With no oxygen in the water, no marine life can survive. That’s the dead spot. The runoff can be filtered using the widespread root structure of trees. The trees’ roots keep it on the land where you want it, not in the river system where you don’t. The DEQ creates values for your project that relate to nutrient credits. The credits sell to real estate developers who need them to permit their projects in more urban settings. We sell them and distribute the net revenue to you. Over the last nine months, many Americans have become more socially conscious, the better to create a better world. Today, from the simple act of growing trees, we plant hope for a future for all to embrace.

Robert Banner is the Special Project Officer at ACRE, a full-service natural capital asset platform for landowners to manage their ecological portfolio. For more information on all of the above, ACRE is hosting an interactive webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Contact Robert Banner at rob@acre-investment.com.

They Plant Trees to Help Protect the Planet By Leslie VanSant

ritten by Dr. Seuss in 1971, “The Lorax” is a cautionary fable about the destruction of the environment by industry, greed and consumption. The title character, the Lorax, speaks for the trees and encourages everyone to get involved with protecting the planet. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Enter We Plant Trees, a Northern Virginia nonprofit that cares a whole lot about the environment, trees and is doing something about it. Founded in 2019 by successful father and son Fredericksburg businessmen Doug and Erik Davis. They wanted to give something back and help the environment. They support it financially, and donations are always welcome.

Photo by Leslie VanSant

Father and daughter team John and Megan Eastman of The Plains with We Plant Trees saplings.

The name is the mission, the purpose and the action. It’s what they do. They plant trees. For free.

Greer’s Antiques GREER’S ANTIQUE CONSERVATION Quality you can trust n

Father and daughter team John and Megan Eastman of The Plains run the operation, and plant most of the trees. Since last year, We Plant Trees has planted more than 8,000 trees. That’s about 21 trees every day over the course of a year. They plant saplings of indigenous trees, no greater than 3 feet in height, tucked seamlessly into the local ecosystem. The trees are tubed for protection and early support, and watered. The different tree species planted include Eastern White Pine, Willow Oak, Sycamore, Red Maple, Tulip Poplar, Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, American Holly, and PawPaw. “We ensure biodiversity by planting 4-5 tree species at each planting location,” Megan said. “That way, if a disease or pest were to impact one species, the rest would remain healthy. For example, there is a blight (Chestnut blight) going around that only affects Chestnut Oaks. It’s a parasitic fungus that attacks the inner bark of the tree, eventually suffocating it to death. Don’t worry, we do not plant Chestnut Oaks.” Middleburg landowner Mary B. Schwab recently had the group at her farm after learning about them from the Goose Creek Association. “We’ve been inspired by friends and conservationists—the Broaddus family and Dave and Patricia Voss - who are planting millions of trees,” she said. “We wanted to do our part. Every tree counts!”

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November 8 & 9, 2014 37627 Allder School Road 10am-4pm

Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 www.greersconservation.com greersant@gmail.com

Open Monday - Friday 9-4 & Weekends by Appointment Museum Level Conservation and Custom Furniture for 44 years

The process is easy. Upon making a connection with a landowner, Megan and John visit the property and determine the best places to plant trees to ensure survival. The location is bush-hogged if needed. “We try to work with landowners to place trees where they would like them, but we are not a landscaping company,” said John. “We also want to make sure that the trees are where they can be accessed safely to water them for the first year.” The planting day is selected, trees ordered and then planted, at no cost to the landowner. The trees and service are free and landowners are simply asked to water them in the first year. The planting season runs from October through spring, with a break when the ground freezes tight. At most locations, they plant at least 100 trees. They love having volunteers and the opportunity is COVID safe and socially distant. “Anyone who knows how to use a shovel and carry a water bucket can help plant a tree,” Megan said. To learn more about We Plant Trees, contact Megan by email at megan@weplanttrees.org.

37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020 540.338.6607 greersant@aol.com Regular hours are by

Dr. MacMahon: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stop Gargling

By Edward MacMahon

es, mouthwash is not a total defense against Covid-19. However, gargling with a virucidal liquid is definitely a defense against the virus in the early stage of its life cycle. The reason that gargling is an effective treatment for early stage Covid are anatomical and therefore also functional. Mouthwash, as the name implies, is for rinsing out the front of your mouth. When the dentist says â&#x20AC;&#x153;rinseâ&#x20AC;? you bend your head and neck downward over a sink and spit out the contents in the front of the mouth. Gargling, in contrast, requires you to first take a deep breath, then tilt your neck and head upward so that your throat is also pointed upward. Then you slowly let the air out of your lungs. This causes turbulence in the fluid without swallowing any of it. The inspiration-expiration-turbulence cycle is followed by a short interval when the mouth contents are moved to the front of the mouth. This allows the patient to take several deep breaths through the nose before beginning the next cycle. The critical difference between dental rinsing and simulated gargling for Covid virus is easily demonstrated A negative testing volunteer was given a two-week course of gargling with a standard Listerine product in the morning and an equivalent dental rinsing in the evening. The saved gargling specimens were consistently different in appearance from the saved dental style rinsed specimens. Thus, functions like gargling are seen in animals such as the lone wolf howling at the moon. That howling causes a turbulence to effect some secondary gain. It can be hypothesized that many of the eight million-plus Covid carriers in the U.S. are asymptomatic because the virus load is balanced by a functionally equal amount of antibodies. If so, then one also can hypothesize that a course of gargling with a Listerine

like product that includes the safe, cheap and potent Zthymol Viruside has the potential to stop the progression of the second wave to a large number of patients in late stage respirators. Dr. MacMahon, now retired and living in The Plains, was a long-time orthopedic specialist and surgeon.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

BEAGLES

Madilyn Hitchen likes cupcakes

William Wiseman and Mack

PHOTOS © dillionkeenphotography.com

he Middleburg Orange County Beagles met at Bryce Lingo’s Orange Hill Farm with a full field of children (accompanied by a few adults) for an intriguing day out with Jt. Master Nina Fout, who shares the honor with Beth Fout. Following the hunt, Snowden Clarke offered apple cider and goodies and presented several awards. McKenzie Hicks was honored with the “First Timers Doing Well” award. She later told a friend she couldn’t wait to go out hunting with her parents one day. The “Dusty Bottom” award went to Madilyn Hitchen, shared with William Wiseman, who relayed he jumped off to help Madilyn. (The boy has a future with the ladies.) This honor includes a dinner that is eaten backwards… starting with dessert. “That’s a lot of sugar,” young William commented. Just ask Madilyn Hitchen, whose breakfast was a chocolate cupcake.

Nina Fout leads the pack

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

McKenzie Hicks on Mr. Foxtrot

Food & WINE

BOMBS AWAY & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

The chocolate bomb is the hot item this season. Varieties from Daniela’s Countryside Confections LLC in Middleburg include: crushed peppermint, pumpkin spice, cookies and cream, salted caramel with English toffee bits, chocolate peanut butter with chopped Reese’s cups, S’mores, white chocolate cocoa and semi sweet chocolate cocoa. PLM applauds: Three Creeks Winery 2018 Pinot Noir, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 2015 Three Captains and Boxwood Winery 2015 Reserve

The trifle on the left is composed of alternating layers of almond vanilla créme diplomat, fresh raspberries and almond butternut rum sponge cake. The second trifle is composed of alternating layers of whipped chocolate buttercream, fresh strawberries and rich, chocolate fudge cake. PLM recommends: 868 Estate Vineyards 2017 Vidal Passito, Slater Run Vineyards Chateau Kalian Montbazillac 2016 and 2019 Wild Boar Viognier from Stone Tower Winery

By Vicky Moon

ith holiday good wishes, Country ZEST Food Editor Daniela Anderson and Wine Editor Peter Leonard-Morgan have coordinated to bring you luscious desserts paired with appropriate and sophisticated wines.

These Christmas cookies have vintage images as toppers. PLM suggests: Fabbioli Cellars Pear Wine, Maggie Malick Wine Caves Petit Verdot Port style wine and Barrel Oak Winery Chocolate Lab.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

CZ Books Holiday 2020 W

ho hasn’t stepped around or on a slimy crunchy clump of seaweed while strolling down the beach? It’s so familiar, and yet we know so little about it. Even its names—pepper dulse, sea lettuce, bladderwrack—are mystifying. Here we have an illustrated portrait from poet and artist Mick Zwamborn’s ode to the most sensuous family of water plants: Seaweed, An Enchanting Miscellany is now out in hardback and e-book from Greystone Books. Barbara Scott has spent her time at home in Marshall during these days of isolation doing some long awaited writing. Her latest is Adrenaline under her nom de plume of B.L. Scott. “A successful woman wary of charming men. A man full of regret for a massive error in judgment. Their fiery relationship that almost wasn’t.” On Amazon and at Second Chapter Books. Writer Linda Jane Holden, along with co-authors Thomas Lloyd and Bryan Huffman, had a sell-out day signing copies of their new book, Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon, at Second Chapter Books in Middleburg. And then there’s this announcement. After fifteen years of research, interviews and writing, local author Vicky Moon’s tenth book will soon be out... Sylvia Rideoutt Bishop Had A Way With Horses: A Pioneering African Bryan Huffman, Linda Jane Holden and Thomas Lloyd American Woman’s Career Training Race Horses.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Photo by James Jarvis

Brandon Wheeler, general manager at the Ashby Inn.

