Country ZEST & Style Spring 2023 Edition

SPRING 2023

WINDY HILL FOUNDATION AT 40

JUDY WASHBURN AND ELOISE REPECZKY

INSIDE:

UPPERVILLE HORSE SHOW | SAVING DANIEL BOONE’S LIFE ARTHUR GODFREY REMEMBERED

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

SPRING

MAKING IT ALL JUMP SMOOTHLY AT UPPERVILLE

HORSE SHOW

EMILY DAY, TOMMY LEE JONES, AND HAYLEY ALCOCK

INSIDE:

WINDY HILL FOUNDATION AT 40 | SAVING DANIEL BOONE’S LIFE

ARTHUR GODFREY REMEMBERED

HICKORY TREE FARM

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

Beautifully renovated home on 304 acres Main house, stunning guest house w/ garage, 2 tenant houses, manager’s house, apartment complex, pool, 5 barns totaling approximately 60 stalls, 3/4 mile all weather sand track, pond & extensive paddocks, fencing & sheds

Property is served by four separate gated entrances with access from Burrland Lane & Zulla Road Panoramic views of Bull Run Mountains & the Blue Ridge Mountains offering an extraordinary building site if desired | Original home site still surrounded by towering trees, garden & stone walls

$8,750,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

WIND FIELDS

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

324.18 acres in prime Middleburg location | Frontage on Snickersville Turnpike | Rolling acreage with Blue Ridge views, creeks, ponds, mature woods and Goose Creek frontage | Lime Kiln cottage with remains of original mill | Property is in Conservation Easement, may be subdivided 3 times

$5,511,060

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

OUT WEST

WARRENTON, VIRGINIA

Gracious home with impressive renovated kitchen | Hardwood floors, substantial millwork and fine finishes and 4 fireplaces | Perfectly sited to enjoy the views of surrounding farmland | 5 bedrooms, home office, large family room, newly resurfaced tennis court, wonderful pool with cabana and 4 bedroom guest house with workshop/3 stall stable | Large field for turn out, 1 paddock and lovely hay field | 32 acres in 2 recorded parcels

$3,000,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

ATOKA STORE

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Property has been a landmark for community for decades | Major frontage on Route 50 & Atoka Rd | Commercial kitchen, beer cooler, grocery items, pizza oven, in store seating Potential to be very lucrative | Property also improved by older home, old gas station has been renovated for potential office space or storage & stone spring house | 2 lots w/ commercial village zoning

$2,700,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

HUGHESVILLE ROAD

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

99.33 acres in prime Loudoun Hunt country location, easy access to Leesburg, Purcellville & Lincoln | Property is in conservation easement Mountain and valley views | Rolling acreage | Approximately 65 acres of pasture, 35 acres of woods, major creek frontage | Property has road frontage on Hughesville Road and Holmes Mill Road | Very protected location

$1,995,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

CATESBY VINEYARD

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

44.55 acres of which 15 acres are producing grapes | 8.5 acres of Chambourcin, Traminette on 4.3 acres and Vidal Blanc on 2.1 acres | Vineyard infrastructure includes fencing, irrigation system and computerized well | Perc site for 4 bedroom home | Property is in conservation easement | Property can be converted to Residential use

$1,300,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

RECTORTOWN ROAD

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Lovely country home on private lot in the village of Rectortown | FIBER INTERNET | Open floor plan with main level suite and home office | Upper level overlooks large family room with two story vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace and two large bedrooms and second family room | Multiple porches and decks with extensive plantings - easy maintenance

$1,250,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

104 & 106 S. PENDLETON ST.

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Rare opportunity | 2 recorded lots with C-3 zoning in the town of Middleburg | 2 separate buildings with 8 offices, 5 storage bays and ample parking | All buildings are in excellent condition

$1,250,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

JOHN MARSHALL HIGHWAY

MARKHAM, VIRGINIA

49.16 acres in 2 recorded parcels | Frontage on Goose Creek, land rises to great views, mountain meadows on upper portion | Access over Railroad and creek | Excellent hunting land, surrounded by large tracts

$300,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

UNCOVERING SOME UPPERVILLE HORSE SHOW HISTORY, AND MORE

100

By Vicky Moon

There are horses, horse owners, riders and grooms. Then add office staff, advertisers, sponsors, jump crew, groundskeepers, announcers, judges and loyal members.

That makes for a thick brew of questions, answers, problem solving, handshakes and congratulations for the 170th edition of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show.

The show will take place this year June 5-11 at the original Grafton Farm on the south side of route 50 and at Salem Farm across the street for the jumper competition. It concludes with the $216,000 FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic on Sunday, June 11 at 3 p.m.

Show secretary and honorary board member Emily Day, office support staffer Haley Alcock and facilities and operations manager Tommy Lee Jones will make it all tick. We have a story in this issue about the gracious old and new trees in and around The Parker Hunter Ring.

And another story about a miraculous solution to a decades long water shortage. There will be food trucks and shops. Mark your calendars for a memorable week. Meanwhile, while working on a research project going through archives, I came upon some newspaper columns in The Washington Post labeled “The Hunt Country” by writer Nina Carter Tabb. I went crazy. Turns out I found dozens of articles and discovered her close ties to the area.

Nina Carter Tabb was born Nov, 21, 1883 and died Jan. 29, 1950. She’s buried in the Sharon Cemetery in Middleburg. She was married to John Mackenzie Tabb (Dec. 10, 1886 to Oct.15, 1918).

Several of her Post columns covered the horse show, but her writing on the Middleburg area just knocks me for a loop. It’s living, breathing local history. Consider this nugget from 1940: “Mr. and Mrs. George A. Garrett of Washington, and her daughter, Miss Elaine Darlington, with several guests, spent the weekend at Chilly Bleak, near Rectortown.”

At that point, I began screaming to the publisher of ZEST across the room. He happens to be my husband. For crying out loud, we live near Chilly Bleak. I used to keep my horses there.

And so, I have properly arranged and paid The Washington Post to re-print six of Nina Carter Tabb’s columns, starting with this issue of Country ZEST. I hope you all will enjoy her work. Cheers, and feel free to scream along the way.

May

For more information and tickets, please go to www.buchananhall.org/celebration

Nina Carter Tabb

ZEST & Style

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

© 2023 Country ZEST & Style, LLC.

Published six times a year

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

PHONE: 410-570-8447

Editor: Leonard Shapiro badgerlen@aol.com

Art Director

Meredith Hancock

Hancock Media

Circulation Director

Seneca Drennan

Editorial Research

India Awe

Contributing Photographers:

Doug Gehlsen

Crowell Hadden

Sarah Huntington

Nancy Kleck

Douglas Lees

Karen Monroe

Tiffany Dillon Keen

Donna Strama

Contributing Writers:

Emma Boyce

Sean Clancy

Kerry Dale

Philip Dudley

Mike du Pont

Carina Elgin

Valerie Archibald Embrey

Jimmy Hatcher

M.J. McAteer

Joe Motheral

Jodi Nash

Tom Northrup

Ali Patusky

Melissa Phipps

Pat Reilly

Linda Roberts

Eugene Scheel

Constance Chatfield-Taylor

John Sherman

Peyton Tochterman

John Toler

Leslie VanSant

Louisa Woodville

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

ON THE COVER

Aside from the camera, lights, and backdrop, one of the most basic tools in our studio is the ability to capture images on a computer and to preview images on a large, second screen as they are being taken. We use CaptureOne, a photo editing program, to display captured images on a large screen. CaptureOne can overlay a mockup of the ZEST cover over the image to preview how it will appear with what is known as the flag at the top, the subhead and the keys to inside content. This ensures that everyone looks their best and is happy with the layout. Additionally, we can send screen captures to our editors and graphic designers for final approval.

/ Country Zest and Style / @countryzestandstyle / @countryzestand1 www.countryzestandstyle.com

of NOTE

ZEST & Style Country

Country

Country

BE ON THE LOOKOUT through this issue of for the hummingbird.

ZES

ZEST & Style

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

It’s All About Caring

By Leonard Shapiro

One of the great hallmarks of the Middleburg area is the caring generosity of so many residents willing to invest in the future of this very special community. People see a need, and they respond, philanthropically or more often than not, donating their time, their energy and their passion to do the right thing.

In our spring issue of Country ZEST, we’re celebrating several shining examples of that, including stories on the 40th anniversary of the Windy Hill Foundation. It provides much needed, affordable housing for lower income residents in Middleburg, Marshall, and The Plains.

Over that span, there have been countless heroes—starting with founders Irene “Rene” Lewellyn and Edna Washington—who have contributed to its great success. Names like Al Barton, Kim Hart, Lang and Judy Washburn, John Levis, Joe Boling, and Bob Dale (all volunteers when they began) come immediately to mind. A new energetic executive director, Eloise Repeczky, is now poised to continue the foundation’s important work.

We’re celebrating yet anther example of that community spirit with a story by Ali Patusky about the Fig Leaf Closet at the Rectortown Methodist Church. It’s the brainchild of Tara and Ben Wegdam, who operate four shops in Middleburg and have organized a “boutique” at the church to offer clothing and other items, some used, some not, at no charge to anyone who walks in the door.

We’re also reporting on the Fauquier Habitat for Humanity, which builds houses for lower-income families around the country. Their latest home will be solar powered, the first of its kind for Habitat in the county.

There’s some serious horse power in this issue, specifically several intriguing stories about the upcoming Upperville Colt & Horse Show scheduled June 5-11 at historic Grafton Farm. UCHS also gives back to the area as 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities.

We’ve also got Joe Motheral’s look back at one of the most famous participants in the Upperville show’s history—the late, great entertainer Arthur Godfrey, a long-time Leesburg resident.

Be sure to savor John Toler’s wonderful tale on a Fauquier native who once saved Daniel Boone’s life, John Sherman’s Letter from Paris that’s actually more about Chile and a piece on a New Mexico ranch with a fascinating link to a longtime Upperville family.

Pat Reilly has a sweet story on a lovely young woman and budding opera star who grew up in Middleburg. Her music teacher at Hill School saw her talent early on and encouraged her to pursue her passion for singing. And speaking of Hill, academic dean Hunt Lyman is using an artificial intelligence website to teach students how to write, with a fascinating AI produced Shakespearean sonnet— about a hamburger— as a side dish to the story.

Now that spring has finally sprung, pick up our latest issue, head to your favorite outdoor chair, put up your feet and feel free to add a little more Zest to your life.

Leonard Shapiro badgerlen@aol.com

410-570-8447

Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo

Photo by Martha Cotter Country ZEST editor Len Shapiro spoke to an audience about his experience as a long time Washington Post Sports writer and editor to an audience at Historic Long Branch speaker’s series in Millwood.

RED BRIDGE 1749 Atoka Rd. Marshall VA 20115

107

| $12,500,000

Red Bridge is a magnificent estate of approximately 107 gorgeous acres in the heart of Virginia's renowned horse country. The exquisite stone main residence boasts over 17,858 square feet of spectacular living space. Offering the utmost in a luxurious and gracious lifestyle it is a masterpiece of architectural detail with extraordinary quality, design and elegance. The Equestrian facilities are incredible, featuring a 9,000 square foot 12-stall classic stable, a riding arena with the finest Atwood footing and 15 lush paddocks. The fields are glorious for hiking, riding and taking in the majesty of nature at its finest. The manicured grounds include a charming Guest House, Carriage House, living quarters for staff, a fabulous heated pool and cabana, brilliant gardens and mature orchards of plum, peach and apple. Unparalleled in its beauty and charm, Red Bridge in all its glory, simply cannot be replicated anywhere.

At Upperville Horse Show, It's Water, Water Everywhere

By Vicky Moon

The 170th edition of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show takes place this year on June 5-11 where it began in 1853. Through many years, the subject of water at Grafton Farm has been a hot topic. Just ask Tommy Lee Jones, the manager of the prestigious event for the last forty years.

“It’s been boom or bust,” Tommy Lee said. At some point during the show, invariably a torrential rain storm will flood the tents in the stabling area and make a muddy mess all around. Then comes the bust—a sweltering heat wave will often trigger a severe shortage of water for the horses and the increasingly dusty grounds.

“We’ve been told there was no water here,” Tommy Lee explained, adding that several wells had been dug in previous years with disappointing results… seven gallons a minute tops. At times, spring boxes in a nearby stream were the sole source of water that often was used in the rings.

These days, it’s a different story, written when geologist Scott Eaton set foot on the hallowed grounds on the southern side of Route 50 late last year. No, he did not bring along a magical divining rod or sonar equipment. He was armed with a set of archived aerial photos and a mapping program that helps locate sources of water.

“The photos were taken seven seconds apart from fixed wing airplanes,” Scott said. “This is a technique that has been used since the 1940s. It reveals fractures and cracks in the ground from hundreds of years ago. It’s a wonderful tool.”

This mapping procedure was used during the 13-day standoff in October, 1962 known as the Cuban Missile crisis when the U.S. and Soviet Union successfully resolved a dispute over possible threatening Russian missile sites in Cuba. Ironically, during this diplomatic crisis similar methods were employed by the U.S. government.

Meanwhile, Scott called in colleague Andrew Forrest of Forrest Environmental Services, Inc. in Oak Hill to complete the show grounds task. He put in a 500-yard row of iron probes six feet apart at the targeted location. A twelve-volt battery was placed along the line and the most productive area to find water was revealed. Bingo.

Scott’s Eaton Geological Consultants, LLC is his part time business, headquartered at his dining room table in Staunton. A 1988 graduate of James Madison University (JMU), Scott earned a Masters degree at Southern Illinois in 1991 and has a doctorate degree in Environmental Science from

the University of Virginia. He is a professor in the Geology Department at JMU.

He chatted with Country ZEST as a plumber in his basement repaired a sewer line. “It’s a major procedure,” he said. “I’ve got water on both ends.”

Meanwhile a new well, installed by Dennis Singhas

of Valley Drilling in Upperville, is now gushing at 200 gallons per minute. “It’s the largest producing well I’ve had in the Northern Virginia Piedmont,” Scott declared.

“It’s like hitting an oil well,” said Joe Fargis, president of the delightfully hydrated horse show.

Tommy Lee Jones

Photo by Doug Gehlsen Middleburg Photo Scott Eaton of Eaton Geological Consultants, LLC.

“It’s like hitting an oil well.”

— Joe Fargis,

president of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show

A geophysical cross-section of the water study at the horse show grounds.

Upperville Then and Now

History will come alive once again at Grafton Farm and Salem Farm June 5-11 for this year’s 170th edition of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show. Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ this is the oldest horse show in the United States and will celebrate its 170th year.

is co-sponsored by

Sunday,

11

The Tippy Payne trophy is in memory of a longtime devoted member of the hunter office staff, who died in December, 2008 in an “untimely accident doing what she loved most.” Staff members decide the winner each year with an emphasis on a cheerful-smiling-friendly-kind attitude. The sculpture is by artist Jean Clagett

PARKING AND GENERAL ADMISSION ARE FREE.

Polishing the silver. The Founders Cup trophy was donated by Tiffany and Co. in New York at the beginning of the 170-year event in 1853. Col. Richard Henry Dulany was the founder of the show. Always a highlight, the Founders Class entries are restricted to Virginia owned horses. Fence height 3’, 3’3” and 3’6”. Eight fences. Conformation 25% and performance 75%. It will take place as the last class in The Parker Ring on Wednesday, June 7.

Photo by Taylor Pence Schuyler Riley rode Robin de Ponthual to victory in last year’s Grand Prix. This year’s $226,000 Upperville Jumper Classic final is on

June

and

The Ethel M® Chocolate Brand and Lugano Diamonds.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

of Atelier West Studio of Tippy on Lady Hawke with the Piedmont Fox Hounds.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo Emily Day, show director as well as show secretary, handles it all with a smile.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo The Upperville Colt and Horse Show was honored by the Virginia Horse Shows Association in 2021 as the Horse Show of the Year. Since 2018, MARS EQUESTRIAN is the presenting sponsor and is also sponsoring the hunter and jumper lounges, for riders, trainers and grooms.

TREES

By Vicky Moon

56th Running of the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point

Sunday April 23, 2023

The main hunter ring at Grafton Farm is noted for its stately collection of white oak and black gum trees. Some are historic, and when it became evident that one particular older oak had to be cut down, tree expert Michael Gaige was called in to supervise. His business, Knowyourland.com is located in the horse heaven of Saratoga Springs, New York.

Armed with a BA in natural history from Prescott College and a Masters in conservation biology from Antioch University, Michael defines his goal to assist owners and land managers to interpret their surroundings as “a dynamic set of natural and human relationships. Reading the landscape reveals a hidden history from rocks, ecological communities, and past land use. From that emerges thoughtful interpretation, management options, and a dynamic user experience.”

unique to every site.”

See also Michael Gaige’s website: https://www.knowyourland.com/about

Michael has worked with the nearby Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville and is an advocate for sustainable land use and zero carbon footprint. (That means put those dreadful blowers away please.) He is consulting with the horse show to accurately age a white oak near the in-gate. “The tree died some years ago — maybe ten,” he told us. “It stood by the main ring just outside the fence. They’ve taken a slice from it and had it sanded and varnished for display. So, I will age it by the annual rings. My initial rough count was 240 years so it should be much clearer now that it is cleaned up.” The show, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN, is a United States Equestrian Federation Heritage Horse Show to promote amateur equine activities and to benefit The Churches of Upperville Outreach program and other local charities. Details: upperville.com. Free parking and general admission all week.

For

Reserved Terrace Boxes with expansive views overlooking the race course, Patron Parking Passes at Rail Side, Subscriber Parking and General Admission Passes are available to be reserved online and in advance.

