Country ZEST & Style Summer 2022 Edition by Country Zest & Style

SUMMER 2022

A SHOW ME STATE OF MIND IN MIDDLEBURG Former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, his wife, Melanie, William and Brooks, now at home in Virginia ALSO INSIDE:

Tina Brooks, Special Delivery | Daffodils on Display | A Walk in the Park | Windy Hill Gala

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

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

ALL’S WELL FARM MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

$7,100,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

BELLE VIEW FARM WATERFORD, VIRGINIA

74.11 acres | Frontage on Catoctin Creek, sweeping views, pond | 3 homes, all updated in excellent condition | “Stabler House” - 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, FP & wood floors | “Oak Grove” - Stone and frame construction, 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA & wood floors | “Tenant House” - Frame construction, 2 BR, 1 BA, FP | Historic stone Quaker barn completely restored, 12 stalls, 4 stalls adjacent, 4 more stalls in pony shed | Board fencing, 8 paddocks, 6 run in sheds, water in every field | Property in Conservation Easement

$2,750,000

RUTLEDGE FARM MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

$5,750,000

(also available with 113 acres for $7,000,000)

$3,975,000 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

ATOKA STORE

RUTLEDGE FARM COTTAGE

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

GRACE HILL FARM

CATESBY VINEYARD

PHILOMONT, VIRGINIA

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

Privacy and 107 acres between Middleburg and The Plains | Residential enclave of great character within a rich array of natural resources | Classic Virginia stone and stucco c. 1820 | 4 bedrooms, antique floors and rich pine paneling | Two guest houses, stone cottage, farm manager’s house, 2 stables, machine shed and work shop | Extensive Little River frontage and 2 ponds | Tremendous views

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 sandra bravo GreenberG 202.308.3813

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Period home, original portion circa 1768, portions 1850 & 1950 | Stucco exterior, metal roof, beautiful wood floors, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BA, 3 FP, spectacular living room with high ceilings | 30.29 acres, recorded in 3 parcels | Mountain views, frontage on Butchers Branch, campground site, old baseball field, room for horses

HALFWAY FARM

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

$1,677,000

$1,475,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

First time available guest house and broodmare barn on 28.62 acres | House completely updated, stucco exterior, metal roof, 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA, fireplace, 2-car garage | Barn, center aisle, 8 stalls, Blackburn designed, updated in last 5 years | Pastures in prime condition | 5 paddocks all with new board fencing

$2,500,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

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

$1,400,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

SWAN DIVE Photos © by Leonard Shapiro

er Majesty The Queen holds the title of Seigneur of the Swans. Her participation includes the Royal Swan Upping each July. Meanwhile, at the 56th annual Daffodil Show at Buchanan Hall in Upperville on April 12, a swan upping of a different sort took place. Competition heats up for what is known as the Inter-Club class, which this year was called “Birds of a Feather-Swan Dive,” a waterfall design. According to the rules, “entries are to be exhibited on an ivory pedestal 42 inches high with a 12 inch X 12 inch top ON THE STAGE. Pedestal provided. Base of the entry not to exceed the top of the pedestal. Entry to measure not more than 24 inches in width. To be viewed from all sides. No height limit.” For the uninitiated, such a display involves many decisions and discussions. What type of container will be used? What sort of plant material will be used? And, most important who will execute the design? In the case of the Piedmont Garden Club, it’s safe to say the decision was unanimous. Betty Ann Trible, a creative floral arranging wiz, would step up. Committee members met as the arrangement was put together. Sandwiches and treats from The Red Truck Bakery were served. One member of the group asked that the Margaret Littleton with final display should include one or two swan Betty Ann Trible with feathers. “After all,” she noted, “some other swan feather, blue entries might think a swan dive is like a belly ribbon and trophy. flop off the high dive.” Many thanks to Ben Rogers, long-time farm manager at Heronwood in Upperville. He provided the feathers he found around the ponds on Heronwood’s 18-hole golf course. On the big day of the competition, Betty Ann drove the finished Swan Dive to Buchanan Hall and put it in place on the stage. She headed off to pre-show luncheon when her cell phone went off. It was an official from the Daffodil Show. The breaking news went something like: “Inexplicably your arrangement hit the floor of the stage and shattered.” Horrors. “But,” the caller said, “the good news…it happened after the judges had awarded this Swan Dive the blue ribbon.” Said Betty Ann, “I’m Betty Ann Trible’s finished Swan planning to buy a lottery ticket.” Dive from the Piedmont Garden Club for the Inter-club competition Details: at the Daffodil Show. https://www.royalswan.co.uk

SUNDAY, June 12, 2022 3:00 PM

Our season

comes to a triumphant close as we celebrate 25 years of great music!

The Lyric Brass Quintet

Michael A. Hughes returns to lead the PSO in the Sound of Music. Plus…Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and introducing the Lyric Brass Quintet, performing the riveting Iron Horse by Kevin McKee. Happy Silver Anniversary PSO! FOR TICKETS, INFORMATION & COVID POLICIES:

www.piedmontsymphony.org The PSO is Generously Funded in Part By:

Luminescence Foundation & The Ben-Dov Family

The Margaret Spilman Bowden Foundation Nicolaas and Patricia Kortlandt Fund The Wise Foundation The Phillip A. Hughes Foundation

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

The Crossﬁelds Group

ZES ST T & Sty t lel

Country

of NOTE

ZEST & Style ZES ST TStytlel &

Country

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

for the hummingbird.

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

Contributing Writers: Emma Boyce Sean Clancy Kerry Dale Philip Dudley Mike du Pont Carina Elgin Valerie Archibald Embrey Jimmy Hatcher Ellie Rose Killinger M.J. McAteer Peter Leonard-Morgan Joe Motheral Jodi Nash Tom Northrup Melissa Phipps Pat Reilly Linda Roberts Eugene Scheel Anita Sherman John Sherman Peyton Tochterman John Toler Leslie VanSant Jimmy Wofford Louisa Woodville

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

ON THE COVER SEASONED SUBJECTS This month’s cover features the Blunt Family. We had hosted the Blunts a few years ago for a Christmas portrait, so they knew what to expect, always a great help. Lighting was mostly standard as our photo shoots go, but we were going for a more intimate portrait in which they had to stand close to each other. Frequently, with group portraits, we ask for small yet intentional changes in posture or stance. Maybe a slight chin rise, a little head Doug Gehlsen and Karen tilt, or a half step forward for better exposure. Monroe of Middleburg Photo These small adjustments are possible today due to the instant review (maybe instant gratification) feature not only on expensive professional cameras but a vital component of your every day cell phone camera, as well. / Country Zest and Style

/ @countryzestandstyle

/ @countryzestand1

www.countryzestandstyle.com 4

BE ON THE LOOKOUT through this Country issue of

Country

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

FLOWER POWER ON DISPLAY

By Leonard Shapiro

t’s always time to stop and smell the roses, though I’ve never been much of a flower aficionado other than to admire their beauty, and particularly so when they start their spring blooming all around the local countryside. Still, with my wife and ZEST cohort, Vicky, out of town and the annual Daffodil Show taking place at Buchanan Hall recently, I had a chance for total immersion in both the fine art of creating floral arrangements, then seeing the finished product on display, with photos in this issue to prove it. In the spirit of full disclosure, Vicky is a member of the Piedmont Garden Club. She arranged for me to watch the club’s entry for the inter-club category entitled “Birds of a Feather—Swan Dive” being put together by Piedmont member and master arranger Betty Ann Trible, with the advice, counsel and helping hands of several other club members. The finished product even had swan feathers in the flowery mix, courtesy of Ben Rogers, Heronwood's farm manager who was kind enough to collect them from ponds on the property. A story on that stunning arrangement with a bizarre, but happy ending can be found inside this summer issue of Country ZEST. It’s accompanied by photos of Betty Ann’s eye-popping result, along with several other spectacular daffodil creations on display at the show. Our cover hopefully will lead you to stories about the Blunt family, including Middleburg native Melanie Blunt, clearly making a significant difference in her home town, and her husband Matt, the former governor of Missouri now an honorary and honorable Virginian. A current government employee recently transferred to Washington Street. Tina Brooks, a Marshall native, is the new postmaster at the Middleburg post office. Read all about her, then check out the story on another dedicated public servant, popular Middleburg police officer Lt. Shaun Jones, back in action after undergoing a major dose of chemotherapy earlier this year. There’s a new director of resident services over at Windy Hill, and we’ve got photos from the foundation’s successful recent gala at Salamander that raised over $150,000. And how about the opening of a new Glory Days Grill in Warrenton. It’s co-founded and owned by long-time Middleburg resident Richard Danker and is the popular restaurant chain’s 40th location. And so, as you head to the beach, the pool, the mountains, the interstate, the airport, we hope you’ll also take the time to put even more ZEST in your life and take along our latest summer issue. Sharing is definitely allowed. Leonard Shapiro Editor badgerlen@aol.com

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

When you're ready to move choose agents who are well connected with a wealth of experience D VEE O PR RIC IM P

ED V O E PR IC M PR

Middleburg Country Estate

Aldie Commercial

Eagle Rest

Aldie Residential

30 acres $5,900,000 Spectacular Country Estate with manicured lawns, lush woodlands and towering trees. Superbly built in a classic Tuscan style architecture, it includes 5 bedrooms 8 1/2 baths, 8 fireplaces and wood, stone and marble floors.

1.5 acres $3,390,000 An extraordinary opportunity to own an income producing property. Two parcels (may be sold separatley). Zoned Rural Commercial and Countryside Residential. Includes a 4 BR residence and a second building for use as a country store.

18+ acres $3,095,000 Exquisite estate on a picturesque country road minutes from Middleburg! 7 BR / 8 BA, 10,000 SF of spectacular living space for a gracious & luxurious life style. Sweeping lawns & brilliant gardens, plus a free form heated pool & spa – all in a magical setting!

1 acre $1,290,000 Beautiful and completely renovated 4 BR, 4.5 bath historic residence with over 3000 SF of charm and superior quality! All new systems, Anderson windows, silestone counters, plus a one BR apartment above, with separate entrance. 2 bay garage.

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

Bloomfield Estate

Willisville

Wayside

1124Bell

Lane

95+ acres $2,100,000 Spectacular parcel ideally located just north of Middleburg outside of the historic village of Unison. Private and secluded, with views of both the Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains. Open fields, lush pastures and beautiful woodlands.

10 acres $1,695,000 Upperville – Exquisite 4 BR colonial offers approx 4200 SF of spectacular living space. Completely renovated with extraordinary quality, this charming colonial offers every amenity as the current owners have just invested over $516,000 in improvements.

.63 acres $1,275,000 Upperville – Historic residence in lovely setting. Beautifully updated, high ceilings, 2 kitchens, a conservancy w/brick floors, walled in terrace w/gardens. Ideal for gracious entertaining. Guest cottage w/front porch, comfortable rooms and mountain views.

25 acres $895,000 Berryville – Towering trees and lush open fields lead to this charming 4 BR colonial, sited on a gently sloping hillside. Mountain views are the backdrop to this lovely residence. This wonderful country home is an absolute treasure.

Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-

Brian McGowan | 703-927-4070

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

Jim McGowan 703-927-0233

Mary Ann McGowan 540-270-1124

Brian McGowan 703-927-4070

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com

Out in Africa: On Behalf of Man and Beast

By Jodi Nash

hile humans erect walls and fences, animals aren't constrained by the geopolitical boundaries drawn by man to separate ourselves from each other. Long-time Delaplane resident Matthew Sheedy knows that better than most. For many years, he’s been working with several non-profit foundations operating across approximately a dozen countries in the south of Africa, with roughly 250 million acres of conservation land to preserve and protect, in a prodigious effort to re-establish lost ecosystems and provide wildlife security to threatened species. A Harvard MBA, Matt spent years with a large commercial real estate firm until the market tanked in the early 1990s. That, and the death of his mother were an epiphany. He pressed the reset button and decided to follow his bliss. Passionate even as a teenager about wildlife conservation, a three-week trip to Tanzania and Kenya during college was transformative. “Africa is primal,” he said. “I had this immediate sense of belonging.” He started his own commercial real estate business, MJS Properties, and took advantage of natural breaks to travel the globe on the conservation “volunteer plan,” mostly with Earthwatch. Participating in field research expeditions, Matt got up close and personal with bears and tigers in Nepal, crocodiles in South Africa, jaguars in Brazil, snakes in India, sea turtles in Costa Rica, and chimps in Uganda. After a month or so of arduous volunteer work, he wandered vagabond style via youth hostels through a region to experience its culture and people. At a benefit event in 2015, he met Jason Paterniti, founder of GEOS, a non-profit dedicated to animal and habitat conservation. When “Rhinos Without Borders” (RWB) transported 100 at-risk rhinos from South Africa by airplane to Botswana in 2014, the GEOS Foundation assisted with some of the funding. Jason (like Matt), an entrepreneur with a farm in The Plains, was already planning a trip to Mozambique, the epicenter of rhino poaching, and Matt joined him. On other first day in Mozambique, close to the South African border, their group intercepted poachers. Their journey included gunfire, living in a concrete Quonset hut, sleeping in tents on patrol in the bush, and 100-degree temperatures. It was a gritty hand-to-mouth existence, embedded with ten special forces rangers from Mozambique. The grimmest horror encountered was a gruesomely wounded rhino in utter agony. “They shoot or dart them, spine-slice them, cut their faces off (for their horns), and leave them to die,” Matt said. “If the baby rhino comes back to the mother, they take his horn, too. “A major problem is we sanitize the horror of things like war, crime, poaching…and as a result, sometimes become complacent. It’s very dangerous work, and the Rangers who do it every day for low pay and in brutal working conditions are the real heroes.” Jason and Matt also wrote personal checks, raised funds from donors at home, worked pro bono, and applied their financial and business acumen to man-age the planning and personnel needed for their counterpoaching operation. This led to a highly strategic association with Col.

Lionel Dyck, the legendary founder of Dyck Advisory Group (DAG) Conservation Trust, an all-African nonprofit focused on anti-poaching, security, explosive disposal, de-mining, and wildlife conservation. Under Dyck’s leadership in 1990, the Rhino Rescue Trust’s anti-poaching mission in Zimbabwe resulted in a 50 percent reduction in poaching in just a threemonth period. Applying a similar tactical plan, “Early Detection, Rapid Re-action,” Dyck and GEOS operated on a lean annual budget of $600,000, resourc-ing funds effectively to provide boots, uniforms, weapons, communications equipment, dog tracking teams, Ranger training and, most importantly, helicop-ters. From 2015 to 2016, they reduced rhino poaching by almost 75 percent in their 180,000-acre area, though

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Trying to keep rhinos alive and well.

Matt Sheedy out in the bush.

their “sphere of influence” reached beyond that to the entire Greater Libombos Conservancy (600,000 acres). Their work caught the attention of another extraordinary forward-thinking global organization, Peace Parks Foundation. Founded in 1997 to facilitate the establishment of peace parks, or Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in southern Africa, Peace Parks engages with governments, private citizens, and a score of agencies to secure and connect vast swaths of conservation land straddling the borders of two or more countries. Their mission: re-establish and protect an-cient migratory routes, preserve genetic diversity of species, and re-wild areas decimated by war, poaching, and mining. Werner Myburgh, CEO of Peace Parks for 14 years, spearheads an organi-zation of more than 200 employees and 250 contractors (park rangers and seasonal workers), while partnering with 130 donors. “We’ve integrated Col. Dyck’s and GEOS’s antipoaching model and pro-tocols, expanding it from approximately 60,000 acres. to eight million acres in four areas in Mozambique, two areas in Malawi, and two in Zambia,” Werner said. Peace Parks will launch its own rhino translocation project this year, re-introducing two species of critically endangered rhinos to Zinave National Park in Mozambique. Locally extinct for more than 40 years, it’s a colossal undertaking, but essential to offset poaching for profit of rhino horns. Most of the world’s remaining rhino population, about 16,000, remains in South Africa. Werner is optimistic about the species survival elsewhere because of similar projects. “Peace Parks’ work is the most incredible largely untold story in conservation,” Matt said. “Their upperlevel stuff is the key going forward, so much more than our boots on the ground.” Said Werner, “We believe we are doing something in Africa that will have a far-reaching impact on the world.” For more information, go to http://geos.foundation/ contact-us/.

Oatlands Historic House & Gardens

Jim Donegan has more than 40 years of experience as an ISA Certified Arborist — he was one of the first to become certified. With his leading knowledge and leadership, he has created a well-respected and professional tree care company that focuses on providing you and your trees the utmost care. Jim has worked in many historical places across the northern Virginia and D.C. area including but not limited to the White House and Oatlands Historical House and Garden. Donegan’s Tree Service is the leading tree care company in the region that offers tree inventories to property owners who have more than 50 serviceable trees on their property.

WHAT MAKES A TREE INVENTORY SPECIAL?

• Helps prevent costly tree loss damage • Mitigates unplanned budget expenditures • Protects property and property values • Helps generate a 3-to-5 year maintenance plan • Labels and records species names, width, and height • Create a unique identifying tree ID number • Collects GPS coordinates for all trees tagged • Helps to keep trees healthy • Helps to prevent hazards • Provide information to calculate Carbon and Carbon Dioxide sequestering totals and yearly yields • Reduces liability by providing accurate and up-to-date information with urban forestry metrics such as total of all trees species, age, size, condition and diversification

REACH OUT TO US AND BE ONE OF THE NEXT 20 PROPERTY OWNERS TO GET A FREE* INVENTORY DONE ON YOUR PROPERTY *If you approve a 3-to-5 year tree inventory maintenance plan that is part of the inventory. We have the expertise, knowledge, and experience to showcase your property’s natural and majestic beauty.

Licensed & Insured • Family Owned & Operated EMERGENCY? CALL OUR 24/7 HOTLINE: (703) 898-7084

703-327-6675 | DONEGANSTREESERVICE.COM | HOURS M–F, 7AM–3PM Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

A Special Delivery for the Middleburg Post Office: 20118

By Leonard Shapiro

ina Brooks’ 35-year career journey began when she learned how to drive tractor trailer and large box trucks to and from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Merrifield facility in Fairfax County. The final leg is her new role as the recently appointed postmaster at the Middleburg post office. Tina grew up in Marshall, DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* graduated in 1976 from Fauquier MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* High School and raised three now * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist adult children along the way. She also DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties held a wide variety of postal positions, DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* many of them in a supervisory role, MARY P.T., O.C.S.* 204 WILSON, E. FEDERAL ST. and some that included working * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* * Board Certified P.O.Orthopedic BOX Clinical 893 Specialist American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in or running area post offices in American Board of Physical Therapy MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MIDDLEBURG, VASpecialties 20118 Catharpin, Round Hill, Waterford, * Board Certified Orthopedic ClinicalST. Specialist 204 E. FEDERAL 204 E. FEDERAL ST. 540-687-6565 Hume and Little Washington. American BoardP.O. of Physical Therapy P.O. BOX 893 BOX 893 Specialties MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 www.middleburg-pt.com When she began with the USPS MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 Photo by Leonard Shapiro 204 E. FEDERAL ST. in 1988, she was only the second 540-687-6565 Postmaster Tina Brooks P.O. BOX 893 WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* DEL 540-687-6565 www.middleburg-pt.com woman to drive those big trucks, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 www.middleburg-pt.com MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* and she eventually became a transportation supervisor overseeing about 100 of 540-687-6565 her former driver colleagues. * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist www.middleburg-pt.com Coming back to Middleburg earlier this year was the perfect move for a American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties woman who’s first job before she joined the postal service was working at the old Middleburg Training Track. Her daughters were members of a local pony club at 204 E. FEDERAL ST. Glenwood Park, and while she never rode herself, “I always wanted my kids to do P.O. BOX 893 it. I’ve definitely spent a lot of time around Middleburg. MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 “I’m excited to be here,” she said of her move to the town’s bustling facility, with 1,800 post office boxes and another 1,000 rural route patrons. “I wanted to be Same-day or next-day appointments close to family. We have more than three generations in this area, so it’s a great fit.” She and Ken Quinn, her Middleburg postmaster predecessor, had once www.middleburg-pt.com worked together at Merrifield. While she never spoke to Quinn specifically about Reach your doctor after hours replacing him, when he retired last year and the job came open “I just decided it would be a great place to finish my career.” Unhurried visits that start on time Not that she’s doing that any time soon. “I got my kids horses and bought a farm, so I still owe a little money,” she added with a smile. “And I think I still have a little bit to offer.” * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Surely there’s plenty to be done. The Middleburg branch has been operating * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist shorthanded lately, missing a clerk and a carrier, leaving three clerks, two regular American BoardBoard of Physical Therapy Specialties Board of Physical Therapy carriers and one substitute carrier. ThatSpecialties means the new postmaster helps with American of Physical Therapy Specialties American sorting and getting the mail into all those boxes, and works the front counter in addition to all her normal administrative duties. There are other challenges, as well. The explosion of on-line shopping has increased the number of packages to be delivered, and Middleburg’s aging postal vehicles are getting more obsolete by the day, rarely with enough room to daily Norris Royston Jr., MD handle all those boxes large and small. Still, she is hardly complaining. Family Medicine “I’ve got great employees,” she said. “They’re all hard-working and very respectful of our customers. Everyone knows what they’re doing and they like 8255 East Main Street doing their jobs. It’s just a great situation.” Marshall, VA 20115 She listed other plusses, as well. “I’m seeing old friends and meeting new people,” she said. “Everyone has mdvip.com/NorrisRoystonMD welcomed me.” And driving tractor trailers is no longer in her job description.