Safety First at the Ashby Inn

By James Jarvis

usiness has been booming for the Ashby Inn according to its general manager, Brandon Wheeler. Since September, Wheeler said customers have been flocking to the restaurant and lodge to experience its gourmet food, rustic historical setting, and the beautiful surrounding landscape. Wheeler added that those first couple of months at the beginning of the statewide pandemic lockdown in March were tough. Most of the staff were furloughed, and only a few loyal customers trickled in when the Inn reopened in May. But Wheeler said he and his staff were able to rebuild their clientele after those first few months, mainly because of how seriously they have taken the coronavirus. “The most important thing is to follow these sanitation protocols and make people feel safe,” said Wheeler. “Show people that you’re doing the best you can do to provide safety for your guests. About a month into maybe June… people were starting to show up a little bit more in groups. We’re lucky enough that we have five different rooms that we could space people out.” The entire staff wears masks and much time and effort is spent constantly sanitizing handrails, doorknobs, tables, and cutlery. “I believe we did a great job of making people feel safe about our restaurant,” said Wheeler. “People are coming back for the food and the wine, and they’re noticing that our staff is maintaining the sanitizing procedures and the social distancing procedures that were installed.” Wheeler is in his second year at Ashby. He had previously been the clubhouse manager at Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket.. After 13 years working for country clubs, this is Wheeler’s first experience with a fine dining restaurant. “As the general manager, you’re still learning from everybody else around you who’s been doing this for quite some time,” said Wheeler. “But I feel like I’ve definitely got my feet wet. COVID has definitely thrown a little wrench in the gears, but with the team we have, the dedication, I think we’re really starting to come along very well.” Wheeler hopes to carry the Inn’s current momentum through the winter months. Heading into the holidays, he’s also offering an option to place togo orders for Thanksgiving and probably Christmas. It’s an ambitious plan, he said, because fine dining restaurants don’t usually do that sort of thing. “We’re just kind of playing it by ear,” said Wheeler. “We’re definitely doing things that are out of the norm with our restaurant, but I think that we’re just going to keep pushing... put our heads together and try to figure out the best way around it.” The Inn most likely will close its patio for outside seating so they don’t jeopardize the quality of their food, but they no intention of closing in the winter unless there is a government mandate to shut down. “It’s been quite an amazing journey,” said Wheeler. “It’s definitely opened my eyes to a whole different aspect of a restaurant. Honestly, at this point, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

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The Reverend Jonathan Adams

The Adams Family Is a Perfect Fit at Trinity

By Leonard Shapiro

he Reverend Jonathan V. Adams was perfectly happy with his role as associate rector at St. Martins in Houston, with 8,000 congregants, the largest Episcopal church in the country. He’d been there four years, with a myriad of responsibilities, including helping conduct the funeral services for President George H.W. Bush and, before that, his wife Barbara. And yet, he also missed being a rector at a smaller church. Before moving to Houston, at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta he had developed programs for youngsters through college age, and he founded the Village Church, also in Atlanta, that led to the growth of three additional churches. One day last fall, he received a phone call from a friend, The Rev. Paul Walker, rector at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, telling him about an opening at Trinity Episcopal in Upperville. Rev. Adams was intrigued, and decided to fill out the necessary forms to get into the mix of potential candidates. What followed was a meticulous screening process conducted by Trinity’s search committee. It began with a long Zoom call, one of a dozen such preliminary interviews the committee did with other candidates. The field was narrowed to four, and committee members soon flew to Houston to attend one of Rev. Adams’ services, meet his family, and conduct more

interviews, this time up close and personal. “Then they narrowed it down to two or three people they wanted to come to Virginia,” Rev. Adams said, recounting a recruiting process perhaps even more rigorous than an NFL team deciding on its No. 1 draft choice. “We came up here in early December for three days. More interviews with the committee, and then they said, ‘we’ll be in touch.’” In late January came another call. “They said we really like you and we want to present you to the vestry,” Rev. Adams said. It would be the final step, with a slight Covid-induced hiccup. That meeting originally was scheduled for early March, just as the pandemic was worsening by the day. It was no time to be traveling, so he met the vestry by Zoom in April. Finally, in early June, Rev. Adams accepted an offer to become the 24th rector in the history of a church originally built by the late banker and philanthropist Paul Mellon and his wife, Bunny. On July 1, Rev. Adams began at Trinity, and these days, both he and his wife, Jana, and their three children, Noah, Lily and Caleb, couldn’t be more delighted to be in Upperville. A Jacksonville native, Rev. Adams majored in religious studies at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and earned his Masters of Divinity at Southeastern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. In addition to his last four years in Houston, his

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

intriguing resume includes serving as founding rector for Village Church Vinings in Atlanta from 2010-2016 and Director of Student Ministries and the Priest in Charge at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta from 2003-2010. After being ordained, he also lived for a time in Eastern Europe, based in Budapest, as Director of Missions and Development while working with youth leaders in Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Russia, Serbia, Moldova, Italy and Ukraine from 1998-2004. And now, after four months at Trinity, “it’s everything I expected and more,” he said. “This community has been so warm and welcoming. People have gone overboard to be so very kind to us. If I had any anxiety in the beginning, it was only the concern about starting here in the middle of Covid.” He adjusted nicely. Rather than conduct Sunday services inside the church, “we saw how beautiful the back garden was and we asked the bishop if I could do it outdoors,” he said. “The community has really responded to it, and it’s also allowed me to meet people in smaller groups, rather than jut greeting them at the door.” With winter approaching, there are plans to move inside, with strict social distancing measures to assure everyone’s safety. It hasn’t taken long for Trinity’s faithful parishioners to learn that their new rector clearly has been a perfect fit. A No. 1 draft choice, you might even say.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season! THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Opening the door to Hunt Country for generations

Rock Ridge Farm 94+ acres $3,674,999 The Plains – Hilltop custom French Country stone manor house with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5 BR / 6 BA. 5 fireplaces. 1st floor luxury Master Suite. Great Room opens to terrace with views, formal Living and Dining Rooms, gourmet Kitchen and paneled Library. Lower Level with Rec Room/Office and Fitness Room. 2 guest/rental houses. 22-stall center aisle barn, fenced paddocks and riding ring. Income producing farm. Easy access to I-66 & Dulles International Airport.

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The Orchard 4.82 acres $1,950,000 Middleburg – 1st time offering one of the largest residential parcels available “in town!” Brick home built by local master builder WJ Hanback. 3/4 BRs, 3 full BAs, eat-in kitchen, combo living/dining room with two large bay windows overlooking terrace, sweeping lawns & large pond. Gorgeous details include spiral staircase, built-ins, hardwood floors and fireplaces. Fully finished LL. Fenced garden extensive landscaping and mature trees.

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Dover Road

9.98 acres $1,695,000 Middleburg – Charming c. 1850’s home has 3 BRs / 3 BAs and was fully renovated by well-known local builder. No details spared! Extensive landscaping and gardens surround the house and the heated pool with spa. Horse amenities include a 4-stall, center aisle barn (Tommy Beach design) with heated tack room & wash stall, auto waterers, 3 paddocks and a 90’ x 200’ footed riding arena. Farm is fully fenced with automatic front security gate. Located in Middleburg Hunt.

3.16 acres $999,000 Middleburg – Immaculate, solid brick home only minutes to town. Custom built by a well known Northern VA builder for himself. Features over 5,000+ sq. ft. to include 5 BRs, 4 ½ BAs with oak flooring throughout the main level, cherry paneling and Pella windows and doors. Extras include: wet bar, built-ins, fireplaces, bay window and walk-in closets. Expansive fully finished walk out lower level. Off the back of the house is a large open deck and a lower terrace that overlook the sweeping lawns. Ideal commuter location.

3.9 acres $695,000 Upperville – Spacious brick home, updated and expanded to create ideal spaces for everyday living. Main level offers an eat-it kitchen with island, tile flooring, updated appliances and custom cabinetry, living rm, dining rm, the primary BR, a guest BR and a full BA. Lower level is the family rm w/fireplace, guest BR, a full BA, laundry rm/mudroom, bonus rm and separate office with custom built-ins. Fenced in swimming pool w/small pool house. Detached brick 2-car garage and separate storage shed.

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Little Bit

Fox Flight 5+ acres $899,000 Marshall – Renovated by the owner, a well known local kitchen and bath designer, the interiors are sure to delight! Charming c. 1840’s 2 bedroom, 2 bath home has been lovingly updated. Features state-of-the-art kitchen, baths and unique interior with custom painted ceilings, decorative columns and 4 fireplaces. Extensive garden offers outdoor ‘rooms’ for entertaining, koi pond and fountain. Other features include a vegetable garden, fire pit and a barn converted into a separate Studio. Detached garage, potting shed and outdoor shower complete the property.

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18+ acres $2,675,000 The Plains – Extraordinary addition and complete renovation create a classic and elegant Virginia Manor house with exquisite details throughout. 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Extensively landscaped with many places to entertain, including around the gorgeous pool with a waterfall. Outdoor kitchen with pizza oven. Attached 2-car garage, 1 BR guest house, 4-stall barn, kennel, equipment shed and paddocks on 18+ acres. Easy access to I-66, Rt. 50 and Dulles International Airport.

25+ acres $2,350,000 The Plains – Stunning renovation offers a masterpiece of old-world charm with a sophisticated, contemporary design. The house is made up of thoughtful additions anchored by a 1700’s log cabin on 25+ rolling acres. 3 BRs and 3 ½ BAs. Extensive landscaping created by famed garden designer Jane MacLeish. Mature trees, pool with pool house, 2-car garage, 1 BR guest house, 5-stall barn, paddocks and riding ring. Easy access to I-66, Rt. 50 and Dulles International Airport.

14+ acres $1,350,000 The Plains – Renovated with beautiful views! The farm has 14+ acres of fenced pasture and mature woodlands. 3 BRs, 2 ½ BAs with an open kitchen and eat-in area, living room with built-ins, bay window and fireplace. Upper level suite with luxury bath, walk-in closet and sitting area. Home also has a separate mudroom, laundry room, and exercise room. A 4-stall center aisle barn with a heated tack room, a storage shed and fenced paddocks. Great ride out, OCH territory. Easy access to I-66, Rt 50 and Dulles Airport.

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2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com 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.

OATLANDS: House and Gardens PHOTOS ÂŠ Dillonkeenphotography.com

Oatlands Board Member and Loudoun Hunt member Paul Ritsema aboard the appropriately named Steinway. Oatlands has officially opened new equestrian, biking, and hiking trail partnerships with the Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter, Loudoun County Equine Association, United States Trail Ride and more.

n 1798, George Carter inherited about 3,400 acres of land from his father that became Oatlands. In 1835, he married Elizabeth O. Lewis from Upperville. Today, this couple is interred in the garden within the Carter tomb. In 1903, William Corcoran Eustis, grandson of William Wilson Corcoran, founder of the Corcoran Art Gallery, Riggs Bank, and a prominent and philanthropic Washingtonian, and Edith Livingston Morton Eustis, eldest daughter of Vice President Levi P. Morton, purchased Oatlands. Seeking a country estate, away from their primary home in Washington, they wanted a place to keep their horses and hunting hounds. William was a co-founder of the Loudoun Hunt, and Edith fell in love with and restored the gardens. The property includes breathtaking gardens largely representative of the Eustis era and includes an English tea-house, Venetian well, rose garden, faun statue, and the style represent the 20th century update. The now 400-acre property was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1965 by Margaret Eustis Finley and Ann Eustis Emmet, daughters of William and Edith Eustis.