$ 35 presal e, $ 40 at th e gate. Tickets will be sold online or at the gate

S u bscr i ber P ar k i n g (one car parking off Sunday Morning Lane in a gravel lot)

$ 60 presal e, $ 75 at th e gate Tickets will be sold online or at the gate. Parking is limited and may sell out.

If you are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities or have other questions, please call or email:

M ary Sel l , M FH marysell@takarofarm com 202-302-2789

Pau l Ritsem a, M FH paulwritsema@gmail com 703-939-1533

Carrol l Gal vin , M FH carroll galvin@gmail com 443-690-4041

Supported By www.LoudounRaces.com

Gat es open at 1 0am Equ

Photo by Dillionkeenphotography

“My landscape lens sees three interwoven landscape layers: physical (geology, water, climate); biological (plants, animals); and cultural (the ways humans have shaped the former). These layers build a story of landscape evolution that is, on account of ecology and history,

Michael Gaige

The tree canopy adds a majestic touch

Center at Morven Park 41580

A Diplomatic Ride for a Secretary of State Carry

By Jimmy Hatcher

My life in the 1970s was spent working for Governor and Mrs. Averell Harriman, he of the Union Pacific Railroad family and Roosevelt troubleshooter, she a daughter-in-law of Winston Churchill and a President Clinton supporter, eventually rewarded with the ambassadorship to France.

When I lived on the estate, people of great interest often dropped in and occasionally stayed overnight. Then Secretary of State Cyrus had the loan of the large guest house. His presence also brought in a heavy group of visitors, including one high official in the State Department who happened to be dating news anchor Diane Sawyer, an all-around nice person who eventually married film director Mike Nichols.

One day at a large luncheon to which I had been included, Diane told the story of her role when she had been the reigning United States “Junior Miss.” She said she had been asked to be hostess to the very first Junior Miss who, as it turned out, was no longer a junior, or a miss. The pageant director had taken Diane’s glasses off, and she had no contacts and unfortunately not much sight.

It seems the original Junior Miss had traveled quite a distance that day and was in need of the ladies room.

Diane asked someone for directions, and with blurry vision, had actually led her new charge right into and then back out of the men’s room.

While Secretary of State Vance was in the guest house, he had to have security, and his team was there 24 hours a day. At first, they hunkered down in the log cabin next to the main house. But Mrs. Harriman decided she wanted me to move into that cabin, so the security people had to camp out using the tack room for toilet facilities.

Vance’s daughter had gone to nearby Foxcroft School and one time she was given permission to use one of the Harriman horses to compete in the school’s annual horse show, instead of riding one of the Foxcroft horses.

I got to the tack room the morning of the Foxcroft show to find the security team in a tizzy. It seems that word had gotten to them that Secretary Vance was going to ride out to Foxcroft with Mrs. Harriman, and only one of them had ever been on a horse. It wasn’t the secretary, and he even needed a western saddle.

I decided to have some fun and told one of them that a western saddle might be hazardous because Mrs. Harriman and the Secretary were almost certainly going to jump some fences and coops. Lots of them. In the end, the security team and the Vances went to the horse show… As spectators.

The Run For The Roses A Derby Day to Relish and Remember

By Constance Chatfield-Taylor

Ritual ruled my life for so many years until my mother passed away at the age of 100—especially what to do on weekends. And that afternoon, I had not thought to make plans, because for years I never questioned what I would be doing. It’s moments like that when you alternately kick yourself and feel sad for what once was.

The first Saturday in May meant a Kentucky Derby party with a gathering of old ladies who really knew horses. Some had been owners and trainers. Others would come in late from Gold Cup or the Middleburg Races having been officials, rushing into the study where the TV audio was always up high for all the old ears.

“Come in, come in!” you’d hear above the blare.

If you wanted to concentrate, you watched in the big kitchen with a walk-in fireplace, where the unspoken rule was no talking But the old ladies, with their bourbons and deviled eggs and sliced Virginia ham biscuits, were in the study, and that’s where I wanted to be, sometimes

sitting on the floor, on the arm of an old chintz sofa, or moving a Jack Russell aside so I could share a footstool.

But on this first Saturday in May, I found myself with no ritual, no party, no responsibility. I was working on a rental in a small house in Upperville. The new owner of the adjacent house was helping the old-time resident banjo player neighbor remove an old wire fence on the edge of his lawn.

My friend Kathryn dropped by. “Hello, Jimmy!” I heard through the open door as she greeted the banjo player and came in as I was trying to pull up the Derby telecast on my phone.

“Let’s ask new neighbor John if he has TV or Wi-Fi,” I suggested as we walked out to find him.

“Are you all watching the Derby?” I asked hopefully. Nope, never do, was the response. John reported no Wi-Fi.

“Jimmy, do you have TV?” I knew he watched old VHS tapes and had mountains of movies. He also played bluegrass with his friends every weekend under the pine trees by the shed. “Sure, I got an antenna,” he said. “What channel?”

He kicked the dirt off his boots and went inside his tiny house and came back out and said, “come on in.”

I glanced at his living room, where three banjos in cases took up most of the floor space. Three deer heads with antlers, perfectly mounted on dark paneling, hung over the fireplace. Old guns hung in a polished rack on the opposite wall. The curtains were drawn and little light filtered through.

We crowded into a bedroom with an ancient TV. Kathryn sat in the only chair, Jimmy and John stood in the doorway, I perched on the edge of the single bed. Jimmy wondered if they would play “My Old Kentucky Home.” I looked around at the paneled walls and impeccably neat room, with his movies stacked neatly in a bookcase.

We each picked two horses and listened to the announcer as they made their way to the post. We oohed and ahhhed at the colors, the odds, the jockeys – and watched the race, yelling for our horses.

Jimmy, who didn’t care at all about the Kentucky Derby, had the winner, so we all congratulated him and promised him his quarters. “I’m not a betting man,” Jimmy said as he turned the money down, and trooped back out into the sunshine. I went back to my painting and John and Jimmy went back to pulling out fence posts.

Later I thought about it. I had watched the Derby with three friends. We were clueless about the entries, there was no dining room table laden with race day goodies, no bourbon in clinking glasses. No reunion of knowledgeable old ladies. They were all gone, one by one. One year, one of them had been there for the Derby, missed the Preakness and died before the Belmont. And now they were all gone.

Still, being in the tiny bedroom, with paint on my hands, the men with work gloves and t-shirts watching from the doorway—it was OK. It was wonderful. We made a party where there was none ten minutes earlier. We laughed and cheered and shared a moment on a sunny Saturday in May.

Maybe this year I’ll make a plan, and maybe I won’t. Life.

A Concert of Firsts

Sunday, April 23

Buchanan Hall - Upperville

Paragon Philharmonia brings orchestral favorites by Prokofiev, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven to Buchanan Hall in Upperville, Virginia for the grand finale to our season of music!

Prokofiev’s effervescent Symphony No. 1, ‘Classical’ opens this program, along with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1. In between, we’ll feature the beautiful Hebrides Overture, also known as Fingal’s Cave, which Mendelssohn wrote following a trip to Scotland. Descriptive in the writing, the piece is often referred to as one of the earliest examples of a tone poem. Lastly, this is Paragon Philharmonia’s first tour to the elegant Buchanan Hall in Upperville!

Blythe Condon: A Locally Grown Delightful Diva

By Pat Reilly

Some who remember Blythe Condon as the adorable soprano who played Dorothy in the Middleburg Players’ “Wizard of Oz” won’t be surprised to learn she’s come a long way down the yellow brick road, with coaching from some amazing teachers and a sense of purpose that would make any diva proud.

Now 21 and a vocal performance senior at Liberty University, she’s already performed at Carnegie Hall (twice), played in an Italian opera in Lucca, Italy, and has the lead in “The Old Maid and the Thief” this spring in the Young Artist program at the Roanoke Opera.

“I’ve only been singing opera for four years,” she said, “and I’ve made a tremendous improvement from where I started.”

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Blythe Condon

An Upperville native, both of her parents have businesses in Middleburg. But Blythe said she’s the only musical one in her family.

She fell in love with singing at Hill School, where music teacher Karen Chase saw her potential in second grade and encouraged her parents to get her voice lessons.

“She grew my love and passion for music,” Blythe said. In eighth grade, she played Tzeitel, the oldest daughter, in Hill’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

She was hooked.

She went on to Middleburg Academy, but the school did not have a music program, so she went public. She got a big break with the Middleburg Players as an adolescent Brigitte in “The Sound of Music,” in 2015, then played Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” She also performed with the Loudoun Centre Theater in “Hairspray” and the Fauquier Community Theater in “Legally Blonde.”

Based on those roles, she was accepted to the Women’s Choir of the “Honors Performance Series” at Carnegie Hall in New York, first in 2015 and again in 2017. She remembers looking across the footlights of that historic theater and seeing red velvet and gold trim and thinking, “it’s absolutely a dream to be on a stage so big. It was weird to be so young and be on a stage so giant.”

Blythe was drawn to Liberty in Lynchburg by its music program. She started in musical theater, but something was not quite right.

“I had a different timbre of voice than everybody else,” she said, adding that another perceptive teacher, Dr. Samantha Miller, persuaded her as a freshman to change to a “vocal performance” major. “That was one of the best decisions of my life. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Everything just clicked into place; I had a straight path I could see. I was very fortunate to do what I wanted from the start.”

As a junior, she auditioned to be a young artist with Opera Lucca, a summer festival for singers, pianists, and composers in the historic walled city in Tuscany that is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the great opera composer. Blythe took a crash course in Italian language and culture while also participating in a full opera and many “scenes,” which allow students to play out major acts from classical operas.

She’s also with Opera Roanoke, taking Master classes with performers from the Metropolitan Opera. In April, she’ll perform the lead role of Laetitia in “The Old Maid and the Thief” by Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti, her first contemporary piece.

Meanwhile, she’s auditioning, interviewing and sending out videos for graduate school, which could very well be at a European conservatory.

“I love Italy and would like to take my career into Europe,” she said. “I think that’s where I’m meant to be.”

Blythe Condon, left, performing the final scene of Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea” with another young artist in one of the oldest churches in Lucca, Italy.

Country ZEST & Style | Spring 2023

A S Y O U R O N E - S T O P

S E R V I C E P R O V I D E R ,

V I R G I N I A S E P T I C I S

P L E A S E D T O O F F E R :

P u m p i n g o f R e s i d e n t i a l a n d C o m m e r c i a l

S e p t i c T a n k s a n d G r e a s e T r a p s

O p e r a t i o n & M a i n t e n a n c e ( O & M ) f o r

S e p t i c S y s t e m s

R e a l E s t a t e S e p t i c a n d W e l l I n s p e c t i o n s

S a f e , A d e q u a t e , a n d P r o p e r I n s p e c t i o n s

S e p t i c S y s t e m R e p a i r s

I n s t a l l a t i o n f o r B o t h N e w C o n s t r u c t i o n o r R e p l a c e m e n t o f O l d e r S y s t e m s

B u i l d i n g o n R a w L a n d ? B u i l d i n g o n R a w L a n d ?

N e e d S o i l s w o r k d o n e N e e d S o i l s w o r k d o n e f o r y o u r p r o j e c t ? f o r y o u r p r o j e c t ?

O u r S i s t e r C o m p a n y S o i l s , I n c , O u r S i s t e r C o m p a n y S o i l s , I n c , c a n s t a r t y o u r p r o j e c t o f f w i t h c a n s t a r t y o u r p r o j e c t o f f w i t h p e r c o l a t i o n t e s t i n g a n d s e p t i c d e s i g n s p e r c o l a t i o n t e s t i n g a n d s e p t i c d e s i g n s

THE GOTT LIBRARY

Knotty pine floors shimmer and ladder-back chairs with rush seats offer a pleasant place to settle in and do some research.

pleasant place to settle in and read. The shelves are neatly filled with research files, books, maps and newspapers. The walls are covered with vintage photos

C a ll t o s c h e d u l e y o u r s e r v i c e t o d a y !

C a l l t o s c h e d u l e y o u r s e r v i c e t o d a y !

Archives include all sorts of interesting items.

Middleburg Hunt Ball At Salamander Resort & Spa

Photos by nancymilburnkleckphotography

Penny Denegre MFH and John Denegre

Al and Maureen Griffin

Huntsman Richard Roberts

Patty Bates Milligan and Sophie Aros

Annabelle Bybee and Jeff Blue MFH

Dr. Robert Wells Director of Piano Studies University of Mary Washington

The Margaret Spilman Bowden Foundation

Nicolaas and Patricia Kortlandt Fund The Wise Foundation The Crossfields Group

Bunnies, BunBun and more Bunnies

Photos by Dillonkeenphotography

“Igot BunBun and Ms. Gloria together off an adoption website in Pennsylvania. They were both old rabbits that simply needed a good home and were not getting the attention they deserved,” Tiffany said. “BunBun is a diva. She loves to be petted but not picked up. She is my absolute favorite. They love cilantro, parsley and bananas. BunBun is some type of lop mix. Not sure on Ms. Gloria. Scarlette was listed as a Flemish rabbit. But I’m sure she is some type of mix--most likely used for meat.”

Meet BunBun. She’s seven years old and lives with the family of photographer Tiffany Dillon Keen.

BunBun also decided she likes to wear a lettuce hat.

And this is Ms. Gloria.

Scarlette came from the Fauquier Livestock Exchange.

WITH PICNIC BASKETS FROM SOME OF OUR AREA’S BEST RESTAURANTS ON THE MIDDLEBURG COMMUNITY CENTER

At Hill School, AI Can Offer The Write Stuff

By Leonard Shapiro

Over the Christmas holiday break, friends sent Hunt Lyman a gift he believes will keep on giving—a link to one of many emerging artificial intelligence (AI) websites, specifically one called ChatGPT.

Hunt is a long-time educator and dean of academics at Hill School in Middleburg who teaches English to fourth and eighth graders. He had been vaguely familiar with a website that, on command with the proper prompts, can compose an essay, a poem, a book report, a newspaper article and so much more.

“At first I thought what they’d sent me was a joke,” he said of his AI gift. “Then I listened to a New York Times podcast about it and I got really interested.”

Clearly, this is no joke, especially to a teacher trying to instruct elementary and middle school students how to write.

“It’s recipe writing,” he said. “ChatGPT does a competent job, not brilliant, but definitely serviceable. My first thought was ‘how do I keep kids away from it?’ But then I thought, ‘how can I actually use it?’ I also knew that some schools would ban it, but there’s no way to ban it. Then you start to think, ‘how can I use it as a writing tool?’”

Photo by Doug Gehlsen Hunt Lyman, Hill School’s academic dean.

“I’m using it to show them the writing process. This is what a topic sentence should be, an expository paragraph. It’s about brainstorming ideas, collecting information, outlining and then a rough draft, editing a rough draft and then the finished product. The one thing it does is de-mystify the process.”

He and many other educators also are well aware of the problems and ethical concerns ChatGPT and other rapidly developing AI sites have the potential to cause.

A college sophomore has a book report to write on The Grapes of Wrath but never read the book. Now it’s Thursday and the report is due on Friday. Type some key words into ChatGPT and there it is within seconds—-a book report that might even be worthy of an A to an unsuspecting professor or teaching assistant.

Still, it’s not infallible.

“ChatGBT is not always accurate,” Hunt said. “Say you want to have a student write an essay on the important women in the life of Scout (a key character in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”). It will write about Scout’s mother, and the book does mention her, but she’s not a character because she’s dead when the story begins. It’s called hallucinations. It will make stuff up. If you use it, you’ve still got to edit it, verify it, check the facts, so it’s not infallible.”

Hunt has occasionally experimented with ChatGBT. He once requested a Shakespearean sonnet about a hamburger, with the following results:

Oh, fair and savory burger on my plate With sesame seeds and meat so juicy sweet My taste buds sing thy praises, I can’t wait To sink my teeth into thy heavenly treat

Thou art the king of all fast food delights With ketchup, lettuce, cheese, and pickles too Thou satisfy my hunger and my sights And with each bite, my love for thee renew

No other food can match thy perfect blend Of flavors, textures, and aromas grand Thou art a feast for all my senses, friend

And with thy taste, my soul doth truly stand Oh, hamburger, thou art a gift from heaven

He also offered a number of ways ChatGPT can help his middle school students with their writing.

“ChatGPT can be an excellent resource to teach writing to eighth grade students,” he wrote in an email. “It can provide instant feedback, generate writing prompts, help students improve their vocabulary, model good writing, and encourage collaborative writing. These approaches can help students develop their writing skills, think critically, and express themselves effectively in written form.”

He and many of his colleagues are firm believers that ChatGPT and similar AI writing programs are here to stay, and that can turn out to be a very good thing.

It’s also helpful as a teacher’s aid. Hunt said he uses it to write multiple choice questions for quizzes and tests, to produce lesson plans, to even come up with entertaining jokes and riddles that keep his students engaged in the classroom.

“It will be a tool people can use,” he said. “It does seem like magic, but you’re still going to have to know how to research and write a report, a paper. It’s not going to replace writers. I’m hoping that it can replace bad writers, and good writers will stand out even more. It’s been unleashed on the world, and I’m going to look on the positive side.”

It’s the write stuff, you might even say, hamburger sonnets included.

Winter Weekend Sale in Middleburg

Thomas Lloyd and Bryan Huffman are making the rounds signing copies of their book “Bunny Mellon Style,”starting first on Worth Ave in Palm Beach at Casa Branca in March. And you can catch them on April 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. as a part of the Virginia Historic Garden event. This will be co-hosted with The Woman’s Club at the Bolling-Haxall House in Richmond. And, p.s. Thomas is the grandson of Bunny and interior designer Bryan was a close friend of hers. Tickets: $40 tinyurl.com/bunnymellonevent

Photo by Laura Ogelman Emily Southgate spoke at the Middleburg Library about her book, “South Africa: The Landscape Beyond the Animals,” here with photographer Donna Strama.