Get the primary care experience you deserve 540-687-6565

DELDEL WILSON, P.T.,P.T., O.C.S.* DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* WILSON, O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T.,P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, O.C.S.* Call 540.724.2054 or visit mdvip.com to schedule a complimentary getacquainted meeting with Dr. Royston. 204204 E. FEDERAL ST. ST. 204 E. FEDERAL ST. E. FEDERAL P.O.P.O. BOXBOX 893893 P.O. BOX 893 MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118

540-687-6565 540-687-6565

www.middleburg-pt.com www.middleburg-pt.com

540-687-6565

www.middleburg-pt.com

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Some Movie Magic Created at Hill and Foxcroft

By Leonard Shapiro

he Middleburg area briefly was transformed into Hollywood on the Goose Creek recently. Award-winning filmmaker and educator Amy Gerber-Stroh shot several scenes at the Hill School and Foxcroft for “Hope of Escape,” a movie based on her enslaved ancestors in North Carolina. Her partner, Suzanne Stroh, is the executive producer, and for many years she and Amy lived in and around Middleburg, where their 20-year-old daughter, Pippa, graduated from Hill. They’re now based in Roanoke, where Amy directs the film department at Hollins University. Suzanne is a writer, author and a family business specialist with her own company, Legion Group Arts. A Detroit native, she’s a fifth generation member of the family that started the Stroh Brewing Company in 1850. Amy grew up in Reston and majored in film at Penn State. She earned a Masters in film at the California Institute of the Arts in Santa Clarita, an LA-area school that lists Walt Disney among its founders. Her career began as an unpaid intern with Roger Corman, initially a B-film master of movies like “Swamp Women” and “Teenage

Filmmaker Amy Gerber-Stroh (center) and her sister, sound Designer Amy Gerber-Salins with crew members in Warrenton

Cavemen” who morphed into a prolific, highly-acclaimed producer/director and nurtured countless A-list talent, including Jack Nicholson, William Shatner, and Francis Ford Coppola, among many others. “Roger was famous for taking on new people,” Amy said. “That was a great learning experience for me.” There were many others. She produced Super Bowl commercials, made films for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and once was employed by Gale Anne Hurd, a producer involved in films like “Terminator” and “Aliens” with her then husband, director James Cameron. Amy was involved on a number of smaller films with Hurd, including credits as a casting director. “That was my day job,” she said, “and I used that money to start making some of my own independent films.” She and Suzanne met in Hollywood, were married in Pasadena in 1997 and decided to move back to the Middleburg area, where Pippa grew up. Amy joined the Hollins faculty in 2007, returning to Middleburg on weekends so Pippa could remain at Hill, until they decided to relocate to Roanoke in 2015. “We still consider Middleburg home,” Amy said. “We still have a box at the post office. We still go to the same Middleburg doctor. We still spend time there.” Shooting scenes in this area made perfect sense, including locations at Hill, Foxcroft and Old Town Warrenton. Amy spent several years researching her family’s history and wrote the script for a film to be released later this year or early 2023. “Hope of Escape” focuses on her ancestors from Wilmington, North Carolina eventually making their way north to the Boston area. “My great-great grandmother Cornelia Read was smuggled onto a train’s baggage department with the help of a free Black man in the north who passed as a White man,” she said. “He purchased her in order to save her. “My great-great grandfather, William B. Gould, escaped during a yellow fever outbreak. He was rowing down the Cape Fear River and was picked up by a Union Navy warship. He served in the Union Navy and kept a diary.” The film will be pitched to cable outlets and streaming services like Netflix, though there will be screenings for live audiences, as well. That surely will include the Middleburg area, so definitely stay tuned.

Antique Arms, Edged Weapons & Armor Since 1957

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

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

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

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

Free 1-800-364-8416 Te. 540-687-5642 • FaxToll 540-687-5649 • Email: info@davidcondon.com 109 E. Washington (Rt. 50) Post Office Hours:St.Tues.-Fri. 10-5:30 • Sat. 10-3Box 7 Middleburg, VA 20117 Middleburg, VA 20118 Tel. 540-687-5642 Fax 540-687-5649 Email: info@davidcondon.com www.davidcondon.com

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Fox & Pheasant Expands Exponentially

THE BACK HH

BRAVE IN EVERY BITE HH

The Fox & Pheasant in Boyce now offers total design service under one roof.

Glory Days Grill in VA, MD, NC and WV proudly donates $1 for each Short Rib-Brisket Blend Burger sold to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

By Leonard Shapiro

ard by the railroad tracks in bucolic Boyce sits the newly expanded Fox & Pheasant, a delightful one-stop shopping and gift destination for all things design, both interior and exterior, including the services of immensely talented proprietors Michael Biddy and his long-time partner, Scott Davis. They opened the business four years ago and this past winter, they expanded their original 800-square foot space to the current 2,500 square feet.

H HH

“We now have everything all under one roof,” said Biddy. “Our design center is now right here. It’s all very convenient, and we’re thrilled the way it’s all turned out.” Biddy is a Georgia native who describes himself as a frustrated fashion designer who studied history in college then began working “for a lot of great people in the interior design business and learned it from the ground up.” Davis also has a degree in interior design. Atlanta was Biddy’s home base for more than thirty years, then it was on to Beaufort, South Carolina for several more until they moved to nearby Stephens City to be closer to Davis’s family in Virginia. They opened the Fox & Pheasant in Boyce when a friend told them about the building, she thought would be an ideal spot for their business. Years ago, the building had originally been the town’s post office and later served as a dry goods store. The shop remains filled with antiques, Oriental rugs, and attractive home accessories, from tiny crystal figures to beautiful lamps. Their design center was based at their Stephens City home until the recent expansion in Boyce put everything together under one roof. “We are a full service interior design business,” Biddy said. “We can help with the paint, the wall coverings, the carpeting, flooring, furniture, the draperies, anything within your four walls. We also can be “Decorating Light”—do it yourself if you don’t want the full blown service. We can offer you a lot or a little, depending on what people’s needs are.”

H 10

GLORYDAYSGRILL.COM

On the outside, they’ve also expanded their garden area to include native plants, flowers and shrubs. The Fox & Pheasant at 114 East Main Street in Boyce is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. the-fox-pheasant. business.site

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

For Lt. Shaun Jones, The Beat Goes On

“L

By Carina Elgin

isten to your body and get it checked out if something doesn’t feel right,” Middleburg Police Lieutenant Shaun Jones urges, with very personal good reason. “And always get a second opinion.” The 6-foot-4 father of two knows. He started working for the Middleburg Police Department in December, 2020. He loved the job, loved the town, and quickly became a popular member of the community. With his kind and friendly demeanor, he’s a perfect fit for Middleburg’s extraordinary small-town force. But six months later, an unfamiliar chest pain led him to his doctor’s office, and eventually to a diagnosis that rocked his world. “I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in July 2021. I was at work when I got the call,” Jones added, shaking his head. The first two-week treatment, he said, was miserable. His family encouraged him to get a second opinion, and now he tells everyone it’s something they must do when facing medical challenges. “I went to the Medical College of Virginia, and it turns out the first pathologist had messed up, misdiagnosed me. They had told me I had a different type of Lymphoma than I did. My information was sent to the National Institutes for Health, where they confirmed that MCV was right.” In October, 2021, Jones finally started the correct treatment. “I didn’t want to let the Town of Middleburg down,” Photo by Carina Elgin Jones said. With the support of Chief A.J. Panebianco, Lt. Lt. Shaun Jones is happy to be back on the Shaun was able to work whenever he felt up to it, which beat, including a stop at the fox sculpture included Christmas in Middleburg. Between chemo sessions, for one week each month for three months, he in front of the Middleburg Community also attended the Professional Executive Center by artist Goksin Carey.

Leadership School, graduating in March despite the obvious medical challenges. At one point, Jones was “both chemo and COVID sick,” but whenever he could, he also kept taking college classes towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He even managed to write and win a grant for the Middleburg Police Department between treatments. With the hashtag #BigShaunStrong, many local residents donated to a GoFundMe to help the Jones Family through this struggle. The page says in part, “Shaun is a brave law enforcement officer, a kind friend, a generous volunteer, a loving father and husband, and a great man.” He is also a very grateful man, so appreciative of all who have supported and encouraged him. In April, Lt. Shaun was on his way to give a presentation at a Middleburg Business Professionals Association “Biz Buzz” at American Legion Post 295. It was actually a “surprise” to celebrate Jones’ “ringing the bell,” signifying the end of cancer treatment. “Taking this job was the best decision I ever made,” he said. He commutes from “Spotsy” (Spotsylvania County), where his son is still in high school, and his day usually starts with a few loops around town in a Middleburg Police vehicle. He always checks in and waves to a group of walkers. He then typically visits various businesses, often enjoying a cup of tea from Common Grounds. He also works to get training and equipment to “better serve the citizens.” And, as part of “Community Policing,” he particularly enjoys helping at events, meeting people, and coming up with outreach that creates “positive interactions and partnerships.” He’s delighted to be back, as is the community that he serves. No second opinion needed there.

CMSP is offering

Piano, Voice, Cello, Violin, Guitar, Sax, Flute, Clarinet & more!

The Community Music School of the Piedmont

piedmontmusic.org

540-592-3040

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

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Fighting Food Insecurity in Loudoun One Acre at a Time Dana Melby out on the farm near Gilberts Corner By Peyton Tochterman

rowing up in Frederick County, Virginia, surrounded by orchards and generational farms, Dana Melby fell in love with horticulture at an early age. A self-described “plant nerd,” Melby wasn’t born into a farming family and often wondered how people became farmers, and she was unsure if that life was a possibility. Now, years later, after earning a Bachelors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado and a Masters in International Agriculture at Oklahoma State, she’s the farm manager at The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows. It’s an independent non-profit donor-supported organization located at Gilbert’s Corner, where she oversees the day-to-day operations. Acquired by the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) in 2013 before it could be developed into “gas stations, strip malls, and housing developments,” The Community Farm has one purpose: to donate 100 percent of food grown to Loudon Hunger Relief.

limited access to healthy food. The consequences can be stark for these children, as their development, ability to learn and overall health are directly related to the quality of their diet. PEC President Chris Miller said, “The notion that there are around 10,000 children in Loudoun facing a chronic lack of access to sufficient nutritious food is troubling, both as a parent and as someone who knows the bounty that Loudoun County has to offer.” Melby is only interested in providing the highest quality and freshest fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and melons. “We want our families that get our food to get the same fresh and local produce that you get when you go to the farmers market. We never send seconds.” “And they deliver on that,” said Mary Peterson, a volunteer with the farm since its inception in 2018. She’s one of over 750 volunteers who donated over 1,600 hours of their time to the farm. A Kentucky native who grew up on a farm and moved to Northern Virginia 30 years ago, Peterson said her work there is rewarding and inspiring.

This goodwill has not come without its hardships. Melby recalled when she joined PEC in 2018 and helped develop a long-term plan for the land. “There were invasive species everywhere,” she said. “It took me an hour to walk a fence line. Now I can walk it in ten minutes….I got here, and there was a drilled well, but no power, a partial driveway, and the soil was not ready.” Ever the optimist, Melby saw an overgrown blank canvas. “I’m bullheaded, and farming takes blood, sweat, and tears,” she said. “So that’s what we gave. You don’t know the soil until you work with it. And so, we did.” They built barns, bought tractors, got power run to the buildings, and built their volunteer base. “The passion and interest from our community has been there,” she said. “We have volunteers living in a condo in Ashburn but grew up on a farm in Illinois, and they want to be out here to help preserve and work the land. They get it.” Volunteers also come from local schools.

Despite Loudoun’s reputation as a wealthy community, a surprising number of children in the county — one in ten — live in households with

“I have taken my three grandsons (she has ten grandchildren in all), and we have cut potatoes for seed potatoes, planted onions, harvested cabbage, cucumbers, squash, and peppers, and we wash and pack the food in bags for families of four. My family gets to help not just protect the land, but we get the opportunity to contribute thousands of pounds of food to the people who live with food insecurity in our community. The people at The Community Farm are good stewards of the land and good stewards of produce.”

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Sitting on 142 acres with only one acre of production, their first growing season in 2019 yielded 5,000 pounds of produce. This past year, because of Covid and the need to support more families with food insecurity, the farm has generated 50,000 pounds of food on eight acres.

“Just the other day, we had thirty first-graders come to volunteer, and I asked them, ‘who wants to plant one hundred trees?’ Seconds later, they excitedly ran down the hill to where we were planting. Farming can be frustrating, but those kids’ enthusiasm makes it all worth it. “If we inspire one kid to see that you can grow up and be a farmer and not necessarily have to own the land to succeed, then it’s just another win.”

Over 30 Years in Middleburg With Honesty and Integrity

Paul Aliloo

We specialize in the most unique collection of antique, semi-antique and new Persian rugs, both silk and wool. We also offer expert appraisal, as well as an outstanding team of cleaning and repair specialists.

ALILOO RUG GALLERY

11 S. Madison St. Middleburg, VA 20118 540-687 3048 | email: arugs@msn.com | aililooantiquerugs.com Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

April showers bring May showers and lots of flowers

GOING FOR THE GOLD PHOTOS BY DOUG GEHLSEN AND KAREN MONROE-MIDDLEBURG PHOTO

The win photo for Freddie Procter and Andi’amu in the fourmile, $100,000 Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes with Al Griffin, owners Tom and Roxy Collins, trainer Leslie Young and Will Allison.

Freddie Procter and Andi’amu won the Gold Cup by 26 lengths.

Two weeks before his victory in the Gold Cup, Andi’amu placed second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup.

Pat Carle was in charge of saddle cloths working with Bill Hair (background), Clerk of Scales.

Jockey Freddie Procter and Andi’amu head out of the paddock for the big race.

The judge’s stand for the Virginia Gold Cup is an iconic structure that has become the graphic symbol for the event. It has several essential functions, not the least of which is providing a highly visible perch that allows officials and owners to view the entire course at Great Meadow in The Plains. It includes a unique vantage point for filming and photographing the races, an announcer’s booth and a place for presentation of the trophy. It also houses a restroom and changing room for the jockeys. The design is a multi-tiered wooden structure uniquely suited for this event, especially on rainy days.

Christopher Morris served as the bugler.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

THANK YOU TO MY AMAZING CLIENTS FOR MAKING THIS SPRING A GREAT SUCCESS LD

LEGACY FARM

450 acres | $4,500,000

Stretching from 5 Points Rd in the Plains, to Rectortown and Frogtown Roads in Marshall. Protected by an Easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Located in Prime Orange County Hunt Territory, a most prestigious location.

ER ACT D R UNNT CO

THE OLD WINERY

44 acres | $3,850,000

Rectortown – Turn-key estate protected by conservation easement, which allows for develop-ment of equestrian facilities. Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 7-acre fenced vineyard with vistas of rolling hills, woods and pastures all around.

CHILLY BLEAK

152 acres | $3,400,000

Open, gently rolling pastures and fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Historic home dates to 1820. 5 BR / 5 BA with stone terrace and pool. Two Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages.

CARRINGTON LAND

245 acres | $2,168,963

On the northwest side of Little Cobbler Mountain, with frontage on Carrington Road. A tributary of Goose Creek runs through the property. Conservation Easement with Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

Will Driskill (540) 454-7522 Real Estate Professional Specializing in land, farms and estates, William "Will" Driskill has deep roots in the local area and offers a fresh perspective when finding the perfect property for his clients. A third generation Middleburg resident and a lifelong equestrian, Will has a wealth of connections in the community. Having a friend makes moving easier - he won't just sell you a house, he will introduce you to a wonderful way of life. When you're ready to move, talk to Will.

THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com

Donna Devadas: It’s All Memorable

Photo by Libby Beeler.

Donna Devadas feels fortunate to have a flexible work schedule to be able to ride most days. “I take lessons regularly,” she said, “and even started showing in the Hunter Division the past three years.”

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Donna Devadas

By Vicky Moon

othing like an overachiever.

Sprinkle in talented, organized and attractive. And you’ve got Donna Devadas, director of planning services with Memorable Meetings, a South Carolina firm that offers full service, turn-key meeting planning (beginning with onsite selection), registration, transportation, audio visual, décor, spouse programs, on-site support and team building, as the client needs. For the past 22 years, her work has taken her to many spectacular Five-Star hotels and resorts in picturesque destinations: Pebble Beach, the Caribbean, Italy and beyond. She appreciates experiencing how each property is different and how they add their own special touches. She now works from her home base in Middleburg. Donna grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, “watching the boats and dolphins” and still visits often. She’s a graduate of the University of South Carolina, with a degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism management. She began her career at the Kiawah Island Resort and found her passion for planning with Memorable Meetings as director of planning services: corporate, golf outings and more. The list of projects she’s worked on is beyond impressive. “This allowed the challenge and opportunity to create something unique and different,” she said. “Whether it’s an event for one evening or a weekend or for ten days.” She also takes on additional events, including a recent party at the Middleburg Community Center. Photo © by Leonard Shapiro

Place settings were traditional.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Favorite Hotels to Stay: Villa d’Este, Lake Como, the Dolder Grand in Zurich and of course, The Salamander Resort & Spa.

When not working, Prem and Donna Devadas spend time with good friends, traveling and with their beloved dogs.

“What is memorable or special for one client, may not resonate with another.ˮ

“The client had a vision and already determined what the look and feel of the night should be,” she said. “I was able to partner with them and build on that vision as well as help streamline the reservation process, coordinate and organize the set up and support in any other way that was needed.” A team of volunteers also put in many hours, from arranging the floral pieces to the actual set up and decoration of tables. “Their volunteers worked tirelessly to put on a special event,” she said. With input from the event committee, Donna worked with Tutti Perricone of Back Street Catering to finalize the menu and budget. The evening began with passed Hors d’oeuvres of spicy chicken bites wrapped in bacon, country ham biscuits and caprese skewers drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Some of the dinner included chicken breast with a smokey fire roasted tomato sauce, thinly-sliced marinated flank steak and grilled shrimp on sugar cane skewers. In addition to her work, Donna also is hooked on horses. “I fell in love with horses when I went to Girl Scout camp at eightyears-old,” she said, Adding that she took lessons and, at age 13, “I got what every girl dreamed of, a horse for Christmas.” She took a break from her equine pursuits during college and returned to this passion when she and her husband, Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, moved to Virginia in 2005. “When Prem first mentioned the opportunity in Middleburg, I was a little hesitant to leave my family and friends in Charleston,” Donna said. They attended a Gold Cup weekend that May and Donna knew this was a place she wanted to be. “I instantly fell in love with the area, its people and all the things it has to offer,” she said. “I can truly say I have the best of both worlds.”

Photo by Doug Gehlsen/Middleburg Photo

www.memorabalemeetings.com

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Middleburg Spring Races at Glenwood Park

or this coverage of the Middleburg Races, we decided to take a peek back in the Bedford Barn with the trainers, grooms and jockeys. That’s where it all begins. “It was a great day of racing, we had wonderful weather,” said Board Member Annie Bishop, “and it was lovely to have racing fans back at Glenwood for our 102nd running.”

Bedford Barn

Outriders Reg Spreadborough and Natalie Walesophy

Photos by Karen Monroe/ Middleburg Photo

Robert Bonnie with his wife, Julie Gomena

The first person to send an email to Zest editor Len Shapiro will win a prize if you can identify all the different modes of travel in this photo at Glenwood Park.

Julie Gomena is a lifelong horsewoman beginning with a stellar career in Three-Day Eventing. She won The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park in 1994 with Treaty. She has since transitioned to training race and steeplechase horses from the 285-acre farm. Over The Creek, she shares with her husband, Robert Bonnie.

The Paul Fout trophy for the winner of the sixth race, the $25,000 Maiden Hurdle, two miles and one furlong over National Fences. Jamie Neild rode Take Profit to victory. Owned by Kiplin Hall and trained by William Dowling.

The James L. Wiley trophy went to the winner of the $20,000 Maiden Claiming Hurdle, at two miles and one furlong over National Fences. The winning team included jockey/ trainer Sean McDermott on Who’s Counting owned by South Branch Equine LLC.

The eyes have it as Parker Hendriks guides Iranistan, trained by Keri Brion and owned by Hudson River Farms LLC to victory in the $75,000 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Stakes.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Jamie Bargary rode in seven of the eight races and finished nicely. His career earnings are close to $250,000 over the last two years.

that run 300 years deep.

Thomas Glascock Slater Upperville, 1933

1500 Crenshaw Road • Upperville • VA • 20184 540.878.1476 20

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

A Mysterious Writer Loves Her Virginia Wine U

PPERVILLE, Va.---What could be a more appropriate setting for book talk and signing for writer Ellen Crosby’s latest? After all, this is her twelfth mystery set in Virginia wine country. FADE IN

Slater Run Vineyards (SRV) tasting room. Author is joined by experts who inspired the plot: viticulturist Lucie Morton and winemaker Rick Tagg, with SRV owner/moderator Kiernan Slater Patusky. Guests sip wine, listen intently and line up to get an autographed copy of “Bitter Roots.” (Note the connection here in the word Roots with SRV’s red blend called Roots.) After writing eleven wine-related books—all set in Virginia-over 17 years—Ellen Crosby realized the fascinating history of the Commonwealth also is also the history of America. “So, all of my books not only involve a vineyard and a murder,” she said. “There’s also always some aspect of history woven into the present-day plot.” In addition to the history and a murder, Ellen folded in the romance between the two characters Kiernan Slater Patusky, Chris Patusky, of vineyard owner Lucie and winemaker Quinn. Ellen Crosby, Delaplane Cellars “I knew it was finally time for them to get winemaker Rick Tagg and Slater Run married—but it wasn’t going to be a happilyVineyard viticulturist Lucie Morton. ever-after story, at least not right away,” she said. “Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.” That would include a splash climate change, actually a big splash, which Ellen based on the 2012 derecho that blew through this area. In this book, Ellen said everything that happened is based on that storm. “No power, no water, no 911 service (even Fairfax County’s backup generator failed), no internet service for days, grocery stores throwing out spoiled food, gas stations running out of gas. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

The brutal murder of a beautiful vineyard expert and a devastating storm force Virginia winemaker Lucie Montgomery to confront painful changes on the eve of her wedding. In just over a week, Lucie and winemaker Quinn Santori will be married in a ceremony overlooking what should be acres of lush flowering grapevines. Instead, they are confronted by an ugly swath of slowly dying vines and a nursery owner who denies responsibility for selling the diseased plants. With neighboring vineyards facing the same problem, accusations fly and the ugly stand-off between supplier and growers looks set to escalate into open warfare. When Eve Kerr, a stunning blonde who works at the nursery, is found dead a few days later, everyone wonders if someone in the winemaking community went too far. What especially troubles Lucie is why Eve secretly arranged to meet Quinn on the day she was murdered, and whether Lucie’s soon-to-be husband knows something he’s not telling her. Then… a catastrophic storm blows through, destroying everything in its path. With no power, no phones, and no wedding venue, Lucie needs to find out who killed Eve and what her death had to do with Quinn.