Originally a first floor bedroom, the Eustis family added shelves to create their library. Notable artwork includes the painting over the fireplace of William Wilson Corcoran and the pottery by Maria Martinez, a well-known craftswoman of the black-on-black Pueblo style in New Mexico.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

George Carter, on the left above the door, inherited what became Oatlands from his father in 1798. In 1835, at age 58, he married Elizabeth O. Lewis, a well-todo 39-year-old widow from Upperville.

Edith Morton Eustis in the gardens. Her plans were heavily influenced by the revered British garden designer Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). Today there are breathtaking garden rooms and splendid garden allées.

The Steinway piano in the octagon drawing room is believed to have been purchased just for Oatlands by the Eustis family.

The 1932 painting by Philip de Laszlo, above the gold settee, is of Margaret Eustis Finley, daughter of William and Edith Eustis. She and sister Ann Eustis Emmet (pictured here) donated Oatlands to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1965 following their mother’s passing. The image on the right is of their mother Edith Eustis.

The crown molding in the drawing room is particularly impressive. The roll-top desk once belonged to William Corcoran Eustis’s great-grandfather, Commodore Charles Morris.

Loudoun County provided an ideal location for the Eustis’s to have horses. Their love of horses shows in sporting art throughout the house. One such notable painting is by the British artist John Emms (1843-1912) seen above the doorway here.

Oatlands Historic House & Gardens 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane Leesburg, VA 20175 www.oatlands.org

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

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Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Country MATTERS

Saving the Countryside Is a Group Effort

By Kevin Ramundo

egular readers of this space know the focus is often on specific projects threatening our magnificent countryside. This time, I’d like to suggest a comprehensive framework for protecting open space. Kevin Ramundo In recent months, I’ve spoken with conservation leaders with local government experience and representatives of non-profit organizations, including Citizens for Fauquier County, Goose Creek Association, Land Trust of Virginia, Piedmont Environmental Council, Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association and Save Rural Loudoun. All do a great job protecting rural lands, and it’s a daunting task. Hardly a week goes by without a new winery, brewery or event center hoping to capitalize on our area’s beauty, or a new subdivision threatening irreplaceable prime agricultural land. Not all development is bad and most, if not all, conservation advocates would agree. But developers often skirt or ignore the rules to pursue their own self-interests. They’re highly influential in state and local government; they band together in associations to press their agenda; they give generously to politicians who favor development and, they’re incredibly

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knowledgeable about land use issues. They also have the funds and teams of employees and consultants to support them. Given those challenges, how does the preservation/ conservation community succeed? Elect pro-conservation state and local officials. We need more county supervisors, town council members, mayors and state leaders who consistently support conservation through laws, comprehensive plans, zoning, policies and programs. They must possess political will because the pro-development constituency is always active and represents a huge source of campaign contributions. Our elected leaders must act with conviction in adopting long-term conservation measures. Educate the broader population about the benefits of conservation and preservation. It’s critical to constantly reach out and look for opportunities to “broaden our base.” Traditional communication helps, but actual experiences are more compelling. Two great examples: the Land Trust of Virginia’s bike tour showcasing the countryside, and promoting the amazing views at the PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook adjacent to Sky Meadow State Park. We must constantly message that open space enhances quality of life with recreational opportunities, a stronger agricultural economy and lower local taxes. Support stricter zoning ordinances, state laws and policies favoring conservation and preservation. Zoning ordinances ultimately determine what developers can do. Consider cluster zoning in Loudoun

County intended to protect open space and agricultural lands. Some believe it’s become the biggest threat to open space conservation in rural western Loudoun because of what the zoning ordinance allows. Take another look at agri-tourism. It’s a great concept in theory, not reality. We have “farm wineries” serving 1,500 on a weekend, and “farm breweries” that aren’t really farms. Agri-tourism rules and enforcement at the state and local levels must be tightened to avoid jeopardizing the countryside. Well-funded policies are needed to promote conservation easements, along with purchase/ transfer of development rights programs that provide landowners with financially attractive alternatives to simply selling their land for development. Get personally involved. The public has a powerful voice. A recent example: persuading Loudoun County to abandon plans for a huge fire station in the historic village of Aldie. I encourage everyone to become involved in conservation matters beyond your immediate location. The more involvement, the stronger our voice. And so, many thanks to conservation-minded local officials, non-profit organizations, their volunteers and everyone who supports them financially for protecting this area. It’s our collective responsibility to keep it that way now and for future generations. Kevin Ramundo is a former communications executive serving on the boards of Citizens for Fauquier County and Land Trust of Virginia.

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At the Virginia Fall Races at Glenwood Park in the first division of the Hurdle Race 1st Division: No. 3 is Sean Clancy’s Riverdee Stable entry Lemonade Thursday, ridden to victory by Michael Mitchell. Hail Michigan (Graham Watters, up) was fourth.

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Jane Bishop won the Adult Championship on Adios Diablo at the Orange County Team Hunter Chase at Old Whitewood.

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Beverly Alcock won the Junior Championship on Twinkle at the Orange County Team Chase at Old Whitewood.

Mapping the Past While Preserving the Future

“W

Gene said that he and Annette “realized shortly after moving to Waterford how important it was to protect and honor the history of their land and those that passed before us. To have been able to purchase this piece of history, to be its steward, and then to preserve it for the future has given us great peace of mind. So, it’s for all these reasons that we sought protection.”

hen folks ask my wife, Annette, what her husband does for a living,” Eugene (Gene) M. Scheel said recently, “she comments, ‘he does odd jobs in the field of history.’”

That job description suits him just fine. Gene, in fact, is the author of nine books on Virginia history, and the cartographer of over 50 meticulously detailed, hand-drawn historical maps covering parts of Virginia, other states, and even other countries. Gene and Annette also fell in love with Virginia’s countryside, rural people, atmosphere, and wellpreserved history. It was not a difficult nor lengthy courtship for the Scheels when they bought their property in Waterford. Just 45-miles northwest of Washington near the foot of the Blue Ridge, the village of Waterford has been designated a Historic District, is listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register, the National Register of Historic Places, and is designated as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior. Gene and Annette purchased their 48-acre farm, named “Orchardcroft,” in 1968. The farm is located just 1.5 miles west of Waterford and has frontage on Old Wheatland Road. “The road has remained much the same,” Gene said. “You can still see depressions in the dirt from wheels and wagons, horses, and cattle. Not so unlike other gravel roads in our rural area, they tell a story.” Working with the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV),

In addition, farming the rolling land was always important to Gene and he wanted to make sure that future generations have the same opportunity. Gene and Annette Scheel have placed their 48-acre Waterford farm, Orchardcroft, in a conservation easement with the Land Trust of Virginia.

the couple placed their property in a voluntary conservation agreement (known as a “conservation easement”). LTV is a nonprofit organization that partners with private landowners who voluntarily protect and preserve properties with significant historic, scenic, or ecological value. LTV now holds 200 easements protecting a total of 22,878 acres in 18 counties in Virginia. The agreement with the Scheels permanently protects the property’s historic landscape, a significant thoroughfare in the French and Indian War and the Civil War. Additional public benefits of the agreement will be the permanent protection of the scenic open space and agricultural lands of the property. Were it not for the easement, the land could have been divided into nine separate lots.

“This land has significant conservation values, both historically and ecologically,” LTV Executive Director Sally Price said. “We’re honored that the Scheel family has chosen the Land Trust of Virginia to hold the conservation easement on this property. We’re also honored to share that LTV’s Malcolm Forbes Baldwin Fund assisted with the transaction costs of protecting the Scheel’s farm.” The fund was established in honor of LTV board member Malcolm Baldwin, and is specifically intended to support the conservation of working farms in Loudoun County with permanent conservation easements. The costs associated with the donation of this easement were also partially covered by Loudoun County’s newly created Conservation Easement Assistance Program, which can help landowners with the upfront costs of placing land under conservation easement.

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ead west on Rt. 211 out of Warrenton toward bucolic Rappahannock County and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Early’s Carpet, Inc. your “One-Stop Shop for Complete Home Decorating Service” will be on the left, located near Amissville, and a walk inside clearly justifies the slogan.

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Founded in October, 1966 by John and Lorraine Early, the couple began the business working out of their home’s basement, when wall-to-wall carpet was just coming on the scene. Both came from local agricultural backgrounds. John’s family owned and operated Hill Crest dairy farm, and Lorraine’s father worked in landscaping and sod farming. They met at a dance in Calverton and married five years later. John had three children from a previous marriage, and he and Lorraine went on to have three of their own.

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After losing their youngest son at age two, they knew something had to change. Tired of commuting to D.C. for his job, and after determining no-one in their home area wanted to tackle the carpet business, John and Lorraine started Early’s Carpet with a single “helper.” John delivered and installed carpet and flooring and Lorraine handled marketing and sales, designing and mailing out 42,000 sales circulars twice a year in spring and fall, and working with all the local publications on ads and articles. Lorraine recently recalled how the Amissville postmaster once fondly observed “This post office wouldn’t be here without Early’s Carpet—you’ve literally put Amissville on the map!” In 1968 they built the “shop,” a 12,000-square foot cinder block warehouse, which currently stores 100 rolls of wall to wall carpeting, 75 rolls of vinyl flooring, and 400 Oriental and area rugs. Early’s has been a long-time local treasure for contractors and homeowners, considered a “stocking dealer” with a 100-mile radius of operation. As product development changed, Early’s added other floor coverings, including vinyl, ceramic tile, hardwoods, and laminates. More recently, the company has ventured into custom draperies and window treatments. Most of their work is residential, and they also offer water restoration emergency services. It’s only about 10-15 percent of their business, but much needed in the area. John and Lorraine worked side by side for 48 years, putting in long hours, often from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m, six days a week to grow the business. “Travel was our reward for working so hard” said Lorraine, who relished adventures, including seeing most of Europe and Russia. John died in 2014 at what Lorraine said was “a young 80,” after a long battle with cancer. He worked up until the last 10 days of his life, and being a “fight back” kind of guy, she said he always responded to queries about how he was feeling with “GREAT!” Lorraine still works 40-50 hours a week, though she laughed when she said she was trying to “replace herself.” There are 22 employees and 18 vehicles on the road, and she manages accounts and inventory and continues to design her own display and copy ads.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

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Lorraine Early at her favorite one-stop store. She’s properly proud of her work and “seeing how our work transforms the home environment is satisfying,” her favorite part of the business. The most difficult challenge in recent years has been finding good help. There’s been a dearth of vocational training for the current younger generation. A new Early’s employee is sent to the manufacturer to see how the product is made, but that’s only the beginning. She tells them working at Early’s is “like going to college, but you’re going to go longer” because a technician must learn how to sell, install, finish, and teach the customer how to take care of the product. Lorraine now counts heavily on her loyal assistant, Donna Foster, who helps handle the business digitally, a key to any business’s survival. Her daughter Sonja, and Sonja’s husband, Solon Betts, are working as managers. The family’s collective goal has long been to ensure that employees work only 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, five days a week, with occasional Saturdays in the fall. And is retirement in Lorraine’s future? With a dozen grandchildren, and a thriving family business, it’s certainly a possibility. And what would she do? She talks about a Viking cruise down the Danube, perhaps a trip to Israel to start with. And she’s always loved swing dancing, especially to the tunes of the Silver Tones Band. So there are definitely wall-to-wall possibilities.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

HOME SWEET HOME Fauquier Habitat Keeps Building For Future IMPROVEMENTS By Darryl Neher Chief Executive Officer Fauquier Habitat for Humanity First of Two Parts

Whether you are planning to remodel your kitchen, transform your master bath, finish a basement or build an addition, you need more than a contractor. You need a partner you can trust with the possession that says the most about what you value and the way you live.

