FINALLY SPRINGING FORWARD

FINALLY SPRINGING FORWARD

Spring has sprung in all its gorgeous glory around these parts, and there is an increasingly illuminating sliver of light at the end of our collective tunnel.

In our area, there are many events to look forward to in the coming months, including the steeplechase and point-to-point seasons and the early June Upperville Colt and Horse Show. State mandated restrictions have slightly eased, and this year, far more folks can watch up close and personal, masks and maybe tailgates included, of course.

In our spring issue of Country ZEST, we have feature stories on two of the historic (1853) Upperville show’s long-time board members and now vice presidents—Shelby Bonnie and Betsee Parker.

We’ve got picture pages that include colorful cows and eager beagles as well as a gorgeous spread previewing the upcoming Garden Club of Virginia Garden Tour that includes two local properties. And also give a special welcome to Philip Dudley, an Upperville native contributing his first column for ZEST on personal finances, with a terrific tax tip just in time for the May 15 filing deadline.

Speaking of special, how about the great good works performed by Chuck Kuhn and his wife Stacy. He’s the owner and founder of Loudoun-based JK Moving, the largest independent moving company in North America. Far more germane are their philanthropic, conservation and preservation efforts.

That would include a farm purposed to provide produce and beef for food insecure area families; saving and dramatically upgrading the Middleburg Training Track and, most recently, purchasing historic White’s Ferry and currently working on details to get it up and running again.

Local history is always a hallmark of these pages, and John Toler’s intriguing tale on the early settlers of the Free State area of Fauquier County may surprise some readers. German speakers, maybe not.

Back to the 21st century, we’ve got stories on a dedicated Foxcroft instructor who’s making a difference in attracting more young women into the often maledominated science, technology, engineering and math fields (STEM). And read all about a local entrepreneur making Wi-Fi technology more available to underserved areas in Loudoun and Fauquier counties.

We’ve been told many times (blush, blush) that ZEST is the most respected and entertaining magazine in our area. We’re humbled, of course, and will continue to strive to justify that flattering description. We’re also offering our readers a wide variety stories and photos in this issue, all the better to add more Zest to your reading pleasure.

Leonard Shapiro

Editor

Badgerlen@aol.com