Montgomery Estate Vineyard. Artwork by Peter de Nesnera

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

LEAN INTO WHAT YOU LOVE

THIS & THAT

Kentwood

Willwyn Farm

189 acres $5,150,000 Middleburg – Ideal horse and/or cattle farm; 5 barns, 40+ stalls, fenced paddocks & 3 tenant houses. Equipment sheds. Great ride out with miles of gravel roads and trails. Pond & Beaver Dam Creek. Piedmont Hunt territory.

21 acres $1,900,000 Purcellville – Stately c. 1780 stone house with 5,300 sq ft of updated living space. Timeless features remain such as walnut 3-story staircase, heart pine flooring and 5 fireplaces. Guest house, bank barn with 9-stalls / 8 paddocks. FIOS and a backup generator.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Thomas Lloyd and Bryan Huffman came to the Daffodil Show at Buchanan Hall for a successful trip to sign copies of their book Bunny Mellon Style.

R CT DE RA N U NT CO

W NE

Aylor House

Tober Chlair

5 acres $950,000 The Plains – Pristine brick rambler, wooded and private. Renovated, with 4 BR / 4 Full BAs. 1 BR / 1 BA lower level walk-out suite with kitchenette. 2-car attached garage, rear deck & fenced back lawn area, detached Workshop/Shed.

1.49 acres $735,000 Upperville – 3 BR/2BA Cape nestled down a side street in the quaint village of Upperville. 2,300 sq ft of living space with an open floor plan. Wonderful location within walking distance to the Bluewater Kitchen, Hunter’s Head, post office, churches and more

Moving can make it hard to find community. Which is why it’s so important to choose a local agent who is well connected with a wealth of experience. When you choose Cricket, prepare yourself to make new friends and fall in love with Horse Country.

Photo by Sarah Bullard

Aaron Locke, an eighth grader at Auburn Middle School, received the Howard Grove Memorial Herdsman Award at the Local 4-H and Future Farmers of America members at the 63rd annual Fauquier County Show & Sale. More than $110,000 of prize livestock was sold.

Cricket Bedford Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

(540) 229-3201 THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

2205_ZEST-Cricket.indd

Former Washington Redskin quarterback Joe Theismann served as the master of ceremonies for a gala dinner at the Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg recently that capped the two-day “Virginia Vine” event benefitting the V Foundation. The seventh annual program, including a cocktail reception at the Middleburg Barn, raised more than $900,000 for cancer research. It brings area donors together with the region’s top cancer researchers to learn about the latest breakthroughs, The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by legendary college basketball coach Jimmy Valvano, shortly before he died from adenocarcinoma.

Photo by Sarah Bullard

Ryann Bradshaw is graduating from Kettle Run this year after participating in Fauquier County Show & Sale since age nine. She took top honors as Supreme Beef and Supreme Lamb Showman, as well as Reserve Grand Champion Steer.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022 5/26/22 1:40 PM

Middleburg area native Erica Gudino has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship from the Virginia Library Association Scholarship Committee to continue her studies in library science. Erica, 22, is a graduate of Claude Thompson Elementary, Mar-shall Middle School, Fauquier High School and Roanoke College and has served as a mentor at Middleburg’s “A Place to Be.” She and other scholarship winners will be honored at the annual awards and scholarship banquet at the VLA Conference in Norfolk in October. She currently works as a library assistant at the Wil-liam R. and Norma B. Harvey Library’s Peabody Special Collections at Hampton University.

Carry Me BACK

Singing the Praises of a Reluctant Coal Miner’s Daughter T

Sissy told me she’d been a singer specializing in rock music at the start of her career, and she initially felt her sound and Lynn’s country sound just didn’t mix. She also said that if her acting career had not taken off, she probably would have gone back to singing. Turns out Loretta Lynn saw her screen test and she and the studio executives insisted that she make the movie. She and Lynn soon became fast friends, and she definitely wanted Sissy to sing her songs in the film. Lynn helped her learn to sing and play guitar in her style. The film’s soundtrack featured Sissy singing all of Lynn’s hits used in the movie, including “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Meanwhile, we also got in to some horse talk. Sissy was from Texas and had always ridden Western. But she was then taking jumping lessons at the Barracks stable in Charlottesville and hoped to be fox chasing that fall with her husband, Jack, a producer and director who also played polo. I smartly said, “What’s the studio going to say about that?” She replied, “I’m the studio now.”

By Jimmy Hatcher

his was 1980, not long after Sissy Spacek had won the Academy Award as best actress for her performance in “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the classic biopic on country western icon Loretta Lynn. One day, I got a call from my Keswick friend, world horse star Peggy Augustus, to come down for a fundraiser. “Oh, and by the way,” she said, “Sissy Spacek and her husband, Jack Fisk, will be sitting at our table.” Well, as soon as I could, I bought a tape of the movie and it didn’t take very long to understand why Sissy won the award. Her performance was dazzling. The weekend came and down to Peggy’s I went, then over to the fundraiser we went. It was held in a big tent and once we located our table, to my delight I was actually sitting next to the actress, who had moved with her husband to a farm in Keswick in 1982. Naturally, I told her how much I enjoyed the movie. And then, I was somewhat startled when she told me she originally did not want to make the film.

Locally Sourced for the Passionate Palate Come experience ﬂavorful new dishes, cooking demonstrations, freshly baked artisan breads and so much more. 888.598.6340

SalamanderResort.com

2021

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

For Sandy Danielson, It’s All About the Art

By Louisa Woodville

andy Danielson has her work cut out. As director of the non-profit Artists in Middleburg (AiM), she oversees the juried exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and drawings submitted by Virginia artists. It’s a job with a lot of moving parts: soliciting work, designing exhibition space, selecting a jury to judge submissions, and juggling six to seven exhibitions a year. “We change the exhibitions frequently,” Sandy said. “The exhibitions are conceived years before, as the artists need an idea of what to prepare for.” Located at 102 W. Washington St. in downtown Middleburg, the gallery space once housed a clothing boutique and before that an Irish crystal shop. Its large bay window provides the perfect location to display art, which in turn, draws in countless visitors. Currently on exhibition are artists’ visions of horses, both sculpted, painted, and drawn. Artists who exhibit at AiM generally come from a 50-mile radius and each show features the work of 20 to 30 artists. AiM has attracted some 200 artists to its juried exhibitions since its inception as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization. A native of Minnesota, Sandy has a long history in the arts and studied photography herself at Washington’s prestigious Corcoran School of Art. She worked for 21 years at the Textile Museum on Kalorama Road in Washington D.C., an institution that is now part of George Washington University. At the time, the museum occupied a building that Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos subsequently purchased. She left D.C. five years ago, thrilled to help create an art center for Middleburg artists, bringing together both creators and collectors. In addition to exhibitions, AiM also offers classes taught by artists, including Jim Burns and sculptor Goskin Carey, whose Fox sculpture graces the entranceway of the Middleburg Community Center. “People really do want to take these courses,” said Sandy. “Next month there will be a two-day session with Stevy Myles.” Part of Sandy’s mission is to educate not only the general public about art, but especially children. “Through our educational outreach, we have provided and will continue to provide art and cultural opportunities that are open to all,” proclaims the AiM web site. Sandy noted that as Covid cases lessen, classes and field trips for children expand. Sandy works to make AiM’s goals happen, and, as stated on the web site, “American communities are strengthened through the arts.” AiM seeks to join what the NEA describes as “Communities across our nation… leveraging the arts and engaging design to make their communities more livable with enhanced quality of life, increased creative activity, a distinct sense of place, and vibrant local economies that together capitalize on their existing assets.”

Courtesy photo Photo by Vicky Moon

Sandy Danielson is the director of Artists in Middleburg.

Courtesy photo

Photo by Vicky Moon

Susan McClafferty’s with Grace Adagio Arabesque.

A recent sculpture session at Artists in Middleburg included instructor Goksin Carey with Jennifer MacDonald, Jean Beckman, and Caroline Miller.

Courtesy photo

Vicky Zhou’s The Turner Farm.

Lilla Ohrstrom’s Wild Spirit.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

OU R M IS S ION To help every girl explore her unique voice and to develop the skills, confidence, and courage to share it with the world.

A Foxcroft graduate is ready to

LEARN LEAD AND

I N C O L L E G E AN D B E YO N D

PORTRAIT OF A FOXCROFT SCHOOL GRADUATE VOICE

INTELLECT

· Recognizes her role and responsibility as a global citizen and works to effect positive change in her community and the world. · Stewards the environment for a sustainable future. · Effectively collaborates to achieve shared goals. · Advocates for her needs academically, professionally, and personally. · Develops life-long practices that support a healthy mind in a healthy body.

CHARACTER

· Engages in and is curious about the world around her. · Seeks out academic challenges and creates her own learning opportunities.

· Acts with integrity and responsibility and values these traits in others. · Treats all with respect, kindness, and an understanding heart.

· Pursues knowledge and skills to better herself and her community.

· Acts with courage to do what is right.

· Thinks critically, tackles complex problems with empathy, and uses logic and evidence to support her claims.

· Desires to learn from differences. · Dedicates herself to serving others.

· Utilizes scientific and quantitative reasoning skills. · Adopts ethical academic practices, evaluates sources, and properly credits information.

· Exhibits persistence and resilience and adapts to changes and new situations.

· Expresses herself persuasively and creatively for a variety of purposes, using various modes: written, spoken, and visual.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders Since 1914 #GreatWomenFXC Visit our website to learn more about our Portrait of a Graduate and the accomplishments of our students and alumnae. Discover for yourself what makes us experts at educating girls.

www.foxcroft.org | admission@foxcroft.org | 540.687.4340 22407 Foxhound Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117

SAVE THE DATE: 2022-23 OPEN HOUSES October 7 December 2 April 28 www.foxcroft.org/admission/visit

A boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 & post-grad

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

A Golden Opportunity Once in Fauquier County

By John T. Toler

ying beneath the soil of the Virginia Piedmont is the Gold-Pyrite Belt, extending from Maryland to Alabama. As early as 1782, it was known that gold could be found in the Commonwealth, and in 1818, the Union Mining Company Inc. leased 133 acres in Fauquier County near present-day Goldvein and began operations. Between 1830 and 1940, nineteen gold mines existed in Southern Fauquier, including the Liberty Mine (1834) off present-day Sumerduck Road, and the Wyckoff Gold Mine (1853) north of Morrisville. They were among the larger operations that invested in heavy machinery, built workshops and infrastructure, and hired immigrant miners, usually from Cornwall and Wales. The most successful gold mine in Fauquier was the Franklin Mine on Deep Run near Morrisville. It opened in 1825 as an “open cut” or strip mine, recovering gold near the surface. Later, shafts were dug to reach the veins of gold found in quartz stone.

Courtesy of Fauquier County Parks and Recreation Department

Miners prepare to leave the main level shaft at the Franklin Mine near Morrisville in August, 1933.

The Franklin Mine was sold in 1841 to settle debts – including back pay to 50 miners. But by 1850, the new owners were turning a profit and invested in a steam engine and boiler, ore crushers and mining equipment. But a disastrous fire in 1851 destroyed two new buildings that housed engines and machinery.

Fletcher Slater understands that each borrower is unique, and as your Mortgage Loan Originator, his goal is to present a mortgage package that works for you – keeping your needs at the heart of the mortgage process.

Contact Fletcher today so he can help you reach your home financing dreams!

Gold mining in Virginia ceased during the Civil War, but some mines reopened after the conflict. In 1868-69, two new gold veins were discovered at the Franklin Mine, and shafts were dug to reach the ore. In one 40-foot shaft, a pocket of gold was found yielding a record $700 in gold in three days. In order to get the most use from their steam engine, the owners added a sawmill capable of finishing 5,000 feet of lumber per day. However, by 1876, business had slowed, and in 1877, nearby Deep Run overflowed, flooding and caving-in the shafts. Still, there was more gold to be found. Between 1901 and 1913, new shafts were dug, but from 1914 until July 1933 – when the property was leased to the Interstate Service Corporation of Harrisonburg – only prospecting was done at the site. By November, 1933, the new Franklin Mining and Milling Corporation was underway. The new corporation was professionally managed, with standardized working conditions, and workmen’s compensation insurance. A bunk house and dining house were built. These were the years of the Great Depression, and an average miners’ pay was 40 cents per hour for an eighthour shift. Even so, 50-75 men were on a waiting list to work in the mine. In 1934, the original lease was canceled, and a 99-year lease on the property was signed with

Fletcher Slater Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #1817777

c: (540) 878-9034 e: fletcher.slater@homebridge.com 210 East Federal ST., 200-A Middleburg, VA 20117

www.homebridge.com/FletcherSlater

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Not profitable, the Franklin Mine was closed in 1936. A new business, the Grace Mining Corporation, was formed and took over the operation. But by 1940, the corporate charter was revoked due to failure to make required payments.

stilled… a typical ghost town. Presumably the project did not pan out.” The story of the Franklin Mine was not quite over. Fauquier native J. Brewster Helm (1892-1969) had worked in gold mines in Virginia as a young man, and was the foreman at the Franklin Mine when it finally closed. “In 1964, Mr. Helm tried to reactivate the mine by means of strip mining with a bulldozer,” wrote Bob A. Barron in Gold Mines of Fauquier County, Virginia (1977). “In an interview with his widow, Mrs. Helm said it wasn’t worth it because it was costing them more money than they were earning. At that time, she said gold was only $35 an ounce. It’s now about $1,880 an ounce. There no longer is gold mining in Fauquier County, but the village of Goldvein just off U.S. 17 is the home of the official Gold Mine Interpretive Center for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It’s located in Monroe Park at 14421 Gold Dust Parkway. Three museum buildings on the site – a bunkhouse, mess hall and assay office – replicate those found at a 1930s gold mine. In addition there are exhibits, displays and vintage signage. Of particular interest are the two massive concrete “hornet ball” rock crushers recovered from the Liberty Mine site and brought to the museum. In addition to Barron’s definitive book on Fauquier’s gold mines, visitors can purchase pre-packaged bags of gems, minerals and fossils; t-shirts and other items at the museum store.

In 1950, Louise Evans returned to the site of the Franklin Mine. “It seems impossible to grasp that the busy little village we saw that day is now a deserted village, with the equipment standing as sentinels,

The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from Noon-4 p.m. A gold panning demonstration is given Wednesday-Sunday at 2 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Courtesy of Fauquier County Parks and Recreation Department.

One of the unique displays at the Gold Mine Interpretive Center in Goldvein are the two large ‘hornet ball’ rock crushers once used at the Liberty Gold Mine. Amos Pankey of Goldvein. Many improvements were made, including a new bunkhouse, a “mine hotel” for visitors, a commissary, offices and mess halls. Electric lines were installed, as well as a narrow-gauge railroad and engine. In 1935, M. Louise Evans, a writer for the Fauquier Democrat newspaper, visited the Franklin Mine with her friend, Mrs. Will McCarthy. “We set out for Morrisville, and finally arrived at what looked like a miniature settlement,” she wrote. “It was the nearest I have been to any kind of mining operations and I was all ears and eyes. “I recall the stillness of the woods, quiet but for the

immediate sounds such as whistles… which seemed to echo and re-echo. We were there when the men returned to the depths or levels below ground. I was nothing less than spell-bound.”

congratulations MEREDITH WAYLAND AND ALL 2022 GRADUATES

SHE’S NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE PLUMBING... (LEAVE THAT TO THE PROFESSIONALS AT APPLETON CAMPBELL!)

appletoncampbell.com

WHOLE-HOME PLUMBING SAFETY INSPECTION

(540) 349-6701

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

A Pinch of Time Can Help Save the Day

ensuring bills are paid, or managing contractors and service providers for the house, farm and family events. For others, it’s making sure that homes are managed while they are traveling, and that while traveling, they have what they need.

By Leslie VanSant

ven if you’ve never had a personal assistant, you probably have an idea of what a good one can accomplish because of so many examples from the movies and television.

In some cases, it involves getting a summer home ready with groceries and housecleaning, while ensuring the winter home is closed.

Miss Moneypenny from the James Bond films. Moneypenny is the personal assistant to M, the head of MI-6, has top secret clearance. She always has the details and connections Bond and M need to save the world at her fingertips. Andy from The Devil Wears Prada fixes Miranda’s life at the office and at home. Whether it’s the latest Harry Potter manuscript for her children, or ensuring that she knows everyone at her gala, Andy has Miranda’s back. Alfred the stalwart butler-jack-of-all-trades to Bruce Wayne’s Batman. From knowing the exact wine pairing to building the Batmobile, Alfred quietly and effortlessly saves the day. If this type of service is something you seek, A Pinch of Time, based in South Riding, is definitely worth exploring.

Deborah Lansdowne The two understood the value of using a project management approach to manage household and family affairs. Fast-forward to 2022, and the company has grown successfully with offices serving clients in Washington, New York and Scottsdale. And, now they’re also available in the Middleburg area. Once they started the company, they found a market, people who know and appreciate the value of time. Clients come mostly from referrals. Each client is paired with their own personal assistant who then helps them strategically to manage their households.

“We make sure people have current passports quite a bit,” she explained. Clients need help making sure the details are covered so they can enjoy their time, whether that is working, traveling or relaxing with family. For one of her more intriguing recent projects, “I had to help a client assess and then sell a collection of 19th and 20th century art,” Deborah said. “This meant working with appraisers to determine the value and then helping to find the correct sales and auctions…. As long as it is legal, moral and ethical, we can help you get it done.” Deborah and Adrienne love what they do and are exploring opportunities to provide personal concierge service as a corporate benefit, helping companies attract and retain top talent. They also are hiring. They seek people with professional, corporate backgrounds and with strong project management skills. Assistants are given training and support, and able to work flexible schedules based on their and the client’s needs.

The mother/daughter team of Deborah Lansdowne and Adrienne Torres started A Pinch of Time in 2015. Adrienne had an idea for a concierge and lifestyle management company that she shared with Deborah, who had recently retired as an executive with an IT company.

“We’re not task rabbits, we help our clients by project managing and providing personal attention,” Deborah said.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Their services vary from client to client to help their lives run smoothly. For some, it might be

Details: apinchoftime.com.

PHOTOS BY MIDDLEBURG PHOTO

or Hill School’s 45th annual auction, it was all about “A Day at the Races,” a three-day online and in-person celebration. Among the dazzling items: vacation retreats from the Outer Banks to Jamaica, a side of beef and then the other side, dinner for 16 at the Salamander Stallion Barn and other high spots, jewelry galore, horsey items of books, prints and Kentucky Derby memorabilia, racing tickets, a BBQ dinner with Head of School Treavor Lord, a few golf outings, everything from beer to bourbon to Botox and best of all…a visit from an equine dentist or acupuncture for your horse.

Melissa Reis-Losey, Shelbie Jenkins, Worth Jenkins and Warren Losey.

RURAL BAKERY

Treavor Lord, Head of School, with Auction Coordinator Kim Medica.

“America’s Best Bakery Destinations”

8 3 6 8 W E ST M A I N ST R E ET M A RSH A LL , V I RGI N I A O PEN E V E RY DAY 5 4 0 - 3 6 4 -B A K E

2 2 WAT E R LO O ST R E ET WA R R ENTON, V I RGI N I A 5 4 0 - 3 47-2 2 24 CLO S ED SU N DAYS Justin Porterfield, Robin Robey-Porterfield, Nathan Bergeron and James Bergeron.

Mike Howland, Mike Wilson, Laura Wilson and Kathy Howland.

“One of America’s best small-town bakeries” TRAVEL+ LEISURE

MADE WITH LOVE & BUTTER IN TH E VIRGINIA PIEDMONT

SEND A TASTE OF VIRGINIA: WE SHIP OUR CA K ES, M U FFINS, GR ANOLA & COFFEE NATIONWIDE AT R EDTRUCKBA K ERY.COM

April Woodson and Babette Thomas Smoot

Rachel Hines, Kasey Simons, Tami Rekaas and Laura Saraji

T H E O F F I C I A L B A K E RY O F G R E AT M E A D OW

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Cherishing the Bull Run Mountains

By Marcia Woolman

he Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (BRMC) is not only facilitating the conservation of some of that beloved mountain region, but also adding to the love of this special land for generations to come. Children are the next generation of protectors, for you only protect what you learn to love. Love of nature, and in Helping children learn to love and preserve the land is part of particular these mountains, is the heart the Bull Run Mountain and soul of the BRMC’s mission. Its Conservancy’s main mission. programs and activities are open to the public, young and old, including their nature focused summer naturalist camps. Michael Kieffer has been the conservancy’s director for 23 years, and his depth of knowledge, understanding and appreciation for this land is evident from the first moment you meet him. He has the same quiet, gentle nature as these hills, and his passion for preserving them is contagious. BRMC is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1994 to protect the Bull Run Mountains Region through education, research, and stewardship. According to its web site, its mission is to “promote and facilitate the preservation of land on and around the Bull Run Mountains from their southern ridges in New Baltimore to their northern end in Aldie, Virginia and the surrounding landscape 5-10 miles north, east, south, and west.”

connecting you to

Uniquely Personal Banking

BRMC offers educational programs to adults and children that focus on the area’s ecological, historical, and cultural features. Research underpins its education program. For 28 years, BRMC also has sponsored, assisted, and facilitated numerous baseline studies that add important data to our understanding of the landscape. It’s easy to engage at the BRMC, with a number of adult, family, and youth activities. Occasionally, guest speakers make presentations at the Mountain House Office location as well. This summer there’s even a workshop for teachers. The goal is all about spreading the word, and these mountains have a tendency to scoop you up in your first adventure there, then beg your soul to come back for more. “Our youth naturalist camps are focused on tomorrow’s protectors of nature,” Kieffer said. “While our teacher workshop is to reenergize those that positively influence our children every day.” The programs offer something for everyone of any age or outdoor urge to just get away from it all. It is a great thrill to walk to these woods and fields and immerse oneself in this magnificent region of Virginia.

Real People. Real Results.