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he past year has proven challenging for one and all. A global pandemic. Political and social division. Economic uncertainty. But despite these unprecedented challenges, Fauquier Habitat for Humanity (FHFH) continued its work to ensure our neighbors have a safe, affordable, and decent place to live. In Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, Volunteers and future affordable housing inventory cannot meet current demand. Affordable properties are seeing their homeowners help put the price increase at two times the median-priced finishing touches on a Fanhome rate nationally. Developers interested in cier Habitat for Humanity property. building affordable homes confront high land cost, pricey infrastructure, and zoning requirements making it difficult to construct a truly affordable home. Fauquier Habitat has been working within the community to meet these challenges for nearly 30 years. Why? Home ownership creates long-lasting and a life-changing impact on families and communities, from providing a source of wealth and asset-building to influencing health and educational outcomes and contributing to positive community development. Innovation and partnership marked FHFH’s efforts in 2020, but more is needed to help address the region’s affordable housing shortage. We can’t do this alone; the key to building sustainable, long-term affordable housing options requires strong community partnerships and willingness to embrace innovative and creative solutions. We’ve developed several programs that expand our ability to serve local residents. One involves keeping people safe in their homes with critical home repair programming. FHFH has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rappahannock Benevolent Fund to partner on home repair projects in Rappahannock County. Thus far, the organizations have completed 16 projects, with two larger critical home repair projects scheduled to begin in 2021. FHFH is currently piloting a similar program in Fauquier County, focusing on an agingin-place project. We also have partnership and new homeowner education programs. For the first time since 2016, FHFH welcomed three families into our homeownership program. Families are eligible after demonstrating a need for housing, an ability to pay and willingness to partner with FHFH. A partnership is built through contributing “sweat equity” hours to Habitat’s mission and actively engaging in the homeowner preparedness course curriculum. Sweat equity takes the place of a traditional down payment. Every adult in a future homeowner family earns sweat equity hours by volunteering at the ReStore, working with core construction volunteers on current projects, and doing administrative/support work. A new educational program is designed to better prepare our partners for homeownership. Initial classes focused on financial literacy and planning, delivered by our partners at The Fauquier Bank. Future courses will cover home maintenance and repairs, how to be a good neighbor, and the importance of community engagement. In the traditional Habitat model, we build a home, sell it to a qualifying family, who then pays the mortgage and lives in the home. While FHF holds the right of first refusal to purchase a home back if it is going to be sold, the cost is often too high, and the home is sold at market rate, further reducing affordable housing inventory. In the fall of 2019, Fauquier Habitat initiated a plan to protect our inventory of affordable homes through the creation of a community land trust. Typically, that trust sells the houses on the land or builds new residences. FHFH retains ownership of the land while providing a 99-year renewable land lease for a nominal fee to the homeowner. By subtracting the cost of the land from a home purchase, the community land trust makes homeownership a possibility. Next: Plans for 2021

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Building Based on The Golden Rule

By Leonard Shapiro

e grew up on a farm in southern Ohio, one of eight siblings (seven boys in all). But Joel Barkman eventually chose not to join most of his brothers in working the land. Instead, he gravitated toward his father’s passion for carpentry and woodworking and eventually began his own home-building business in Northern Virginia. Barkman is the founder/president/CEO of Golden Rule Builders based in Catlett and serving a wide area that includes Fauquier, Loudoun and Clarke counties. The path that Ohio farm boy took on his way to producing homes ranging from $350,000 to $2 million began with a year of church volunteer work in his early 20s. “I came to Virginia in 1986,” he recalled. “I was in a program called the Choice Book Ministry. We had (religious) book racks set up in supermarkets, drug stores…and I just fell in love with the area. You’re close to D.C., the mountains, the beaches. It just seemed like an ideal place to live.” And build a business. One day, a friend told Barkman he wanted to start building and selling a house every year and wondered if he might be interested in joining him. They called their fledgling firm Golden Rule Builders, but after several homes were completed, his friend decided he’d rather do something else.

Golden Rule founder and owner Joel Barkman. “He’s now a travel agent in Kansas,” Barkman said. “He asked me if he could use Golden Rule for his travel business and that was fine with me. That was a long way from Virginia.” Why Golden Rule? “It’s ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Barkman said. “I wanted to base the business on integrity and honesty. It’s a great way to treat people. The Golden Rule is our guiding principle.” In the beginning, there were only a couple of employees and the business focused on building spec houses. It managed to survive an economic downturn in 1989-90 at a time when Barkman had three homes on the market and no buyers. And that eventually prompted a change in strategy.

Barkman described it as “design build. We design 95 percent of our homes now. We have a design team. If you want to build a home, you sign a design agreement with us. You’ll work on the selections you want for the home (carpet, cabinets, counters etc.). Then we go to a building contract.” These days, Golden Rule produces between 13 to 16 homes a year, from 2,500 to 10,000 square feet. Recently, the company has added another division— Golden Rule Lifestyle—geared more toward younger buyers interested in smaller homes, from 1,000 to 3,500 square feet. Married and with five children between ages 18 and 25, Barkman is a firm believer in being a steward of the land. He’s also embraced the growing green movement in the environment-friendly construction of his homes. There are now 30 employees, including several of his children. Half the staff works out in the field, the other half in the office. Barkman spent his first ten years at home sites himself, but now mostly operates out of the Catlett facility that includes a showroom and design center. “When I was out there, I did everything—roofing, framing, every aspect except the HVAC,” he said.”I almost made my slogan ‘you’ll find me in the field, not the office.’” It’s the other way around now, but The Golden Rule will always be his company’s motivating mantra. “That’s what we’re all about,” he said.

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

zest c l othing

Photo © Vicky Moon

John and Kitty Barker took timeout from their busy horse life for an evening out for the Doc5’s inaugural documentary film festival in Middleburg.

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9 E Washington St, Middleburg VA 5 4 0 -687-8702 | zestclothingandco.com

Photo © Vicky Moon

Julie Matheson and Jonathan Adams at a small socially distant early evening gathering.

Photo © Vicky Moon

Grey Risteau was out and about one recent fall morning.

Photo © Leonard Shapiro

John Moliere (left), commander of Middleburg’s American Legion Post 295, and Brett P. Reistad, past national commander of The American Legion, presided over a Charter Installation for the newly formed Post 295 American Legion Riders (ALR). Many posts around the country officially sponsor their motorcycle riders, who help raise funds, serve as motorcade escorts and attend veterans’ funerals.

Photo © Leonard Shapiro

Karen Jackson, the doyenne of the fashionable Tully Rector shop in Middleburg, was spotted picking up free saplings courtesy of the Goose Creek Association.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

It’s Always That Christmas Sleigh Time of Year

made for the shop, a fox in formal hunting attire, standing next to a Darth Vader, Uncle Sam and Santa Claus nutcrackers on the shelf.

By Leslie VanSant

as the pandemic left you with a case of the bah-humbugs? You can chase them away by visiting The Christmas Sleigh.

Beautiful hand-carved wooden schwibbogen, “candle arches”, are available from large to small in scenes of varying complexity. Nativities and “pyramids,” the moving circular towers powered by the heat from candles, are also on sale.

Since 2001, this uniquely focused Middleburg boutique has been inspiring dreams of sugarplums, fairies, nutcrackers, reindeer and Kris Kringle. Here, Christmas is not just a shopping season, but a 365-day celebration of its magic and joy. Proprietor Dieter Rausch came to Middleburg from his native Germany nearly 20 years ago. An architect by training, he swiftly and adeptly grew into the area’s own Father Christmas as the shop came together. Loosely fashioned after the traditional christkindl markets found all over Germany since the Middle Ages, where vendors sold toys and ornaments as gifts on Christmas or New Year’s Day. The walls and shelves feature traditional German wooden and metal crafts, clothing and food, most of which originated in the Erzebirge region in Saxony. Walking through the store with Rausch, his eyes twinkling, his dimples merry behind his Covid mask, he shares the stories behind the various displays of folk art. Start with the smokers, originally created to burn incense in the home as part of the winter solstice and Christmas celebrations to bless the home. Originally, these functional figurines showcased the jobs found

Photo by Leslie VanSant

This snowy scene is called a schwibbogen and available at Middleburg’s Christmas Sleigh. in German village—baker, candle maker, carpenter, clock maker. But now, smokers have been made to represent modern jobs and make great gifts. According to Rausch, incense was historically used to help to cover the smells coming from the first floor of the home, where the farm animals were kept. There’s another room devoted to nutcrackers. Originally designed as soldiers or kings, nutcrackers could crack open a nut while protecting a household from evil spirits. Nutcrackers made today are mostly if not all decorative. Rausch had a custom design

Ornaments to adorn the tree are made in wood, metal and egg shells. Eggs are carefully drained of their contents and painted with birds and flowers from winter or spring. Hung on trees at Christmas or Easter, these eggs are magnificent if fragile works of art. Small painted pewter, carved and curled wood, and blown glass are just a few of the items showcasing the mastery of German artists when it comes to Christmas. The final room in the shop features Bavarian clothing for men, women and children. There’s traditional dress for men—lederhosen—and women—dirndls-are offered for sale alongside wool coats, vests, shoes and hats. There’s definitely something for everyone at The Christmas Sleigh to help ignite the holiday spirit. With no humbug allowed. The Christmas Sleigh is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Christmas Eve.