Photo by nancymilburnkleckphotography

Frances Green, Eva Smithwick and Liz Williams celebrated Mardi Gras at the Sunny Bank Dairy Barn.

Photo by Judith Ayres Burke Betsee Parker with hostess Mimi Abel-Smith and Jacqueline Mars for a gathering in support of Fauna & Flora International at Hickory House. The international conservation charity is devoted to guarding wildlife and habitats. Edward van Cutsem and wife Lady Tamara Grosvenor were among the guests. (He is Mimi’s godson). In related news, Betsee Parker has been honored as the Conservationist of the Year by the Virginia Land Trust. And, the Piedmont Heritage Association also named her Conservationist of the Year.

Photos by Donna Strama

Mark Metzger of Highcliffe Clothiers.

Kaylynn Bauerle was on the sidewalk at the Play Room.

Lieutenant Shaun D. Jones is Middleburg’s new Chief of Police, effective May 1, replacing retiring Chief A.J. Panebianco.

New Aesthetic Studio Jump Starts with Community Involvement

By Linda Roberts

Entering Aiyana Atelier aesthetic studio at 17 E. Washington Street in Middleburg, a visitor immediately senses being in a special place. The smiling face of Angela Burleson, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) greets you and the studio’s exquisite floral wall of eucalyptus and flowers rewards the senses.

A unique medical spa, Aiyana Atelier has expanded its services from Old Town Alexandria to Middleburg and recently held its grand opening to welcome clients and the curious to its new Loudoun County studio. As founder and owner Ashley Carmen, FNP-C, said, the studio is a female-owned boutique focused on the art of keeping its clients endlessly beautiful.

“Our mission is to help you define your beauty,” Ashley said.

As its literature notes, both locations specialize in non-surgical injections and medical grade skin care that includes: FDA-approved fillers and neurotoxins, such as Botox and other brands, customized facials, home and travel regimens from PCA Skin and Aiyana Atelier private line skin care and Revitalash cosmetics, light therapy and essential supplements.

Both Ashley and Angela bring years of medical care backgrounds to their jobs. Rounding out the staff is Brandon Mullen, also with experience in the medical field as a former nurse, as Aiyana Atelier’ s practice manager for the two locations.

“Our goal is optimal skin health focused on early

prevention and the care of aging skin,” Ashley said. “We are start to finish looking to long-term outcomes everything we offer is an investment to see long-term changes in your skin. We are big educators. Our patients know what they are receiving from us.”

Ashley added that her studios “work from the inside out and we are looking at much more than just the surface.”

Aiyana Atelier’s Middleburg location adds another option for its clients, providing services for

its Northern Virginia clients to make Middleburg a day trip by visiting the studio for services and then exploring the town. Perhaps Middleburg area clients may choose to spend a day in Alexandria by booking their appointment at the Old Town location, which opened several years ago.

“The 17 East Washington space was exactly what we were looking for,” Ashley said, adding, “It feels like Old Town (Alexandria) the town (Middleburg) is charming and our new space feels right.” High quality services are being offered in a “safe and comfortable environment,” she said.

Aiyana Atelier’s new studio has already jump started its outreach to the Middleburg community. Ashley, who grew up in Pittsburgh within a small business environment, clicked off a list of local organizations and upcoming events she has in mind for the studio’s involvement with its new location.

“We are community driven,” she said, noting that her studio will have involvement with the Middleburg Business and Professional Association and its popular Biz Buzz gatherings, the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, the Middleburg races and the Virginia Gold Cup, the Middleburg Film Festival, the local schools and the Middleburg Christmas parade. Its next special observance will be for Mother’s Day in May.

Aiyana Atelier is by appointment only. For information email info@aiyanaatelier.com. To book an appointment in Middleburg, email Angela Burleson, FNP-C, nurse practitioner and aesthetic injector at angela@ aiyanaatelier.com.

Photo by Linda Roberts

At Aiyana Atelier’s floral wall are founder and owner Ashley Carmen (from left), Brandon Mullen, practice manager, and Angela Burleson, Middleburg studio manager.

Arthur Godfrey Gone But Not Forgotten

By Joe Motheral

In 1946, Manhattan-based entertainer Arthur Godfrey purchased an elaborate home with significant acreage just west of Leesburg in Paeonian Springs.

He’d been trained as a pilot in the Navy and after buying the Virginia property, often flew back and forth between Virginia and New York, where he had a popular radio show and later became one of television’s earliest stars.

Godfrey, who died in 1983 at age 80, spent considerable time in Loudoun County. Known as “The Old Redhead,” he would often pull out his ukulele and sing, “In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia on the trail of the lonesome pine.”

The variety show “Arthur Godfrey and His Friends” offered a Who’s Who of the era’s brightest stars—Pat Boone, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Eddie Fisher and country and Western singer Patsy Cline from Winchester. His show was rated No. 2, trailing only “I Love Lucy.” His sponsors adored him, and he personally hawked many of the products himself, particularly Lipton Tea.

When he flew back to Virginia, he owned a runway on Edwards’ Ferry Road between today’s Route 15 bypass and Leesburg. At the time the area, now occupied by commercial and residential entities, was barren. He initially flew a single engine plane, but later purchased a larger DC-3, much to the dismay of local officials who objected to its size and potential danger.

Alfred Dennis, who lived in Leesburg at the time, recalled that, “people objected to the noise they often described as rattling windows and crashing dishes.”

Godfrey eventually sold the land and donated a portion of the money to an airport commission dedicated to development of a new airport that was completed and became operational in 1964. Because of Godfrey’s involvement, the airport is named, “Leesburg Executive Airport at Godfrey Field.” He referred to it as the “Old Cow Pasture.”

The Donaldson family lived near Godfrey’s Beacon Hill Farm in Paeonian Springs. Bruce Donaldson, who was seven when Godfrey moved in, said his parents knew him quite well. In 1957 he entered four horses at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show.

“He used to buzz his house to let his wife, Mary, know to come and pick him up at the airport,” Bruce recalled, adding that he still remembers Godfrey riding his horse, Goldie, in their yard and his mother singing in a church choir with Mary Godfrey.

He said Godfrey seemed to have something of a somewhat gruff exterior, “but once you got beyond that, he was friendly.”

Bruce’s father was interested in organic farming and Godfrey “was kind enough to send him seeds” for that purpose. Godfrey also was known as something of an environmentalist and at one point, had elk and bison on his land. And Bruce said that he also had an elephant for a time. He did like hunting and went on safari to Africa on several occasions.

Following Godfrey’s death in 1983, his house went up for sale. Today, after a succession of owners. Part of Godfrey’s “animal kingdom” also consisted of buffalos that later had ended up on a farm south of Leesburg.

That farmer, Wray Dawson, said the buffalo attracted many visitors, including a number of Native Americans. He said they would come occasionally by the busload and sit on a small hill overlooking the herd.

Eeda Dennis, who lived with her husband, Alfred, in Leesburg back then said she met Godfrey once with her mother-in-law and recalled him as being “pleasant. We talked about the weather.”

Photo courtesy Arthur Godfrey

Your

McClanahan Camera

Monday Friday 10am to 6pm; Sat. 10am to 4pm

Tip Toe Through The Gardens

WARRENTON GARDEN CLUB

Let’s begin on Wednesday April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All properties are open for the first time with breathtaking views of Rappahannock County.

WIND RIDGE, 5792 LEEDS MANOR ROAD in HUME. The sweeping view of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you turn toward the house is aweinspiring. Set against the view is the fieldstone house that appears to be firmly established in the landscape, although it was only built in 2013. The owner is an artist and the house is filled with landscape paintings. Large deciduous trees form a soft transition from house to fields.

Photo Restoration ~ Movies to Digital

People That Care.

FARFELU, 140 FARFELU LANE in FLINT HILL. A cobblestone courtyard and flower beds with small shrubs and perennials greet visitors. The horizontal emphasis of the house is accentuated by the strip of windows and anchored by large stone chimneys. Spaces flow quietly from one area to the next. A high-ceilinged living room on one end and a cozy den on the other are dominated by large stone fireplaces. A food truck from Moo Thru with the best ice cream on the planet will be on site.

STONE HILL, 40 SPRINGWISH LANE, FLINT HILL. The interaction of mass and space, positive and negative space, stone and water dominate and establish harmony. Walking through the grounds, you’re enveloped in a world that is both prehistoric and contemporary.

HIGH MEADOW, 116 HIGH MEADOW MANOR LANE, FLINT HILL. At the entrance and through a wooded patch, visitors will see breathtaking views over gently rolling pastures and a trout-filled lake with swans. In the distance there’s a chapel, an English folly and a vineyard. The fields are filled with horses, cattle, swine and….yaks! The house is packed with images of activities dear to the owner. Over the mantel inside the circa 1740 home in the great room there’s a mounted mammoth head of one of his yaks. A wood-paneled library opens onto a small orangery, housing various birds, plants, and a pair of marmoset monkeys. A large arena contains the owner’s collection of carriages and houses his driving and fox-hunting horses.

TOUR CO-CHAIRS AND CONTACT: Linda Reynolds 540-270-0651 and Douglas Wise-Stuart 540-229-7669, Warrenton@vagardenweek.org. For details and tickets, go to vagardenweek.org.

Headquarters are at Wind Ridge where tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour. Tickets also can be purchased at The Town Duck and Carter & Spence in Warrenton prior to the tour. And a tip from Linda Reynolds: “Cell phone reception is spotty in the Flint Hill area, printing out the directions or taking a screenshot is recommended.”

Fauquier Loudoun Garden Club and Leesburg Garden Club

On Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21 visitors will have the opportunity to explore Virginia Hunt Country, nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont just west of the historic village.

There will be three properties on the tour. These will include part of the original Paul Mellon Rokeby Farm known as Oak Spring, formerly the “Brick House,” a private residence from the early Mellon era. This is where local Botanical devotee Bridget Wilson has gone to work on a total transformation for the home owners. It began with boxwood hedges and went from there.

“I’ve installed 17,000 bulbs for spring,” Bridget said. “There are old and new tulips, daffodils, crocus, allum and more.”

Also showcased on this tour: Gum Tree Farm, a working sheep farm, and the lovely gardens of Claybrook. Visitors will be delighted by the variety of these grand estates and landscapes that celebrate the open spaces of this stunning part of the area.

Please note: Little Oak Spring, the home and garden of the late Paul Mellon and Rachel “Bunny” Lambert was originally offered as a separate ticket and has been sold out.

Tour chairs: Georgiana Watt, co-chairs Sheila Harrell and Anne Walker. Details: middleburg@vagardenweek.org. Tickets $50 per person in advance at www.vagardenweek. org. Middleburg headquarters: National Sporting Library & Museum, 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg, VA.

Oak Spring-Brick House

Gum Tree Farm

Claybrook

From War to Peace in Loudoun

By Joe Motheral

Eeda Dennis can be considered a matriarch of Loudoun County. She’s been an active member of the Leesburg Garden Club, serving at one point as program chairperson. Her respect and admiration for World Warr II hero General George C. Marshall led her into being a member of the Marshall Center Board and she was honored by the Center awarding her a lifetime membership.

Eeda grew up in Norway and as a teenager, she and her family endured the Nazi occupation from 1940 to 1945. Her father, she said, was also a member of the resistance.

“Everyone was,” she said. “Our family had life’s essentials and the Nazis took everything. We no longer had food.”

According to an interview she gave to Cheryl Sadowski, author of a book entitled “Afternoons with Eeda,” she estimated that 80 percent of the Norwegians were opposed to the Nazis. She said she often went around with what appeared to be a copy of Adolph Hitler’s book, “Mein Kampf” under her arm when she went to school.

“I wrapped the cover around an English text book to hide the fact I was studying English,” she said. “The Nazis didn’t allow that.”

General Marshall lived in Leesburg for 12 years in Dodona Manor along Edwards’ Ferry Road. Eeda recalled driving with her mother-in-law one day and, “we saw this man out painting the entrance to his house. My mother-in-

law said, ‘That’s General Marshall, let’s stop and say hello.’”

The general had paint on his face, and Eeda was awestruck: “This is the man that saved us?” she said.

Eeda came to America after her marriage to the late Alfred Dennis, who served in the U.S. foreign service in Norway. Owing to Alfred’s job in the State Department, they were in and out of Alfred’s family home in Leesburg on farmland known as Sage Hill, eventually retiring there. Alfred died in 2009.

The home was built in 1938 out of brown stone from a local quarry. Alfred once explained the name Sage Hill. “During the Second World War there was a demand for sage and my mother began raising it on the farm,” he said, adding that sage had some medicinal properties.

Eeda still has a deep interest in preservation and has been active in helping to maintain the rich heritage of Loudoun County.

She still resides comfortably at Sage Hill near her son and daughter-in-law. In keeping with the family’s focus on preservation, the farm also has some attachment to history. There are Civil War trenches on the property along Edwards’ Ferry Road. Alfred once said that they had found Confederate and Union artifacts such as belt buckles and buttons from uniforms.

Edwards’ Ferry Road is where Union troops marched down to the Potomac River to cross on their way to Gettysburg. The Dennis home sits on high ground with a view of the Potomac, Harrison Island, occupied at one time by Native Americans, and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Photo courtesy General George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor.

Photo by Joe Motheral Eeda Dennis

Dr. Jen is Saving Thousands of Animals Annually

By Annie Bradfield

In the small, rural Clarke County town of Boyce, there’s an animal hospital that doesn’t charge for its services or take appointments. Thousands of animals are brought in each year and every patient receives the best possible care from a world-renowned veterinarian. The only catch—the patients are all wild animals.

Dr. Jennifer Riley, who prefers to be called “Dr. Jen,” is the hospital director at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) and, for the first six years of her tenure, its only veterinarian. Her patients have injuries not often seen in a companion animal hospital, including songbirds with eye infections, turtles caught on fishing hooks, foxes with broken legs, and eagles suffering from lead poisoning. Every day brings a new surprise, but for Dr. Jen, who has worked in wildlife medicine around the globe, no challenge is too great.

After graduating from Cornell University in only three years, she went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Tufts has one of the longest-running wildlife medicine programs in the country.

Upon completing her undergraduate studies early, she made time to study at the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education in South Africa, Matang Wildlife Center in Malaysian Borneo, and at Chimps Inc. in Bend, Oregon where she got first-hand experience treating everything from sun bears to orangutans.

During veterinary school, her passion for wildlife medicine grew to include One Health research, and she found ample opportunities to study how the health of local wildlife and the environment affects human health.

She completed a one-year global health fellowship with the CDC, researching rabies and avian influenza in Guatemala, and assisted wildlife medicine efforts at ARCAS Rescue in Peten, Guatemala and Zoológico San Martín in Baños, Ecuador. She also worked with Animal Welfare Association, Rescue and Education in Guatemala, caring for and obtaining samples from wild and domestic animals to test for zoonotic pathogens that could be harmful to the local community.

Following graduation, Dr. Jen completed an internship at the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic. As the only wildlife hospital in the county, all manner of species were brought in for medical care - monkeys, manatees, jaguars, alligators, and even the residents of the Belize Zoo. Dr. Jen also found her love of teaching international veterinary students. To this day, students travel from all across the country to study under Dr. Jen.

Dr. Jen then went on to work at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Sanibel, Florida one of the nation’s leading wildlife teaching hospitals. She then completed a fellowship in zoological medicine at Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. That experience confirmed the right path for her was not in a zoo setting, but working directly with wildlife and returning them to their native habitat.

That same path led her to Clarke County to work at Blue Ridge in 2016. Since then, she’s overseen the treatment of over 10,000 patients, pushed the field of One Health research forward by publishing new information, and ensured the future of the field by training the next generation of veterinarians to engage in research and public health.

Annie Bradfield is the executive director of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, the only dedicated wildlife hospital in Northern Virginia. The center assists more than 3,000 native wildlife annually. Details:www.blueridgewildlifectr.org.

Rescuing an alligator with machete wound.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Jen Riley Saving an eagle at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.

From New Mexico to Upperville, What a Ride

The family reunion was held this past October to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the sprawling San Simon ranch in New Mexico. Six months later, Mary Stokes was still glowing as she sat at the dining room table in her long-time Upperville home recalling that memorable weekend.

Mary grew up on that ranch, met her late husband, Tom Stokes, at a dance in a nearby town and was one of about 125 descendants of original owner Captain Claiborne Merchant who gathered to commemorate the anniversary and catch up with friends, relatives and neighbors they hadn’t seen in years.

“I’m a rancher’s daughter,” Mary said, “and I still love that place.”

What’s not to love? It’s located in the Permian Basin in western Texas and the southeast corner of New Mexico, noted for its rich petroleum, natural gas, and potassium deposits. The ranch, now managed by two of Mary’s cousins, is a beef cattle operation with 800 head grazing over a vast, arid area that includes the Chihuahan Desert.

San Simon also has a rich history. Merchant, a Tennessee native and captain in the Confederate Army, was Mary Stokes’ great grandfather. He gave Abilene, Texas its name, is considered the town founder and settled there after the Civil War.

Partnering with businessman D.D. Parramore, they purchased land in Arizona and New Mexico and ran cattle over their property. When they eventually split up with a handshake agreement, Parramore took the Arizona holdings and Merchant the New Mexico land.

One of Captain Merchant’s three sons was Mary’s grandfather, William Merchant. His son, also William, was Mary’s father and educated at Trinity College in Connecticut. For ten years, he taught at the Pomfret prep school in Connecticut, but eventually he and his wife, Mary Francis, who grew up on a ranch east of Carlsbad, returned to San Simon.

During the week, Mary and her sister Joyce attended school in Carlsbad, 60 miles from home, and stayed with their grandmother. Then they changed into jeans and boots and headed back to San Simon for the weekend. They learned to ride and occasionally went out on cattle roundups, riding “drag” in the far safer, and dustier, back of the herd.