This can be achieved by following the game trails in the woods, and maybe even sighting some of the wildlife that calls the region home. There are many deer, and probably a few coyotes, which are very elusive. You’re more likely to see many squirrels that treasure acorns from the great old oak trees. Or maybe hear the loud ratta-tat-tat of a feeding or drilling Pileated Woodpecker. You will learn about all different types of trees and plants, and what wildlife is attracted to them. One of the main features is “Leopold’s Preserve,” where there are monthly naturalist walks throughout the Preserve. There are regularly scheduled bird walks, and there are several creeks in the area where amphibian activities are planned. “Make a plan, pick an activity, and join us for an adventure” Kieffer said.

oakviewbank.com | 540.359.7100

For more information go to www. BRMConservancy.org.

MIDDLEBURG COMMITTEE| Summer 2022 MemberSUSTAINABLE FDIC

From Aldie to Hamilton, a New Home for Mattingly’s restoration, but “in our travels, we started seeing outdoor furniture in Pennsylvania and started bringing it in. It did better and better each year.”

stock has been challenging ever since Covid hit, increasing most people’s interest in making their stay-at-home time more comfortable. Material costs are up, too, by 30 percent, and wait times for delivery can stretch to 34 weeks.

The family eventually decided to go all in on the Amish.

“Everything now is what I can get in a reasonable time,” Mattingly said.

Inside its 3,500-square-foot building, that “all in” includes Mattingly’s Amish Outdoor a bevy of colorful Adirondack Furniture, a fixture for more than Photo by M.J. McAteer chairs in multiple manifestations, Don Mattingly Jr. three decades, wasn’t a casualty Mission-style chairs, rocking of the pandemic. It simply chairs, gliders and footstools. Prices range from $18 for decamped to Hamilton, after the property it had a tree-bark birdhouse with an old metal roof to $876 for rented was put up for sale. a large glider with dropdown cup holders. After a brief hiatus to regroup, Mattingly’s now is A few pieces are made of pressurized wood, but that open on the main drag in Hamilton, right next to material has become hard to get and is less in demand the town offices. Its new location doesn’t allow for an since the arrival of poly lumber, made from recycled outdoor display of the inventory, making it easier to plastic. Poly is both durable and weatherproof and overlook than when it was in Aldie. never requires painting or scraping. “You take a little hit on any move,” said owner Don Some might be surprised the Amish would Mattingly Jr., “but we have a huge customer base.” embrace an artificial material, but “the English,” as Everything being inside also “keeps everything a lot the Amish call the non-Amish, have some mistaken cleaner,” he said. His son, Jason, recently refurbished ideas about the sect, Mattingly said. They may shun a sign that now hangs outside and should raise the being connected to the grid--i.e., the outside worldbusiness’s visibility. -but many embrace modern tools and machinery, as Mattingly’s was started by Don’s father, Don Sr., long they’re powered on site.

Compounding supply issues has been the preference of Amish builders in the eastern sector of Pennsylvania, like Lancaster County, for sending their furniture to large dealers out west.

By M.J. McAteer

requent travelers through Aldie may have noticed that a landmark went missing from the village last fall: The colorful collection of furniture that once perched on the lawn beside the firehouse.

in 1973. It began as a workshop focused on antique

No matter the material,

getting enough

Mattingly now has to rely on builders living north of Pittsburgh, near Lake Erie. They’re members of the ultra conservative Old Order Amish, who generally shun phones and electricity. Though he’s been buying from them for years, they require him to use a local “English” go-between for all transactions. Twice weekly, Mattingly makes the 600-mile round trip north to pick up his merchandise. That’s a lot of road time. Add to that, his willingness to deliver furniture to as far away as Great Falls. But all that travel is worth it. “When you deliver something, people are the happiest,” he said, “and I enjoy having satisfied customers.” Mattingly’s is located at 55 E. Colonial Highway in Hamilton. It’s open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Middleburg Safeway Celebrates The meat department circa 1967.

By Pat Reilly

ith a party unrivaled since it first opened 55 years ago, Safeway unveiled renovations to its Middleburg store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently. On hand were Middleburg Vice-Mayor Peter Leonard-Morgan, Safeway District Manager Richard O’Neal and Store Director John Hill. The Crush Funk Brass Band set a lively tone as many of the store’s longtime customers stopped in the parking lot. “We’re so proud of the 55th anniversary of Safeway serving the Middleburg community,” said Mayor Bridge Littleton, who was out of the country and unable to attend. “They’ve been a stalwart of our town and surrounding area for over half a century and have supported our community in ways that cannot be measured.” Leonard-Morgan pointed out how convenient it is to have Safeway right in town and recalled once receiving three injections in one day at the pharmacy. “One of the things I love about the store is the staff,” he said. “They’re always there, like an unrecognized little army, making sure we have what we need.” As the wine columnist for Country ZEST, he also couldn’t resist pointing out that the wine selection, “while not a huge array, allows you to get a really decent bottle of wine and not spend a fortune.” The day of the celebration, Safeway presented donations to two critical local charities, Seven Loaves Services food pantry and the Middleburg Humane Foundation. “We’re very appreciative of Safeway’s long-time support for Middleburg Humane,” said Josh Muss, its chairman of the board. “We’re thankful to have Safeway as a partner,” said

The rack of gloves on the right looks as if this photo was taken yesterday. What stands out to our readers, first to reply wins a gift?

Photo by Vicky Moon

The meat department circa 2022.

TThe produce department today.

Tami Erickson, who manages Seven Loaves. “When we need emergency food purchases, they’re there to help.” Several Safeway departments were quietly upgraded over the winter, including: The deli section, with an expanded selection of ready-to-go prepared meals, specialty cheeses, and fresh sliced meats. The meat department, which has added new cases featuring a variety of organic and natural chicken, as well as a wide array of beef selections, including choice beef, grass-fed beef, natural beef, and organic beef. The seafood department, with a new refrigerated “grab and go” seafood case with crab meat, smoked fish, and more. An expanded selection of fresh cut fruits and vegetables has been added to the produce department, now with more than 150 organic items. The expanded juice section, which now features more than 100 different varieties of juices and beverages, including Kombucha. The Safeway Pharmacy has trained pharmacists who are available to fill prescriptions, administer

immunizations (including COVID-19 vaccines, travel vaccines and flu shots), and consult with patients about their specific health conditions. The store’s pharmacy also offers prescription delivery by mail and same-day delivery. Safeway’s floral department features fresh cut flowers, seasonal bouquets, and assorted blooming varieties of plants and orchids, with in-house floral designers creating custom arrangements. The 17,276-square-foot Middleburg store first opened on Nov. 30, 1966, and has operated continuously since. Today, the average Safeway is 55,000 square feet. Middleburg native Jim Poston was at the 1966 opening as a teenage employee. He recalled a big party—“chandeliers and drapes and drinks.” A fine photographer, as well, he has many images of the original store. Former Middleburg Mayor Betsy Allen Davis, co-owner of The Fun Shop, another town institution, recalled there was an A&P and a family grocery store, The B&A on Washington Street when Safeway arrived. “Obviously, having a store in town is very important, but being a small town, I wish it was on a back street and we could use that space for something else, like a park,” she said. “Still, they kept it so it’s a little more traditional.” Loudoun County has adopted a single-use plastic bag five-cent tax for certain kinds of businesses. Safeway is the only business in Middleburg affected by that. Leonard-Morgan, the council’s liason to The Middleburg Sustainability Committee, said the town has arranged to give each resident three reusable grocery bags in June.

Photo by Vicky Moon

The shopping carts are all lined up on the west end of the Safeway and appear as if unchanged.

Students from the Middleburg Community Charter School made a last minute detour to hear the Crush Funk Brass Band at the Safeway celebration.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Flooring Specialists and More

Early’s Carpet, Inc.

Your Hometown Store So Much Under One Roof!

The Largest In-Stock Inventory of Carpet, Area Rugs, Orientals, Vinyl, Hardwood, Laminate, Ceramic & Remnants!

14574 Lee Highway, Amissville, VA 20106 540-937-5500 Visit Us Online: www.earlyscarpet.com

Mon - Fri 9 am to 5 pm ~ Sat 9 am to 2 pm EMERGENCY SERVICES Day, Night & Weekends Available

You already know we are your hometown carpet and vinyl experts. But did you know…

Fu zz y

The Specialists Mr. Woo dy

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

affo be David Mars

Snider Snider Healthy Water Means Healthy Water Means A Healthy Home.

A Healthy Home.

Snider Snider

is Salamander Resort’sby New General Manager By Linda Roberts

“W Healthy HealthyWater WaterMeans Means AAHealthy HealthyHome. Home. $75

That’s correct Daisy. I just returned from a week long training session!

So Franklin, I hear that you are spearheading the Free Water Test campaign !

e have an incredible team of people here who are working with a great company that has wonderful values,” said David Mars, who, this past January, was named general manager of Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg.

*not

Is Your Water Safe? all you need to do is draw a sample

of water from your tap, bring it to my

Marshall office and I’ll test yourready Chlorine protects water from bacteria until you’re water right in front of you! to drink it - like the plastic wrap on packaged food. But you don’t eat food wrappers, right? So whywater should you bacteria drink chlorine? Chlorine protects from until you’re ready

Snider Safe? Is Your Water

• We will test for TDS, chlorine residual, iron, Ph, manganese, Healthy Water Means to drink it - like the plastic wrap on packaged food. Our safely remove chlorine before and affordable hardness. systems A Healthy Home. But you don’t eatOur food wrappers, right? you enjoy your water. reverse osmosis drinking • Bring it toSo us or we can come to you. Meet our team in person. whysystems should you drink chlorine? water are the convenient, • Call us and we’ll explain how to draw a proper sample. affordable, environmentally-friendly solution for Our affordable systems safely remove chlorine before Chlorine Chlorine protects protects water water from from bacteria bacteria until until you’re you’re ready ready better water for you, your family and your pets. •you Bring some pictures of your stains. Pictures of your mechanical water. Our reverse osmosis drinking to enjoy drink to drink ityour - like it - like the the plastic plastic wrap wrap on packaged on packaged food. food.

IsIsYour YourWater Water Safe? Safe? If

With many years experience within the field of luxury hospitality, Mars David Mars, Salamander Resort’s was previously with Salamander’s New General Manager sister resort, The Henderson, in Destin, Florida. Long-time Middleburg resident Sheila Johnson owns the Middleburg property and its parent company, Salamander Hotels & Resorts.

Prior to joining Salamander, Mars, a graduate of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, spent over eight years with Montage Hotels & Resorts, including serving as general manager at Spanish Peaks in Big Sky, Montana. His experience also includes corporate management with luxury resorts in Utah, California and Las Vegas. John Speers, vice president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, referring to Mars and his new position, said in a statement, “I have had the pleasure of working with David since 2018 and his leadership and embrace of Salamander’s core values has led to extraordinary success.”

you

room isBut helpful. Take a picture of theconvenient, model & serial numbers But youyou don’t don’t eat eat food food wrappers, wrappers, right? right? Protect your home and your family water systems are the So why Sous why should you you drink drink chlorine? chlorine? on by yourcalling water heater and we’ll tell you the age of your tank forshould your FREE in-home water test.for affordable, environmentally-friendly solution Our affordable affordable systems systems safely safely remove remove chlorine before before • Our For proper Ph test results we need tochlorine have your fresh water better water for you, your family and your pets. you you enjoy enjoy your your water. water. Our Our reverse reverse osmosis osmosis drinking drinking sample within 2November hours. Special water water systems systems are are the the convenient, convenient, Protect your home and your family OFF Reverse Osmosis Drinking • $75 We have a drawing for a Reverse Osmosis drinking water affordable, affordable, environmentally-friendly environmentally-friendly solution solution forSystem for by valid calling us for your FREE in-home water test. Isfirst Your Water *not with other offers or prior service ~Safe? offer expires 11.30.2020 better better water water for you, for you, your your family family and and your your pets. pets. system for the 25 people that come by or set up an in Chlorine protects water from bacteria until you’re ready to drink it -your like thehome plastic wrap onyour packaged food. homeCall appointment. Protect Protect your home and and your family family us about our FREE Potable But youlimited* don’t eat food wrappers, right? Water Test

“You learn how important it is to work for a company that has the same values you have,” said Mars, adding that it can be voiced simply as “taking care of people.” One of Loudoun County’s larger employers, Salamander has a staff of 350 and Mars couldn’t have been more complimentary toward the people he works with. “We hire the best of the best,” said Mars, who believes Salamander’s staff is one of the resort’s greatest assets. “You must never take this for granted,” he said, adding that “when you have a quality team, its members tell others, leading to possible employment for additional talented employees.”

T ap November Special

by calling by calling us for us your for your FREE FREE in-home in-home water test. test. should you drink chlorine? perfomed bySo awhy certified lab. (*first 10 water who apply)

Our Reverse Marshall test lab is located atus a call. $75 Osmosis If youOFF are in need of any type of plumbingDrinking services, giveSystem November Special Special *not valid with November 11.30.2020 8125 East Osmosis Main St,Drinking Marshall, VA $75$75 OFF OFF Reverse Reverse Osmosis Drinking System System Our affordable systems safely remove chlorine before you enjoy your water. Our reverse osmosis drinking water or systems the convenient, other offers priorareservice ~ offer expires affordable, environmentally-friendly solution for better water for you, your family and your pets.

*notCall *not valid us valid withabout with otherother offers offers orlimited* prior or prior service service ~ offer ~Potable offer expires 11.30.2020 11.30.2020 our FREE Water Test Protect your home and your familyexpires

Tap Into A Healthier Life. calling us for your FREE in-home water perfomedbyby a certified lab. (*first 10test. who apply)

Call us about us about our limited* our Potable Water Water Test Test is full of If waterCall runs through it, limited* we FREE do FREE it!Potable Hope your summer November Special perfomed perfomed by a by certified a certified lab. lab. (*first (*first 10 who 10 who apply) apply) If youfun are &insun! need ofOFF anyReverse type of plumbing services, us a call. Thanks for your business! Joey give & Kristi $75 Osmosis Drinking – System

540-687-5232 • 703-771-3308 www.jrsnider.com

*not withany other type offers or of priorplumbing service ~ offer expires 11.30.2020 If you If you are in areneed in need ofvalid any of type of plumbing services, services, givegive us a us call. a call.

Call us about our limited* FREE Potable Water Test perfomed by a certified lab. (*first 10 who apply)

Tap Tap Into IntoAA AHealthier HealthierLife. Life. Tap Into Healthier Life. Tap Into A Healthier Life. If you are in need of any type of plumbing services, give us a call.

540-687-5232 540-687-5232 • 703-771-3308 703-771-3308 540-687-5232 540-687-5232 ••• 703-771-3308 703-771-3308 www.jrsnider.com www.jrsnider.com www.jrsnider.com www.jrsnider.com

On 340 acres, with 200 of that acreage in scenic easement, Salamander is a Forbes Five Star property featuring 168 rooms, a hunt country-themed interior design, renowned dining, and a popular equestrian center. Its lavish spa is one of only 30 in the U.S. that has also been recognized with a Forbes Five Star ranking.

Mars said there are a number of exciting plans in the future for the resort, including development of 49 high-quality residences on the property. Construction has already started on some of the luxury dwellings and he anticipates completion and delivery of the first 10 homes in early 2023.

Among the summer plans for the resort is the second “Family Reunion,” a gathering that will take the food and wine experience to a new level while celebrating diversity in the hospitality and culinary communities. Also, the resort will serve as a United States meeting point for a warm-up race for the prestigious 1,000-Mile Miglia race event in Italy.

Mars, his wife, Nicole, and their two children, Maddie and Christopher, have relocated to the area and he’s definitely bullish on his new home, and the resort he now runs. “As a luxury company,” he said, “you have to ensure that you never lose sight of your culture.”

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

PINK IS THE COLOR OF THE DAY

Cherry Blossom 5k Run and 1 Mile Pooch Prance Middleburg Community Center April 24th Bridget Wilson and Kim Chenen give a warm up session for the runners London Hershey, Ellie Wicht and Caroline McLaughlin are all Foxcroft students. Each year Foxcroft elects two students to serve on the board and this year it is London and Caroline.

Lauren Vogan, grants chair for Cherry Blossom Breast Foundation with Melanie Blunt, chairman of the board and chair of the event with Lt. Shaun Jones and Chief A.J. Panebianco of the Middleburg Police.

The foundation’s objective is to Detect, Treat, Educate and Eliminate breast cancer. 100% of the grant monies go to local charities and non-profits

PHOTOS BY DOUG GEHLSEN OF MIDDLEBURG PHOTO

Getting ready to run J.P. Melugin and Gaige Simmons.

Tom Walsh, Ben Wegdam and Alex Northrup, three intrepid runners were among the hundreds participating.

Travis Connor and Amber Duncan have made it a family affair and who knows perhaps a future Olympic runner in the carriage.

The Cherry Blossom Breast Foundation was founded by Jim Atkins 15 years ago to honor his late wife who lost her battle with breast cancer. We have raised over $1 million for women in Loudoun and Fauquier counties who are fighting the disease. All of the funds that we raise stay in our community.

THE HILL SCHOOL VOTED #1 PRIVATE SCHOOL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY 2019, 2020, & 2021! Total education: academics, art, music, drama, and athletics for every student David Mars, Salamander Resort’s New General Manager

Individualized, caring attention with a 6:1 studentteacher ratio

Outdoor science center, ponds and wetlands on our 140-acre campus

Bus service and before-and-after school care

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade Middleburg, VA Since 1926

Some Enchanted Evening: Windy Hill Gala 2022 Subtle and Creative

PHOTOS © BY Dillonkeenphotography

t was black tie optional with an “enchanted woods” theme for the Windy Hill Gala at Salamander Resort and Spa in late March. Guests were encouraged to wear something green or flaunt whimsical florals and botanicals. Add fern on your lapel or pin a leaf brooch for a subtle touch or make a magical statement with a floral crown, fairy-inspired gown or green velvet cloak. This year’s gala, with Bonnie Piper as chair, raised more than $150,000 from auctions, including $100,000 coming from the Raise the Paddle portion to build the Mascatello Recreation Trail at Washburn Place in Marshall. This sports and recreation trail is in honor of the Mascatello family and their passion for building community and creating better futures for children.

John Coles took Ann MacLeod for a turn around the dance floor.

It was the best of times as Helen MacMahon and Marina Shallcross cut the rug.

Have you heard about the Windy Hill Gala?

Going once…going twice….

Dieter Rausch left his Christmas Sleigh behind for a visit to the forest.

The Windy Hill Foundation provides safe, decent, and affordable housing to low- and lower- income families and the elderly in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and encourages self-improvement and self-sufficiency among residents.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Dish Harris, Marcy Harris and Stewart Herbert.

Judy Washburn, honorary chair.

Bob Dale, executive director of Windy Hill.

The floral look was coming and going.

If you’re going to the Windy Hill Gala “be sure to wear some flowers in your hair."

The Fiddle Diva.

This one wins the enchanted pocket competition.

Lois Johnson-Mead, vice president of the Windy Hill board of directors

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Matt Blunt: From A Missouri Governor’s Mansion to Middleburg Photos by Doug Gehlsen/Middleburg Photo

Racer & Milo

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the

The Little River Inn Aldie, Va

They thank our guests near & far who have brought carrots over these many years.

The Withers Family www.Aldie.com 703-327-6742

MIDDLEBURG COMMON GROUNDS

Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day

Coffee, Tea, Beer & Wine

114 W. Washington Street • Middleburg, VA • 540.687.7065 38

By Leonard Shapiro

att Blunt’s father and grandfather had always been involved in state and local politics in Missouri, so it seemed only natural that after spending ten years as a Naval officer, he would go on to become, at age 33, the state’s second youngest governor in history. “I was always very aware of the process,” Matt said. “And I’m sure much more interested in politics and government than the average young person.” He remains very much interested, but from afar. Matt chose not to run for a second term in 2008, having devoted so many years of his life to military and public service. These days, he and his wife, Melanie, and their two sons, William and Brooks, are loving life on their farm in the Middleburg area. A Naval Academy graduate, he always had a passion for history, and particularly military history. He began considering seeking elected office toward the end of his Navy career. Matt Blunt A Republican, he won a seat in the Missouri General Assembly in 1998, then was elected Missouri Secretary of State in 2000. Four years later, he defeated Democrat Claire McCaskill in a close race for governor. Politics surely is in the genes. Matt’s father, Roy Blunt, has held a number of political offices, and, since 2011, he’s served in the U.S. Senate, recently announcing his retirement at the end of his current term. “It was a tremendous privilege to serve as governor of Missouri,” Matt said. When asked what he considered his major accomplishments as governor, he added, “probably the most long-lasting and impactful accomplishments were structurally addressing long-standing budget issues and substantially increasing education funding at all levels of education without raising taxes.” And why only one term? “First, with the exception of expanding parental choice in education, I had achieved all the objectives I outlined when I was a candidate. Second, after more than 15 years of either military or public service, it made sense to think about my family’s financial well-being. Third, our first son was born while I was governor and I wanted to spend more time with my family. Work demands always exist, but I’ve been able to spend far more time with my boys than I would have if I had remained in public office.” Matt met Melanie, a Middleburg native, in Richmond where she was living at the time and his ship was docked in Norfolk for repairs. They were married in Middleburg a year later. These days, he’s president of the American Automotive Policy Council representing the interests of Ford, General Motors, and Fiat/Chrysler. “Automobiles are one of the most traded products in the world so we primarily work on foreign trade issues that affect the automotive industry,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of American automotive jobs depend upon the ability to export product to other markets.” Back home, there’s also plenty to do around the farm. “We raise cattle, which I grew up with, and sheep, which I’ve had to learn a lot about…Working on the farm myself is definitely one of my favorite activities. You can see the result of your labor in a way you cannot replicate in an office.” And running for office again? “You never say never,” Matt said, “but I have no plans Brooks Blunt is a to run for office, and definitely not in the near future.” sixth grader at The Hill Bad news for Missouri. Great news for the Blunts’ School and definitely a legion of friends and family in the Virginia countryside. lacrosse enthusiast.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Back in Middleburg and Always Giving Back

By Vicky Moon

ere’s a good one. Melanie Blunt GREW UP IN MIDDLEBURG on Chestnut Street and knew every family in the neighborhood. Her father, Wharton Anderson, was an accountant. Her mother, Carolyn Anderson, was a music teacher, pianist and organist. Carolyn played for the Middleburg Players for many years. “My mom was the member of our family with all the personality,” Melanie said. “She wore bright, colorful hats and drove her Oldsmobile Cutlass a hundred miles an hour down Foxcroft Road. The windows would always be wide open, and our dogs would jump out and we’d have to turn around and go get them.” Her grandmother, Helen Rose Anderson, had Anderson’s Sandwich Shop, The Middleburg Sandwich Shop, ran The Post and Rail and finally owned The Hamburger Hut. An aunt, Helen Hyre, was on the town council for many years. And there’s more. “Both sets of grandparents built houses in Middleburg,” Melanie added. “One set was on Sycamore and the other set on Marshall behind the Safeway.” Valerie Archibald Embrey lived in the same neighborhood and fondly recalled the entire family. “Carolyn was my childhood best friend from Middleburg Elementary and all through Loudoun County High School,” she said. “We double dated to our junior and senior proms.”