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Additional Outdoor, Heated Dining Traditional, Wooden Light Post Ornaments

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Santa Reading Letters Delivered to the Middleburg Post Office

Decorated Store Fronts

Bespoke Christmas Trees on Washington Street

Live Outdoor Music Family Focused Scavenger Hunts

Photo Opportunities with Large Banners Depicting Past Christmas in Middleburg Scenes

The Town of Middleburg is ready for you to visit all season long. Find out more at: middleburgva.gov/holidays Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

And Now, a Little Levity

hen Delaplane artist Alan Rubin was a young boy living in Brooklyn, he had the flu. His mother called a new doctor who had recently arrived from Austria. Back then, doctors made house calls, and after the doctor arrived, he took out a tongue depressor and told young Alan, “open your mouse and breeze.” “I thought it was the funniest thing I’d ever heard,” Rubin said. “After that, I started listening to what people said and drawing pictures with alternative meanings to what they intended. I started calling them ‘punjabs’ many years ago.” This cartoon is from Rubin’s second book of punjabs, and he’s graciously allowed Country ZEST to add a little laugh-out-loud levity to our future mix during these trying times.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Exceptional Design for Luxury Living

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By M.J. McAteer

abrina Sutton didn’t want to be photographed sitting down, and whatever the reason, sitting down on the job really isn’t an option anyway. Sutton is the proprietor of Mortgage Hall, a 121-acre estate on Snake Hill Road in Middleburg. The centerpiece is a gracious 1850s Georgian mansion at the end of a sweeping driveway. The house requires constant, even obsessive, attention to keep up its appearances. That’s even more true now that Sutton has turned the estate into a vacation rental and wedding venue. It took a long view, though, to spot Photo by M.J. McAteer the estate’s potential to be anything but Sabrina Sutton at Mortgage Hall a tear-down when Sutton and her thenpartner first came to see it in 2013. Once owned by an heiress to the Sears fortune, the property was in foreclosure and had been empty and untended for a decade. Leaves had accumulated in the front hall, and light fixtures, sinks and toilets had been stripped away. Pipes were broken, the roof was in rough shape, and the grounds showed the same neglect as the house, with vines choking the boxwoods, trees needing to be trimmed or taken down and voracious weeds compromising views that otherwise stretched to the mountains. “Every single thing on this property needed something,” Sutton said. Restoring the house and property required buckets of elbow grease, almost exclusively supplied by Sutton, who took sole possession in 2019. She does most of the cleaning and laundry for the 10-bedroom house, as well as weed-whacking, mowing and planting. She recently bush-hogged a trail through the woods so guests could better commune with nature. Sutton also caulks bathtubs, paints, troubleshoots toilets and does carpentry jobs. Recently, she’s been renovating her horse barn. She’ll have to strip and revamp 24 stalls and hopes her two teenage daughters might pitch in. Otherwise, she admitted, “I have a hard time letting other people do things.” Those “things” include handling logistics for guest stays and arrangements for wedding parties, now up to 20 a year. Geralyn Moore, who got married in 2019 on the grassy circle in front of the mansion, offered enthusiastic on-line comments typical of former guests. She called the estate “equal parts elegance, history, comfort and coziness. A magical place.” Mortgage Hall has become a popular short-term destination for a smallish groups in search of a peaceful and secluded horse country retreat--bachelorette parties, friends getaways, family reunions and, pre-Covid, corporate retreats. “I’m thriving in the middle of a pandemic,” Sutton said. She rents the full house so guests have privacy and social distancing, while she and her daughters reside in a modest cottage on the estate. Sutton, 38, started in the hospitality industry at 16 as the face at the front desk of a country club. She later worked for Hilton Hotels, then pursued a degree in business management. “I wanted to be my own boss,” she said. “I know what I’m good at, and I am passionate about it.” She also sees Mortgage Hall as a big step along her entrepreneurial path. “I’m brainstorming about bringing in someone, not to take it over, but to run it for me,” she said. That way Sutton can try to find another property to restore to its rightful glory. The next improvement will be a new roof on the chicken coop so her guests might enjoy gathering their own breakfast eggs. For once, though, she’s hired someone else to do that job. After all, she still has stalls to strip.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

A Gem of an Idea to Support Survivors

By Leonard Shapiro

hey are cousins, best friends and business partners. But Kristen Malinowski and Ellie Clougherty also share one clearly unwanted bond—they are both survivors of sexual abuse on their respective college campuses. And now, they’re trying to help young women with similar traumatizing experiences. Four years ago, they started a jewelry business called Kamaria, which means “moonlight” in Swahili. A year later, they decided to form a nonprofit called “Restore Dignity,” specifically to aid other victims. “The idea is that even in the dark of night, the moon provides a beacon of light and hope,” Malinowski said. “Like the moon, even in the darkest times, you too can reflect light.” And the moon-related motto of Kamaria is “Be the light that changes the tides.” Both women also became activists in the movement to help prevent campus assaults, and began making pieces for some of their fellow survivors. They eventually decided perhaps designing and selling jewelry was in their future. They both spent time as apprentices working in New York’s diamond district to further improve their skills, and also travelled abroad to find sources for their basic materials—gemstones, chains, settings. Both women are now based in Vienna in Fairfax County and several local Middleburg shops are carrying their reasonably priced creations, mostly in the range of $60 to $120—including Lou Lou Boutiques and Nature Composed. Mystique Jewelers

Kamaria founders Kristen Malinowski and Ellie Clougherty

Kamaria bracelets

is also carrying their fine collection made with gold and diamonds. Northern Virginia is their main market and 10 percent of their profits from the jewelry go directly to their foundation, which offers financial assistance to students who had similar life-altering experiences. “We decided to create Restore Dignity to provide direct support for survivors and whatever they might need,” Malinowski said, adding that her mother Anne handles the nonprofit and she and her cousin the jewelry business “They apply and tell us how we can help. It could be tuition assistance, medical help, paying the rent so they can stay in school and continue their education.” Ironically, the current COVID pandemic “has been an interesting time because student survivors can take courses online, which is something many

students request after trauma,” Malinowski said. “It’s also been a great time for our mission as more attention is being focused on human dignity,” Clougherty added. So far, Restore Dignity has helped more then 20 young women, with the average assistance between $1,000 and $1,500. Most funds come directly from the jewelry business. To donate directly, go to www. RestoreDignity.com. Their studio is located in Vienna and they design everything. They personally create about 25 percent of the pieces, outsourcing the rest to a network of skilled crafts people. Among their more popular pieces are butterfly designs for necklaces and earrings. “The butterfly stands for rebirth, transformation and hope,” said Malinowski. The women say their business is growing, with an increasing number of boutiques both locally, nationally and abroad displaying their work as word gets around on their quality, and the good cause they’re funding. A chance meeting with Lou Lou owner Tara Wegdam at a New York trade show led to their jewelry being sold at her Middleburg shop. They also did a trunk show at one Lou Lou location in Fairfax and “they’ve done a really nice job with it,” Wegdam said. Both Malinowski and Clougherty emphasized their sole mission has nothing to do with the perpetrators of the assaults. They focus solely on helping young women who, like them, were victimized. “We work with undergraduates and graduate students,” Clougherty said. “We want to help protect their present, and their future.”

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Say Cheese Please! T

By Linda Roberts

here are many days when Ashley Hardesty feels like she’s a one-woman show. Helping her husband, Matt, and his family manage their large dairy farm near Berryville, caring for their two young children, and launching Harvue Farms’ cheese enterprise last year keeps her on the run. Hardesty wears a smile on her tanned face and embraces her full lifestyle with Photo Vicky Moon A popular option from enthusiasm, proudly pointing out that Harvue Cheese is the Harvue Farms, established in 1949 by John The Hardesty family Horseradish Cheddar. Hardesty, is a fifth generation family farm in northern Clarke County. For ten years running, Harvue Farms has received the In addition to the dairy herd, the Hardestys highest quality premium recognition from the Maryland/ cultivate some 650 acres, most planted in crops to Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, the organization feed their cattle. “Family members all help out here,” that promotes high caliber milk production and the said Hardesty, adding, “everyone has their own talent farmers who make their livelihood in dairying. and we all pitch in.” About 300 Holsteins are milked twice each day, at With milk prices often in flux and miles of regulations 1:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with a tankful of milk leaving between the farmer and the consumer, the Hardestys the farm for processing every day. When Harvue started their cheese business last year as a necessity to Farms started its cheese business in 2019, the farm ensure a livelihood for the farm’s future generations. began averaging a load of milk every other month to “The name of the game is to have something a small cheese-making firm in Pennsylvania. for our kids to work with here,” said Hardesty. “Of Harvue Farms cheese is sold in eight-ounce blocks course, that is if they want to farm.” and five-pound loaves and comes in a variety of Registered Holstein cows are the feature at Harvue flavors, including plain cheddar, garlic and chive, Farms and as Hardesty said, the farm’s commitment to horseradish, tomato peppercorn and smoked. high-quality milk has also resulted in the high-quality “Our cheese is 100 percent Harvue Farms’ milk,” cheese offered at 15 outlets throughout the area. said Hardesty. In addition to being sold at local

With the upcoming holidays, Harvue Farms is planning to make available gift box sets of cheese for its clients as a special feature. Cheese will also be offered at the following events: • Dec. 5 and 6 cheese will be available at Dirt Farm Brewing’s outdoor vendor event in Bluemont. • Dec. 19 Harvue Farms will participate in Audley Farm’s (Berryville) holiday vendor fair. Details: Harvuecheese.com markets for which Hardesty fills orders and then delivers it herself, the cheese is also available by appointment at the farm. Hardesty, who comes from a dairy farming background, joked that she knew what she was getting into when she married Matt and became part of the Hardesty family. “The cheese is all about making something better for future generations,” she said.