“My parents were not going to have me marry a cowboy,” Mary said, the main reason she, too, went east to college in Boston. Instead, she married a Virginian, though they first met in New Mexico. Tom Stokes was in the Army and stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso.

He went to Carlsbad on leave in order to visit San Simon’s cattle operation and meet Mary’s father. While traveling out to the ranch he flagged down a truck filled with tires to get better directions to the ranch.

The truck’s driver was Mary, wearing old Levis and boots. She didn’t introduce herself, but pointed him in the right direction. Later that night, Tom was back in town and properly introduced to her at a country club dance. He always liked to say he met the two sides of Mary in one day: Levis and boots and then a party dress, and the rest, as they

say, is history.

Tom’s family owned Ayrshire in Upperville “and I’ve been in Virginia ever since,” Mary said.

She’s been back to the ranch many times over the years, including that October reunion, when Country Western singer Red Steagall presided over some of the festivities. Mary and her cousin

Claiborne, one of the ranch owners, were the first to hit the dance floor and she got a tad emotional just thinking about it.

“He had tears in his eyes,” Mary said. “I asked him why he was crying. He said, ‘because I’m looking right at my own heritage.’”

Clearly, it was a very special time to remember.

We are pleased to welcome you to our expanded home furnishing experience located in charming downtown Middleburg Virginia. Whatever your home decor needs, we are here to assist you as you explore our refined collection of sophisticated furniture, lighting, accessories,& fine art.

In addition, we invite you to inquire about our award-winning interior design services.

Monday to Friday | 10:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday | 11:00am -7:00pm

Mary Stokes at the entrance to her family’s San Simon Ranch in New Mexico, then and now.

The Hunt Country

Nina Carter Tabb

Six to Attend Virginia Garden Club Board Meeting at Old Point Comfort

Leaving for Old Point Comfort tomorrow are Mrs. Fairfax Harrison, Mrs. Nathaniel H. Morison, Mrs. Reginald Vickers, Mrs. Daniel C. Sands, Mrs. Henry Fairfax and Miss Martha Harris. All are members of the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Clubs and they plan to attend the annual meeting of the board of governors of the Garden Club of Virginia, to be held at the Chamberlin Hotel tomorrow and Wednesday.

Mrs. Jesse James, wife of the Secretary of Commerce,  was a recent visitor to Mrs Bernard B. Jones at her home, Audley, near Berryville.

Miss Eleanor Flood of Washington, and Dick Byrd of Berryville, were visitors to Middleburg on Saturday Miss Welhelmina Kirby, of New York, has been staying with Mrs. David M. Waller, at her home in Warrenton.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Cary Randolph, Jr., left the past week for New York, where he has accepted as

a position as pilot with Eastern Air Lines. They will make their home in Flushing, Long Island, where they have taken an apartment.

MRS. HUBERT PHIPPS and Harris Bucklin, Jr., have returned to Virginia from New York, where they went to attend a party given in honor of their brother, William Gordon and Miss Dorothy Frink, whose engagement was announced by her mother, Mrs. Angelica Frink of New York. The bride elect attended Vassar College and was presented to New York society two seasons ago. William Gordon attended Choate School and is a pilot for the Eastern Air Lines between Washington and New York. He is from Maryland but has spent much time in Virginia with his sister, Mrs. Phipps. The wedding will take place in January, in New York, and they will live on Long Island.

Invitations have been received in Virginia

from Mr. and Mrs. James Wesley Foreman to the marriage of their daughter, Marion Cook, to Howard Worth Smith, Jr. on November 8 at 8 p. m. at the First Methodist Church, Elizabeth City, N. C. There will be a reception after the ceremony at the Virginia Dare Hotel. Mr. Smith is the son of Representative Howard V. Smith of Cedar Hill in Fauquier County, and Alexandria,Va.

MISS FANNY NELSON LYON of Black Oak Ridge, near Purcellville, has returned to her home from Milton, Mass., where she was one at the bridesmaids at the wedding of Miss Olivia Ames Peters and Lawrence Pool, of Warrenton, which took place last week. Miss Phoebe Spilman, of Warrenton, stepsister of the bridegroom, went to the wedding and Mr. Pool was best man for his son. Young Mr. and Mrs. Pool have gone to Bermuda on their honeymoon. Upon their return they will come to his home in Warrenton for a visit before going to New York to live.

Oct 21, 1940; The Washington Post, reprinted with permission.

Come celebrate Art in the Burg on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Start your morning with the Art of the Run 5K, then enjoy a variety of local and regional artists, activities, cooking demos, theatre, music and FUN! The festival is held along South Madison and Federal Streets. For more information please visit www.artintheburgva.com

Historic Mt. Baptist Church Rev. Bryant

By Linda Roberts

Rev. Reginald E. Bryant was 16 years old and not an ordained minister when he felt called to preach his first sermon. At the time he was nervous and wondered who would listen to his message.

Many years later, sitting in his study at Mt. Olive Baptist Church at Rectortown, Bryant says, “I know now it didn’t matter then who listened as long as I did his will and spoke his word.”

His mother always said that God had something for him to do. Her words proved true as years later and after a circuitous route, Bryant was back in the pulpit with his own church, preaching the gospel to the members of the historic Mt. Olive Baptist.

Bryant refers to himself as a “bi-vocational” pastor. At his weekday profession as a ROTC teacher in Spotsylvania County he interacts with students, while on weekends and some evenings he can be found in Fauquier County at Mt. Olive.

“I’m a retired soldier,” states Bryant who was born in California and served in the Army at 19 different locations before settling in Spotsylvania County. Retiring after 33 years in the military, with his last post at the Pentagon, Bryant served as a career communications commander, operating networks for the Army. Married, he is the father of two adult children and the grandfather of five.

His passion for serving God’s work is evident as Bryant explains his love for the people of Mt. Olive and his calling a year ago to fill their need for a pastor. “I love the people of this church,” he says, noting that the community supports the church and the church supports the community.

In a time when church membership is suffering due to the distractions of modern life and the effects of COVID, Bryant says that Mt. Olive is not only surviving, but also thriving. Its 70-plus active members enjoy weekday Bible study and prayer meetings and a Sunday program that includes Sunday School for all ages followed by an 11 a.m. worship service.

“Our mission is to reconcile, restore, rebuild and renew,” says Bryant, who calls attention to the church’s weekly bulletin. Everyone is welcome here, he says, pointing out that “you’ll be blessed and so will we.”

Mt. Olive has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when its founders met in Rectortown homes to worship. By 1867 construction had begun on the first church building just down the road from the presentday church, which is close to the northwest corner of Rectortown. Sadly, before this early building was completed, it was destroyed by fire. Not to be discouraged, local people began work on the construction of a new church on the same site.

On Sept. 17, 1911 the cornerstone was laid for the present-day Mt. Olive Church building. The church continued to grow as a kitchen and dining room were added and programs were established that included, among other initiatives, a Ushur Board, Sunday School Club, a chorus and junior choir, a Baptist Training Union, a Missionary Society and Missionary Circle for the youth.

Growth continued at Mt. Olive under the leadership of its members and its many pastors. Adjacent land was purchased to build restroom facilities and a baptismal pool and an educational wing was dedicated in 1982. Mt. Olive is also active with outreach to a number of organizations.

According to the historical records of Mt. Olive, compiled with the assistance of Wilhelmina Smith, the congregation of Mt. Olive states: “We are proud to Remember Yesterday, We are glad to Rejoice Today and We have the faith to Reach For Tomorrow. Contact Mt. Olive at mtoliverectortown.org.

Lessons offered at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville with additional locations in Fauquier, Frederick and Loudoun

Mt. Olive Church Calls to the Pulpit

Photo by Linda Roberts

Rev. Reginald E. Bryant at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Rectortown.

“I love the people of this church,” he says, noting that the community supports the church and the church supports the community.

At Middleburg Humane, This Price Is Just Right

By Leonard Shapiro

Sally Price likes to tell people that, “I retired, for one weekend.”

Her last day after six extremely productive years as the executive director of the Middleburg-based Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) occurred on a recent Friday in February. The following Monday, she was already setting up her new office in Marshall, where she is now executive director of the Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF), one of the region’s largest diverse animal shelters. Located on a 23-acre property, the nonprofit facility is dedicated to saving cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, livestock, and other small mammals, providing many other animal welfare programs and services.

More than a year ago, Sally said she celebrated a “big birthday” and thought at the time it seemed like a good idea to retire from the LTV and call it a career. She had spent more than thirty years in a wide variety of executive and leadership positions, most of them involving small non-profits, including a two-year stint running an animal shelter in Charleston, South Carolina.

When she approached the LTV board about leaving, she was asked to stay for another year, the better to provide a seamless transition and help in the search for her replacement. As it turned out, Ashton Cole was already in the building, as LTV’s long-time conservation easement specialist over the last 15 years. Sally thought he was the perfect candidate to replace her and the board eventually concurred. They obviously thought so much of Sally, they named her to the board, as well.

As it turned out, another LTV board member, Polly Gault, also served on the MHF board, which also was searching for its own new executive director. She convinced Sally to put off her retirement and take the job at Middleburg Humane.

“I’ve done conservation work my whole life, with the exception of the shelter in South Carolina, which I really enjoyed,” Sally said. “Polly definitely talked me into this. They have built this beautiful building but really haven’t had a strategic plan. It’s one reason I got back into it. They need more staff, more money, better policy procedures, and that’s all part of the mission I’ve been given.”

At LTV, Sally tripled the staff and the amount of funds raised and also dramatically increased the number of conservation easements each year. LTV now holds more easements than any other private land trust in Virginia. While at The Ocean Conservancy from 2002 to 2004, a large non-profit, Price was instrumental in bringing in millions of dollars, far exceeding fundraising goals.

Josh Muss, chairman of the Middleburg Humane board, said, “We’re very excited to welcome Sally as executive director. Her experience, accomplishments, and skill set will be a huge asset to our organization.”

Middleburg Humane, founded in 1987, has been in its current location for about four years. They take in about 850 animals a year, most of them adopted or put into foster care, including 240 dogs and 466 cats in 2022. There are 23 employees, two of them full-time veterinary techs, and it depends mostly on donations and grants to meet its $1.2 million annual budget.

“MHF rescues, rehabilitates, and adopts out at-risk animals and promotes animal welfare through community outreach and humane education,” its mission statement reads. “We accomplish our mission through our various programs: intake and adoption, Trap-Neuter-Return, food and medical care assistance, humane education and internships, and volunteers.”

Fundraising is also a significant part of Sally’s personal mission, and after so many years doing just that, she said, “I’m hoping to do great things here. We have a great staff, unbelievably dedicated people. I want to feel like I’ve really helped get us on a solid footing.

“I’ve learned a lot of things over the years, and I came to love smaller nonprofits. There’s just a lot of freedom. You can be creative, there’s not this big hierarchy, if you come up with a good idea, you can make it happen.”

And fortunately for Middleburg Humane, Sally Price is definitely not the retiring type.

On April 29, Middleburg Humane will hold its annual “Denim & Diamonds” gala, the nonprofit’s major fundraiser, at The Middleburg Barn. Details and tickets: Middleburghumane.org.

• Designed with girls in mind, courses are interdisciplinary, collaborative & hands-on

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Photo by Leonard Shapiro Sally Price offers a treat to Wally, being prepared for adoption.

Décor Susan Pollard

Bid 22 “Kaleidescope Hound” Banneker Elementary School Malena Beach & 4th Grade Class

Bid 19 “Master of the Hunt” Raymer’s Homemade Candies Krister Killinger

Bid 13 “Volpe Volante” Town of Middleburg Matt Pavone

Bid 14 “Fox Den” Middleburg Common Grounds Cody Leeser

Bid 15 “A Queen’s Fox” Artists in Middleburg (AiM) Matt Pavone

Bid 10 “Wine Thief” 50 West Winery Abbey Pannier

Bid 17 “All Patched Up & Ready to Go” Boxwood Estate Winery Angel Tighe

Bid 8 “Fox in the Barrel” Greenhill Vineyards Krystine Rivera

Bid 21 “Running Free” Royston Funeral Home Nadya Gordon

Bid 20 “Butterflies are Free!” Chloe’s Sarita Moffat

WINDY HILL IS HOSTING A 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY!

We are proud to have entered our 40th year of Making a Difference in our neighborhood. We welcome you to celebrate this incredible milestone with our community!

WHAT IS NEW ABOUT THIS CELEBRATION?!

We look forward to welcoming all of our community friends who have supported the Windy Hill Foundation for so long. We want to include everyone! Our event is big on celebrating and small on fancy!

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Scan the QR code for sponsorship details and to secure tickets. 100% of sponsorship donations will go toward our Maintenance Fund, Scholarship Fund and our Executive Director’s Discretionary Fund which supports r

40TH ANNIVERSA

Dee & Chuck Akr

Ann Backer

Julie & John Cole

Shannon & Jim D

Jacqueline Mars

Karin & Mark Ohr

Milton Sender

Judy Washburn

WE LOOK FORWAR Questions?

info@windyhillfoundation.org | 540.687.3997 www.windyhillfoundation.org/windy-hill-at-40!

Windy Hill, Making a Difference for 40 Years

By Leonard Shapiro

Judy Washburn had been volunteering to acquire donations for an upcoming Hill School auction back in the early 1980s when she stopped by the Zulla Road home of her friend, the late Middleburg author Jane McClary.

“She said, ‘I’ll give you something for the auction, but I want to ask you to do something important for me,’” Judy recalled. Soon, she was meeting with Jane McClary’s friend, Windy Hill Foundation founder Irene “Rene” Llewellyn. “We just hit it off right away, and she asked me to come on board.”

Judy and her late husband, Lang, joined the board and became heavily involved with the Middleburg-based nonprofit celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It provides decent, affordable housing for lower income families and senior citizens in Loudoun and Fauquier counties, along with countless resident services.

Judy remains involved, and had no hesitation initially joining the effort. Not long after her family moved here in 1977, she helped organize a Girl Scout troop that included her daughter Serena, as well as several girls who lived at Windy Hill. Back then, it was an area of rundown, ramshackle dwellings with no running water or indoor plumbing.

“After the meetings, I often would drive the girls home,” Judy said. “There was a fence that hid the houses from view. When you went back there, you could see the conditions were not good. I knew there was definitely a need to do something.

“I felt very strongly about it. How could that exist in this community? Most people were not aware of it and no one was doing anything about it. People need decent housing. If you have a nice place to live, it will lead to so much more— jobs, education, good health. And that’s what Windy Hill has done.”

Over the last 40 years, the foundation, initially allvolunteer, has provided more than 1,200 citizens with safe, affordable housing in Middleburg, Marshall and The Plains. There also are 194 residences in eastern Loudoun in Brambleton and Sterling. In the Middleburg, Marshall and The Plains residences, 16 percent are seniors, and 37 percent are children. Windy Hill has provided 16 percent of the housing in Middleburg, 7 percent in Marshall and 20 percent The Plains.

Kim Hart, who began on the board in the early 1990s, also had a stint as executive director. In 2005, he discovered the foundation could make use of tax credits to get a far bigger bang for its donor dollars, leading to more housing in Middleburg and beyond.

“Windy Hill really shows what a community can do when it wants to,” he said. “If you just explain the need, clearly you can do anything around Middleburg

It’s remarkable how this community came together. It showed the community commitment is like no other in the U.S.”

Bob Dale, also a long-time board member who

retired in October after six years as executive director, summed up Windy Hill’s value.

“The services Windy Hill provides, affordable housing and resident services, are critical to fulfilling some of the basic needs and opportunities of individuals, families and older adults who lack the financial resources to obtain these essentials themselves,” he said. “These services enable many of these folks to continue to live in the area where they were raised or work.”

His successor, Eloise Repeczky, knows full well about the need for affordable housing and other services. “It’s not going away,” she said. “From a survey we did, 70 to 75 percent of our residents need some form of assistance, whether it’s going back to school for more job training, for food, rent, utilities, college tuition for the kids.”

All of this takes funding. The 2021 budget was $1.3 million, with 70 percent coming from individual gifts, endowment earnings, corporate and other grants, 24 percent from rents and six percent from other sources. One of the organization’s major fundraisers will be a celebration, “Windy Hill at 40!” at Salamander Resort & Spa, on May 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“A big reason it’s been so successful is that we’ve had people here who have supported it for many years, either financially or as volunteers and often both,” Eloise said. “What I’m learning is that we’re a neighborhood, community organization. I’ve been working with volunteer partner organizations, town offices, churches, so many people who care about what we’re doing. And they know how complex the needs are.”

Judy Washburn knew from the start. She recalled her husband, Lang, asking her to take his place in meeting with a potential donor because he was out of town on business.

“That’s not what I’m good at and I was extremely nervous,” Judy said. Clearly, she was plenty good enough, because the donor told her he was going to give Windy Hill $750,000.

“When I heard that,” she said, “I just burst out crying and couldn’t stop.”

Tears of joy, for sure, for wonderful Windy Hill.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo Judy Washburn

Photo courtesy Windy Hill’s Virginia Lane complex is along the western end of Middleburg, along route 50.

“Everyone deserves to live in safe, secure, affordable housing. Windy Hill Foundation provides safe, decent, affordable housing for lowerincome families and older adults in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and delivers health, educational, and employment services to its residents.”

—The Windy Hill Vision

Windy Hill residents are teachers, emergency service personnel, farm and construction laborers, retail clerks, hospitality staff, and others on whom everyone depends. Current employers include: The PlayRoom, Upper Crust Bakery, Thaiverse, Safeway, Common Grounds, 4SYT Industries, Poets Walk, Loudoun County Public School Systems, The Hill School, Minnie Land Academy, Idemia, Costco, and more. Roughly half our residents work in Middleburg, Marshall and The Plains.

