It’s All About Caring

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.

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.

Photo by Martha Cotter

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