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Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Color Long Branch an Artist’s Delight

By Leonard Shapiro

he majestic Long Branch House & Farm in Millwood is currently showcasing two modern artists who don’t exactly employ the typical horse, hound and hunt motifs in their colorful works prevalent in so many grand old Virginia homes. One of those artists, Pam Klein, lives close by and said she can almost walk over to the imposing Long Branch house that dates to the 1700s. The other painter, Irma Ostroff, is a Philadelphia native who lives in Woodstock, N.Y. Walking there is not an option. Headed by Director Matt Hannan, Long Branch’s 400-acre estate is home to gorgeous Photo by Leonard Shapiro gardens, lush paddocks, and even a horse Millwood artist Pam Klein. rescue facility. It’s open to the public, has a popular guest speaker program, stages frequently changing art exhibitions and is available for private events—weddings, parties, meetings and community gatherings. According to its mission statement, “our purpose is to preserve and utilize the assets of the Long Branch estate for the benefit of our local and regional communities. The historic house, active equine farm and scenic open space allow us to promote education, environmental preservation and host community events.” Klein is a New Jersey native who lived, studied and worked in New York for many years. Exhibiting her distinctive work is a shining example of what Long Branch is trying to achieve. Klein has undergraduate and graduate degrees in fine art from Pratt Institute in New York, and later taught and was an administrator at the equally prestigious Parsons School of Design. Her first interaction with Long Branch came when journalist and author Howard Means, also a Millwood resident, asked her to speak there about her work. She’s been painting all her life and admitted “I never thought of doing anything else.” Early on, abstract expressionism would have described her work. These days, it’s all about vibrant colors. “Color can evoke an experience, a history, a feeling, a moment in time,” she wrote on her website. “For 40 years I’ve been exploring the interactions between color as a means of expression. At the moment, I’m working in oil and occasionally in gouache. My process involves a visual conversation between colors on the picture plane. As a dancer uses the physical space of the stage, I use the physical/visual space of the canvas to tell the story.” Her paintings literally pirouette off the walls in the room where they’re on display through December. And the story of how she and her husband, renowned photographer Matthew Klein, decided to move south to tiny Millwood is fascinating as well. It began with a chance meeting at a New York dog show. Pam saw her husband a short distance away and called out “Matt.” A different Matt was nearby, and hearing his name, also turned around. That was Matthew McKay-Smith, who’s wife, Winkie, was a well-known breeder of English bull terriers. They lived in White Post. The couples began chitchatting, exchanged phone numbers, and thus began a 40-year friendship. When Matt Klein started taking riding lessons near their home in Harding Township New Jersey, the McKay-Smiths invited the Kleins down to visit, and Matthew to go tally ho with the Blue Ridge Hunt. Over the years, the Kleins often spent weekends in the area, moving to Millwood in 2010. “My husband was born in New York, but couldn’t have cared less about leaving,” Pam Klein said. “I guess you could say I came to Virginia kicking and screaming. But I’ve grown to love it.” Long Branch very much included.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

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Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Schwartz Making Lots of Dough at

Red Truck S

By Anita L. Sherman

porting a head of white hair and dapper casual wear, Peter Schwartz sits outside his favorite Marshall haunt – The Red Truck Bakery.

A former Marshall District county supervisor, Schwartz and a group of investors, including Red Truck owner and baker Brian Noyes, opened the popular shop on Marshall’s Main Street in 2015. Currently customers can order and pick up the bakery’s menu of cakes, pies, muffins, granola, breads, cookies, coffee and more from a window located at the side of the store. As the weather gets cooler, they plan to re-open inside so patrons can be sheltered from the cold. “We have a great customer base,” said Schwartz. “People come from close in and far away…They are very loyal.” As the Marshall bakery celebrates its fifth year, the original location in Warrenton has been in place for ten years. Schwartz attributes their burgeoning online business and growing national reputation as reasons for its growing success. “We ship nationwide,” said Schwartz, “and have a great Internet presence.” Now in its third printing, Noyes’ collection of 85 beloved recipes published in his “Red Truck Bakery Cookbook: Gold-Standard Recipes from America’s Favorite Rural Bakery” has been well-received, with Noyes recently signing a contract to do another bakerybased book.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, the Schwartz family has called Fauquier County home since 1994 when they moved to a farm in Delaplane. He’s an advocate for vibrant small rural towns and has been a supporter of the Marshall Main Street Project, which after decades of discussion, was approved by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors in October of this year. Pointing to overhead wires on Main Street, Schwartz said he’s thrilled that the project will remove “all the spaghetti.” Electrical, phone and cable TV lines will move underground eliminating utility poles in the project area. One of the local leaders who also pushed the project was Mary Leigh McDaniel, the current county supervisor for Marshall District. “He was very instrumental in moving the Main Street project forward,” she said. “This was a community effort that started many years ago, and Peter helped with the grant process…He worked diligently to get construction easements signed by property owners, and worked closely with VDOT during the engineering phase. When we found out two years ago that we needed additional funds for under ground utilities, he was part of the group that successfully raised an additional $1.2 million in a four-month period.” McDaniel also recalled the Red Truck’s amusing ribbon-cutting in 2015. “He and Brian asked Robert Duvall (a good friend of Noyes) to cut the ribbon,” she said. “Mr.

Duvall informed them that cowboys don’t cut ribbons” so they had him cut a rope with a pocket knife…it was great!” A former lawyer (with degrees from Princeton and Harvard) and commercial real estate developer and investor, Schwartz, at 66, is happy with his life at the bakery, which also occasionally involves donning an apron and helping make dough. He has no regrets leaving the political arena behind. “I have to say that I didn’t mind walking away from that aspect,” said Schwartz, “nothing political anymore.” Reading and traveling are other passions he enjoys. And in addition to celebrating Red Truck’s five-year anniversary, he and his wife, Anna Moser, are also marking a 30-year wedding anniversary this year. They met in 1989. “When we went on our first date, she had a black and white television, a rotary phone and a library,” Schwartz recalled. “I told myself at the time…this is the girl for me.” Now, living on their farm in Delaplane, Schwartz enjoys family life. They have three sons, twins Simon and Nathaniel and Oliver. Schwartz’s mother, Anne, at 94, has lived with them for 22 years, since his father passed. She’s in excellent health and still travels when she’s able. Peter Schwartz is a happy camper these days and also not hard to find. “I’m here baking in the kitchen,” he said, with a smile.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Riding To Preserve Priceless Open Space

A recent conservation trail ride was all about appreciating the glory of the local land. By Marcia Woolman

he nonprofit Orange County Hunt Conservation Foundation (OCHCF) is dedicated to fostering the conservation of Northern Virginia’s open spaces and rural landscapes. OCHCF, a 501-c-3, strives to enhance community knowledge and appreciation of the care needed to protect rural landscapes and preserve the diverse wildlife habitats that nourish the native plants and remarkable animals that share the Virginia countryside. While the OCHCF is totally independent from Orange County Hounds (OCH), it shares many of the same goals, including protecting more than 35,000 acres of land and water. OCHCF organizes activities for landowners, neighbors and friends to enjoy trail rides and nature hikes in this territory so that they may experience the exhilaration of being out and enjoying this special place where we live and recreate. The 2020 OCHCF trail ride in October was just as

successful as last year’s initial effort to engage with those who live here, and who want to know more about the land and the wildlife, so they might better enjoy it, value it for its beauty, and learn more about ways to preserve and nurture it. The area selected for this year’s ride was Stoke Farm owned by the Morison family. They have a long hunting tradition and also have an intense desire to protect the land from development and any other environmental threats. Eleanor and Dulany Morison hosted the trail ride and as the 35-plus riders prepared to depart, OCHCF President Rae Stone introduced the participants to the goals and mission of the organization on the lawn of the Stoke manor house. The event provided an expanded opportunity for a diverse group of equestrians to experience a unique section of the Bull Run Mountain’s valleys, ridges and slopes. The more you know, the more you want to protect it. Each new season begins when nature puts on her

splashy bright colored robe. The ride occurred on an almost perfect windless autumn day, with not a cloud in the sky. It provided participants a kaleidoscope of color and gorgeous views, with plenty of smiles and laughter for one and all along the merry way. OCHCF activities are free, but donations are accepted for use toward the goal of strengthening the bond between landowners, visitors and the countryside. OCHCF, also is building an educational program on environmental safeguards, like conservation easements, or providing information on tree planting, especially in riparian areas like stream edges and protection for wetlands. The spring nature walk will focus on finding and learning the importance of native trees and shrubs, with a better understanding of how this all works together. Marcia Woolman, a long-time area resident and conservationist, is chair of OCNCF’s Education and Community Outreach Committee.

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Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Millwood Equestrian Back in the Saddle Again By Linda Roberts

nowledgeable, skilled and professional—and throw in plucky, positive and determined—all words that describe Clarke County horsewoman Cathy Frederickson of Millwood. Frederickson hasn’t been far from Photo by Linda Roberts horses since she was a young child Saddle Fitter Cathy Frederickson growing up in California and riding her aptly named small pony, Pee Wee, a Christmas gift from her grandfather, who instilled in her a love of horses. A third generation Californian, Frederickson “came east” in the 1980s with her husband Allan, also a horseman and former three-day event rider. She worked for top event rider Denny Emerson in Vermont before relocating to Clarke County. Frederickson is light years away from the early years of jumping Pee Wee over cardboard boxes in her backyard, starting Pony Club at age 7 and competing in her first horse trial at 9. At 17 she achieved Pony Club’s highest “A” ranking, considered an impressive achievement at her age. Now, as a national examiner for the U.S. Pony Club, she teaches, tests and reviews skills of youngsters across the country and abroad. After pre-veterinary studies at college, she decided her calling was riding and teaching riding, a pathway that led to England and certification as an instructor in the British Horse Society. Frederickson also moved through the ranks of eventing from novice to training, preliminary and eventually the intermediate level, all in the disciplines of dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. She has experienced first hand the instruction she provides her students. Frederickson recently added a new interest to her Millwood Equestrian teaching and training business. Her clients now benefit from her skills in fitting saddles to horses and riders. To a novice, placing a saddle on a horse’s back, tightening the girth and getting on for a morning ride seems simple enough. Yet, a myriad of underlying factors are in play.

You’ve WATCHED the race… This is what it’s like to WIN the race.

Does the saddle’s shape actually fit the horse’s back? Could it have created that lump on the horse’s back? The old adage, “no foot, no horse” is easily retrofitted to “sore back, no horse.” making a pleasure horse no fun to ride and keeping a performance horse from reaching its potential. Arriving at a client’s barn, these questions and many more keep Frederickson assessing the saddle, the horse’s conformation, and the horse and rider combination in motion for an initial 90-minute consultation.

Get in the Game… Steeplechase & Flat Racing Partnerships

The session doesn’t stop there. She also supports the horse owner in locating a saddle that properly fits the horse or making modifications to the existing saddle to ensure a correct fit. Savvy riders value Frederickson’s knowledge and respect her equine background in riding, training and teaching hundreds of students to ride.