Services for Residents:

Windy Hill has provided numerous programs and activities to meet the diverse needs of our residents. We have held study buddy tutoring support, after-school assistance, summer camps, healthy child programs, provided transportation assistance, computer training, and organized numerous senior activities.

In 2023, a resident survey was conducted to identify the needs of residents. The organization actively partners with over 50 local groups: including churches, schools, food banks, and local businesses. The community room in Middleburg is currently open two afternoons per week for after-school activities. At Levis Hill House painting, ceramics, Bingo, shopping trips, and more are planned. Windy Hill Foundation also provides financial aid to their community members. Since 2011 Windy Hill has dedicated $137,000 toward college tuition, making it possible for residents to advance their education, careers, and lives. They have also dedicated $95,000 in elementary school tuition for children to attend local Montessori schools.

WINDY HILL

Middleburg – 67 residences

• The Cottages (1989) – 9 residences

• Llewellyn Village (1995) – 16 residences

Barton Place (1997) – 6 residences

• Kaye House (2000) – 2 residences

• Virginia Lane (2004) – 14 duplex residences

• Levis Hill House (2008) – 20 residences for seniors

The Plains – 19 residences

Piedmont Lane (2012) – 16 duplex residences

• The Rectory (2013) – 2 residences

• Forrest Lane (2017) – 1 residence

Marshall – 30 residences

Washburn Place (2018) – 30 residences

Eastern Loudoun County – Shreveport Ridge

(Brambleton - 2014): 98 residences

Heronview (Sterling - 2019):

96 residences

Windy Hill Foundation Mission Statement and Guiding Principals

To provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to low and lower-income families and older adults in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, and to encourage self-improvement and self-sufficiency among residents.

• Quality – homes are designed and maintained to be safe and desirable places to live.

• Empowerment – assisting residents to live with dignity in their homes with a combination of services that: help residents to access resources provided by federal, state, and local agencies and partners, and provide direct support to residents through programs and funds administered by Windy Hill staff and volunteers.

• Community – WHF is a local organization comprised of local people who focus on helping friends, neighbors, and co-workers afford housing in and around the core communities of Middleburg, Marshall, and The Plains.

• Commitment – At 40 years strong with exciting plans for the future, WHF is in this for the long haul – we will be here for the communities and residents we serve as long as they need us.

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Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo Eloise Repeczky is the executive director of Windy Hill Foundation.

Barton Place is on the west end of Middleburg.

The Rectory is in the Plains.

The Virginia Steeplechase Association Awards

Owners, trainers, friends and family gathered at the Middleburg Community Center for the 37th Annual Steeplechase Awards Dinner hosted by Don Yovanovich.

Photos by Douglas Lee

Harold Via, Jr. receiving Virginia Owned Steeplechase Horse of the year award from Don Yovanovich with trainer Jack Fisher on the right.

Roxie and Tom Collins’ horse Andi’amu from their Ballybristol Farm was the Steeplechase Horse of the Year.

Ricky Hendriks accepted the leading rider award for his son Parker Hendriks.

Sean Clancy, with son Miles Clancy, accepted award for Leading Virginia based Riverdee Stable.

Hall Of Fame Recipient James Lee Lawrence family accepts left to right: Robert Paul Lawrence, Maureen Ashby Lawrence, James Lee “Chuck” Lawrence II.

Anita Vere-Nicholl accepts the award for VSA Hall of Fame equine inductee I Chase The Clouds, ridden and trained by Don Yovanovich and owned by Marion Vere-Nicoll.

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VIRGINIA HORSE RACING SCHEDULE

Point-to-Point (PTP) Schedule

April 8: Old Dominion Hounds PTP in Ben Venue (includes 3 NSA sanctioned steeplechase races)

April 16: Blue Ridge Hunt PTP in Berryville

April 23: Loudoun Hunt PTP in Leesburg

April 30: Middleburg Hunt PTP at Glenwood Park (details at centralentryoffice.com)

NSA Sanctioned Steeplechase

Meet Schedule

April 22: Middleburg Spring Races

April 29: Foxfield Spring Races

May 6: Virginia Gold Cup Spring Races (details at nationalsteeplechase.com)

Shenandoah Downs Spring Harness Racing Schedule in Woodstock, VA

April 1 - May 14

• Racing every Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 PM

• FREE Parking, FREE admission

• Fall season runs September 16 - October 29 (details at shenandoahdowns.com)

Colonial Downs Summer Thoroughbred Racing Schedule in New Kent, VA

July 13 - September 9

• Racing every Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 1:30 PM

• Arlington Million Day - Saturday, August 12

• Virginia Derby Day - Saturday, September 9 (details at colonialdowns.com)

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How Grand Is This?

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MARSHALL POULTRY AND SMALL

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APRIL 15 AT 12:00PM

ANIMAL TAKE-IN DAY OF THE SALE FROM 8:00AM- 11:00AM

MARSHALL GRADED SALE

DROP OFF THURSDAY, THE DAY BEFORE THE SALE –7:00AM-3:00PM

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Fauquier Livestock Exchange does not guarantee any items sold. Not responsible for accidents.

By Vicky Moon

Each April, Valerie Archibald Embrey’s thoughts turn to the Grand National Steeplechase that’s been taking place in Aintree, England since 1839. It’s a sensational, yet grueling course of thirty jumps over four miles and two and a half furlongs. Notable jumps include The Chair and Becher’s Brook, then add ditches, water and solid spruce leaps over five feet.

Valerie Embrey’s great grandfather, George Blackwell and Sergeant Murphy on Newmarket Heath 1923.

George Blackwell is the small gentleman next to the head lad. Unsaddling after the win.

George Harvey Blackwell on an Ogden Cigarette card with Stephen Sanford‘s (owner of Sergeant Murphy) colors

My great grandfather’s Grand National Trophy left to me by his son, Bloodstock agent George Blackwell who was my Great Uncle.

2 fl. oz. $29.95 + tax + shipping

Horses are in Valerie’s blood. Her father, the late George Archibald, was a steeplechase jockey who rode in the Grand National six times and later was a prominent trainer. She rode ponies and horses. But this year is especially notable because her great-grandfather, George Harvey Blackwell, won the Grand National 100 years ago with Sergeant Murphy, a 13-year-old Irish bred chestnut gelding.

The horse was owned by Stephen “Laddie” Sanford of the Mohawk River Valley in upstate New York and was the first American-owned horse to win the prestigious event. The 2023 £1,000,000 race will take place on Saturday, April 15 (check your local listings).

Other previous entries with American ties include the 1938 victory of Battleship owned by Marion du Pont Scott and sired by Man o’ War. And then there was Jay Trump, a former race horse in Charles Town, West Virginia, who won in 1964 with American jockey Tommy Smith. Another American jockey, Charlie Fenwick, won it in 1980 on Ben Nevis for American-owner Redmond Stewart.

This year, watch out for Cape Gentleman to run under Hurricana Farm owned by a partnership of Pierre Manigault (who rode and trained in the Middleburg area for several years), Quintie Smith and Alec Smith. He’s trained by Arch Kingsley, another familiar name in Middleburg, now based in Camden, South Carolina.

Painting by William Orphem: Laddie Sanford, George Blackwell, Sergeant Murphy, Captain Bennett and Alfred Munnings leaning against the tree.

Alfred Munnings portrait of George Blackwell and Sergeant Murphy in Newmarket on display in Saratoga at the National Museum of Racing.

Middleburg Spring Races In Full Color

Since 1911, the Middleburg Spring Races has been a tradition for those devoted to the sport of jump racing. This year, there will be seven races at Glenwood Park on Saturday, April 22 offering $190,000 in purses.

Spectators can view the full course and one of the most prestigious races will be the $75,000 Temple Gwathmey graded stakes hurdle. For this, the horses will encounter a diverse course of ditches, brush, timber, coops, hedges and hurdles. Jockeys in vibrant silks, ladies in their new spring dresses and owners in their lucky caps and fancy hats will add to the ambience.

Meanwhile, artist Linda Vorath will be on hand to capture it all on canvas as she works en plein air. Her splendid paintings are filled with sentiment and sensation such as “Blue Skies Ahead” which captures three horses, their riders and grooms as they leave the paddock at Glenwood and step out on to the sweeping course. For anyone who has ever attended these races, it invokes an enduring image.

To see more of her lovely original artwork, exhibition history, affiliations and exhibition history go to: LindaVolrath.com

Sam Robinson is an Equine Sporting Artist in the tradition of Alfred Munnings, Franklin Voss and many other painters who make horses, hounds and country life their primary subjects. His home and studio are in the Greenspring Valley of north Baltimore County, an easy drive from to the rural courses that host timber racing in the region. He paints in a fluent representational style using gouache field studies and photo references to create his larger studio oils.

His painting, “Step Lively” depicts a woman in a blue coat in the Middleburg paddock, For those familiar with the players in this horse game, there is no doubt of the identity of this woman. Details: samrobinsonfineart.com.

Post time is 1 p.m. Details: middleburgspringraces.com

Blue Skies Ahead by Linda Vorath

Back Stage At Glenwood Park by Sam Robinson

Step Lively by Sam Robinson

At the Virginia Gold Cup It’s All About The Lid

The 98th edition of the Virginia Gold Cup kicks off on Saturday, May 6 at Great Meadow in The Plains for one of the nation’s largest steeplechase events. However, the competition involves more than horse races.

We’re talking about the lids, specifically for the ladies: bucket hats, straw Panama, fedora, large brim boater, the ever-popular fascinator, vintage style cloche or how about an oversized straw hat that looks like a fruit and flower basket.

Devon Zebrovious is a hat fashionista and has won the Gold Cup hat contest so many times she’s no longer eligible to compete. “The most important consideration for selecting the perfect hat or fascinator is to choose the one that best suits your outfit, as well as your personality,” she noted.

“Everything must tie together to present an overall look, but you also have to be confident in your selection. Wear the hat, don’t let it wear you.” Her own hat business, Cherry Blossom Millinery, now features lightweight straw hats with silk flowers and feathers.

The hat competition is the “Kentucky Derby of hat contests” according to Al Griffin, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. Categories include: most glamorous or elegant, best racing theme, funniest or most outrageous, best child’s hat and best men’s hat. Celebrity judges will decide whose hats are the most impressive and there will be prizes for the top three winners.

Marion Maggiolo, owner of Horse Country Saddlery in Warrenton, sells all types of hats in her emporium. “A hat should fit the face, neither overpowering or too flat.”

Gold Cup gates open at 10 a.m. The first of eight races begins at 1 p.m. Tailgate packages with tents and Members Hill tents are available, more online at www.vagoldcup.com/va/tickets. Details: www.vagoldcup.com.

your support builds the story of home.

It’s the story of kids playing in their own yard while mom or dad cooks in their own kitchen. It’s the story of everyday security and dreams for the future. It’s the story of an affordable home a family built themselves with help from Habitat for Humanity, volunteers and you.

“The successful hat brings out a woman’s eyes.” — Marion Maggioli, owner Horse Country

Photo by Nancymilburnkleckphotography Cherry Blossom Millinery, now features lightweight straw hats with silk flowers.

Photo by Middleburg Photo The hat competition is the “Kentucky Derby of hat contests” according to Al Griffin, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association.

Photo by Middleburg Photo Devon Zebrovious has won the Gold Cup hat contest so many times she’s no longer eligible to compete.

Time Stands Still at the Races

By Sean Clancy

My family told time by win pictures. After winning a race, there we were, posing for a black and white print from Mr. Freudy or Marshall Hawkins or Peter Winants. Then James Carr and Catherine French. Color! And now, Tod Marks or Douglas Lees or Alice Porter or Doug Gehlsen or one of the other precision-clicking photographers.

In lean years, there were no family portraits, the horses were slow and time was forgotten. In strong years, every weekend felt like a trip to Sears for the family portrait—we’ll take the white-rail, green hedge, red and white flag backdrop and the silver bowl as a prop. Dress up, squeeze in, stand up, smile, cheese!

There we are in wool suits, hats and mittens to match, at Glenwood Park, my oldest sister reaching for my shoulder as I turned and gawked at the silver bowl, held by my mother after Dad rode Rock Port II or one of the other house horses to a win. Michele was gone a year later, nobody to keep me from ogling over silver bowls and win pictures, which I guess has never waned.

There we are at Delaware Park. My brother, Joey, holding the shank of a promising 3-yearold colt, working off a Rawlings baseball glove purchased by Dad in advance, the layaway plan. Joey still has that glove. My sister, Sheila, stands

awkwardly at the end of the line, in a home-sewn dress. Now I know why she looks so awkward. I’m again gawking at the jockey, the horse, the silver. Nothing changes.

There we are with Red Raven in the early 1980s. I’m riding. A 13-year-old kid, stars in his eyes, fear in his throat. The fastest race pony in all the world. The first time I won anything. Ten wins, four seconds in 14 starts. This is easy. The only win picture missing is from our first race when I stood up at the wire and the stirrup fell off the saddle.

The moment, the memory, etched in my mind. I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t surprised. I wasn’t annoyed. I wasn’t angry. I simply said, “I knew it couldn’t be this easy.” I fell off a stride later, the fastest race pony in all the world running over me like a pothole on Foxcroft Road, his toe grab scooping a perfect chunk of my right wrist. Joey sprinted for the pony, my dad sprinted to me. Mr. Freudy’s camera pointed to the ground. Seven stitches came out a week later. The scar stayed forever.

The win photos are strewn about these days. My sister has a few, wedged between inspirational quotes on driftwood at a beach house in Rehoboth. My parents framed some and hung them on their walls, randomly, there’s one of a couple of degenerates at Delaware Park, hey, there’s one of Jackie Kennedy at a Virginia Point-to-Point long

since forgotten.

My brother has one framed of him winning the junior race at Fairfax, one of his future wife holding a horse on a summer afternoon and others stashed in photo albums and cardboard boxes. I’ve got an attic full of plastic crates full of win pictures, family portraits, moments in time. Someday I’ll look at them again, remember and reminisce about days gone by and people long since gone.

Standing at the Piedmont Point-to-Point a few weeks ago, I was thinking of win pictures, family portraits as the races ran and the tailgates flowed. There was Jeb and Emily Hannum, the oneman-band of horse trainers, posing with their daughters after Paddy’s Crown won the amateur/ novice timber. Teddy Davies, the son of childhood friends, rode the veteran timber horse.

An hour later, another win photo seemed secure until Be Counted nailed Our Legend on the line. That was what the Hannums really wanted. One of their oldest daughter, Chloe, riding a hometrained winner at their local course. It would have fit smoothly on the wall in the house at the crest of Lost Corner Road. Right between Our Climber, Morning Mac and Socks, legends in the Hannum family and a couple of British chasers, icons from the Debenham side.

But, alas, Our Legend finished second, the tick of the photo-finish tock. That’s racing. That’s life.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo. Clancy family memories: Sean, Miles and Annie.

PIEDMONT FOX HOUNDS WEEKEND

It was a weekend full of horses, friends, racing, hunting and…oh yes, a party at Buchanan Hall.

Since 1939, the Piedmont Fox Hounds have hosted the Piedmont Point-to-Point races in Upperville, Virginia.

The most prestigious race of the meet is the Rokeby Challenge Bowl, which, for decades, has attracted top horses in training for major steeplechase races. From 1939 until his death in 1999, the race and trophy were sponsored by the late Paul Mellon, a member of Piedmont and an avid supporter of jump racing.

The winner of the race received a small trophy and their names were engraved on a large perpetual trophy which they could keep for one year. Those who won the race three times (not necessarily consecutively or with the same horse) retired the trophy and could take it home forever. The silver trophies provided by Mellon were exquisite and highly sought after prizes.

One of the original silver Rokeby Bowl trophies has been generously donated to the National Sporting Library & Museum by the late Mary Gillian “Gill” Fenwick. She retired the Rokeby Bowl after winning the race three consecutive years, in 1961, 1962, and 1963. She was only the third owner to retire the trophy (five more have done so since then). Her winners were piloted by the famous steeplechase jockey Crompton “Tommy” Smith, Jr., all three years. The horses were Bay Barrage (1961), General Tony (1962), and Fluctuate (1963).

It also should be noted that Tommy Smith won the Grand National Steeplechase with Jay Trump in Aintree, England in 1965. The late, great writer Jane McClary (then Jane McIlvaine) lived in Middleburg and wrote the book “The Will To Win: The True Story of Jay Trump and Tommy Smith” in 1966.

This year the Rokeby Bowl was won by a horse named To Be or Not to Be, ridden by Teddy Davies, owned by Irvin L. Crawford II and trained by Joseph G. Davies.

Rokeby Bowl

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo Robert and Jennifer Mihlbaugh.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo The Motion Family: Mary, Lillibet, Andrew and Janie Covington.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo Party On.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo In the end, there was no question that To Be or Not to Be, ridden by Teddy Davies, won the Rokeby Bowl.

Photo by dillonkeenphotography.com

Huntsman Jordan Hicks for a morning out from Arden.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo Noah Mitchell, Annabel Bybee, Will Driskill and Madison Busey.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo Savannah Myzk with Johnny Dean. P

Photo by dillonkeenphotography.com The end.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo Masters at play: Gregg Ryan, Tad Zimmerman and Shelby Bonnie.

Photo by dillonkeenphotography.com

Shelby Bonnie, MFH had his horse prepared for the mud.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo Robin and Gordie Keys.

Perspectives on Childhood, Education and Parenting Healthy Decisions Should Start Early and Often

Recently, a friend recommended “The Alzheimer’s Solution” (2017) by neurologists Dean and Ayesha Sherzai. While the book title is a bit hyperbolic (rarely is there a “solution” for a condition of this complexity), the authors construct a convincing and scientifically based case that making healthy lifestyle choices offers us the best prospect of preventing Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) in our later years.

