Access Monthly December 2017 by Winchester Star

EVENTS + LIFESTYLE FOR WINCHESTER, FREDERICK + CLARKE

d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 | T h e W i n c h e s t e r s ta r

LOCAL HOLIDAY TIPS + HACKS TO KEEP YOU MERRY AND BRIGHT THIS SEASON TAKE BETTER PICTURES PARTY-SIZED COCKTAIL RECIPE ROUNDUP OF HOLIDAY EVENTS

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ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017

upcoming U P CO M I N G

DECEMBER

Get out your calendar and be there with bells on. . .

KRAMPUSNACHT

You could call him bad Santa. Krampus is a horned half-goat, halfdemon figure who punishes children who have misbehaved. There are many Krampusnacht events around the country, where enthusiasts come out and roam the streets. Tonight's First Friday in Old Town is ours. Let's hope you've been good this year. 6 - 9 p.m.; Old Town Winchester.

7 - 10

ARTISAN TRAIL OPEN DOOR TOUR If you've ever wanted to see artists at work in their studios, here's your chance. A new monthly event, several members of the Top of Virginia Artisan Trail will open their doors to the public and give special behind-the-scene peeks into the artistic process or art classes. Times and locations vary. free. opendoortour.org

JINGLE BELL 5K

The Apple Capital 5K is a darn good way to burn off some of those Christmas cookie calories. There’s also a Frosty’s Kids Fun half mile run at 8 a.m. Benefits the Youth Development Center. 8:30 a.m. 5K, Old Court House Civil War Museum, $29 - $39 for 5K; $10 - $15 for kids run. myydc.org

DINNER PARTY COOKING CLASS

Hosting the holidays? Get a crash-course in preparing standing rib roast, baked oysters, and a chocolate ganache tart with the folks from The Butcher Station and Audley Farm Angus. 6 - 9 p.m., Audley Farm, $130, registration required. audleyfarm.com

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

See Dicken's Christmas tale performed live by the Winchester Little Theatre, during an intimate 3-course dinner. Such a charming experience is sure to chase away the Scrooge. Showtimes: 7 p.m. Dec. 7 - 9; 1 p.m. Dec. 9 + 10. Historic Jordan Springs, $37.50 - $75 historicjordansprings.com

HOLIDAY CONCERT: YESTERDAY SWING ORCHESTRA

You've not heard holiday songs until you've heard them performed by a 16+ piece swing band. It’s a sellout, reserve your tickets in advance. 1 & 3 p.m. showtimes, The MSV, free for members; $10. themsv.org

HOLLY JOLLY CELEBRATION

Downtowns and the holidays go together like peppermint and chocolate. Get a dose of Christmas nostalgia with the annual Holly Jolly Celebration in Old Town, complete with carriage rides, shops bustling with shoppers, caroling, crafts, visits with Santa at the Godfrey Miller House and more. Starting at 10 a.m., horse and carriage rides 1 - 3 p.m. Old Town Winchester, free. oldtownwinchester.com

COCKTAILS AT CHRISTMAS

Candlelight tours of Belle Grove Plantation with Christmas music and cocktails in hand — not a bad way to get into the holiday spirit. 5 p.m., Belle Grove Plantation; $25 bellegrove.org

A BLUE(S) CHRISTMAS WITH TERRY OATES AND THE MUDCATS

You don't want to miss your favorite holiday hits done up Mudcats style, featuring a mix of classic and obscure Christmas songs as well as their own high-energy bluesy, big bandy, funked up, rockin tunes!. 8 - 10:30 p.m.. Bright Box, $15 advance, $18 door. brightboxwinchester.com

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29+30

COMEDY NIGHT

Sad that the holidays are over? Get some belly laughs with comedian Joe Recca, who was last season's winner of BET's “Coming to the Stage,” and DC Improv and Riot Comedy Theatre comedian Shahryar Rizvi. Three shows, two nights. Friday: 8 p.m., Saturday: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $15 advance, $18 door. Bright Box Theatre, brightboxwinchester.com

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

profiles

JOEL RICHARDSON

37 • Hometown: Olathe, Kansas Border Collie (a.k.a. Project Manager), Reader & Swartz Architects Also: Consummate Metrobilly