Melanie met Naval officer Matt Blunt while she was living in Richmond and he was on shore leave. They married in Middleburg, then moved to Missouri where Matt eventually was elected the state’s 54th governor in 2004 after defeating Claire McCaskill. That made Melanie the first lady of Missouri.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen-Middleburg Photo

William Branch Blunt with his mother Melanie Blunt. Branch is a sophomore at Highland School in Warrenton and plays on the tennis team.

Turn your charitable donations into a legacy that benefits your family and your community.

“It was an honor to serve,” she said. “I had the opportunity to bring attention to causes that were important to me. With the Missouri Women’s Council, we created The First Lady Awards to recognize outstanding women volunteers across the state. We also completed a major renovation of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion.” Since returning to the area, the Blunt family now lives at Ashleigh, an 1840 home that was built by John Marshall’s granddaughter, Margaret, on land that had been owned by the Marshall family. Former owner Sandra Payson put in extensive gardens on the property. It has undergone a renovation and was on the Historic Garden Tour last year. Melanie is now chair of the board of the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation. She also chaired the recent Cherry Blossom 5k and Fun walk, an event that raised over $45,000. The foundation will donate $85,000 to local breast cancer charities. “Breast cancer awareness has always been an important issue to me,” she said, “because I lost my mother to the disease at such a young age.” “Our boys are William Branch and Brooks. Branch is a sophomore at Highland School and Brooks is a sixth grader at Hill. Both boys would probably tell you that sports is their favorite class.” Melanie loves to play tennis and was a member of the 2.5 team at the Middleburg Tennis Club that made it to the national finals in 2019. “We had a blast,” she said, “and we were always surprised when we won. But I can’t play tennis with my sons. They’re so much better than I am.”

Fund Management from Northern Piedmont Community Foundation Northern Piedmont Community Foundation multiplies the impact of your giving by putting your money to work with smart investments. When you set up a fund with NPCF, every dollar is transformed into positive change in your community and ﬁnancial beneﬁts for you and your family. NPCF administers a wide variety of funds, including donor advised funds and scholarships. We’ll work closely with you to decide the type of fund that works best for you. No matter how much philanthropic experience you have, NPCF can help. Contact us any time to get started. 540.349.0631 • jbwilson@npcf.org Visit us at www.npcf.org

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

HERE & THERE

HOME: A Celebration

Photo by Montana Lanier Ruffner

Style maven Charlotte Moss recently made a book signing and lecture stop at the Middleburg Community Center for Travel: Its Influences & Inspirations. Sponsored by The Oak Spring Foundation, she spoke about gardens around the world that have influenced her design.

Will Nisbet and Head of School Treavor Lord at the Hill School Sporting Clays Invitational hosted by Jill and Alex Vogel at their Oak Spring.

Photo by Maral S. Kalbian

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Oak Spring Foundation Head Librarian Tony Willis with Charlotte Moss and Peter Crane, president of Oak Spring.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Elinor Crane and Kathy Olimpi, assistant to the president at Oak Spring Foundation.

Betsee Parker of Huntland in Middleburg at George Washington’s Mount Vernon to see the exhibition of the Custis family silver. The collection is now complete with her donation of a two-part wine funnel.

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

Join us for our 2nd Annual

Holiday Open House www.greersconservation.com

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

Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 www.greersconservation.com greersant@gmail.com Deborah Lansdowne 703-943-9758 | dlansdowne@apinchoftime.com www.apinchoftime.com

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

37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022 540.338.6607 greersant@aol.com Regular hours are by

Laurie Crofford: Managing a Park for All People

By Leonard Shapiro

n 88 gorgeous acres halfway between Marshall and The Plains, there are walkers and runners of the two-and four-legged variety, cyclists and scooter riders, fishermen (and women) and bird watchers, playing fields and playgrounds and so much more. They call it the Northern Fauquier Community Park, a hidden treasure when it first opened in 2007 on land donated by Paul Mellon, the late Upperville philanthropist. These days, it has Laurie Crofford at the become a popular destination for area residents, park office. and some from well beyond. In May of 2021, Park Manager Laurie Crofford estimated a record 38,000 visitors drove in off Route 55 to use the facility. Similar numbers are soon expected as a cool, rainy spring turns into a typically steamy Virginia summer. The meticulously maintained venue is a place where a child can learn to catch and release fish in several ponds filled with bass, bluegills, carp and catfish. There are baseball and softball diamonds, football and multi-use fields suitable for soccer, lacrosse and rugby. With 1.75 miles of paved paths, the park is the perfect place to count steps, miles or whatever Photos by Leonard Shapiro fitness goals walkers, runners, in-line skaters Park benches are located and cyclists might have in mind. There’s a recently all around. installed beach volleyball area, as well. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as the you-know-what is picked up and deposited in special cans. Native plants, trees, meadows and wetlands abound, easily viewed from benches all around. Crofford majored in recreation and leisure services at Radford and has been involved with other park facilities her entire career. She started as an assistant manager with the Fairfax Park Authority, where an important perk included meeting her husband. “Coming out here seemed like a good fit,” she said. “I wanted to be outside, and thought this would be a nice change. I’ve been here ten years, so I guess it’s been a really nice change.” Among many responsibilities, she handles rental reservations for eight sheltered pavillions—most equipped with outdoor grills and picnic tables—and an amphitheater. They’ve been used for weddings, graduations, birthday parties, concerts, political fundraisers, garden club meetings and, of course, picnics. On most pleasant weather weekends, they’re all usually occupied. “They are super popular,” Crofford said. “And if they’re empty, people can just walk up and use them.” The Mellon estate has contributed over $14 million to build, maintain and improve the park over the years, including the funding for that new volleyball area. New meadows are being planted, tree and shrub identifications are being added, and an unpaved nature trail also is in the works. “They definitely have input,” Crofford said of the Mellon influence. “If there’s anything major we want to do, we always run it by them. They wanted stone walls everywhere. They wanted the tree plantings to be mostly native. We’ve had a great relationship with them.” Crofford also has a terrific relationship with her three-man staff of Bruce Worrall, Devin Ayres and Tom Shotwell, all on the park staff right from the beginning. They clearly take great pride in maintaining the grounds. “Those three guys are the backbone of the park,” Crofford said. “We’re all equals. And the people who come here are always super nice. They always tell us how much they love the park.” Honestly, what’s not to like?

Serving your real estate needs in Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, and Loudoun Counties.

Anne McIntosh | REALTOR® 703.509.4499 annewmcintosh@gmail.com

Maria Eldredge | REALTOR® 540.454.3829 maria@middleburgrealestate.com

LEARN MORE AT mcintoshandeldredge.realtor

Today we are delivering joy. Fauquier Health strives to provide delivering mothers and care partners with a comfortable experience. Scan the QR code

to hear what our patients had to say.

FauquierHealth.org 540.316.DOCS

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

90 Percent Half-True, a collection of short stories by Keith Patterson From Jim Crow laws exposed in Southern Mississippi, through the Catacombs of Paris and out past the Cosmos of Einstein and Hawking, this is one wild ride.

Because these tales were less written by me than gifted to me by the Universe, I can no more claim authorship than I can deny experiencing these events. The rest is just hyperbole. -- Keith Patterson

eith Patterson’s humorous tales capture a life well-lived in full-flight. Heartfelt and hilarious, this collection is worth reading more than once. The author takes us along on adventures from Virginia to southernmost Mississippi, out to California and back, and across the ocean to Paris, charting milestones and mis-steps in a self-deprecating style that might inspire you to give up your Apple laptop and go paint a fence. Patterson resides with his wife, Kelli, and assorted horses, donkeys, dogs and cats, at Kastle Keep Farm in Berryville. The Cosmic Harvest Gallery, which features Keith’s paintings, is in a stand-alone building on the farm. Details: www. cosmicharvest.com Keith Patterson began painting at the age of fourteen. His artwork includes award-winning cartoons, paintings, murals, and numerous corporate logos. Keith works with acrylic on canvas blending a variety of techniques that he has developed over his career as an artist. He has closely studied the work of the Masters and you may get a sense of Van Gogh, Monet, Pollack, and others while viewing his work. Keith Patterson Art Exhibit Closing event will take place at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville on June 25 @ 5- 7 P.M. 95 Chalmers Court, Berryville, VA 22611, https://barnsofrosehill.org. Writer Keith Patterson

MARSHAL 7-ELEVEN

YOUR HOMETOWN GO-TO CONVENIENCE STORE “Give the customers what they want, when and where they want it.”

for

Since 1999, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has helped generous donors support a variety of charitable causes in our region. We salute the leaders who wrapped their vision and commitment—and arms—around this community to create and sustain a permanent charitable resource.

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

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

Won’t You Join Us?

CommunityFoundationLF.org  (703) 779-3505

• Gift Cards • Financial Services • Get Stimulus Ready

• Gas • Diesel • Propane

7-ELEVEN

FUN FACTS

GROCERIES

• • • • • • • •

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

MONEY

• • • • • •

FUEL

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

FOOD

From personalized family foundations, to memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.

—Joe C. Thompson Jr., 7-Eleven Founder

BEVERAGES

Money Talks. Now, Teach it to Hug.

• • • • • •

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

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

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

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

PAMPER PERFECT PLACE FOR THE BRIDE

Timeless Moments Photography

A special dress for a very special day.

Raquel Arnold Photography

By Anita L. Sherman

he Wedding Day, one of the most special occasions in a bride’s life. And much of the success has to do with the dress. In a recent survey from BrandonGaille, sadly 80 percent of women had regrets about their wedding day. And one of the top reasons was their dress. Thirty-percent of those said they would have exchanged their dress for a different one after they saw the photos. Adding to that disappointment, the cost of wedding dresses has risen in recent years as well. The average price in the U.S. is $1,100, not counting alterations and accessories. According to Fox Business, count on spending somewhere between $400 to $1,700 for those yards of wedding whimsy wonderfulness. And wonderful it should be. Whether you try on three or thirty dresses, that final selection, of silky svelte or layers of lace, should be beyond special and that’s where Theresa Campbell could have your back. “I’ll be there for them,” said Campbell who lovingly refers to all her customers as, “my brides.” Campbell is the owner of Olde Towne Bridal & Event Boutique located in Old Town Warrenton. “I really enjoy what I’m doing and I want the dress to be perfect for the bride,” said Campbell who does all the alterations herself. Campbell learned her craft in the Philippines, her home country, where she grew up in Iloilo City on the island of Panay. While she had worked in the healthcare field, her move to Fauquier County launched a new career and the idea came from her husband, Ed Campbell. “He had the idea to open the shop,” Campbell said. “He told me…you can do this…you know how to do alterations.” “He was right. I do.” Campbell has a degree in industrial technology and merchandizing. She has her own machines now, speaks Spanish fluently and, perhaps most to her credit, has a huge heart when it comes to working with bridesto-be. “I care about my brides,” she said. “I want them to feel special.” To that end, Campbell

Timeless Moments Photography

Theresa Campbell stands ready to help with your wedding dress needs. will make sure that she is available for any lastminute details – no matter how small. “Many brides these days are going for smaller, more practical weddings,” said Campbell, whose shop features several lines of bridal wear including Morilee and Lotus Threads (New York). While the standard color chosen is predominantly white, softer shades of ivory or champagne are very popular as well. Bridesmaid and mothers-of-the bride dresses also are available, along with tuxedos to rent or purchase. Campbell and her husband also run AMDG Screen-printing and Embroidery, products that help commemorate that special date with wine glasses, mugs or pens. While the shop is open set hours, Campbell prefers prospective brides make an appointment ahead of time. “I want to be able to work with them uninterrupted,” said Campbell, “this is not just any dress.” Campbell said brides often come in with a group of friends for the initial looking and then return later with mom. Satisfied and happy customers from throughout the region have helped her business grow through word of mouth. August will mark a three-year anniversary and she couldn’t be happier. “I’m thinking of a special event,” Campbell said. “A trunk show…maybe Mimosa with Mom…I’ll offer discounts. I want my brides to be happy.” Olde Towne Bridal & Event Boutique, 47 South 3rd Street, Warrenton, Virginia 20186. www.olde-towne-bridal-and-event-boutique. business.site.

Olde Towne Bridal & Event Boutique will celebrate a 3-year anniversary in August.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

MODERN FINANCE

A Not So Stable Stablecoin By Philip Dudley

he last few weeks have been extremely challenging for investors in Stablecoins, otherwise known as cryptocurrency where the price is designed to be pegged to a cryptocurrency, fiat money, or to exchange traded commodities. Enter TerraUSD, its sister company Luna and a quasi-bank run.

or purchase a durable good. Stablecoins, as an asset class, bridge this divide and act like a “reserve currency” as long as everyone understands its value. As recently as the first week in May, there was $180 billion of value. The simplest and safest of Stablecoins will hold $1 of Treasury bills for every 1 Stablecoin created. Not so for TerraUSD because it has an algorithmic approach that relies on financial engineering to maintain its peg to the dollar.

TerraUSD, also known as UST, has temporarily crippled This story doesn’t end with the the ambitions of the world of algorithm blowing up, but rather modern finance. This is not starts with TerraUSD being lent about some Russian hack or Philip Dudley out for 20% interest from a related dark pool scheme but rather an entity known as Anchor Protocal. algorithmic Stablecoin that broke its peg to the dollar Anchor is a crypto bank, and in a matter of days and subsequently collapsed in a matter of days. there were several large withdrawals of UST which Let me explain.

A parallel financial system has been emerging in recent years where people invest and trade in cryptocurrencies, but also need to maintain a link to government backed currencies to pay the rent

spooked the market and triggered the collapse. This was the quasi bank run, with nearly $14 billion of UST withdrawn from Anchor and sold in a matter of days. Was this the work of a short seller … maybe?

Luna is the sister coin to TerraUSD and was supposed to serve as a backstop when UST either climbed above or fell below $1 by “burning” or “creating” coins to control the supply. This system only works if people want Luna. In the moment of maximum stress created by the sudden withdrawal and sale of TerraUSD, no one did, and Luna collapsed, wiping out $20 Billion. Making matters even worse for the faithful was a so-called final line of defense being wiped out. Luna Foundation Guard, founded by TerraUSD founder Do Kwan, deployed $3 billion of Bitcoin (contributing to its decline) in an attempt to backstop the peg, and failed. And so, in the end, the exit door was the only thing that mattered. The silver lining in all of the wreckage is the relative outperformance of Bitcoin. TerraUSD’s collapse should bring more regulation of crypto in general and Stablecoins in particular. With regulation, the strong companies will become stronger and Bitcoin should take market share in the world of cryptocurrencies as the grandfather of them all. Still, be careful out there. Not many institutions can survive a haircut of this size.

617 Frost Avenue Warrenton

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

PROPERTY Writes

A Whitewood Road Renovation for The Ages

A birds-eye view of this magnificent home and eight-acre property near The Plains.

he Little River runs through this gorgeous eight-acre property a mile from The Plains that includes a spectacular top-to-bottom renovation of a four-bedroom, three-bath home with a lap pool, as well as a two-bedroom, one-bath guest house.

The two-story dwelling at 4056 Whitewood Road sits atop a hill offering commanding views of neighboring horse farms and protected farmland all around. There are riding/walking trails, too. Upon entering the home, one is immediately impressed with light and openness from multiple large windows, the pale wall color and the white oak flooring. Continue past a formal dining room with patio access into the spacious great room with a wood-burning fireplace and French doors opening to the wraparound patio and pool. The adjoining Scavolini kitchen is a chef ’s delight, featuring Gaggenau appliances; double ovens; a five burner gas stove; beautiful quartz counter tops; a large center island; pull-out, lighted pantry plus a walk-in pantry. The first floor is complete with a bedroom that would also be ideal for an office. The second floor is highlighted by a brand new addition of a primary suite, with stunning views. This light-filled suite allows for a sitting area or office space by the windows. The spa-like bath has an over-sized tiled shower and standing soaking tub. There’s also plenty of storage space in the primary suite with two walk-in closets. The second floor is completed with two additional bedrooms, a shared bath and laundry room.

A wide-open, spacious dining area with a spectacular view.

The guest house has a fireplace and is perfect for overnight guests or longer term visitors, family or assistants. If you’re looking for a "turn-key" home in a beautiful country setting, this is definitely it.

The great room has a wood-burning fireplace and French doors opening to the wraparound patio and pool.

4056 Whitewood Rd. The Plains, Virginia 20198 Currently Listed at $2,275,000 By Joyce Gates Long & Foster Real Estate Middleburg Sales Office 540-771-7544 JOYCE.GATES@Longandfoster.com

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

HOME SWEET HOME Middleburg’s Mount Defiance: A Battle in Your Backyard IMPROVEMENTS By Ellie Rose Killinger

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

Design Build Remodel 540.439.8890 HomeSweetHomeImprovements.com

ichard Gillespie, Mount Defiance Historic Park’s lead tour guide, was raised in New England, captivated at a young age by American history. He attributes much of this fascination to his grandparents, who, during Gillespie’s childhood, often shared stories detailing what it was like to live through World War II. At William & Mary, Gillespie fully experienced the historically-rich town of Colonial Williamsburg. However, what really sparked Gillespie’s interest was his work as a park ranger in West Virginia. “Harpers Ferry is what got my heart,” Photo by Ellie Rose Killinger Richard Gillespie at the Gillespie recalled. Mt. Defiance Historic Park. After a 31-year teaching career, he retired from Loudoun Valley High School, but his passion for history has never waned. “My wife, Tracy, was the site manager at Aldie Mill,” he said. “It was kind of the perfect opportunity for me to get involved.” In 2017, Gillespie’s mission to put Mount Defiance on the map commenced. Development of the park initially moved “at a snail’s pace,” due to a lack of funding. Still, that year, informational signage was installed at the main site for the Battle of Middleburg during the Civil War. The signs along the trail are crucial because, he said, they “visually let people know what happened,” providing visitors with a truly sensory-rich experience. “The coolest thing for me,” Gillespie said, “was the moment I realized, wow, I’ve really got my own Civil War site in my backyard!” Though often overlooked, the Battle of Middleburg was a significant engagement. “It was a really nasty fight,” he said. “Very hot, very hazy.” So why was the nearby village left in such pristine condition? “It’s a bit of a funny theory, actually,” Gillespie said, explaining that during the war, women were the primary town residents because most men had joined the army. “When he got to Middleburg, [Confederate General] J. E. B. Stuart really enjoyed the attention from these ladies. Some say (they) ultimately influenced Stuart to steer the battle away from the town. He wanted to preserve family homes. So, the Confederates moved to this site.” Mt. Defiance originally been home to the Barton family, but was declared by Stuart to be the perfect encampment. The Bartons had fled town at the onset of the war and were residing with relatives in Maryland. Its location, Stuart thought, was rather strategic, allowing for the Confederate soldiers to line either side of the Ashby’s Gap Turnpike – today’s Route 50. The tactic ultimately failed when Union soldiers maneuvered around Stuart’s encampment, launching a surprise attack from the side. After hours of brutal warfare, Stuart’s troops were forced to retreat into the Blue Ridge. In recent years, there has been an increase in initiatives to preserve such smaller historic sites, resulting in the formation of organizations such as NOVA Parks and the American Battle Trust. In 2018, Gillespie conducted his first official tour at Mount Defiance. It has since become a hotspot for school field trips, and popular with tourists and history enthusiasts. “People often come here for picnics,” he said. “It just has a nice feel.” Gillespie also anticipates future preservation possibilities at Mount Defiance, including the possible appointment of a resident curator to help maintain the Barton House on the site. Meanwhile, he continues to deliver the weekly tours. “Sharing historic sites with people is really fun,” he said. “I get to watch people get curious about things they didn’t even know they were curious about.” Details:novaparks.com.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Everyone Just Tickled About Pickleball

By Kerry Phelps Dale

ow could anything called Pickleball not only be great fun, but serious and competitive, too? Don’t let the name fool you. This burgeoning sport has caught fire among all ages and levels of athletic ability. It is truly a game for everyone, with nary a pickle to be found. In the mid-1960s three friends from the state of Washington, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, invented the sport that combines badminton, tennis and table tennis. Deb Atwood, a longtime Middleburg Tennis Club (MTC) member, recalled that as a staff member to Washington State Congressman Joel Pritchard in the 1980s, she was “required” to play the game--on the very first Pickleball court at a neighbor’s house on Bainbridge Island. Office retreats might include Pickleball as team building. “I can remember trying to beat the guy at his own game—bad idea—especially if beer and betting were involved,” Atwood added. According to the USA Pickleball Association, “Pickleball was a reference to the thrown-together leftover non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races.” After a few years the group thought naming the sport after the Pritchard family dog— actually named Pickle after the sport--made for a better story.