Most relevant for this column: the Sharzais created an acronym –NEURO—for understanding and remembering the fundamentals of long-term brain health. N=nutrition; E=exercise; U=unwind (stress management strategies); R=restorative sleep; and O=optimize (develop cognitive reserves as an adult). The authors state that the foundation for this longterm cognitive health is rooted in good “NEURO” habits developed in childhood.

Although this isn’t a new set of principles, it seems to me we could pay deeper attention to our responsibility to our children to provide the structure and conditions for them to develop those healthy habits.

Let’s consider the parents of Charles, thirteen, who takes his cell phone to bed. His sleep cycle is

disrupted throughout the night by pings. He rarely gets enough R (the restorative) sleep that is crucial for his growth. Despite his intelligence and personality, he is underachieving academically and unhappy socially.

To address this behavior seems straightforward: don’t permit Charles to have his mobile phone in his bedroom. But his parents disagree. One believes Charles deserves the autonomy to make the decision himself; the other feels that Charles isn’t mature enough to make such an important decision.

So far, Charles prevails.

We could cite many cases that illustrate the challenges parents confront in developing healthy habits in each area of NEURO with their children, especially with the additional stress of social media.

Charles Duhigg’s book, “The Power of Habit” (2012), is an apt companion piece to consider. He explains the science that governs the habit loop: cue-routinereward, and why it is difficult, but possible to extinguish negative habits and establish positive ones.

In Charles’ case, the negative habit is the cell phone in the bedroom.

Cue: Time for bed, simultaneous desire to be in

touch with friends.

Routine: Have cell phone at bedside, available to respond to pings from friends at any hour.

Reward: Friendships reinforced.

Refraining the habit:

Cue: Time for bed, desire for a good night sleep.

Routine: Put away cell phone and other electronic devices 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Reward: Feel rested and alert the next morning.

The likelihood that Charles, at 13, will be persuaded to change his behavior by this rational approach is slim. The pre-frontal cortex (the brain’s seat of decision making) fully develops in the midto late 20s, according to NIMH research. Charles’ decision is largely driven by his need for peer approval.

Undoubtedly, one of the most challenging aspects of parenting early adolescent children is understanding how to strike an appropriate balance between establishing clear non-negotiable limits and granting children the latitude necessary for them to make and learn from mistakes.

The most effective parents I’ve known often second guess themselves on whether they’ve made the right call. The significant underlying message is for children to see that our efforts, however imperfect, are grounded in our love and care for them.

“All our life, so far as it has a definite form, is but a mass of habits.” American psychologist, William James

By Tom Northrup

MODERN FINANCE

It’s Between QT and QE

By Philip Dudley

The old saying that, “The Fed raises interest rates until something breaks” has never been more true than now.

The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank and Credit Suisse in the span of a few days are fairly significant breakages in size. The actions taken by the Federal Reserve and Swiss National Bank are even bigger.

The Fed’s balance sheet may be “running off” (a fancy term for letting their portfolio mature and not reinvesting) as they try to restrict liquidity. But the new Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) that’s just been instituted is stimulative.

So much so, the BTFP just wiped out all of the Fed tightening year to date because $153 billion was drawn down by the banking industry. That number is larger than the liquidity needed by banks during the 2008 financial crisis. Bottom line, we are somewhere between Quantitative Tightening (QT) and Quantitative Easing (QE).

There was a serious fixed income duration mismatch at SVB that resulted in the second largest bank failure in our great country. A duration mismatch occurs when you underestimate the move in interest rates vs. your loan portfolio.

SVB reacted late to this widening gap and spooked the market when they sold their entire “available for sale” bond holdings and realized a $1.8 billion loss. Then they tried to raise equity in equal size. The market said no thank you and the bank run was on.

Where is all the money going? Well, if banks are only paying depositors a meager amount of interest on their deposits, a savvy investor (or now a scared bank depositor) will move those deposits over $250,000 to money market funds or Treasury Bills. About 97 percent of SVB depositors held deposits over the FDIC limit, so why would anyone be surprised by the outcome.

So what does all this mean for interest rates, gold and bitcoin? The fixed income futures markets are definitely telling a different story than The Fed.

The two-year Treasury Note yield traded from over 5 percent to under 4 perecent in a matter of days following SVB collapse. That was truly staggering. And the MOVE index, which measures volatility in the bond market, has spiked. The Fed is either done raising rates, or nearly done, to put it mildly. If they are nearly done, they will very likely be walking rates back in the next 12 months.

Gold performs well during periods of high inflation and financial distress, both of which we’re currently experiencing. One interesting strengthening relationship developing right now is the correlation between bitcoin and gold. The rolling 30-day correlation currently stands at .5 percent and is higher than the rolling 30-day Bitcoin and NASDAQ 100 correlation of .3 percent.

That’s interesting because Bitcoin has been viewed by many as a risk on asset, but its narrowing relationship to the movement of gold is noteworthy.

Also, the dominance of bitcoin is increasing among the crypto universe as market participants (old and possibly new) continue to seemingly accumulate as a store of value. Is “digital gold” ready to shine? Only time will tell.

Geraldine Carroll

Charles Carroll IV, MD

Designing Woman Keeps It All In The Family

Photos by Sarah Huntington

By Meredith Bean McMath

Afashion designer once said, “Most people still are not satisfied to just buy any dress or suit off a rack. They have their own ideas about clothes, know what they want, and want to know how to express their own creativity!” So, why not design for yourself and start your own adventure?

All you really need is a pad and a pencil and someone to work with who’ll create your design concept and then tailor it to you. Another option is to purchase a sewing machine, find a good YouTube video and have at it.

Research shows designing clothes and/ or sewing them - like most hobbies - is seriously good for you. Doesn’t matter if it’s a whole ensemble or the addition of sharp lapels, clothes design takes creativity and concentration. And when you have a finished product, you’ll see a part of yourself written in fabric.

When the designer quoted above was a young woman, she decided off-therack clothing was not good enough, so she learned to sew. When she began to design her own clothes, she started to get high compliments from her friends, followed by suggestions she start a school of design. That’s when my grandmother –Virginia W. Hay – opened the Hay School of Fashion in St. Louis.

The year was 1947, and for the next 35 years, Virginia created original designs, taught classes, wrote sewing books, and won awards. And she loved every minute.

She also taught her four daughters to sew, my mother taught me, and I’ve been sewing since childhood. When my grandmother passed, I had the privilege of inheriting my grandmother’s Dress Form and several of her beautiful works. To make these gowns come to life, I asked two friends, professional photographer Sarah Huntington of Paris, Virginia and D.C.-based actor/model Suzy Alden to do a photo shoot. I’m thrilled to share her designs and hope they’ll inspire readers of ZEST to consider a new creative path.

A black lace gown with lace jacket. Part of the creative process my grandmother taught herself was learning the response of fabricswhat it would do when worn. For this design (worn over a black silk slip), she chose thin cotton which falls and flows beautifully.

This is a Dressing Gown of pink chiffon and black lace. Dressing Gowns gained popularity in the 18th century and have been with us ever since. Ones of chiffon were at the height of popularity in the 1940s, and Virginia Hay added black lace to give the gown further sophistication. Whether the gown is made by your seamstress or yourself, lace on chiffon fabric requires hand-sewing to attach.

The last gown featured is a costume Virginia made to be worn at a 1950s St. Louis, Missouri Veiled Prophet Parade. The annual parade was the equivalent of social media advertising today, with the opportunity to celebrate the city and get the word out about the Hay School of Fashion simultaneously. Virginia made a dress for the Parade every year. Suzy wears one of Virginia’s costume jewelry pins at her bodice, and she’s crowned by an autumn halo I built for a theatre production a few years ago.

Speaking of the return of certain styles, this evening gown of silk and satin with a fitted satin coat features an open-cut shoulder sleeve that could be found at today’s highend events, but it was made in the 1960s. The first person to wear this to the opera was not only extremely comfortable but ahead of her time.

Fauquier Habitat Has Its First Solar Installation

Fauquier Habitat for Humanity has just installed solar panels on one of its new homes in Warrenton. The house at 152 Haiti St. will be occupied by its new owner in April and will provide the homeowner savings on electric bills and help to establish a national model for Habitat homes.

It’s the first home to have solar installed under a $500,000 grant carbon offset donation awarded by the American Institute of Architects to Habitat for Humanity Virginia. The grant will help to launch a two-year project to install solar energy systems on up to 80 Habitat homes in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. The nonprofit GiveSolar is partnering with Habitat Virginia to implement the two-year project.

In an effort to help with some funding of the installation, local high school student James Jackson set up a GoFundMe page and raised $2,000 toward the cost of the installation. James, a senior at Flint Hill School in Oakton, helped with the installation along with some of his fellow students. He’s also the grandson of Charles Wurster, founding member of the Environmental Defense Fund.

“We’re so excited to be able to include solar energy technology in our Habitat housing,” said Melanie Burch, CEO for Fauquier Habitat for Humanity. “Not only are our homes built of top-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, this adds energy environmental sustainability that has not been available to us in the past.”

The solar system will save the homeowner $65 to $75 per month in utility costs.  Over 25 years, homeowners are expected to save up to $27,000 as the price of electricity rises over time.

The solar system will not only enhance affordability of homeownership, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect homeowners from the rising cost of electricity. It will also help to contribute to the generational wealth of lowincome households.

Fauquier Habitat for Humanity has now built 61 homes and is working on three additional this year. The nonprofit makes homes available to qualified families who pay for the homes at a subsidized rate. Homeowners must pass stringent qualification requirements and have a qualifying salary. Families served by Fauquier Habitat for Humanity earn less than 80 percent of Area Median Income. Most earn 30-60 percent of AMI.

“Our goal is to provide a step up to homeownership for those willing to meet our requirements,” Melanie said. “Many Habitat homeowners go on to purchase their own market rate homes after living in one of our homes and achieving savings and financial stability.”

Through a newly created land trust, the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust, a 501c3 non-profit organization, Fauquier Habitat is now able to also ensure that its homes remain affordable after sale by their initial owner.

“Being able to ensure our homes remain accessible to those in need of affordable housing and now being able to add solar to our homes, provides the homes with built-in savings that will be able to pass from one homeowner to the next,” Melanie added.

Fauquier Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International dedicated to helping families build strength, stability, and selfreliance in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties since 1991. Details: https://www.fauquierhabitat.org.

Overton McGehee, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Virginia, Melanie Burch, Interim Executive Director of Fauquier Habitat for Humanity, Terri Stewart, AIA’s Chief Finance and Administration Officer, James Jackson, in blue hard hats high school senior from Flint Hill School and students from Flint Hill School in Oakton: Jeff Heie, Director of GiveSolar, Charles Wurster, grandfather of James Jackson and parent of James Jackson

HOME SWEET HOME IMPROVEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cherry Blossom Run for Man and Beast

It’s an annual two-legged rite of spring in Middleburg, so time to check those shoelaces, prepare to hydrate early and often and take off for the five-kilometer Cherry Blossom run scheduled on April 16.

As for the four-legged set, the same day there will be a one-mile Pooch Prance, also benefiting the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation. Both races will start and finish at the Middleburg Community Center.

Donations will be used to support the foundation’s programs and be disbursed to worthy Fauquier and Loudoun County nonprofits and to regional breast cancer research institutions in support of the mission to help detect, treat, educate, and eliminate breast cancer.

And of course, it goes without saying the apparel color of the day will be pink.

•••••••••••

The Middleburg Montessori School will hold its 12th annual Art of the Piedmont art auction on Friday, May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Slater Run Vineyard at in Upperville. The event raises financial support for Middleburg Montessori School and provides a forum for many local talented artists in the area.

Tickets are still available for purchase online, and included in the price of admission is Slater Run wine that will complement the winery’s palate pleasing appetizers. The menu was hand-selected and will include local farm fresh pork and beef, seafood, caviar and vegetarian options.

The event also includes a week-long virtual auction via Better World for eager bidders and those who are unable to attend in person. Early bidding begins Friday, May 12 at 5 p.m. and continues into the in-person auction Friday, May 19.

The Art of the Piedmont has been raising financial support for Middleburg Montessori School for 12 years. The 501(c)(3) non-profit school has been serving families in the community for 43 years and uses these funds in an effort to serve as many children as possible, all while meeting each and every child’s developmental needs.

For ticket information, go to: info@artofthepiedmont.org.

•••••••••••

Middleburg FISH (it stands for For Instant and Sympathetic Help) is an allvolunteer organization that has been providing services to its neighbors in need for over 60 years. It’s now looking for more volunteers.

FISH was founded by the late Rene Llewellyn and Nancy Manierre and is a non-sectarian, non-profit group dedicated to helping people meet financial emergencies and short-term needs.

FISH responds to requests for help with rent, utilities, and medical items, including prescriptions. The goal is to prevent an eviction, keep utilities from being turned off, and help people pay for their prescriptions.

FISH is looking for volunteer operators who will take calls.  The commitment is for only one day a month and can be done from a cell phone. Operators record details from those needing help and then work with the FISH treasurer to get the

If you can serve as an operator one day a month, please contact Martha Cotter at bigfish@middleburgfish.org

A New Rectortown Shop With a Worthy Mission

By Ali Patusky

Entrepreneurs Tara and Ben Wegdam’s latest shop has been set up specifically not to make a profit, and, in fact, to allow its vast array of merchandise to walk out the door without a single dollar changing hands.

It’s called The Fig Leaf Clothes Closet, the newest addition to the Wegdams’ collection of Northern Virginia and Maryland shops that include four in Middleburg alone—Creme de la Creme, Brick and Mortar, Zest, and loulou. The Fig Leaf is located in a building next to the Rectortown Methodist Church, and the couple, who live nearby, wanted to give back to the community through a shop of a different kind.

“It’s open to anyone in need,” Tara Wegdam said. “We just want to support our community in something that we know how to do, which is run a store.”

The Fig Leaf offers its clients some new and plenty of slightly-used clothing, shoes and much more for children, teenagers and adults. There’s no charge. For anything. It’s open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and the inspiration came from a Netflix show called “Maid.”

“It’s a true story about how a woman who went to a woman’s shelter and was so grateful to be able to come into a store and pick what she needed rather than what people were just giving her,” Tara said. “Just because you give somebody something, it might not really be what they need.”

In addition to offering a helping hand to many of its clients, the store is also a receptacle for those who have too much and are looking to downsize their closets.

“I think we all have an abundance of stuff, and it doesn’t matter who you are,” Tara said. “A lot of the

time you just need to get rid of it, but you don’t want to throw it away, you don’t want it in the landfill, and you really don’t know who to give it to. So if you give it to us, we will display it, and hopefully somebody will come and pick it out for themselves.”

Donations can be made at any time to a parking lot storage building located at the church on Rectortown Road. Additionally, those interested in volunteering to help staff the store or donating monetarily can visit the church’s website and click on the “Fig Leaf” tab to sign up.

The goal for the store this year is to “spread the word,” Tara said. “We want everyone to know that we’re there, and they’re welcome, and it’s small. We just want to help, and we’d like to reach more people. We have customers now, but we could have a lot more customers, and if we did have more customers, we would add more days.”

Rectortown resident Geri Coulter was volunteering behind the counter on a recent Saturday and said a number of people had already come in. Three women were checking out the racks and shelves in the women’s section of the shop as she spoke, and Geri said the word is starting to get out.

“We opened in April,” she said, “and it’s been a little slow, but things are starting to pick up. We have a lot of volunteers, and we’re getting people from all over. We’re doing Saturdays, so if you have a job during the week, you can come in and not miss any work. And people really appreciate what we’re doing.”

Photo by Leonard Shapiro Geri Coulter volunteers on Saturdays to handle the front counter at the Fig Leaf Closet at the Rectortown Methodist Church.

Off AND RUNNING

The 56th running of the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point is set for Sunday, April 23 at the Equestrian Center at Morven Park. Pony races like no other, so be there early and stay late. General admission is $35 presale and $40 at the gate. For subscriber parking or patron parking contact Mary Sell, MFH marysell@takarofarm.com or Carroll Galvin, MFH carroll.galvin@gmail.com. Be there at: 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176. Gates open at 10 a.m. Details: loudounraces.com

At the Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point on Sunday, April 30, the tailgate competition is as keen as it comes. This about more than fried chicken. The setting at Glenwood Park adds to the ambiance. A car pass is $40 before April 15 and $50 thereafter. There are eight races scheduled.

Details: MiddleburgHuntPointToPoint.com

Meanwhile in the world of flat racing….

What a delight to see Clarke County native John Stuart in the paddock at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida prior to The Fountain of Youth Stakes in early March. All eyes were on Forte for his first outing as a three-year-old. The dark brown colt was last year’s Eclipse Award champion two-year-old. Stuart, a devoted Virginia horseman, represented breeder Amy Moore of South Gate Farm in Millwood via his Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services when the colt was first sold as a weanling in Keeneland. Now owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables and trained by Todd Pletcher, Forte is on top of the list for the May 6 Kentucky Derby with earnings (after the Fountain of Youth) of $1,833,230. Stay tuned, no matter what, we promise there’s more to come from John Stuart.

Photo by Tim Sudduth

Lickety Split and Yomar Ortiz Jr and Mallory and Cami Kern battle it out to the wire in the Small Pony Flat Race at the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point.

Photo by Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo

The tailgating competition is about more than fried chicken.

John Stuart Forte

It’s All About Design for Terri Pakravan

By M.J. McAteer

Many people are intimidated by the thought of using an interior designer, but Terri Pakravan makes her clients feel at ease with the process of creating an attractive space to call their own.

“I have no set aesthetic,” said the owner of Atelier Design & Decor, a retail shop on Middleburg’s East Washington Street. Instead, she sees herself as more of a personal shopper who tailors her services to fit a client’s needs, personality and budget.