Racehorse Sales

An independent certified saddle fitter, Frederickson trained with respected saddler, anatomist and bio-mechanist Gillian Higgins and completed course work in England. She also is certified by the North American Saddlery School in Pennsylvania. Frederickson aspires to become a member of Britain’s Society of Master Saddlers, the pinnacle for saddle fitters. “My background and training have gifted me with tools that work to make the total picture of horse and rider come together,” Frederickson said. “What gets me up and moving in the morning is the interaction I have with motivated people and the satisfaction I take in my work to improve a horse’s way of going.” And ultimately it’s all about the “correlation of the horse, the rider and the tack (saddle).” Cathy Frederickson can be reached at millwoodequestrian@gmail.com or by phone, 540-336-9824.

RIVERDEE STABLE & CLANCY BLOODSTOCK Anne & S ean Clanc y Middleburg, VA

Anne 917-446-2848 | akclancy@riverdee.net Sean 302-545-7713 | sean@ thisishorseracing.com www.riverdeestable.com

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Get the primary care experience you deserve Same-day or next-day appointments Reach your doctor after hours Unhurried visits that start on time

Call 540.724.2054 or visit mdvip.com to schedule a complimentary getacquainted meeting with Dr. Royston. Norris Royston Jr., MD Family Medicine 8255 East Main Street Marshall, VA 20115 mdvip.com/NorrisRoystonMD

MARSHAL 7-ELEVEN

YOUR HOMETOWN GO-TO CONVENIENCE STORE “Give the customers what they want, when and where they want it.” —Joe C. Thompson Jr., 7-Eleven Founder

7-Eleven was the first to provide to-go coffee cups! 7-Eleven was the first to operate 24 hours a day!

• Gift Cards • Financial Services • Get Stimulus Ready

• Gas • Diesel • Propane

7-ELEVEN

FUN FACTS

GROCERIES

• Coffee • Slurpee® • Juices • Beer • Wine • Energy Shots • Big Gulp • AND MORE ...

MONEY

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Hot Foods Hotdogs Pizza Big Bites Wings & more Healthy Choices Sandwiches Bakery Breakfast Pizza Snacks Ice Cream Candy AND MORE...

FUEL

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FOOD

7-Eleven and their brands are a big part of the American culture and are recognized worldwide. The Marshall 7-Eleven is your go-to convenience store for food, beverages, money related items, fuel, general grocery items and so much more! Check out some of our offerings ...

Photo by Meredith Hancock

Nimbus Farm Alpacas

eredith Hancock, Country ZEST art director, was recently invited to Nimbus Farm Alpacas for a photo shoot on a lovely fall day. The mission combined clothing from The Quirky Closet, a consignment shop in Winchester for women sizes 14 and up. Nimbus Farm Alpacas, located in Berryville, is owned and operated by retired Army Colonel Kimberly McCamon and her daughter Erin Brown, proud members of the Alpaca Owners Association. They share the mission of raising healthy animals with gentle dispositions, superior fleece qualities and exemplary conformation. In addition, they operate Cumulus Crafts, a fiber processing business of homegrown yarns and luxurious fiber from their herd. They pick, card, spin, crochet, and hand weave with the highest quality and craftsmanship.

Photo by Erin Brown

A combination of all good things from The Quirky Closet and Nimbus Farm.

Details: http://www.thequirkycloset.com and http://nimbusfarmalpacas.com/shop.

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Milk Bread Cereal Medication Laundry Car Maintenance • Telephone Chargers • Batteries • AND SO MUCH MORE ...

7-Eleven was the first to offer a self-serve soda fountain! 7-Eleven coined the phrase “Brain-Freeze®”!

As a franchise owner and an active member of my community, I’m proud to be a part of the 7-Eleven and Marshall, VA story. Stop by and see us! — Bernice Simpson

Nimbus Farm Alpacas Offers A Backdrop For Style

Photo by Meredith Hancock

Handmade accessories are made by Cumulus Crafts

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Carry Me BACK

A Country Ham and a Fancy Chandelier

By Jimmy Hatcher

took a job with Governor and Mrs. Averell Harriman in 1974 after they bought Millicent West’s Willow Oaks where I’d been renting the stable. I rode as an amateur, but my friend Eve Fout showed me how to take a tax write-off for my horses. Mrs. Harriman was the daughter of a master of fox hounds but hadn’t jumped since 1938, the year she married Randolph Churchill, the son of Winston Churchill. But the jumping came back and we started to hunt regularly. The Harrimans’ first Christmas in Virginia was coming up and she wanted to know if I could offer any suggestions on making a planned hunt breakfast into an all-Virginia affair. I told her my family had given me a Virginia country ham and she asked if I would get her one as well. I hadn’t yet told my parents about the Harrimans because we had been Harry Byrd Democrats until becoming Eisenhower Republicans. But I called them in Richmond to

Pamela Harriman on horseback by W. Nall, 1983 see if they would get the Harrimans a ham. When I told mother about my job, I heard her tell father about it, and then heard him say, “My God that’s worse than Franklin Roosevelt.” I brought the ham back after my Thanksgiving trip to Richmond and Mrs. Harriman was delighted to have it. The hunt breakfast was a lovely party encompassing both the living room and the dining room, which were usually separated by a folding partition. The party was all sparkling in silver and white and there was a crystal

The Greatest Gift You can give to your friend is to make him or her feel YOUNG again!

Pamela Harriman frequently rode with the Middleburg Hunt. chandelier over the dining room table and another one over the two small sofas in the living room. I was sitting with Jane and Bruce Nichols on the sofas under that dazzling chandelier. Jane exclaimed she just had to have a chandelier just like the Harrimans for the house they were renting in Middleburg.

After Christmas, the Harrimans wintered in Barbados. When they came back in March, Jane Nichols was still pestering her husband about that chandelier. The week after they got back, Mrs. Harriman and I were slated to ride in the Middleburg Pair Race at Glenwood Park. I stopped by to chat and make plans. Mrs. Harriman invited me in, and sitting on one of the sofas under that same chandelier was Sister Parish, the go-to interior decorator in America who had first decorated the White House living quarters for the Kennedys. We talked about her daughter, who had lived in Middleburg. Then, with a toss of her head, Sister Parish looked up at the chandelier and exclaimed, “Pamela, this chandelier HAS to go. This is a country house and the chandelier is much too formal.” Well, the chandelier then went to the governor’s mansion in Richmond, which was being done over for the new Democratic governor, Gerald Baliles. Then I went over to see Bruce Nichols and told him I thought he no longer needed to buy his wife a chandelier.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Hippocrates “Our family dog, Duchess, had become so arthritic that she couldn’t get around anymore. All she would do all day was sleep. We knew that the day was coming soon when we would have to make the awful “decision,” so we decided to get a puppy to help us cope with our loss. Of course, Duchess was not happy to have a rambunctious puppy around; she would growl and snap. We decided to see if Canine Excel would help her feel better during whatever time she had left, so we started adding it to her food each day. It was about two weeks. I awoke early one morning to hear a crazy commotion going on downstairs, and raced to the head of the stairs to find Duchess running around – ‘cracker-dog’– having a wonderful time playing with the new puppy. Her arthritis was gone! Not only that – her newly glossy coat became the talk of the grooming salon.” – Doug Hazel

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Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

We ship USA & CA

Photo by Crowell Hadden

Ovoka Farm from the top of Ashby’s Gap.

Where’s the Beef ? Try Ovoka Farm

By John Sherman

hrough my window I see the first light touch the top of Ashby’s Gap above Paris and wash red down the hillside, down over pastures broken by stone walls, and over the homestead of Ovoka, the great house, the outbuildings, the barn, the silo. Over black cattle wandering the hillside. For some years, the property was in jeopardy of being developed. Its present owners, Karen Way and Guy Morgan, bought the farm in 2008 and expanded the eight-bedroom, columned mansion, built in 1820. Since then, they’ve reassembled the original property to over 700 acres of its original plat, including the recent addition of 64-acre Liberty Farm—Ovoka’s original grazing land. Remarkably, Guy was raised just over the ridge from Ovoka. As a young boy, his grandfather took him to visit with then-owner Reed Thomas. “All I can remember were the peacocks and Dobermans,” Guy said. After high school, he enlisted in the submariner service, went to the University of Maryland and spent the next ten years playing in a band he formed called the “Nine Day Wonder.” (His grey hair still falls to shoulder length.) He went on to form—-and sell—-the country’s largest private electric company, headquartered in Chicago, where he met Karen, an energy lawyer. When they purchased Ovoka, Karen and Guy realized their vision of a working farm where they could raise their own meat. They started their first herd with Angus stock from the local Livestock Exchange. It was dinner in one of San Antonio’s top restaurants that Guy ordered a steak from a Japanese breed he had never encountered—-Wagyu. “After tasting the melt-in-your mouth beef,” Guy recalled, “I knew I had to learn more and I knew I had to bring Wagyu to Ovoka.” A full blooded Wagyu steak is almost pink—-not red—-from the intense marbling that permeates the meat. The cooked meat is so rich it’s often described

Photo by John Sherman

Guy Morgan and Karen Way at Ovoka. as “buttery” or “foie gras.” “Because of its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids,” Guy said, “Wagyu’s melting point is lower than the human body temperature.” The amount of marbling makes full-blooded Wagyu the highest priced beef in the world, commanding as much as $200 a pound. Costco recently offered $100 off a four-steak package, down to $400. Karen pointed out that most retail meat labeled “Wagyu” has only a small percentage of the actual breed, so prices can be lowered while still maintaining its cache. She cautioned consumers to read the labels carefully. “American-Wagyu” are typically a cross between a full blood Wagyu bull and a full blood Angus

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

heifer—-a half-and-half split known in the trade as “F-1 beef.” “Pure bred Wagyu is extremely rich,” Guy said. “Americans want the size and beefy taste of an Angus The combination has created its own niche in the meat world.” Today the herd includes about 80 full blood heifers and 250 F-1s and F-2s (3/4 Wagyu and 1/4 Angus). “At the end of this season, we’ll have 60 new full blooded Wagyu calves that will be the next generation of Ovoka’s Heritage beef ’s genetics,” Guy said. Karen, a practicing lawyer, also manages the farm and the day-to-day cattle operations. “Beyond buying or selling and raising our stock, I’ve enjoyed getting out and introducing our beef to local restaurants, like Field and Main and Hunter’s Head, under Ovoka Heritage Wagyu Beef.” Karen also manages Ovoka’s donations to local food banks through the Piedmont Environmental Council’s distribution network. The farm has donated thousands of pounds of its Heritage Wagyu beef and Mangalitza pork. “Our work doesn’t end with a one-and-done donation,” Karen clarified, “Ovoka is committed to supporting the long-term hunger relief efforts of groups like FISH, so at each harvest, we’ll ensure consistent deliveries.” At some point, the couple hopes to slaughter their own beef on the property and personally oversee the butchering. “Our goal is to be as self-sufficient and selfsustaining as possible,” Karen said. Guy sees the opportunity to expand their offerings. “Take a pig,” he said. “The American style is to give you back a ham. The Europeans take the same ham and break it down into ten completely different cuts. We want to do the same.” And down the road, smoking and creating charcuterie. “When Guy brought us back to his home in Virginia,” Karen said, “we never even dreamed of finding a farm as breathtaking as Ovoka, never mind watching our cattle grazing the hillsides.”