“The beauty is that you just need a net, some tape, and a paddle and you can play on any tennis court. The rules make it impossible to really get hurt by the plastic whiffle ball so everyone can play without worry about age or level. It’s fast paced but you don’t have far to run.” - Foxcroft Coach Jennifer Austell It’s played on a hard-surface court approximately half the size of a tennis court, with a paddle and a plastic “whiffle”-like ball. The inventors tweaked the rules and equipment until they came up with today’s Pickleball. Over 4.8 million people play Pickleball in 10,000 clubs and public facilities nationwide. It initially grew quickly among the over-65 crowd, but now attracts all ages. The social aspect of the game is attractive and it’s a good workout, too. Chestnut Forks in Warrenton has attempted to keep up with the enthusiasm and demand. They offer lessons and clinics and open play for all levels, competitive evenings and tournaments. Some days the four indoor tennis courts, two converted permanently and two temporarily, are bustling with 60 players. Tournaments have drawn

Foxcroft School definitely has room for a Pickleball team. in the hundreds. “It’s a sport for all ages and athleticism. It’s less demanding on your body than tennis,” said Chestnut Forks GM Derek Maloney. “And it’s so fun.” “It’s much easier to mix ability levels in Pickleball than tennis,” said Kevin Brundle, GM of the Middleburg Tennis Club. “It’s an easier sport to learn and become proficient in, too. It’s less intimidating than tennis. Having a drink during social Pickleball is okay. In tennis, running down lobs and moving all over the court--a drink would not be okay.” One outdoor tennis court has been converted into two permanent Pickleball courts with two additional tennis courts blended to four Pickleball courts with moveable nets. For less than $50, anyone can get the necessary starter package—paddle and balls. Use any court shoes you already have, grab a friend and head to any number of local courts. You won’t be alone.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

!! ! d e v milton o M a

’veown of H e W the T to

Mattingly’s

Amish Lawn Furniture Premium Quality Polylumber

Everyday Low Prices

Hand Crafted by select Western Pa. Old Order & Eastern Pa. Amish Craftsman families Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Dealing in Amish Outdoor Furniture Located in Loudoun County Since 1973.

540-338-2060

55 E. Colonial Highway (Old Rt 7) Hamilton, VA 20158 Parking in rear

A One-Stop Shop at Upperville Farm and Feed By Linda Roberts

ack Wakeman’s desk is squeezed in between boxes of newly arrived merchandise and the baby chick holding area, which is complete with heat lamps for a soonto-arrive special order of chicks. At the Orange Madison Cooperative, better known to locals as the Upperville Farm and Feed, Wakeman’s office has the look of belonging to someone who spends most of his time outside helping customers.

“Hi, how are you?” Wakeman, the store and warehouse manager, says while holding the door open for a customer. He’s definitely perfected the art of multi-tasking, often answering the store phone or his cell phone while stopping to help load purchases or answer a question from Leslie Blischak or Alan Hogan, the store’s other two full-time Photo by Linda Roberts Zack Wakeman (front), Alan Hogan employees. His two part-time employees and Leslie Blischak at the Upperville are Travis Deifendeifer and Ashley Morris. Farm and Feed Store. The five stores, Upperville, Front Royal, Orange, Louisa and Madison, which comprise the cooperative, have a directive to stay as local as possible while keeping costs down in a time when nearly everything has seen spiraling. “Our goal here at Upperville is to make this a one-stop shop, especially on the equine side,” said Wakeman. In addition to a variety of horse feeds, he also plans to stock a wide array of equine, barn and pasture supplies that include grass seeds. The store’s second showroom, adjacent to the feed holding area and steps away from the main office, includes livestock and gardening supplies, bulk seeds, and hardware for the farm and home.

Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One 106 E. Washington St. P.o. Box 163 Middleburg, VA 20118 540-687-5400 FAX 540-687-3727 4125 Rectortown Rd P.O. Box 111 Marshall, VA 20116 540-364-1731 WWW.ROYSTONFH.COM 48

“We have a super supportive community,” he said, adding that the store interacts with its customers in a number of ways—staging Saturday farmers’ markets from April to October, a quarterly tack swap and sale for equine owners and purchasing poinsettias from Liberty High School’s horticulture department for the holidays. Blischak is the store’s “plant lady” with a charge to order the highest quality plants she can locate from various nurseries. In addition to annual and perennial flowers, there’s a large quantity of shrubs, ornamental, fruit and hardwood trees ready to plant. A major part of the cooperative’s business is delivery, particularly to the area’s farms and barns. Wakeman estimates a large trailer load of just shavings for bedding stalls goes out once a week. The store’s customers are serviced by the cooperative’s delivery team, but as this area of the business increases, a goal is to have its own delivery unit to more efficiently serve clients. The Upperville cooperative brings to market a full-service line of merchandise that offers the store a well-rounded customer base. According to Wakeman, clients can also find fencing supplies, bulk mulch, square and round bales of hay, fence paint, stall mats and even wood stove pellets, along with farm implements and fence paint in five-gallon and 55-gallon sizes. "Our customers like the slower, hometown feel and service that Upperville offers them,” said Wakeman, who grew up on a beef cattle farm and graduated from Virginia Tech before entering agriculture-based employment. “Community is key to the success of our continued growth. Clearly customer-focused, Wakeman is comfortable on the sales floor or out on the lot helping his clients find what they came in to purchase, or suggesting other options. The Upperville Farm and Feed is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Perspectives on Childhood, Education and Parenting

That Sixth Sense May Not Be What You Think “Seek first to understand….then to be understood..” - Stephen Covey

By Tom Northrup

ost of us enter the world immediately able to use our five senses—vision, taste, smell, touch, hearing. They, of course, guide us through our earliest learning and we depend on them for the rest of our lives. For decades, scholars have suggested a number of theories about a “Sixth Sense.” University of Chicago psychologist Nicholas Epley, in “Mindwise” (2014) offers an important hypothesis of what he considers this additional “sense.” Like the other five, it develops early, but is not innate or as reliable as the first five. Epley writes, “Arguably (the) brain’s greatest skill is its ability to think about the minds of others in order to understand them better…(it does this) dozens of times, a day, when you infer what others are thinking, feeling, wanting, or intending….(this is) your real sixth sense.” The good news is that, to varying degrees,

Tom Northrup

we all have this ability. Unfortunately, most of us overestimate our mindreading ability. Epley’s goal in “Mindwise” is to help us improve our “psychological vision,” thereby helping us strengthen our relationships—the fundamental blocks for a happier and more productive life.

“Mindwise” explores the reasons for our inability to understand the minds and feelings of others. These include our over-confidence, our failure to engage meaningfully, and our over-dependence on personal projections and stereotypes. In brief, most of us over-rely on Daniel Kahneman’s System 1 Thinking. As Kahneman explains in “Thinking, Fast and Slow” (2011), we have two thinking systems at our disposal—System

1 (fast, intuitive, requires little effort ), and System 2 (slow, requires effort, concentration, time). To understand others, we need to activate System 2 more frequently. There are no shortcuts in building trusting relationships. Epley cites examples of “mind misreading” in multiple realms, ranging from dysfunctional relationships to political divisiveness to international crises. The final chapter, “How and How Not to be a Better Mind Reader,” is reason enough to buy this book. Epley explains two approaches: “Perspective Taking,” (trying to see things from the other person’s point of view) and “Getting Perspective,” (listening carefully to the other person). Despite its challenges, the latter produces a deeper awareness. As Epley suggests, if you want to understand what another person is thinking or feeling, ask them. Then settle in to spend enough time truly listening. Tom Northrup, a long-time educator, is Head of School Emeritus at The Hill School in Middleburg.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Warrenton Sports a Glorious New Restaurant

Peter Leonard-Morgan Realtor ®

Glory Days is now open in Warrenton

21014 Beaverdam Bridge Rd, Middleburg William E. Poole custom colonial designed masterpiece on 10 peaceful acres. 21014beaverdam.com - $2,195,000 Peter Leonard-Morgan | Global Real Estate Advisor Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty 2 W. Washington St, Middleburg, Virginia Direct - 443.254.5530 | peterleonard-morgan@hcsir.com peterleonardmorgan.com © MMXXI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.

Local, Sustainable, Pasture-raised, Heritage Breeds Ayrshire Farm is Certified Humane®, Certified Organic, and Predator Friendly.

Introducing Sustainably Produced Ayrshire Farm Meat Boxes: Meat Boxes feature a curated selection of high quality, local, beef and pork. They were created to make wholesale livestock share prices and variety available to everyone. They are available in two sizes and can be purchased online for pick up at Ayrshire Farm. Large Box: Approximately 15 lbs. Premium Ayrshire Farm Meat Steaks and Chops (3.5–5lbs.) Roasts (2–3lbs.) Ground (7–8lbs.)

Double Box: Approximately 30 lbs. Premium Ayrshire Farm Meat

$150 per box

All meat box pick-ups will be made on the second Saturday of each month at Ayrshire Farm: 21846 Trappe Rd. Upperville, VA 20184 For more information wisit AyrshireFarm.com or for special arrangements call 540.592.7018

Steaks and Pork Chops (7–10lbs.) Roasts (4–6lbs.) Ground (14–16lbs.)

$250 per box

Scan the Code to Buy Now!

www.AyrshireFarm.com | 540.592.7018 | info@ayrshirefarm.com

“P

Richard Danker, a co-founder and owner of Glory Days Grill.

By Leonard Shapiro

lay Ball,” has to be Richard Danker’s all-time favorite expression. It’s part of his email address, his cell phone’s call-back message and often at the end of his written correspondence, texts included. The long-time Middleburg resident has been a baseball fan and all-sports lover going back to a childhood that included frequent visits to RFK Stadium to watch the old Washington Senators, including their very last game in 1969. He’s coached he and his wife Janet’s now-adult two boys in youth sports, and these days, he’s one of three partners who own sports-themed restaurants in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. In 2021, “Glory Days Grill” celebrated 25 years since the company opened its first eatery in Burke. The 40th opened in Warrenton in mid-April. The ribbon-cutting was at 3:30 p.m. and the first meals were served 30 minutes later from a diverse menu loaded with popular items like juicy ribs, bulging burgers, and serious salads. Even gluten free dishes are available and food choices definitely “cover all the bases.” “We wanted to have a sports-themed American grill that catered to families, local kids sports teams and people who just like good food,” Danker said. “We hire local high school kids, many in their first job. We also sponsor Little League and youth soccer teams wherever we’re located.” Danker comes by it naturally. His family ran the now-closed Danker’s steakhouse on E Street in the District for many years, and he washed dishes there at 15. The Middleburg Deli began as Dank’s Deli in 1994 before Danker sold it Pedro and Maria Fuentes so he could focus on Glory Days. Both had once worked for him in the D.C. restaurant. His two Glory Days partners, Jeff Newman and Bob Garner, also have significant restaurant chops, as does executive vice president and director of operations Gary Cohen. Why Glory Days and not “Play Ball?” According to its web site, it’s “a nod to the “Glory Days” or the “good ole’ days” of sports and highlights famous moments in sports history….We strive to maintain three pillars of focus: commitment to quality food and ingredients, a love of sports and generosity in the surrounding community.” That generosity includes charitable fundraising. For every “Blend Burger” sold, Glory Days donates $1 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation aiding first responders and veterans. They’ve raised money in Florida to build a home for a needy family and the company hosts an annual Northern Virginia golf tournament benefitting various local charities. The Warrenton establishment, including 45 televisions, is managed by Alexandra “Ali” Gels, who now is “doing all the heavy lifting,” Danker said. The new restaurant is at 74 Blackwell Park Lane in a 6,500-square foot space that once housed a Ruby Tuesday franchise. They’ve hired 80 people, most part-time, and still looking to add more staff. “I always thought Warrenton would be a good location,” Danker said. “It’s under-fooded—if that’s a word—for families. Ruby’s was empty and we started talking to the landlord about it during the pandemic. It’s already been wellreceived, and we’re very happy.” Clearly, it’s always “Play Ball” at Glory Days Grill in Warrenton. The restaurant is located at 74 Blackwell Park Lane and open Monday through Thursday from 4-11 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

VINEYARD VIEW

Melanie Natoli Makes Wine, and History

Story and Photos by Peter Leonard-Morgan

he Virginia Governor’s Cup is a prominent wine competition in the Commonwealth, pitting some 600 plus wines from over a hundred of the state’s wineries against each other in a fierce two-week blind tasting. This year, its highest honor went to Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg, The Cana Vineyards and with a wine developed by Melanie Winery property. Natoli, the first female winemaker to take the overall top prize at the Virginia Governor’s Cup since its inception forty years ago, a groundbreaking milestone for the industry, and for the state. “We are few,” she said at the time about the dearth of women winemakers in the Commonwealth, “but we are mighty.” Winemakers from all corners of Virginia select their best and finest vintages, submitting them to the competition organizers for inclusion. Melanie Natoli in the vineyard. Each bottle is subjected to a blind tasting over a ten-day period by seven judges, who are only aware of each wine’s grape variety. A bronze designation requires between 80 and 84 points (labeled as “good”), followed by Silver, between 85 to 89 points (“very good”), and Gold between 90 and 100 points (“outstanding”). The scores for each wine are then averaged after eliminating the lowest, resulting in an overall score for all of the wines. Three more days of judging ensue, this time with twelve judges deciding on the twelve best of the best, which are then included in the Governor’s Case. One of those final dozen is the overall Governor’s Cup winner. This year, that would be Cana’s 2019 Unité Reserve, an estate red blend, using grapes only from its Middleburg vineyards. “There is not a piece of this wine that I don’t know, and it doesn’t know me,” Melanie said in a video she made for the Virginia Wine Marketing office. “I’m so grateful to them (Cana’s owners) trusting me to make their wine. I’m allowed to use my own creativity and create the wine I want to make.” She arrived at Cana in 2015 following almost a decade under the tutelage of local Loudoun legend, Doug Fabbioli. Yet her path, like so many at the pinnacle of their profession, was somewhat unlikely. It began with a Masters degree in physical therapy, followed by eight years practice in that field. Over that time, she began to take an interest in wine, an indulgence that had not been remotely present during her formative years at home in New Jersey. On a trip to Rhode Island, she first visited a vineyard, sparking an interest and her initial foray into winemaking education. Back in Virginia, a chance introduction to Fabbioli led to Melanie lending a hand at the winery. That led to stints as an intern and culminated in attaining the role of assistant winemaker in 2011, which she held for several years before making the break to head winemaker elsewhere. Melanie will never forget the moment she received the phone call telling her she’d won the highest honor in the 2022 competition. And there was more. Cana’s 2019 Le Mariage, a signature blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot, took a gold, with five other assorted Cana vintages achieving silvers, total medal count of seven. Their property on John Mosby Highway is an impressive and enjoyable destination for wine aficionados, with its unique Sunset Pavilion. It was constructed in 2019, a year after current owners Lisa and Bryce Petty acquired the property. As for Melanie Natoli, she obviously has acquired remarkable winning skills. Clearly with more gold to come.

AS YOUR ONE-STOP SERVICE PROVIDER, VIRGINIA SEPTIC IS PLEASED TO OFFER: Pumping of Residential and Commercial Septic Tanks and Grease Traps Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for Septic Systems Real Estate Septic and Well Inspections Safe, Adequate, and Proper Inspections Septic System Repairs Installation for Both New Construction or Replacement of Older Systems

Building on Raw Land? Need Soils work done for your project? Our Sister Company Soils, Inc, can start your project off with percolation testing and septic designs Call Call to schedule your service today!

703-662-5398

8331 W Main St Marshall, VA 20115

Cana Vineyards and Winery is located at 38600 John Mosby Highway just east of Middleburg.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

For Jim Donegan:

A Lifelong Love Affair With Trees By Peyton Tochterman

im Donegan, the owner of Donegan’s Tree Service and an International Society of Arboriculture Arborist, has found himself in every situation one could imagine involving trees over the years.

“Back in the 1980s, we had our first big contract trimming trees at the White House,” he said with a subtle southern draw, a hint of a smile, and a grounded nature in his voice. “We cared for 480 trees there in The Ellipse, Sherman Park, Lafayette Park, and the First Division. Well, this guy comes out of nowhere and asks if I can solve a tree problem. Turns out the Secret Service had crashed a spy plane into the Jefferson Oak, and this guy asked me to cut it out, quickly.” A former National Security Center staffer who worked in the White House confirmed the event. “The NSC was operating a classified emergency procedure with a test plane,” he said. “The only thing I can say beyond that is that yes, we crashed the plane. And Donegan took care of the problem.” Jim Donegan got his start working for renowned arborist Jim Biller, and he credits Biller for teaching him how to care for trees, as well as clients. He then moved on to Fairfax Tree company as a crew leader, where he learned about sales and business. “We are in the business of saving trees,” he said. “We will not cut down a tree that we don’t believe needs to be cut down.” That passion for trees and saving them began at a young age. “I was born in Alabama, raised in Tennessee. And I have been a country boy all my life,” he said. “Even as a kid, I loved trees. Still do. Especially Historical Trees.” (A tree is deemed “Historical” if it is 150 years or older.) In 1984, after finding the commute and bustle of Northern Virginia taxing, Donegan struck out on his own in 1984 and now serves Loudoun County as far up as Rt. 28 as well as Middleburg, Marshall, The Plains and Haymarket in nearby counties of Fauquier and Prince William. “Loudoun County has a massive number of historical trees,” he said. “We have developed a process that allows HOA’s, Estates, and others to care for their trees in a responsible and meaningful manner.” Donegan credits his success to his dedicated team of 14 employees, his hard-working crews, his 92-foot spider lift that fits through a 36-inch gate, and modern technology of mapping trees. He will come to a property and do a tree inventory, identifying all the serviceable trees on a property. He then maps any hazard. Hazardous Tree Evaluation includes identifying trees that pose a risk to your home or structures, trees in decline, insect issues, and more. Each tree

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

PIEDMONT ROOFING Standing Seam Metal EST 1977

“Customer Service that Sets the Standard” Northern VA 800-594-8180 Leesburg 703-777-5050 • Warrenton 540-364-6180 www.piedmontroofing.com TIME FOR A NEW ROOF? EVER CONSIDER A METAL ROOF? METAL IS AN AFFORDABLE PERMANENT SOLUTION! CALL US FOR A NO COST, NO PRESSURE, FREE CONSULTATION. MULTIPLE REFERENCES AVAILABLE. Benefits of Metal Roofing ✔ Durable, long life expectancy ✔ Low maintenance ✔ 35 year paint finish warranties from manufacturer ✔ Energy Efficiency - save money with reduced heating and cooling costs ✔ Increased resale value of your home ✔ Improved curb appeal of your home ✔ Metal roof colors to complement your home ✔ Increased protection from hurricanes and fire

✔ Reduces energy consumption, smog, and urban heat islands

✔ Wind rated 100 mph

✔ Home Owners Insurance discounts possible

✔ Environmentally friendly building choice

✔ www.energystar.gov

Master arborist Jim Donegan gets up close and personal with a tree. is categorized with a unique Tree ID number, species, GPS-coordinate location, DBH (diameter at breast height), and the recommended maintenance determined by Donegan. Then Donegan digitally maps the trees by species and provides an Excel spreadsheet listing the data. Finally, he provides a maintenance plan and budget, ranging from two to five years depending on the number of trees, the budget, and the client’s priorities. “I want to educate my clients about their trees,” he said. “I want them to know as much as I do by the time were are done.” Donegan recently worked with Waverly Springs Farm, which plans to open a restaurant in 2023 with renowned and award-winning chef Tarver King. “They have about ten historical trees out of their 225-tree inventory,” he said. “They have a huge Sugar Maple that we named Sugar Mama, and they harvest their maple syrup from her.” With over 45 years experience, Donegan said he feels fortunate to do what he loves for a living.

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

A Day in the Life at Upperville 2021

PHOTOS BY TIFFANY DILLION KEEN

he Upperville Colt & Horse Show will once again return to historic Grafton and Salem Show Grounds on each side of John S. Mosby Highway/Route 50, June 6-12. The Grafton site on the south side has been named to the National Register of Historic Places in addition to the Virginia Landmarks Register. The Virginia Horse Show Association voted the week-long event the 2021 Horse Show of the Year for the eleventh time. Add to this, the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame also voted Upperville as the show of the year. This year, the show will conclude on Sunday, June 12 with the $216,000 Upperville Jumper Classic. To which we say… Bring it on. In one of the most popular events Molly Murphy White and John Bono with daughter Edie in the Leadline class in The Parker Ring.

The ever-popular Jack Russell Terriers.

An historic marker has been placed near the iconic grandstand.

Irishman Jordan Coyle won the $213,000 Upperville Jumper Classic on Ariso in 2021.

Dreams and admiration.

Beyond clean.

This defines the history of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show.

Gail Wofford, Jim Wofford, Jennifer Wofford Ince and Charles Ince.

Flawless form from horse and rider George Kuk.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

MORE RACING, MORE FUN! Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 1:45 PM

• Horses compete for $600,000 in daily average purse monies! • Betting available every race! • Home of the Secretariat Turf Course, the country’s widest grass racing surface • FREE parking and FREE general admission

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE CAN’T MISS EVENTS: Monday July 11: Virginia-Bred Stakes Day

Tuesday August 16: MATCH Series Stakes Day Monday September 5: Labor Day Family Day!

Tuesday September 6: $300,000 Virginia Derby (Gr. 3) Day

Located in New Kent, VA at I-64, Exit 214, halfway between Richmond & Williamsburg More details at Colonialdowns.com

Photo by Douglas Lees

Tommy Lee Jones was inducted into to The Huntsman Room.

ommy Lee Jones, the beloved huntsman of Casanova Hunt for more than fifty years, was honored over the Memorial Day weekend with induction into The Huntsman’s Room in the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America at the stately Westmoreland Davis Mansion at Morven Park in Leesburg.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Nancy Bedford, chairman of the board of The Museum of Hounds and Hunting.