Brian Paul and his wife, Tara Corrigan, had never used a professional decorator before they visited Terri’s shop, which opened in 2019 and recently expanded into the space that used to be Second Chapter Books. Now Atelier has a bright, airy feel and features the designer’s personally curated collection of furniture, lighting and home accessories.

Its “modern but rustic vibe” instantly appealed to the Corrigans, and they decided to hire Terri to decorate a house they had just bought in the Shenandoah Valley. “It was large, empty and needed some love,” Brian said.

The couple envisioned a rural retreat for family and friends, and they wanted the interior to feel connected to the outdoors, visible through the home’s many “colossal” windows. Terri’s design achieved all that, but with a modern flair. And it was comfortable.

“It’s a place where people can let their hair down,” Brian said.

Terri tries to do a complete installation before she and the clients make major decisions about changes to their original plan. Waiting for the full effect makes sense--and keeps costs down. Sometimes, she hits bumps, such as couples who don’t agree or differences of opinion about a particular piece, but she’s learned through the years not to take her job too seriously.

She credits her grandmothers for leading her interior design career. They were a big part of her life growing up in Dallas, and their quirky creativity was inspiring.

One was a florist, who wore polyester pants and high heels and had hair “up like Dolly Parton’s. A firecracker with flair,” Terry said.

The other was an avid gardener and collector

of silver spoons and Hummels. Terri once helped that grandmother convert a house into a bed and breakfast and remembers watching her spray paint the hydrangeas before guests came to be sure that they looked good.

During Covid, when her retail customers dwindled, Terri relied on clients like the Corrigans to keep her enterprise afloat. Their Virginia country house was such a good experience, they hired her again to decorate their main domicile in D.C. This time, they wanted to “go super bold,” and the designer came up with a daring color scheme that renders their entire first floor in shades of green. They loved it.

Her Dallas grandmothers probably would have loved her career choice, too. She studied at the New York School of Interior Design, and has since put her aesthetic skills to use in various locations, including Delray Beach, Fla., where she had a shop. In 2017, she arrived in Virginia and bought a house in Boyce, and it sounds as though she may be here to stay.

“Middleburg is a small town but with people coming from all over,” Terri said. “It’s a wonderful place to be.”

Atelier Design & Decor, 15 East Washington St., Middleburg, Va., is open 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Go to www.terripakravan.com

Terri Pakravan

Renovation Doesn’t Have to Disrupt Your Lifestyle

By Tim Burch

The owners of this gorgeous Loudoun County home have a busy schedule and rather large family, including five active kids and two dogs. So, while they desperately wanted to update their kitchen and primary suite, they were concerned that a construction project wouldn’t be feasible with their lifestyle.

Can you relate? Unfortunately, these concerns sometimes keep people from taking the first step toward getting the home transformation they desire. I’m not going to sugarcoat it – remodeling can be disruptive. But I can confidently say that a top-notch remodeler focused on your best interests should have a proven process for making a renovation far more tolerable than you may expect.

Thankfully, this family made that first call. BOWA’s team of experts asked all the right questions to uncover their concerns and get to the “why” behind their hesitation and the changes they wanted to make. Fueled with this information, they came up with a design and action plan that was efficient, addressed their concerns, and delivered remarkable results.

Starting with the kitchen, the solution was a total

reconfiguration that maximized natural light and creates a better flow. This involved removing an oddly angled island, relocating the breakfast area, reorienting the cabinetry, and opening the space beneath the staircase.

Contrasting countertops and cabinetry, a pantry with sliding farmhouse door, wine cooler, and unobstructed views into the family room make this space exactly what the homeowners wanted.

To keep the household running and the family fed,

temporary kitchens are usually the best solution for making the remodeling process more manageable. And, a partner that can adhere to an aggressive, written production schedule, is the key to reclaiming the heart of your home as soon as possible.

In the primary suite, the focal point of the new spa-like retreat is the wet room, which features a wellappointed, double-head shower, a soaking tub bathed in natural light, and split-chiseled porcelain tile giving a natural quartzite and limestone look. Stunning.

Around the corner are two well-appointed closets. Hers was created from a former sitting area and features a custom center island and laundry machine set. Adhering to superior dust protection protocols and clean job site standards are critical to making any renovation more tolerable. Especially when work is on the upper level, where dust can easily get into sleeping quarters and settle in closets, your remodeler should be taking extra care.

This busy family is now settled back in and enjoying their beautiful home and telling friends our ability to work around their crazy day-to-day life is one of the things they appreciated most. If those sort of concerns are keeping you from moving forward with a renovation, let’s chat.

Tim Burch is a vice president and owner of BOWA, an award-winning design and construction firm specializing in luxury renovations. Details: bowa.com.

The renovated kitchen area took plenty of planning, little disruption.

Tim Burch

A Middleburg Superstar Leads Way to Final Four

Hoops junkies in Loudoun County knew all about Jordan Miller’s oncourt promise and prowess long before he became a national star last month in leading the University of Miami to the Final Four in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

And Middleburg is the home town listed for him on the Hurricanes’ official roster. A 6-foot-7, fifth-year senior, Miller grew up a few miles from the village in the St. Louis area off Route 611, also known to locals as the St. Louis Road, and was a standout player at Loudoun Valley High School.

On March 26, against a heavily favored University of Texas team, Miller was the picture of pure hoops perfection in Miami’s stunning come-from-behind 8881 victory over the Longhorns. Down 13 points with 11 minutes left in the game, a spirited comeback down the stretch vaulted the Hurricanes into the school’s first ever appearance in the Final Four.

MARSHAL 7-ELEVEN

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!

This spring issue of Country ZEST went to press before “The Big Dance” was over in Houston. But no matter what happened in the semifinals and final game, no one will ever forget Miller’s stunning performance against third-seeded Texas the week before.

Miller made all seven of his shots from the field and all 13 of his free throws, scoring 27 points in Miami’s comeback Elite Eight victory over Texas. He’s the first player to take at least seven shots from the field and free-throw line and hit all of them in an NCAA Tournament game in more than 30 years.

The last player to accomplish the feat was Duke’s Christian Laettner in the 1992 Elite Eight. In that game, Laettner hit “The Shot” — a last-second, gamewinning basket from near midcourt that sent Duke to the Final Four.

Miller did not have a buzzer-beating, game-winning miracle shot against Texas, but his efforts were equally important.

“I’ve said it all season long: He’s the most underrated player in the country because he’s good at everything,” Miami coach Jim Larrañaga told reporters after the Hurricanes’ first-ever win in the Elite Eight. “In the summertime, he had a 7:1 assist-to-turnover ratio in practices. Seven to one. That’s ridiculous. That’s better than any point guard I know. He can rebound. He defends all different-sized guys. [On Sunday] he was switching ball screens at the end and keeping the guy in front of him.

“Last week he guarded Indiana’s center Trayce Jackson-Davis, did a fantastic job on him. He can shoot the three. He’s great at driving. Straight line drive, dribble drives. He makes all of his free throws. He is a great, great player. Simple.”

Even better, he’s from Middleburg, don’t you know.

Photo courtesy University of Miami Jordan Miller was a Category 5 Hurricane in the Big Dance.

Hero of the Bull

By John Toler

From its earliest days, Fauquier County produced native sons who played a significant role in American history. Simon Kenton (1755-1836) was a frontiersman and scout who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and countless other conflicts during the nation’s westward expansion.

Kenton was born in a small cabin in the Bull Run Mountains, in a valley between Highacre Hill and Roundtop Mountain known as “Devil’s Bed.” The seventh son of Mark and Mary Kenton, Simon was a boisterous child who liked to fight with other boys in the poor, isolated community.

This led to an incident in April, 1771, when he got into a brutal fight with William Leachman, with whom he had been feuding. Knocking his opponent senseless, he thought he had killed him, and, fearing the consequences, fled Fauquier County toward the Shenandoah Valley.

Kenton made his way across what became present-day West Virginia, and north up the Allegheny Mountains to Fort Pitt (today’s Pittsburgh). Along the way he used the name “Simon Butler” to hide his identity, and joined a small group of adventurers heading into the frontier.

While camped near present-day Charleston, W.Va. in March, 1773, the small band was attacked by a party of Native Americans. Kenton escaped clad only in his shirt, and spent six days wandering in the wilderness before encountering a group of explorers, who fed and clothed him.

In 1774, Virginia Governor John Murray, 4th Lord of Dunmore, was recruiting scouts for an expedition against the Native Americans in the far western region. Kenton signed on, joining other frontiersmen on the expedition. While fighting the Shawnees, the fierceness they showed in battle earned them the nickname, “The Long Knives.”

With “Dunmore’s War” over, Kenton came to Boonesboro, Ky., where he met legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. They participated in several skirmishes with the Native Americans, and during one encounter, Boone was knocked down, suffering a broken leg. As a warrior was about to scalp him, Kenton intervened, killing the attacker. Kenton carried Boone to safety, earning Boone’s praise and gratitude – something few others ever accomplished.

Joining the Continental Army in 1778, Kenton was on a mission in the Northwest Territory when he was captured by Shawnee warriors near present-

day Chillicothe, Ohio. He was subjected to horrible torture and beatings that broke his arm and collarbone. A blow to his head left him unconscious, lying on the ground for two days.

As his captors prepared to burn him at the stake, a Tory turncoat who was serving as the liaison between the British and the warriors convinced the tribal chief that Kenton would be more valuable if he were taken to the British headquarters at Detroit as a prisoner of war.

The arrangements were made, and the Tory and a Shawnee escort set out for Detroit with their prisoner. Stopping for the night at a trader’s house, Kenton’s captors engaged in a drunken spree, and with the help of the trader’s wife, Kenton managed to escape with food and a rifle.

Recovered from his ordeal, Kenton rejoined the Continental Army in February, 1779, and served as a scout for Gen. George Rogers Clark on the expedition to recapture Fort Sackville at Vincennes, Indiana, from the British.

In 1777, in a skirmish with Native Americans in Kentucky, Kenton rescued Daniel Boone from a brave who had knocked him down and was preparing to scalp him.

Run Mountains

Kenton died in a house fire in 1783, leaving her husband a widower with four young children.

A year later, Kenton was commissioned a major in the U.S. Army, and headed a force of 100 scouts on an expedition led by Gen. “Mad Anthony” Wayne into the disputed Northwest Territory. The purpose of the expedition was to quell Western Native American Confederacy activity in the tribal lands ceded by the British by the peace treaty. Also at issue were the British troops to the north who were allied with the Native Americans.

American influence in the region had been lost after the disastrous defeat of Gen. Arthur St. Clair’s force by braves under chiefs Blue Jacket of the Shawnees and Little Turtle of the Miamis in the Battle of Wabash in November, 1791.

On Aug. 20, 1794, Gen. Wayne launched an attack on the combined enemy forces, defeating them in the Battle of Fallen Timbers near presentday Maumee, Ohio.

Kenton returned to Kentucky and in 1797 and married Martha’s cousin, Elizabeth Jarboe. In 1802, he moved with his family to what became Zanesville, Ohio. The couple eventually had seven children.

In recognition of his past service, Kenton was commissioned a general in the Ohio Militia. His unit was federalized to fight in the War of 1812, and on Oct. 5, 1813, participated in the Battle of the Thames near present-day Ontario, Canada. There they faced British troops under Gen. Henry Proctor and their Native American allies under Shawnee Chief Tecumseh.

During a brief siege on Feb. 23, 1779, Gen. Clark’s force of 100 men surrounded the fort, and deceived into believing that Clark’s force had 1,000 men, the British commander surrendered two days later.

Learning that his father was ill, Kenton returned to Fauquier County during the summer of 1779. There he found that William Leachman – the adversary who he believed he had killed 28 years before –was alive and well, and bore him no ill will.

Returning to the Continental Army, Kenton married Martha Dowden about 1782, and completed his military service in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris with Britain.

He returned to Fauquier later that summer, and convinced members of his remaining family to come with him to Kentucky, where cheap land was available. They established Kenton’s Station, near present-day Washington, Ky. Sadly, Martha

The battle was a complete victory for the Americans. Tecumseh was killed and the British driven into Canada. American control of the Northwest Territory was permanently reaffirmed.

By now in his late 50s, Kenton returned to Ohio, where he became a large landowner. Unfamiliar with Ohio’s real estate and property laws, he fell victim to swindlers, and lost most of his property and fortune.

Left with only a small cabin on a piece of poor land near Zanesville, Kenton’s life ended in poverty and isolation, much as it had begun in the Bull Run Mountains. He applied to the U.S. Congress for a military pension, but it took years for that to materialize.

Simon Kenton died on April 29, 1836 and was buried in the small cemetery on his property. In November, 1865, his remains were reinterred in the Oakdale Cemetery in Urbanna, Ohio.

The feud between Simon Kenton and William Leachman culminated in a fistfight on April 5, 1771. Believing he had killed Leachman, Kenton fled the Bull Run Mountains for 28 years. Harper’s New Monthly Magazine.

Sourced, Globally Inspired

By Leonard Shapiro

Back when Neal Wavra and his wife Star, owners of the widely acclaimed Field & Main in Marshall, were first looking for a location to start their popular restaurant, they were on the second floor of the old Marshall Bank building in the middle of town when Neal looked out the window at the house across the street.

It had belonged to the O’Bannon family, the long-time proprietors of the now closed Marshall Hardware, and Neal had driven past it many times. When he learned the house was empty, he wanted to take a look.

“We had worked at the Ashby Inn, and we were constantly fighting the building, which always needed some kind of work or repair, and I had told my wife that we’re never going to work in an old building again,” Neal recalled. “But when we walked in the door, about two steps in, I immediately saw its potential and said, ‘we’re going to work here.’ And now we do.”

The farm-to-table restaurant opened in 2016 and has become a local institution, drawing rave reviews from a loyal and constantly expanding clientele not to mention a number of local and national food critics.

Neal’s journey to Marshall has taken him coast to coast. A Chicago native, he grew up in a family that was Italian on one side, Czech on the other. They definitely enjoyed their time at the dining room table.

“We were always having one meal,” Neal said, “and already talking about the next one.”

On his 16th birthday, he received his very own wok, and as a teenager watched all the cooking shows he could find. He knew early on that food was in his future. He just wasn’t sure how.

When he visited Whitman College, in Walla Walla, Washington, he noticed olive oil and balsamic vinegar were on the dining hall tables. That made an impression, along with all the sweet onions and asparagus growing in the surrounding fields.

At Whitman, Neal majored in French language and literature, but also started the Gastronomic Society on campus and also began learning about wine in a region that produced plenty of it. His postgraduate work was done in Monterey, California, with frequent forays to nearby wine country. And then came a move to Washington, D.C. where he took a job as a trade compliance specialist in the Department of Commerce.

An office in a federal building clearly was not for him. After less than a year,

Neal decided to pursue the culinary arts, enrolling at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. While there, he also became a “wine tutor” for his fellow students, many of whom were foodies but not well-versed on the reds and whites.

Neal began his culinary career working with acclaimed chef and restaurant owner Charlie Trotter in his home town of Chicago. He began there checking coats, then moved up to waiter and eventually became manager of the Charlie Trotter dining room.

“Charlie was a great mentor,” Neal said. “When I first started there, I felt like a 16-year-old who had just been tossed the keys to a Ferrari. It was probably the most formative experience of my career. I was also exposed to the kitchen, and it was all about hospitality and service.”

After several years, he moved to Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, where he was the dining room and farmstead manager, overseeing the restaurant’s larder, creamery and a garden. Best of all, that’s where he met Star, a Michigan native who worked on the events side.

They discovered the Middleburg area when he visited a friend working at the Goodstone Inn, and eventually spent five years as the innkeeper and sommelier at The Ashby Inn. From there, he became the host and sommelier at The Riverstead, a sixteen-seat restaurant located in Chilhowie, Virginia, run by Trotter alums, now Michelin starred chefs John Shields and Karen Urie.

And then came Field & Main, with a philosophy of operating a locally sourced restaurant bringing together nearby farmers and producers. He’s a leading expert on the Virginia wine industry and currently the director of the Loudoun County wine competition and a Virginia Governors’ Cup judge. He also provides wine and hospitality consulting through FABLE Hospitality.

That stands for farm to table, of course.

Neal and Star Wavra of Field & Main

Mr.Woody

Out of this World: Galaxy Strikes Bowling Center

By Jodi Nash

It’s been a long time coming, and it’s not just a traditional bowling alley.

Galaxy Strikes Bowling Center in Warrenton strives to be “a place where everyone can play.” It’s big, bold, high-tech, lazer-lit with color-changing lane effects and a red, white and blue color scheme. There are eighteen lanes, a flashy prizebased arcade, a nine-hole iridescent black-light mini-golf course, and a pro shop that sells bowling balls, bags, shoes, and other accessories.

There are thirty employees, five full-time (three managers, and two lane mechanics) and eight different bowling leagues. The Space Station Café offers beer and wine, burgers and dogs, fresh grilled sandwiches, pizza, quesadillas, nachos, tater tots, sweet potato waffles and even a grilled chicken salad, all reasonably priced.

Owners Brett Miller and his wife, Patti, after much marketing research, determined there was a genuine need in Warrenton for a bowling alley.

“There was nowhere to go for indoor family recreation,” Brett said. “And there was a big void to fill for local league bowlers, who were traveling to Front Royal, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Winchester to bowl.”

Warrenton Lanes, later known as Broadview, closed eight years ago, so when Galaxy opened last October, it was no surprise it was flooded with eager participants. All open bowling lanes are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis with lane reservations only for birthday parties and corporate events.

A Warrenton native who began bowling at four, Brett had nursed a dream to own his own facility since he was a teenager. He wanted more than just a bowling alley, aspiring to make it a true community gathering place. A software engineer who did government contract work for 35 years, he also knew it was now or never.