WE MISSED YOU IN 2020

We Look Forward To Seeing Our Horse Racing Fans in 2021

VirginiaHorseRacing.com Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

PROPERTY Writes

How Sweet It Is at Sweet Bay Farm

There is a fenced orchard with plum, apple, almond, peach, sweet and sour cherry and apricot trees close to the home.

weet Bay Farm is an exquisite 127-acre property designed for country living.

Tremendous attention to detail, as well as old world craftsmanship, has created a timeless estate in both the buildings and on the grounds. The custom-designed residence near The Plains was built in 2004 and features a firstfloor master suite, three additional bedrooms, two baths and family room on the second level and a finished third-floor children’s dorm with full bath. The lower level includes a French-inspired wine cellar with a constant geothermal 5355° F. temperature and perfect humidity. To the right of the residence, a relocated log bank barn, estimated circa 1795, has been remodeled as a two-bedroom guest and pool house with a salt water pool. To the left of the home, there’s a three-bedroom caretaker cottage and two-bay garage plus storage bay.

A circa 1795 log structure has been remodeled as a two-bedroom guest and pool house with a salt water pool.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Sweet Bay Farm is 127 acres.

The dining area awaits guests.

The lower level includes a French-inspired wine cellar with a constant geothermal 53-55Â° F. temperature.

The home offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Sweet Bay includes a seven-stall barn with access potential to ride out into some of the finest land in the Orange County Hounds territory. Additional features include seven paddocks with an automatic watering system and five run-in sheds. The property has an automatic watering system for cattle, with watering spigots for special needs, two ponds and two equipment sheds providing cover for farm equipment. Outdoor entertaining and dining areas provide stunning views.

Additional features include wide board oak floors on the first and second levels quarter sawed from fallen oak trees at the Upperville Horse Show grounds during a 1990s hurricane. The home features high-speed Wi-Fi and a 60-amp generator. The farm also is protected by an open space easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

Thomas & Talbot Real Estate 2 South Madison Street Middleburg, VA. 20117 $6,800,000 John Coles 540-270-0094

The custom-designed residence features a first-floor master suite.

Country ZEST & Style | Holiday 2020

Cup of COFFEE

Was I Thoreau walking around the pond? Far from it, but there were glimmers of spirituality and solace. I swear there were glimmers.

Dealing With a New Normal N

glimmers of spirituality and solace. I swear there were glimmers.

By Sean Clancy

ow is the winter of our discontent. Shakespeare’s line. book. Our reality.

Steinbeck’s

We’re in for a long, dire winter as the pandemic numbers rise, windows close, vaccines test and a country tries to heal itself from a viral and political divide. I’m not here to talk politics. We’ve done that enough already. It seems all conversations wind up mired in politics, one got so heated I stomped home from the neighbors’ house, so great was the divide. What a year. What a bust. In March when the pandemic hit, it was an interesting development, felt more like a disruption than a disaster. A change of pace, the sabbatical you always wanted. We read a few extra books, picking ones randomly off the shelf for fun. My son Miles and I played a full season of backyard baseball, all-time best teams matching up, Mickey Mantle against Mike Trout, Sandy Koufax versus Randy Johnson, The Babe squaring off with Yaz. We moved a pile of planks and beams that needed to be moved for a decade, filled the woodshed, cleaned the attic, donated clothes and toys to our local hospice. We weeded the garden, transplanted volunteer saplings, planted seeds to yield the earliest radishes and arugula in our 10 years here. I joined a Zoom call with a friend in New York and another in Turkey. I wrote, almost creatively, nearly for fun. We walked around the block as a family, not often, but more often than ever before. We turned dinners into destinations. Was I Thoreau walking around the pond? Far from it, but there were

Car rides have become glimmers. Just the 12-minute journey from home to Hill School has turned from a requirement to a respite. Wednesday, I arrive early but not as early as most, sliding into 33rd in the pickup line. There was a time when it would grate on me, now, I turn the key and roll down the windows. The American flag waves, whips northwest. The sun has sunk below the trees to my left, still shining across the grass field where we’ve seen kids race in circles over the years. It’s empty today. A woman walks a dog, a tan-colored mutt, joyous in the exercise. The spigot is on, but no water runs, a lone orange ornament on the sea of green. Most kids are at home, sequestered, navigating online school, the dearth of interaction, the death of the snow day. As Hill closed in the spring, we asked Miles what he missed, he said, “Just anybody under the age of 50.” Fortunately, we were back to school in September. It was like the first day of summer – for all of us. Cars begin to move, a white SUV replaces a black SUV, I turn the key and start the car, begin to creep, flipping the visor with our name tag. Parents and children pass us heading home as we wind our way to the front of the line. Teachers yell out names, like bingo numbers. Students banter and bounce in the art room, the doors wide open. Kids look for recognizable cars, some linger, loiter, others flit and flee, winter coats are dragged like streamers off the back bumper. For a moment, it’s a regular school day on a regular day. NPR announces New York is implementing new school closures because of the rising numbers. I take a deep breath…Ski Friday, the Talent Show, will we go back after Thanksgiving? Miles leaps into the back seat, throws his backpack on the floor and rips off his mask. I ask him about his day. Ran the mile in 8:05. Top four. Finished Walk Two Moons in English class. Top 20. For a moment, the winter of our discontent seems far, far away.

Go Green Middleburg | Holiday 2020

Let’s make your move.

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE

We know your life can’t be placed on hold while you buy or sell

OFFICES IN

your house. It’s why we take a comprehensive approach to real

Leesburg Ashburn Middleburg Purcellville

estate. While you’re dealing with the everyday, we’re dealing with every detail, making a complicated and momentous process feel simple. Visit atokaproperties.com to see how we’re doing things diﬀerently - even now - to make your move a simply better one.

Specializing in Large Land Holdings

John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Heronwood 501 Acres $19,500,000 Upperville – Private 18 hole golf course built to USGA standards. 2 world class stables, 45 stalls, arena, 28 fenced paddocks. 500+ spectacular acres with Blue Ridge Mountain views. Convenient to Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport and Washington, D.C.

Deerfield Farm 181 Acres $4,500,000 Upperville – Gracious estate with an impeccably restored brick manor house, ca. 1844. Perennial gardens, orchard, guest house with theatre, guest/pool house, pool, 2 tenant houses, 5 bay garage, workshop and 2 ponds. High elevation with fenced fields and paddocks.

Chilly Bleak 152 Acres $3,250,000 Marshall – This horse farm features 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 I-66 and Rt. 50. VOF Easement. Shared listing with Sotheby’s.

Muster Lane 108 Acres $6,950,000 The Plains – 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.

Windsor Farm 115 Acres $4,500,000 Upperville – Windsor Farm is an extraordinary horse property specializing in the training of Grand Prix horses. The elegant Manor House dates to the 1700’s and has been expanded through the years to create the current gracious home with formal gardens and expansive views. In addition to the main home, the estate includes 3 tenant houses and 3 apartments.

Spring Hill 20 Acres $2,250,000 The Plains – In a completly charming setting this residence, accessory dwelling and it’s office/gathering house, with stone walls, gardens, pastures, pond and pool. Below the guesthouse is a 4 stall stable with it’s own parking area and driveway. The original 1870 log cabin was expanded several times creating a very welcoming home. This farm and its prime location, halfway between Middleburg and The Plains, provides the perfect way to social distance while being able to keep family and friends close.

Sweet Bay Farm 127 Acres $6,800,000 The Plains – Exquisite estate features the custom designed residence built in 2004 with first floor master suite. To the right of the home, a relocated bank barn, ca. 1795 serves as a 2 bedroom guest house and pool house. To the left of the home there is a 3 bedroom caretaker cottage with garage. Horse facilities include a 7 stall stable, board fenced paddocks and fields. 2 ponds. Orange County Hunt Territory.

Holly Hill 37 Acres $3,299,000 Middleburg – A gracious stone manor conveniently located just 2 miles from Middleburg. Historic property has been meticulously renovated with luxury finishes and tasteful upgrades throughout. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths. Formal dining room, large garden / family room with stone floor, Ballroom, Chef’s kitchen, library, 6 fireplaces. Charming guest house, pool, 2 barns. Large exercise / art studio. Dressage arena and grass jumping arena. Gardens, ponds and views. OCH hunt territory.

Stone Haven 158 Acres $1,695,000 Woodville – In pristine Rappahannock County, Stonehaven offers a picturesque and tranquil retreat. Sited at the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence, c.1791 with additional stone cottage for guests or office and tucked into the woods, beyond the home, is a charming and beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin. Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and tremendous ride out potential provide an outdoor haven.

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.

During this difficult time, Thomas & Talbot Real Estate’s virtual doors remain open and we continue to show properties with social distancing in mind. Being familiar with working remotely, given the nature of our business, we will continue to provide the highest service and support in Hunt Country. This rural life has never been more desirable.

Country Zest Holiday 2020 Edition

Articles inside

Cup of COFFEE

How Sweet It Is at Sweet Bay Farm Sweet Bay Farm is 127 acres.

Where’s the Beef? Try Ovoka Farm

Carry Me BACK A Country Ham and a Fancy Chandelier

Nimbus Farm Alpacas Offers A Backdrop For Style

Millwood Equestrian Back in the Saddle Again

Riding To Preserve Priceless Open Space

Schwartz Making Lots of Dough at Red Truck

Color Long Branch an Artist’s Delight

Say Cheese Please!

A Gem of an Idea to Support Survivors

ZEST