Not far away from the mansion a horde of hounds awaited the competition for the Virginia Foxhound Show.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Trevor Brown and Kim Ginn Brown hosted the drinks gathering

FAUQUIER LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE, INC. 7404 JOHN MARSHALL HIGHWAY, MARSHALL, VA

GRADED FEEDER CALF SALE: JUNE 3RD IN CULPEPER JUNE 10TH IN MARSHALL JULY 8TH IN MARSHALL JULY 15TH IN CULPEPER AUGUST 5TH IN CULPEPER AUGUST 12TH AND 26TH IN MARSHALL SEPT 2ND IN CULPEPER SEPT 9TH AND 23RD IN MARSHALL Take in the day before between 7:30 am and 3 pm. Sale starts at 10:30am. Regular Cattle Sale Every Tuesday @ 1:30pm Check us out on FB or our website at http://www.FauquierLivestockExchange.com Fauquier Livestock Exchange does not guarantee any items sold. Not responsible for accidents.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Middleburg Horseman Helps Jockey Make Kentucky Derby History By Leonard Shapiro and Vicky Moon

iddleburg is horse country, so why would anyone be surprised to learn that local resident and long-time horseman Don Yovanovich played an obviously critical role in helping pave the way for Rich Strike’s stunning upset victory in the 148th Kentucky Derby. The last-second entry in the world’s most famous horse race, Rich Strike went off at staggering 80 to 1 odds and was ridden by Venezuela native Sonny Leon. The jockey had been as much an unknown at most major U.S. racing venues as the horse he brilliantly rallied down the stretch to arguably the Photo by Conrad Photography. greatest upset in Derby history. Jockey Sonny Leon won the Last year, Leon came perilously close to being Kentucky Derby aboard #21 deported when the U.S. Immigration Service Rich Strike. initially denied his request to remain in the country. Yovanovich was a good friend of Leon’s attorney, who asked him to write a letter of recommendation for his client making the case to have the jockey’s visa renewed. Kirt Thompson, director of the Texas Service Center for the Department of Homeland Security, wanted clarification on Leon’s role as a professional jockey in the U.S. Yovanovich complied with a meticulously researched 1,800-word reply. Yovanovich is executive director of the Amateur Riders Club of America and president of the Virginia Point to Point Foundation. He’s served on the boards of the Virginia Steeplechase Association and Virginia Gold Cup Association and also

been active in other national and international equine organizations. “I have known many foreign riders in my over 50 years of experience at the racetrack,” Yovanovich wrote in his recommendation letter dated Dec. 27, 2021. “It takes a lot of courage to leave a successful career at home and try your luck in a new country where, so few Americans pay any attention to what racing is like in South America. Your race record at home may not mean much in the United States so to be successful and in demand, your behavior on the track and success on horseback must be professional and stellar. You must prove you are worthy of an American trainer’s confidence in you.” Yovanovich meticulously outlined Leon’s record at various Venezuelan and international racetracks as well as his record in seven years riding in America, including being the leading jockey at several lesser known American facilities. He concluded that Leon should be granted a visa and be allowed to continue riding in the U.S. “Sonny is proving that he is not only sustaining his outstanding riding talents, but he is also surpassing all expectations anyone may have had,” Yovanovich wrote. “His race records indicate he has sustained both national and international acclaim and that he is one of a small percentage (less than 10%) who has risen to the top of his profession. Finally, Yovanovich concluded, “he deserves the opportunity to stay in the United States and ride. He has proven he can make it here, he is a skilled artist of his trade, he is reliable, dedicated and devoted to his trainers, his horses, and his profession. I find no reason to deny his request.” Neither did Homeland Security, and the rest, as they say, is some incredibly stunning Kentucky Derby history. With Sonny Leon in the stirrups, Rich Strike clearly struck it rich, with some help from a Middleburg horseman.

CFC Farm & Home Center | Celebrating 90 years | 1932-2022 Summer is nearly here. Fight flies this year – get everything you need to control those pests at the Co-op. 3 locations in Fauquier County

Morrisville 540-439-3254 12375 Harpers Run Rd Bealeton Marshall Warrenton 540-364-1533 540-347-7100 8222 E Main St 143 Washington St Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

A Fargis Golden Rule: The Horse Comes First

By Karen Becker

oe Fargis is an Olympic gold medalist and a world class riding instructor and clinician. So who better than this modest, soft-spoken Middleburg resident and president of the Upperville Horse Show to develop a detailed program that explains his philosophy toward working to become a wellrounded horseman. If properly followed, Fargis’s program could be a key to success in realizing anyone’s equestrian goals. For example, step No. 1 is paramount— “consider the horse’s well-being first.” And not far behind at No. 2 is—“It’s never the horse’s fault.”

He’s also quick to explain how to see through the eyes of the horse, reminding his students or anyone else who loves horses that as humans, it’s critical to appreciate communication from the horse’s perspective.

That philosophy has evolved over a lifelong passion for horses and riding that began as a second-grader growing up in Vienna, Virginia. One day after school, his friend, Randy Dillon, invited him to his home. Randy’s mother, Jane Marshall Dillon, ran the Junior Equitation School, and not long after, Fargis got his first introduction to horses. Serendipitously, Mrs. Dillon’s riding school was within walking distance from Fargis’s home and he remained as a student there for a dozen years. Fargis rode ponies at that stage, and he has said he began to understand they possessed a special intelligence that he appreciated and learned from. Virtually every horse Fargis has known has helped enhance his own understanding of horses from a human perspective. He’s also quick to explain how to see through the eyes of the horse, reminding his students or anyone else who loves horses that as humans, it’s critical to appreciate communication from the horse’s perspective. During Fargis’s career as a junior rider, Frances Rowe from Crozier, Virginia was another mentor. Fargis trained and showed horses, while also taking college night courses, enabling him to focus on his equestrian pursuits by day. Fargis has always said his goal was simply to spend his life with horses, to realize their full potential and recognize their importance to their riders’ own lives. As he explained, horses do not have to “like” or “love” the person riding them, but they do need to feel comfortable with the person who is guiding them and asking them to perform. He believes there’s an inherent trust that must develop between horse and rider to succeed in competition that requires a willingness to take the risk of doing what is asked by the rider while doing no harm. In 1975, he won his first Gold Medal in team jumping at the Pan American Games. Fargis was later selected to ride under U.S. Equestrian Team trainer Bert de Némathy. And then came the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles when he and his great friend and business partner Conrad Homfeld, a man with a similar equine philosophy, both made the team. In the individual jumping, the two of them were tied after the preliminary round, and Fargis, with his horse, Touch of Class, prevailed in a jump-off to take the gold, with Homfeld earning silver. His victory also marked the first time that a U.S. non-military rider had earned the gold medal both in individual and team jumping. At the ’88 games in Seoul, Korea,, Fargis won silver medal riding Mill Pearl. Over the years, many more honors have piled up. He has been inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame and the Virginia Horse Center Hall of Fame. He’s received the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Lifetime achievement award, been named among the 50 most influential horsemen by the Chronicle of the Horse, and in 2013, received the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award. Recently he was asked to name his favorite horses. The response was typical of the under-stated and honest Joe Fargis--he has no favorites, but liked and treated all horses equally. That sort of perspective is a key reason he’s been able

Photo by Tiffany Dillon Keen

Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis is the president of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, June 6-12. to bring out the best in virtually every horse he’s ridden. It’s a philosophy he also tries to impart on every student he teaches. Since the 1970s, Fargis has owned and managed Sandron Farm based in Petersburg, Virginia, Southhampon, New York, and, since 1995, in Middleburg where he mentors junior and adult amateurs, and professional riders. He’s also conducted riding clinics in more than 25 countries. And of course, in June, coming out of the Pandemic, as president of the iconic Upperville show, he headed a team that put on a highly successful event that drew rave reviews from competitors and spectators alike. When someone congratulated him a few days later, he smiled and was humble, as always. “It wasn’t just me,” he said. “We had a great team and they should get the credit.”

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

HORSEY NEWS & NOTES

Available in HI FYBE PLUS & SENIOR

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

Tri-County Feeds

At the Loudoun Pointto-Point at Morven Park, Embrace the Grind and Mikey Hammill won Race 7, The Takaro Farm Turf Cup, for trainer Ricky Hendricks and owner Wendy Hendricks.

540-364-1891 › TRICOUNTYFEEDS.COM 7 4 0 8 J O H N M A R S H A L L H W Y › M A R S H A L L , VA

You’ve WATCHED the race…

Photo by Darrell Wood

Morgan’s Ford Farm’s Wayne and Susie Chatfield Taylor won 2021 Horse of the Year (Chess Chief), 2021 Virginia-Bred 2-Year-Old Colt Champion (Oviatt Class) and 2021 Virginia Breeder of the Year at a pre-race evening trackside tent on the Gold Cup’s Member’s Hill for the Virginia Breeders Awards.

This is what it’s like to WIN the race.

Get in the Game…

Baltimore Kid and Jockey Parker Hendricks at the Loudoun Point-to-Point at Morven Park won Race 6, The Katherine F Russell Maiden Flat race, for trainer Kari Brion and owner Buttonwood Farm.

Steeplechase & Flat Racing Partnerships Racehorse Sales

Photo by Darrell Wood.

VTA Executive Director Debbie Easter with VTA past president Jill Gordon-Moore, whose Boldor won 2021 Virginia-Bred Sprint Champion honors, and Susan Cooney, the current VTA president who was named 2021 Trainer of the Year at the annual Virginia Breeder’s Awards program at Great Meadow the evening before the Virginia Gold Cup Races.

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

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

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Home is where the horse is.

LOSING A LOC Cup of COFFEE

The Jocks’ Room Is Getting Lonely

By Sean Clancy

aniel M. Smithwick Jr., the last of the cavaliers, died April 23. Amateur jockey. Horse trainer. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Gone at 62.

Direct (540) 229-1452 Office (540) 687-6500 snowden@thomasandtalbot.com 2 South Madison Street, Post Office Box 500 Middleburg, Virginia 20118

Licensed Realtor with Thomas & Talbot Estate Properties

Growing up, there was only one Speedy Smithwick. An icon way out there, untouchable. Irish-knit cap, billowy britches, a twinkle in his eye and that nevergive-anything-away smirk. All the rich kids wanted to be Speedy Smithwick, riding rocket ships for his National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame father. All the Sean Clancy poor kids wanted to be Speedy Smithwick, riding pointto-point stalwarts for his Virginia Steeplechase Hall of Fame mother. Speedy welcomed the rich kids and the poor kids just the same; here’s an old couch, an exercise saddle, you don’t need a helmet, get to work, stay as long as you like. Too tall to be a professional but oh so perfect as an amateur. Long leg. Long hold. Soft hands. Soft touch. Cajoling rather than controlling. He was always in the middle of the horse, that’s as good a compliment as I can give. Oh, to have hands like Speedy Smithwick. Small horse. Big horse. The third in the Maryland Hunt Cup. The last in the Iroquois. Long spot. Short spot. Hurdles. Timber. Fox hunting. Logs in the woods. It’s an art form, to balance on a water hose of a horse, that perfect line from bit to hand, hip to toe…I failed that class but Speedy perfected it.

Come help us make history on Labor Day weekend for the 123rd year September 1-4

His profile on Central Entry runs 15 pages. From Subway, a junior flat horse, in ’72 to Highland Bud, a champion, in ’91. From Anvil to Zoomy. Uncle Edwin to Aunt Rosa. Bardal to Balantic. Rockaround to Straight and True. A who’s-who list of immortals. For every race he rode, you could double the competition as he battled the scales as well as the race. Hot baths and hot cars. Epsom salts and Ex-Lax. Rubber suits and rubber meeting road. That’s when you test your mettle, your moxie. Once he crossed the scale, he folded that erector set body on top of a horse’s withers like he never missed a meal. All with a smile, an open door, a friendly hand. Sunny Bank provided a sanctuary; sometimes a pot-holed driveway, a musty couch, a cold beer, a cup of coffee or a hard-mileage fox hunter is all anybody needs. Some never left. An island of misfit toys. Speedy at the helm. Born to icons, Speedy tread his own path as best he could. First as a jockey, second as a. trainer. An arduous task, an unenviable burden. Complex and confounding, an inner tick of a click of a clock that only he knew.

Find us on Facebook

540-347-9442

P.O. Box 535, Warrenton, va. 20188 60 East Shirley Avenue, Warrenton, Va. 20186

A few weeks ago, the remnants of Speedy’s jocks’ room converged under a gray and then sunny sky at Trinity Church in Upperville. A scrapbook of mourning. Smiles and stories. Friends and family. Jockeys and jokers. Grooms and groupies. Peers and proteges. All knowing Speedy Smithwick from various venues, from various vantage points and all with their own nostalgic nuance. Cook Edens III carried two old photo albums, unfolded them on a standup table under the tent in the grass behind the church. We took one last walk through the jocks’ room that had lost one its pillars. Speedy in birth and speedy in death. Speedy Smithwick, a kind soul, a rider’s rider, horseman’s horseman, a one off of all one offs, has left the room.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

CAL LEGEND

“First you have to have a product that you can believe in, and then the determination that you can do it. And, by God, I was going to do that!.” — Penny Chenery

Photo by Douglas Lees

Daniel M. “Speedy” Smithwick Jr. with his father D.M. “Mikey” Smithwick

Penny had Secretariat.

We have

HorseSense!

HorseSense Balanced Optimal Nutrition

Speedy leads two to the paddock and Robert Apple tags along.

Speedy Smithwick on a stairway to heaven.

ur community has lost a legend… Daniel M. “Speedy” Smithwick Jr. (1959-2022), who died on April 23. He was a gifted horseman, doting father and grandfather and a great friend to so many here, there and everywhere. Not long ago, Country ZEST made a call to Eva and Speedy to ask if we could come over to their Sunny Bank Farm in Middleburg to illustrate what real life in this part of the countryside is all about. These two photos of Speedy from that sweet afternoon seem appropriate at this time. Cricket Bedford recently wrote about what a special friend Speedy had been since they met in late spring of 1980. “He asked me if I wanted to come spend the summer at Sunny Bank breaking yearlings,” she said, adding that the timing was ideal. That summer, riding for Speedy and his mother, the late Dot Smithwick “cultivated an incredible relationship not unlike a second family for me,” she wrote. Life on the farm and the racing circuit were Speedy’s true passions. He was an integral part of a rat pack on horseback: Joe Stettinius, Ted Stettinius, Joe Davies, Woods Winants, Mike Elmore, Gregg Ryan, Eben Sutton and many more. Ah, and what a stir it created when Speedy would drop Cricket back at Foxcroft in his red Zephyr. “You treated me like a little sister and I will never forget that,” Cricket wrote. “You and your mom taught me to be the rider I am today. She intimidated me but you encouraged me. The first time I ever ran a horse was for your dad and you were the rider. (See photo). The first I ever ran a flat horse at Churchill Downs, it was trained by you and it won. And like the formidable woman your mom was, you found just as strong a partner in Eva. “She was the perfect balance for you and together you enjoyed such success in training race horses but most importantly in raising a family. Everyone knew how proud you were of your two beautiful daughters, Kathy and Trish. “Like we often do with our siblings, we forget to tell them how much we appreciate them, love them and cherish knowing they’ll always be there for you. And now you’re gone. I will always love you like a brother Speedy, and only wish I could hear you call me ‘Crocket’ one last time. Rest in peace.” —Vicky Moon

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Pooch Perfect at Four Leaf Clover Bakery

Experienced Attorneys for ALL Your Legal Needs Family Law Criminal Defense

Robin C. Gulick

T. Huntley Thorpe III

LEGAL EXCELLENCE Estate Planning Civil Litigation Real Estate Law

Karen E. Hedrick

Gulick, Carson & Thorpe, P.C. A Tradition of Legal Excellence

Every case is different. We will provide a custom strategy to fit the needs of your unique situation. Call today for a consultation. 70 Main Street, Suite 52 • Warrenton, VA 20188-0880 • www.gctlaw.com

540-347-3022

McClanahan Camera www.mccamera.com Your Digital Specialists from Cameras to Printing Hours: Monday—Friday 9:30am to 6pm; Sat. 9am to 5pm

Custom Framing & Matting

Photo Restoration ~ Movies to Digital

“I

By Anita L. Sherman

was having a panic attack,” said Clarissa Dery as she headed to the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market. “What if I’m the only vendor that doesn’t sell anything?” Not to worry. Within two hours, she had sold out all of her homemade canine treats and the rest is dog heaven history. Clarissa, 26, owns Four Leaf Clover Holistic Pet Bakery located in Old Town Warrenton. In July, she’ll celebrate a one-year anniversary at her current location which houses a commercial kitchen where she does all Clarissa Dery of the baking and packaging. with her dog Stella. Many locals (and certainly their four-footed friends) already are familiar with Clarissa and her treats. They contain no corn, grains or synthetic preservatives, no by-products and no factory farmed meats. She’s branded her product selling at the local farmer’s markets in Fauquier for several years. As Clarissa shared her journey recently, she smiled lovingly at her two pet Pitbull mixes, Stella and Luna. “She is my soulmate,” Clarissa said of Stella, the older of the two. Luna came later because “basically, she’d been abandoned,” and Clarissa agreed to take on a second pet. The addition of these two dogs set her on a path of discovery. Both dogs were challenged with allergies, yeast issues, and stomach upsets. Stella had a never-ending rash on her underbelly. Vet visits and expensive meds were not helping, but Clarissa was determined to tackle her dog’s health issues. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, she majored in English with a minor in law. “I thought I wanted to be an attorney,” she said, adding that she quickly realized that an office environment was not the answer. In her research to help her pets, Clarissa became a certified canine nutritionist and a certified acute canine herbalist. Her company was born out of love for her animals. Now, she wants to share her knowledge Photos by Anita L. Sherman and products with other pet owners. She sees nutritional treats as having a Dog biscuits lovingly made at Four Leaf Clover Bakery in Warrenton. purposeful place in a dog’s diet. Clarissa has researched ingredients in many commercial dog food products. They won’t be found in Stella or Luna’s bowls. Instead, she uses organic turmeric, freshly chopped ginger, locally sourced wild flower honey, organic chia seeds, grass-fed beef liver, pumpkin or goat’s milk to name a few. Most days, Clarissa can be found baking in her Old Town kitchen. The shop is open a few days a week for walk-in customers and a good deal of business is handled online. She also takes her treats to the Warrenton Farmers Market, Marshall Farmer’s Market, Archwood Green Barns Farmer’s Market (The Plains), Hunt Country Market of Upperville, Haymarket Farmer’s Market and the Vint Hill Farmer’s Market. Elizabeth Melson, the Archwood manager, is a fan. “I’ve watched her over the years, starting at the markets and then getting her own kitchen,” she said. “She’s quite the entrepreneur…it’s awesome to see her growth.” Not to mention the well-being of her own two dogs. Luna, the once ugly runt, is now a svelte four-year-old with black, shiny, soft fur and a sweet disposition. Eight-year-old Stella has long been off monthly allergy shots and no longer suffers from rashes. Clarissa’s challenge these days is keeping up with the demand. “It would be nice to not have every market sell out!” Details: Four Leaf Clover Holistic Pet Bakery, 9 N. 5th Street, Warrenton. www.fourleafclover.net.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Nutrition That Makes Great Sense for Horses

By Andrea Weyer Donaghy

nimal nutrition research over the last 150 years has allowed scientists to develop feeding systems, also known as Ration Balancing Systems, for providing optimal levels and balances of minerals, vitamins and amino acids for “money-making animals” that produce milk, pork, beef and eggs. Ration balancing for horses didn’t exist until 1984. About that time, Karl Donaghy, my late husband and a retired Thoroughbred racehorse owner, breeder, trainer and farrier, met Dr. M. L. Jones at a church coffee-hour in North Carolina. Dr. Jones as one of the world’s pre-eminent animal nutritionists, owner of a highly successful and sophisticated nutrition formulating company and Professor Emeritus at Clemson and North Carolina State. Karl had always wondered why sophisticated nutrition systems had never been developed for horses. He was told that as non-production animals, there wasn’t enough money in it to interest major feed manufacturers. Karl had studied animal nutrition for many years himself and was particularly enamored with a book, Feeds and Feeding, written by Dr. Frank Morrison, a professor at Cornell and the University of Oklahoma. Morrison was considered “the father of animal nutrition” and Dr. Jones had earned his doctorate studying under his guidance. Karl teamed up with Dr. Jones to produce the first ever ration-balancing system for horses. They also enlisted Dr. Jones’ best friend, veterinarian

Andrea Weyer Donaghy at Horsesense. Ed Harris, one of Dr. Morrison’s classmates with a doctorate in organic chemistry and a consultant to Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Their mission was to calculate the ideal amount, balanced inter-relationship, of the full spectrum of minerals, vitamins and amino acids for all equines, regardless of cost. Their first product was called OPTIMA and was affordable and highly effective. Crooked-legged foals became correct within a week; “culls” became conformation show horses; hard-to-handle rogues became placid lambs; arthritic sport horses came

sound. There were many other internal and external health benefits. On a personal note, I had a barn full of horses and knew I did not want to return to commercial feeds. I encouraged Karl to reformulate and try to improve the entire system. Before long, we began sharing the product with like-minded horsemen and women. One of our boarders, after seeing the dramatic results on her own horse, suggested the name HorseSense. As she said, “Because good nutrition just makes good Horse Sense!” Because large, commercial feed mills are equipped with high-speed mixers, they were incapable of producing a consistent mix of our product due to its density, and it was evident we would have to build our own mill. That unique mill, designed specifically for horse nutrition, began production in 2003. HorseSense products were manufactured there until July, 2011, when a lightning-sparked fire burned the mill to the ground. Fortunately, we found a competent mill in Pennsylvania willing to install the independent equipment needed to manufacture our products. They’re sold at our little store on Belvoir Road in Marshall – a David among Goliaths. On my own 22-year equine nutrition journey, and the success of our small, drug-free “homebred” operation at the racetrack, I’ve learned that good, balanced nutrition is science and not “voodoo.” And it definitely works like magic when you feed it to a horse. Andrea Weyer Donaghy, is president and co-founder of HorseSense at 4292 Belvoir Road in Marshall. For more information, go to www.horsesensenutrition.com.

At Summit, it’s our goal to give you personalized service and attention that goes beyond what’s expected. With a variety of account options and plenty of great features and bene�its, you’ll �ind that we’ve created our accounts to be as unique as our customers, designed to meet a diverse range of �inancial needs. Whether you are looking for Flexible Checking Options, Competitive High Interest Accounts, Tailored Business Solutions, Innovative Financial Technology, or Exceptional Commercial and Personal Lending, we are here for YOU.