Patti, a regional credit manager for a welding and gas company for twenty-six years, retired in April, 2022. Four years earlier, they both attended a bowling EXPO at the Kalahari Resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains sponsored by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA)).

They attended several classes, from marketing to employee management, and scoped out various vendors featuring the latest games and technology.

Their 25,000-square-foot space, located in the Warrenton Village Center, was a dream, with easy access and plenty of parking. The commercial

construction took six months, and general contractor Todd Finks came out of retirement to manage the project because it would be “fun to do.”

Brett did most of the IT installation himself, running cable and handling the installation of the servers, switches, and TVs. The couple, married fifteen years with a blended family of five children, even met while bowling, when a singles group at their Methodist Church hosted a bowling night out. Kismet.

Patti had bowled in a small league in Massachusetts before moving to Virginia as a teenager. Brett bowled professionally for a few years early in his career, and they’re both now putting in long hours to ensure Galaxy Strike’s success as a recreational destination for Fauquier and surrounding counties.

Working 85 hours a week, Brett calls himself the “CEO and CFO” of Galaxy Strikes and acknowledged the business is “a work in progress. There are new things to learn every day.”

He’s also the house bowling pro, coaching league bowlers of all ages, from kids to seniors. Not only does he sell bowling balls, he measures hand spans, fingers and thumb lengths, then drills the holes to suit the bowler. Patti, who averages 60 hours a week, handles the marketing, party booking and much of the accounting. She’s also the friendly face out front.

“We’re packed all the time, and amazed at how well we’ve been received,” she said.

Huntley Thorpe III

E. Hedrick

C. Gulick

Photo by Jodi Nash Galaxy owners Bret and Patti Miller

The Land Trust of Virginia and Goose Creek Association held “A Forum on Environmental Justice” at The Hill School Performing Arts Center. Professor Mary Finley-Brook, GCA Co-Chair Lori Kennan McGuinness , The Reverend Weston Matthews of Grace Church in The Plains, LTV Executive Director Ashton Cole and Ashburn District Supervisor Michael Turner.

spoke to an appreciative audience gathered at Llangollen in Upperville to discuss his book. Randolph (1773-1833) was an American planter and a southern politician who served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate at various times between 1799 and 1833. The event was sponsored by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Foundation.

The always lively Middleburg Tennis Club Winter Tennis Tournament has concluded. Kerrie Jenkins and Cricket Bedford prevailed in the women’s main draw and Jordy Bentley and Sean Crocker won the men’s division. Khris

the Community Music School of the Piedmont’s 15th Annual Candlelight Concert at the home of Nancy and Tom Dungen playing the first movement of Mozart’s violin Concerto No. 2 in D Major. A junior at Highland School in Warrenton, Diego recently won the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition.

Foxcroft School recently announced a transformational, multi-generational $22 million gift from four members of the Mars family. Designated for the construction of a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) wing as part of Foxcroft’s $65 million Building for Our Future Campaign, the gift is the largest ever given to Foxcroft by living donors in its 108-year history. The Mars family donors, left to right, were Charlotte Audrey Rossetter (2012), Pamela Mars Wright (1978), Victoria Beth Mars (1974), and Bernadette Schuetz Russell (2003).

Photo by Leonard Shapiro Judge David Johnson, the author of “John Randolph of Roanoke,”

Photo by Douglas Lees Local filmmaker Tom Davenport, with Ken Garrett, at the Middleburg Community Center for a screening of his 1972 documentary “Thoughts on Fox Hunting” featuring the late legendary huntsman Melvin Poe.

Kerrie Jenkins and Cricket Bedford

Sean Crocker and Jordy Bentley

Baxter was honored with the Ann MacLeod Spirit Award and the John Mascatello Warrior Award went to Field Myatt.

Photo by Martha Cotter Diego Quintanar-Peña opened

Photo by Leland Schwartz Martha Cotter, executive director of the Community Music School of the Piedmont, with Kerry Roszel, a familiar face from the Land Trust of Virginia.

Howard Gardner School Fosters Unique Learning

By Miles Kresic

Something special is happening for a small group of talented students in Northern Virginia. At the Howard Gardner School, located on separate campuses in Alexandria and Loudoun County, educators seek to “help bright, creative, non-traditional learners use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually, and emotionally.”

The Howard Gardner School is a nonprofit with an independent board of trustees.

“It’s designed around its mission, there’s no shareholders,” said head of school Erick Johnson. For ten years, he has overseen both campuses which support a total of 48 students, 36 in high school and twelve in middle school.

It’s an intentionally small, independent, experiential school serving grades 6-12 with a mission statement that read “to help bright, creative, non-traditional learners use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually, and emotionally.

In the Fall of 2022, the school opened its Loudoun County campus, just east of Dulles Airport on the Route 28 corridor. Because of added demand, they expanded to include a new middle school program on that campus.

“We want our faculty to really know the kids,” Erick said, adding that he first came to the school as an English teacher two years before he stepped up as head of school. Fundraising eventually paid for the first Alexandria campus, with classes held in an old rented farmhouse in the Rose Hill area of Alexandria.

“I interviewed when they had just cut the ribbon for it, maybe six weeks before I interviewed,” he said. “They had just built what we now call our Alexandria campus.”

He instantly felt a connection upon arriving.

“I spent four or five hours talking to the kids, having lunch with the faculty, and it just felt like home,” he said. “It felt like this is where I should be”.

The school is premised on guiding children with unique abilities through their learning experience in a way that will encourage them to find themselves. For many of the students, the journey to unlocking their true potential begins at Howard Gardner.

“The key is do you have these unique strengths,” Erick said. “Is there a brilliance in you that for some reason you’re not accessing, and so the goal is to access that. The goal is to help these learners to thrive. We get a fair amount of kids that have something oddly brilliant about them.”

The school not only fosters unique learning and creativity among its students during their academic careers there but also regularly stays in touch after they graduate. They check in with them two years out from graduation, then six years, then twelve years.

There are only twelve open spots for new students each year and it’s a highly selective application process. Most people hear about the school through word of mouth.

For more information about The Howard Gardner School, visit their website at www. thehowardgardnerschool.com.

Erick Johnson of Loudoun’s Howard Gardner School

A Record Breaking 30th Year for Land Trust of Virginia

Founded in 1992, the Land Trust of Virginia partners with private landowners who wish to voluntarily protect and preserve their working farmland or natural acreage with significant scenic, historic, and ecological value for the benefit of their communities using conservation easements.

In 2022, the Middleburg-based staff set out to honor its 30th year of service with record numbers. In the final days of the year, they surpassed this milestone with a record 21 easements across 31 counties.

“We now hold 30,721 acres in conservation easement across an incredibly diverse Commonwealth,” said board chairman Childs Burden. “Included in those easements are the permanent protection of forests, water corridors, farms, and important historic landmarks that suburban sprawl would otherwise permanently destroy. That is an amazing accomplishment for the future of our landscape.”

One such easement is #237, the Bowman Orchards property, 342.91 acres in Rockingham County and also #238, the Bowman-Hearty property, 165 acres in Shenandoah County.

Both are owned by the Bowman Family, one of the largest apple producers in Virginia. The two properties are near several other protected lands, including three other conservation easements and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Combined, these properties contain 395 acres of “prime farmland soils” or “farmland soils of statewide Importance,” 51 acres of forest, 1,956 feet of Fort Run stream bed and 2,435 feet of Holmans Creek.

“We have expanded our capacity to meet the ever-increasing demand from landowners to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality conservation work. We are more motivated than ever to maintain this pace and protect our landscape for all Virginians.”---, Ashton Cole, executive director

The Bowman-Hearty property, 165 acres in Shenandoah County.

Horse Heaven at Historic Hickory Tree Farm

The beautifully renovated home is surrounded by exceptional facilities and all the necessary supporting outbuildings. The compound includes the main house, a stunning guest house with a garage, two tenant houses, a manager’s house, apartment complex, pool, five barns and approximately 60 stalls. It also features a 3/4-mile all-weather sand training track, pond and extensive paddocks, fencing and sheds.

The property is served by four separate gated entrances with access from Burrland Lane and Zulla Road. The highest knoll in the center of the farm offers panoramic views of the Bull Run Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains and also offers an extraordinary building site if desired.

The lovely original home site is still surrounded by towering trees, gardens and stone walls. The property is in conservation easement and may not be further divided.

The main house from high above.

Plenty of paddocks all around.

Hickory Tree Farm, the iconic 304-acre working equestrian property within a mile of the village of Middleburg, has been listed for sale for $8.75 million by Helen MacMahon of SheridanMacMahon, Ltd.

HICKORY TREE FARM

Price: $8.75 million

Listing agent: Helen MacMahon

Sheridan-MacMahon, Ltd.

110 East Washington Street

P.O. Box 1380

Middleburg, Virginia 20118

Helen MacMahon

540-454-1930

540-687-5588

info@sheridanmacmahon.com

www.sheridanmacmahon.com

The 3/4 mile training track has produced many past champions.

The spacious living room features hardwood floors and a crackling fire.

The expansive front entrance to the main house.

The kitchen features all the modern amenities

A fire pit offers heat and a fabulous view.

The sunroom lets the rays shine in.

It Takes Two to Tango the Night Away

By John Sherman

Idon’t think I ever got his name. Or, if I did, I couldn’t pronounce it.

We met in a cafe in Santiago, Chile in early 1970. I arrived on a Time magazine newspaper fellowship. Given the choice to study anywhere in Latin America, I chose Chile because of its upcoming presidential election. It was a fortuitous choice, as the election was won by Salvador Allende, the first freely elected Marxist anywhere in the Americas.

I preceded my family, taking a room with the Figueroa family to get a sense of the country. My enduring snapshot was finding a couple of branches of eucalyptus under my bed. The grandmother, who put them there, explained that they were guaranteed to increase your sex drive. Noted.

Every afternoon I would take the #42 bus into the city’s center, buy three newspapers and settle into a sidewalk table with a local pilsner. On this afternoon, I heard a man behind me struggling to order. I turned, and as he saw me, he asked in English if I could help him.

He was Asian, slight, with black hair slicked back, wearing a wool suit in the middle of summer. He asked me to join him. He was on his way back to Japan, having covered the failing Vietnam peace talks in Paris. He was ending a long career as a foreign correspondent for one of Tokyo’s major papers, the Asahi Shimbun. We clinked glasses to newspapering and the pathetic wages it paid. He said he was being recalled to work on the editorial desk—his days as a world traveler over.

I finally asked him what brought him to Chile, a remarkable detour on the route back to Japan.

He explained that he spent World War II on a Japanese destroyer—one of the very few sailors who survived. He described the leeway between his bunk and the one above as eighteen inches. He was allowed two photographs. One was of his family. The other was a tango dancer with a high slit up her red dress.

“I promised myself if I ever survived, I would dance the tango,” he said.

Whoa.

How you tell a man on his final trip that the tango was danced on the other side of the Andes? He had mistaken Chile for Argentina. He left for Tokyo the next morning.

We talked deep into evening. His war, living through the battles of Midway and Leyte. The wreckage of the Far East and the deep shame and guilt that followed. And on to cover Korea, then apartheid and the American civil rights movement.

I suggested we have a late dinner at one of two Chinese restaurants in the city. Cheek by jowl, one was owned by a Communist and the

other who backed Chiang Kai-shek. He chose the latter. I remember beer and a lot of noodles.

It was nearing 11 p.m. when I suggested we end the evening at a night club, called the Bim-BangIt hid down a long alley in an unsavory part It was quiet inside; the night had not yet come alive with its local denizens. The bar, with its coterie of B-girls, ran from the front entrance to an ample dance floor, surrounded by empty tables. He lit up as he entered. This was not his first night spot. We were certainly on the early side. The orchestra was taking its final smoke. The trap lights sent the mirrored ball’s spangles across the empty dance floor. There was the odd practice notes from a trumpet.

I suggested that my friend take a table and I would join him shortly. I headed for the bar and gathered three or four girls. According to nightclub hierarchy, a B-girl fit somewhere between a hooker and a stripper. Peel away the blond wigs, deep mascara, red lipstick and tight shimmering dresses, and you have a sales girl. They sold glasses of Champagne for two all the way up to a bottle of Johnnie Walker—for a cut. They would cuddle up, stroke a knee, stoke fantasies, then, like bees, move on to the next lonely customer.

I put some honest money on the bar, enough to get their attention. In my best broken Spanish, I told the tale of the tango dancer, and how tragic it would be to send this poor Japanese man back—failed in his dream. I explained that he was ready to dance and drink into the morning.

Three girls sashayed over to his table, following the pollen. He stood up with his arms wide, a welcoming, if seasoned, grin. The night held enormous promise.

Another girl walked over to the band, nodding toward the table while she obviously explained the plot. They got it. It took a couple minutes of shuffling through sheet music before one of them found a tango.

The opening riff brought one of the girls tugging my friend to the floor. She led him about with a dance step that fell somewhere between a foxtrot and the twist. He somehow managed to pick up her moves—-until the next girl brought her own rendition of the tango. The alternations, as the three ladies took turns, in the end, produced a dance step born to that night.

It didn’t help that the band only knew about three tangos, which didn’t go over well with the rest of the patrons. They played on, knowing who was paying the fiddler.

I made it into the second bottle of scotch, with the pledge of a third, before giving way. It may not have been quite what his bunk photo beckoned, but the enthusiasm and liquor made tango their own.

I assume he made his flight. And smiled behind his hangover. Tango. Check.

G o o d H o m e F A R M F A R M

G o o d H o m e F a r m , k n o w n f o r i t s n a m e , s i t s i n a s t o r y b o o k s e t t i n g s u r r o u n d e d b y l a r g e e s t a t e f a r m s H a v i n g h a d o n l y o n e o w n e r i n n e a r l y 2 0 y e a r s , i t ' s a r a r e o p p o r t u n i t y t o o w n t h i s t u r n k e y , p r i v a t e , p r e m i e r e q u e s t r i a n e s t a t e T h i s c u s t o m - b u i l t , s t o n e & s t u c c o h o m e w a s c o n s t r u c t e d w i t h e x t r a o r d i n a r y d e t a i l , q u a l i t y , & c h a r m . T h e m a i n l e v e l s h o w c a s e s a g r e a t r o o m w i t h w o o d e n b e a m s , P e l l a w i n d o w s , & f e a t u r e s a f l o o r - t o - c e i l i n g s t o n e w o o d - b u r n i n g f i r e p l a c e . G o r g e o u s h a r d w o o d f l o o r s f l o w t h r o u g h o u t a n d t h r e e s e t s o f f r e n c h d o o r s o p e n f r o m t h e f a m i l y r o o m t o a n o u t s i d e s t o n e t e r r a c e T h e g o u r m e t k i t c h e n h a s t o n s o f c a b i n e t s p a c e , t o p - o f - t h e - l i n e s t a i n l e s s s t e e l a p p l i a n c e s , & i s f u l l o f n a t u r a l l i g h t A l a r g e m u d r o o m w i t h a s i n k a n d l a u n d r y w a s t h o u g h t f u l l y p l a c e d , & a c l o s e t o n e a c h l e v e l i s d e s i g n a t e d s p a c e f o r a n e l e v a t o r O n t h e m a i n l e v e l i s a g r a n d p r i m a r y s u i t e , w i t h a l u x u r i o u s b a t h a n d w a l k - i n c l o s e t . T h e p r i m a r y s u i t e h a s i t s o w n p r i v a t e r o o m w i t h a v a u l t e d c e i l i n g , P e l l a w i n d o w s , & d o o r s t h a t l e a d o u t t o a p r i v a t e p o r c h . T w o v e r y g e n e r o u s s i z e b e d r o o m s w i t h h i g h c e i l i n g s a r e o n t h e u p p e r l e v e l , e a c h w i t h t h e i r o w n f u l l b a t h O n t h e l o w e r l e v e l y o u w i l l f i n d a s t o r a g e a r e a , a 2 - c a r g a r a g e , & a n a d d i t i o n a l r o o m g r e a t f o r a g y m o r a n y h o b b y T h e 4 - s t a l l s t a b l e f e a t u r e s a w a s h - s t a l l w i t h h e a t l a m p s , g r o o m i n g s t a l l , f e e d r o o m , u t i l i t y r o o m , & a h e a t e d t a c k r o o m w i t h a w a s h e r , m i n i - r e f r i g e r a t o r , & a b a t h r o o m o f i t s o w n . O u t t h e b a c k o f t h e s t a l l s i s a l e a n - t o r u n - i n s h e d , & p a d d o c k w h i c h c a n s e r v e a s a d r y l o t t o o . R u b b e r t i l e p a v e r s l i n e t h e c e n t e r a i s l e d o w n t o a n i n d o o r r i d i n g a r e n a w i t h a m a n u f a c t u r e d b l u e s t o n e b a s e , & d u s t - f r e e r u b b e r t i r e f o o t i n g w i t h m i r r o r s o n e a c h e n d O n e s i d e o f t h e i n d o o r i s o p e n a t t h e t o p f o r t h e p e r f e c t l i g h t & a m o u n t o f a i r f l o w f o r t h e h o r s e & r i d e r O p p o s i t e t h e b a r n , i s a f a r m w o r k s h o p t h a t w a s d e s i g n e d t o e a s i l y b e c o n v e r t e d t o a d d i t i o n a l s t a l l s . O n t h e b a c k s i d e o f t h e w o r k s h o p i s c o v e r e d s p a c e i d e a l f o r h o u s i n g f a r m e q u i p m e n t .

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON | REALTOR® | Licensed in Virginia

C 703.673.6920 | kristin@atokaproperties.com | KDJREALESTATE.COM 115 N 21st St (PO Box 190 | 20134), Purcellville, VA 20132

153 acres

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