Village Center 251 W Lee Highway; Suite 730 Warrenton, VA 20186 540-347-7779

www.MySummit.bank

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Tales From The Hunt Field

Melvin Poe and the Big Red Fox

By Mike du Pont

e met that Saturday at Charley Matheson’s Heathfield farm on Milestone Road right across from where Jacqueline Ohrstrom would build her house several years later.

It was a bright, sunny morning, though quite cool and damp because it must have rained the night before. We moved off promptly at ten o’clock and Orange County Huntsman Melvin Poe made his first cast just about where Mrs. Ohrstrom’s house was to be.

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, October, 23rd, 2022 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This Fall, Come Chill with Us and Enjoy BBQ & Bluegrass Grab the family and join us for the tastiest BBQ from the legendary Shaffer’s BBQ, and music by the iconic blue grass band, The Seldom Scene, while watching the sunset behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. After all, isn’t the preservation of that spectacular landscape what it is all about?

Those conditions must have been just right, for the hounds opened screaming and the scent was great. Mr. Charlie ran due north in Old Whitewood Woods just east of Rockburn Stud. Straight up the hills, over the hills, down the hills, across the streams and away he went. And yet, as fast as he sprinted, he never lost the hounds. We viewed this large, healthy red fox several times. He was a handsome fellow, and our pursuit continued for about fifty enthralling minutes.

The late, great Orange County Huntsman Melvin Poe

I happened to notice that on the last hill he climbed, he did not go straight up and over. He traversed the hill first to the left and then to the right as the hounds’ cries grew more intense. They definitely were getting closer. And then, I was surprised to see Melvin Poe pull the hounds off the line, signaling the end of that thrilling chase. I also was quite disappointed because this was the best run we’d had so far that year. I turned to the field and said: “wait here please, I’ll be right back.” I rode up to Melvin and said: “Mel, did you just lift the hounds off that big red fox?”

Reserve your tickets now!

Without hesitation, he said, “Yes, I did.”

Go to landtrustva.org/2022events/fieldpartytickets/ for current information and for tickets. Register early for discounted pricing.

Melvin took a deep breath and said, “did you see that fox?”

“Why’d you do that?” “Yes,” I said. “And he was a handsome, big fella, wasn’t he?” Melvin said. “Yes, he was.” “And he gave us a hell of a chase, didn’t he?” “He did just that,” I said. “Well,” said Melvin, “you may have noticed he ran zigzag up the last hill and the hounds’ cry was getting very intense. They were soon going to catch him and kill him. I didn’t want that. I hoped we might run him again this year and he’ll breed some vixens this spring and we’ll have some more of his type next year.” “Yes sir,” I said, quite humbly. With thoughts of all I’d just learned and full of admiration for Mr. Poe, I returned to the field.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

A Modern Link to Early 1900s Farming

people who worked on the farms either lived on the farm, within a few-mile walk, or within a relatively short horse or wagon ride.

By Lynne Kaye

s a friend said soon after we moved to the Middleburg area, “if you really want to know what’s here, drive the gravel roads.” I took her up on that advice, enjoying new discoveries along our many country roads. One of the discoveries was that while Virginia horse and wine country has a reputation for wealth and exclusivity, modest houses and other modest structures dot the country roads. These modest buildings come singly and in clusters. Quite a few of the buildings are on the outskirts of large country estates. These modest buildings juxtapose with the large estates they border. I wondered, “what is the history of these buildings? Why are they here?” Historical maps of the area help explain the provenance of the modest buildings. The YardleyTaylor map of Loudoun County from the 1850s and the 1876 map of Fauquier County, show that many of today’s country roads were already in place when the maps were drawn. Quite a few of today’s country estates already existed as well. These estates were working farms in the late 1800s and early 1900s. At the time, working farms required much more labor than they do today. According to the National Academy of Sciences, at the end of the 1800s, it took 35 to 40 hours of labor to produce 100 bushels of corn. In contrast, by the end of the

This history explains the modest buildings that dot the country roads. They were built by people who wanted to be near, but not on, the farms. The buildings were modest in the same way that many of today’s apartments and houses that follow high school or college are modest. They signal a new, more independent beginning. In the case of the area’s modest buildings, it was a life that was highly related to, but at least somewhat independent from, the surrounding farms. 1900s, thanks to the adoption of tractors and other mechanization, it took less than 3 hours of labor to produce the same amount of corn. Other crops required similarly high amounts of labor at the end of the 1800s. Per the USDA, farms employed 41% of the U.S. workforce along with 22 million work animals in the early 1900s. In other words, many more people lived on and near this area’s farms than do today. A hint of the old population is still visible in the row of mailboxes and house numbers at the entrance to some estates. Local transportation was also very different in the late 1800s and early 1900s than it is today. It relied on human and animal feet. Consequently, the

As farms mechanized during the 20th century, many people who worked on the farms took different jobs, and sometimes, moved away from the area altogether. As a result, changes occurred to the modest structures that bordered the farms. Some of the modest structures are still loved and cared for, some have been supplemented with more modern structures, while others have been abandoned to the ravages of time and the elements. These modest buildings provide an important historical link to the area’s late 1800s and early 1900s farming society and practices. There is a clear relationship between the modest structures and the nearby large estates. While it may not appear so to a modern eye, the modest structures and large estates fit together as part of a single farming story.

Healing the way it’s meant to be.

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a simple, powerful, drug-free, and effective procedure for ensuring ample oxygen for literally every cell in the body. In use for more than a century, HBOT is a standalone source of healing & wellness and an adjunct therapy for traditional medical practices. Warrenton Oxygen Wellness (WOW) provides a path to health by giving the body what it needs to flourish. At WOW, you are not a client — you are a VOP — a Very Oxygenated Person.

Visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

WOW’s mission is to enable healing and enhance wellness for any and all who walk through our doors.

• Overall Health & Wellness • Long-haul COVID • Lyme Disease • Athletic Performance/Rehab • Pre/Post-Surgical Healing 540.216.3474 WarrentonWOW.com

170 West Shirley Avenue Suite 101, Warrenton, VA 20186

jar 0522& Style | Summer 2022 Country ZEST Discover Fauquier

Artist Deborah Morrow with her Swan inspired artwork that was displayed for the auction in the red wine tank room.

Photos by Vicky Moon

Williams Benson

The Art of the Piedmont Charity auction at Slater Run Vineyards celebrated eleven years and raised $40,000 to benefit Middleburg Montessori.

Faith Fort and Jennifer Long.

Chris Patusky makes it all happen at Slater Run Vineyard.

Elizabeth Parris

Winslow McCagg

Anne Stine

Katherine Riedel

With a tip of the hat to Lewis Carroll: Slater women: Ali, Alice and Alice Kiernan.

Melanie and Tim Burch Jr. in the new barrel complex

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

Coming of Age With Room Service Please unknown. I won’t say that this motion is an easy one, but one iveting green eyes to behold for it happens to us stare back at the reader all. We go through this door from the cover of ushered in by only our absurd Alicia Cahalane Lewis’ sense of self, our darn attitude, newly published coming-of-age and our attempt at something novella, Room Service Please. reasonable, yet uncertain.” The startling eyes are those Lewis says she can relate to of the book’s heroine, Miss the character she created in Edie May, whose story traces Edie May and she intended to the momentous day of June 18, have her book serve as a voice 1922 in the life of a young girl for young women. The novella’s who became a “modern” woman heroine puts a contemporary during the Roaring ‘20s. voice to an age-old problem— Mistaken for a movie starlet young women struggling while attending a party at the with self worth and possibly Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New depression. Author Alicia Cahalane Lewis York, Edie May struggles with The book came to life fifteen what life has suddenly handed years ago. It started as a novel her. She uses her ingenuity and ability to cope with before eventually emerging as a 137-page novella, what comes her way to “keep dancing” and stay allowing Edie May to face her struggles over the course ahead of her past and present situation. of one day, thus releasing her character from a longer The heroine’s words speak to the reader from the tenure at the hotel that a novel would create. novella’s prologue: A prolific writer, Lewis holds an MFA in creative “Sometime in that moment when life takes your writing from Naropa University in Colorado, and her hand and ushers you through a door, the door revolves, talents include the publication of poetry and chapbooks, your hand gets pulled, and you step eagerly into an as well as other books. The Intrepid Meditator, which By Linda Roberts

invites readers to tear up their own script and start anew much as she did, is the companion book to Room Service Please published last year. In it, Lewis shares her spiritual journey and heartfelt strategies on what it means to live in balance. “It was a happy accident that I couldn’t find an agent (for her first book),” said Lewis, who started her own publishing company, Tattered Script Publishing, as the result. With Tattered Script, she is building a platform to launch her own work and feels that she can also help others with their writing. “Writing to me is about vision—looking out and then bringing that awareness inside the self,” she said. A Frederick County resident and a ninthgeneration descendant of the Shenandoah Valley Quakers, Lewis grew up independent and devoted to reading and writing. She said she gained inner strength from her mother and grandmothers, all of whom tried their hand at acting. Her two daughters taught her to be true to herself. Room Service Please offers much insight into issues that challenge women to trust in themselves, while at the same time providing “a fun read.” Second Chapter Books in Middleburg and the Winchester Book Gallery carry copies of Room Service Please. Details tatteredscript.com and aliciaxahalanelewis.com.

ANOTHER BLUE MOON Fine Furnishings Consignment Shop on Main Street Middleburg

“Our ABSOLUTE favorite consignment shop!” OWNERS, JENNIFER AND KERRY

Charles Carroll IV, MD

Geraldine Carroll

Charles Carroll IV, MD Orthopedic Surgery, Hand, Upper Extremity Surgery and Rehabilitation 109 W, Marshall Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 540-326-8182 | Email: orthomd@ccarrollmd.com

ccarrollmd.com

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 11-5 Other days by chance and always by appointment! Follow us on Instagram @anotherbluemoon and FB 7a W. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA. White Barn- 119 The Plains Road (Sat. only)

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

Sandra Lynn Jeanneret and Roy Burnham Thompson, Jr. recently celebrated their marriage in The Plains. Photo by Jessica Lenehan. Photo by Vicky Moon

Jil Brunette of Second Chapter Books always has a smile, especially on her birthday. Photo by John Scott Nelson Photography

Executive Director Sally Price who joined the Land Trust of Virginia in 2017, plans to retire at the end of 2022 and is passing the baton to Ashton Cole, the current Director of Conservation and Stewardship.

Wednesday evenings at the Buchanan Hall Farmer’s Market are back. Just ask Montana Lanier Ruffner, Katie Call and Fletcher Slater with daughter, Bowie. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently announced the appointment of Scott Andrews, a long-time resident of The Plains, as chairman of the board of trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Andrews is also chairman and chief executive officer of Northern Contours, Inc. The Virginia Retirement System, or VRS, is the state agency that administers the pension fund for state employees. It also manages life insurance benefits, long-term care programs, severance benefits and military leave benefits.

The PLAYroom and Emmanuel Church partner to collect toys for Afghan refugee children The PLAYroom and Emmanuel Church, both on Washington Street, Middleburg, have teamed up to welcome Afghan refugee families who have been living in Loudoun County since March by sending new toys for their children. In addition to donating toys to this drive, the PLAYroom at 108 W. Washington St. is offering a 10% discount on select toys. Emmanuel Church’s office at 104 E. Federal St. (behind the Parish House) is a drop-off site for those wishing to donate new toys for these children. Developmental toys are needed for children up to age 5; toys for children ages 5-10 are also needed. The National Conference Center in Lansdowne has been offering a safe haven to temporarily house Afghan evacuees as part of Operation Allies Welcome since March. Toys should be small enough to fit in suitcases to accompany children to their new homes throughout the United States.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

The Rev. Eugene LeCouteur and PLAYroom owner Michelle McNaughton have teamed to collect toys for displaced children.

Nature’s Best Hope with Dr. Douglas Tallamy

NEW DATE July 27, 6:00pm $10 / Free for NSLM Members

Lynn and John Kessler Mimi Abel-Smith and Snowden Clarke

Annie Clancy, board member of the event and Tom Foster, founder of Doc Week Middleburg

A global decline in insects and birds is a bleak reminder about how ineffective our current landscape has been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. So, what can we do?

Lynn Wiley

Dr. Tallamy will discuss how to create landscapes that enhance local ecosystems rather than degrade them. Paul Vining, Chris Vining and Stephanie Taylor

Polina and Shelton Gregory

PHOTOS BY Vicky Moon

Visit www.NationalSporting.org to sign-up today

t’s a wrap for Tom Foster, the innovative force behind the recently completed Doc Week Middleburg, a series of remarkable and extraordinary documentary films screened at the Middleburg Community Center. The five films included “Breaking Bread” about the first Muslim Arab to win Israel’s Master Chef television competition and his quest to make social change through food. “Mission Joy--Finding Happiness in Troubled Times” was also a hit with those attending. It was the story of the friendship between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock” focused on a courageous group of indigenous women who risked their lives to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. “Ronnie’s” was all about musician Ronnie Scott and his famous Soho, London jazz club. And finally, “The Mole” offered the true story of a Danish chef who embarked on a dangerous ten-year mission to uncover corruption in North Korea, the world’s most secretive and brutal dictatorship. On the final evening of Doc Week Middleburg, Mads Brügger the award-winning Danish filmmaker spoke about “The Mole” to those gathered for dinner and to watch his riveting film.

National Sporting L i br a r y & M use u m Middleburg, VA 20118 | NationalSporting.org

Country ZEST & Style | Summer 2022

LETTER from PARIS

Someone’s in the Kitchen with Roma, Just Not John

By John Sherman

oma was a great home cook. I was born to take coats and kiss elderly women. She was an account executive at an advertising agency. I was a staffer in Congress. Roma took cooking lessons a decade earlier from the mother of Singapore’s dictator. I worked as a summer busboy at a San Diego joint called the Bean Pot. So why not open a restaurant? It’s a natural. We started sensibly, serving a prix fixe dinner on weekends just to guests staying in our six rooms at the Ashby Inn in Paris. The only snapshots of opening night were forgetting to buy guest checks, the bartender in a Nixon mask and dining chairs of red velvet with gold finials we rented from an Indian restaurant. We got through it. The absurdly low price gave some leeway for errors. That was October. Our business plan was sending us right down the chute. The next month I walked by as Roma answered the phone, followed by a pause, and then, “Well, yes. I guess around one. How many people? And your name?” That call put us in the restaurant business. Are we open for Thanksgiving? You bet. Roma was in the kitchen with a helper and a dishwasher. I was behind the bar, where I should not have been. It was a collision of not putting face to drink tab—-and not knowing anything about mixed drinks. “I’m sorry, we don’t do martinis.” I could pour beer, wine, and bourbon. Among the 25 or so guests was Michele, an Italian friend and owner of Piccolo Mondo restaurant in Washington, and his family. He wore mohair head to toe. In the midst of the disaster in the taproom, he whispered, shaking his head, “You in trouble in the kitchen.” I watched Michele shuck his jacket and head for the kitchen. About fifteen minutes later he came down and ordered: “Get them in their seats. Now.” Bar tabs left in disarray, I got people seated just as Michele appeared with three plates of turkey dinner up each arm—-singing—-to applause. Boffo. I don’t remember hearing complaints about the $25 charge and the hit-and-miss drink tabs. The guest rooms were booked that night, the first time by strangers. We, the afternoon’s survivors, gathered in the taproom after the last dinner guest had departed (Michele, with the best bottle on our paltry wine list) and concluded the day a partial success. Let’s drink to it. The affair suddenly ended with the ear-splitting whooping of the fire alarm. A false alarm, certainly. I raced upstairs to shut it down, only to be met by smoke pouring out of the Fireplace Room. Standing in the open door was a specter that will never fade. A woman of six feet, white hair, and a head to toe gold lame robe enveloped in smoke. Just before we opened, my father asked in his

gentle way: “Who the hell would let perfect strangers light fires in your house?” The next day, I removed the dampers from all fireplaces. The incident was regrettable for the general disturbance—-and more so for the deep rebates on the guest checks. All in all, it would be hard to call the day a “soft opening.” Months later, Roma and I decided to expand our narrow operation to Sunday brunch. We made a list of what we would like to see on a buffet table, beginning with a huge Smithfield ham. And, certainly, our gravlax of salmon. A sandwich of two slabs of skin-on Atlantic salmon filled with loads of sea salt, dill and splashes of vodka. More salt and dill on the top filet. Then press down with two 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes. Let cure for three days. Before serving, wash the sides to get rid of the salt. Much more refined than smoked. Roma and I quickly discovered that we were not meant to work together. Our perspectives, as complete tyros, too often collided—-from how much to charge for apple crisp to the colors of server uniforms (uniquely, black and white). Only once a week—-every Sunday—-did we attempt to harmonize our work. Making omelettes. The trick was a very hot pan. The standard was no brown marks on the outside. (Except for one of our favorite customers, whose order was, “Just kill it.”) The most popular omelette was salmon, sour cream, chopped onion, capers and dill. Roma could cook two at a time. I was a onepanner, but moved up and down the line carving ham and slicing salmon so thin you could read Sunday’s

headlines through it. I have the scars to prove it. We later estimated that, between us, we made around 49,000 omelettes over our tenure. Last on our list was oysters on the half shell. I went down to the Maine Avenue seafood market to find a shucker. “You gotta see Harry.” Harry turned out to be the Fagan of shuckers; he controlled the fraternity. He didn’t want to do business so far out in the country. Then I found Rudy Watts. He worked for Marriott and had Sundays off. He was Black and built like a linebacker. His voice was baritone. He would wear a black leather cap and an ever-changing collection of ribald T-shirts: “I work harder than an ugly stripper.” Our arrangement: we provided the oysters and he would drive out the bagels. Our oysters were Blue Points out of Long Island, where I grew up. Rudy and a three-foot bag of warm bagels would pull into the drive one minute either side of noon. He had a monster grey Cadillac. Like any maestro, he sat in the back seat, with his nephew, Smitty, at the wheel. His tools, a thin, wooden handled oyster knife and an S-shaped lead block. Rudy became as popular as his oysters, which were carefully laid out on ice. He also had a quiet side business—-that in a flat out three-minute race he could shuck faster that you can eat them. After the first year, we raised the price from $12 to $15. Reviewing our financials, our accountant suggested that the next Sunday we might stand out by the front door and hand each arrival a $10 bill. “That’s the way to make some real money,” he said.

MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Summer 2022

SOLD JANUARY- MAY 2022

21173 Trappe Rd | Upperville SOLD: $2,400,000 | 4 BD | 3/1 BA | 100.04 AC

23532 Chase Hollow Ln | Middleburg* SOLD: $2,950,000 | 6 BD | 7/2 BA | 25 AC *Represented Buyer. Photo used with permission of listing agent.

16802 Chestnut Overlook Dr | Purcellville SOLD: $1,305,000 | 5 BD | 5/1 BA | 3.24 AC

18279 & 18285 Foundry Rd | Purcellville SOLD: $1,100,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA | 6 AC

104 Roseville Ct | Boyce SOLD: $640,990 | 6 BD | 3/1 BA | .68 AC

00 Lee Hwy | Washington SOLD: $365,000 | 25.07 AC

ATOKA

PROPERTIES

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON REALTOR® | Licensed in VA

C 703.673.6920

O 540.338.7770 x 313 kristin@atokaproperties.com

115 N 21st St (PO Box 190 | 20134), Purcellville, VA 20132

16272 Hamilton Station Rd | Waterford* SOLD: $1,321,000 | 4 BD | 3/1 BA | 11 AC *Represented Buyer. Photo used with permission of listing agent.

KDJREALESTATE .COM CORPORATE OFFICE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDELBURG, VA 20117 | 540.687.6321 | LICENSED IN VA, WV + MD | ATOKAPROPERTIES.COM

Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations

Photo Credit: Gomer Pyles

W NE

Hidden Trail

Llewellyn

Far Hills

Swain Mountain Farm

107+ acres $5,750,000 The Plains – Exceptional Estate surrounded by magnificent countryside and views. Stone and stucco residence with beautiful terraces. Geothermal heating/cooling, heated 20’ x 40’ pool, 8 stall center aisle stable with 14’ x 14’ stalls. Stunning indoor riding arena.

260 acres $5,500,000 Steeped in history and features a stunning first floor primary suite, grand rooms, chef’s kitchen & wonderful porches. Also: guest cottage, 2 tenant houses, machine shop with 2 BR apartment, barns and fenced fields. Easement potential.

25 acres Spectacular country estate just minutes to Middleburg. Classic 5 BR / 5 BA fieldstone main house, 3 BR guest house, 1 BR apartment over the 3-car garage, swimming pool, 3-stall barn, garden shed, storage shed, fenced paddocks and more.

164 acres $2,695,000 Spectacular mountain views! 4 BR / 5.5 BA fully restored estate 3 miles from Marshall and rte. 66. Wraparound porch provides the perfect setting to enjoy unparalleled views. In 6 parcels, 32 acres of fenced pasture, conservation potential.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | Cricket Bedford

John Coles | 540-270-0094

W NE

Worth The Wait

Aurora

N LA

Merry Oaks

Winchester Rd.

50 acres $2,289,000 Marshall – Virginia’s horse and wine country w/ mountain, lake and pastoral views. Custom-built home has 5 BRs / 4.5 BAs. High ceilings; HW flooring; 4 fireplaces. Fenced, mature pasture for horses. New 45’ x 70’ equip. building.

3 acres $1,250,000 Berryville – Built in 1799, has all the charm and character of a 200 year old house with the modern amenities of one that has been well-loved and beautifully cared-for over the years. Located in historic Clarke County.

1.43 acres $675,000 The Plains – Newly renovated home with stunning addition on 1.43 acres. Adjacent approved 1.05 acre building lot listed separately for $180,000 Located between Marshall and Warrenton, easy access to I-66 and the many villages in Horse / Wine Country.

2+ acres $325,000 Delaplane – Buildable parcel in Crooked Run Valley near Paris and Sky Meadows State Park, vicinity is known as "Scuffleburg". Land is clean, wooded and rolling. Beautiful views, abundant wildlife. Build your country retreat!

Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083

Cary Embury | 540-533-0106

Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520

Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083

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

THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com

Country ZEST & Style Summer 2022 Edition

Articles inside

LETTER from PARIS: Someone’s in the Kitchen with Roma, Just Not John

DOC WEEK MIDDLEBURG