Favorite holiday food: I am a huge fan of barbeque, so when I return to KC (Kansas City) to see the family, I try to sneak in as much as possible. Board game you're terrible at: Risk — it usually devolves into a multi-day exercise in ending friendships. Twitter account to follow: What's a twitter? If you could sit next to one person on a cross-country plane trip, who would it be? I would love to spend the time with Theaster Gates — he is an artist who has created some fascinating installations that meld good urban design and art. I am fascinated with his ideas about improving urban spaces, and how people think about them. Wine: I am a huge sucker for Cava, or anything dry and fizzy. Retro sitcom: “Star Trek.” I know, I know, but I adore it so. Morning person or night owl: I am usually found at all hours of the night, but scarcely seen at dawn. . . If this Friday could be a holiday, what would you celebrate? Friendships. Families are always getting together on the holidays, but spending time with the folks you choose to be close with is just as important. Stress relief: Exercise. The other things basically only delay the inevitable return. . . photo by SCOTT MASON 4

ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017

profiles

BETH J. BATES

44 (almost 45!) • Hometown: Milton, WV Owner, Web Strategies Internet Solutions Worst Christmas present: One year my husband gave me a complete set of really nice cookbooks. I don't cook. Ever. All-time favorite beer: Schlafly's Single Malt Scottish Style Ale — It's the perfect marriage of scotch and beer. I was fortunate enough to meet the brewer, enjoy this amazing beer with him and geek out in the process. Dream game show contestant: Press Your Luck— Big Bucks— No Whammies! — Stop! Most famous person you've met: I met John Waters at a film festival several years ago. Over the years he's taught me that it's OK to be who you are — weird, goofy, gross at times. He was also very gracious and a joy to meet. Best motivational book: “Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty” by Harvey Mackay. It impresses the importance of building a network of people to cover all kinds of situations. This book is why I have over 2,000 contacts. You never know who might be able to help. Last selfie: With my new Tom ServCrow Funko Pop. My husband and I contributed to the “Bring Back Mystery Science Theater 3K” Kickstarter and it was my mystery prize! Always invest in... PEOPLE. Your people — friends, colleagues, employees — will make you or break you. Be sure that they are happy in photo by GINGER PERRY their jobs and in their relationships with you.. DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017

holiday beers

HOLIDAY STONE XOCOVESA

(cho-co-vay-sa) Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you — Stone Xocovesa is a chocolaty, winter-spiced mocha stout “It’s Stone Brewing’s take on Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa, coffee, pasilla peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg,” said Fish. “The first time this beer was brewed, it was because it was the winner of Stone’s annual homebrew competition.”

SCHLAFLY CHRISTMAS ALE

If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas ale, check out Schlafly’s seasonal Christmas Ale. “It has cloves and orange peel and is medium bodied. This is the Christmas ale to try this year,” Fish said. The American ale is inspiration by spiced holiday beverages such as wassail and mulled wines.

Three cheers for holiday beers — Charlie Fish, owner of Murphy Beverage Company in Old Town Winchester, shares a few of her favorite holiday brews.

TROEGS MAD ELF

The perfect beer to serve in a glass, given its festive red color, no holiday beer list would be complete without Troegs Mad Elf. Flavors of honey, cherries, chocolate, allspice, clove and cinnamon are a tasty pairing with the ham and marshmallowed sweet potatoes on your Christmas dinner plate. “It’s rich, sweet, and warming. It’s awfully easy to drink at 11% so beware,” said Fish.

SIERRA NEVADA CELEBRATION

“I basically have to thank Jereme Steele of Village Square for this one,” she said. “I had always avoided it because I thought it was going to be a nasty holiday spice bomb. Jereme recommended it until I cracked. It’s a fantastic fresh hopped IPA. Nothing like a Christmas beer. It has chinook, centennial & cascade hops & smells like a pine forest with a little citrus squeezed in.”

Dri nk l oca l

“Head to a local brewery!” urged Fish. “We are very fortunate to have three that are all diverse, that offer a wide range of beers and have virtually something for everyone.” Fish recommends picking up a gift certificate as a gift for a loved one, or take your holiday guests out for a brewery tour. All local breweries — Alesation Brewing Company, Escutcheon Brewing Company, and Winchester Brew Works — offer growlers to go, perfect for your holiday entertaining needs.

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

HOLIDAY by JENNY BAKER

The holiday season is in full gear — likely, too, is your to-do list. We've gathered up several tips and tricks to help you out during the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year, from help with cooking to taking better family photos.

ENTERTAINING + COOKING HACKS Perhaps the biggest part of the entire holiday season, cooking the Big Meal can easily be the most stress-inducing. We've rounded up some local tips and shortcuts to help make that holiday meal a bit easier to tackle. Order a cooked meal You could technically not cook at all this year — if you order the entire meal from one of our local restaurants that prepare cooked turkeys, sides, and desserts. Some of the local offerings include: The Chef's Market in Old Town Winchester will offer ready to roast or fully cooked turkey breast and tenderloin, plus sides like stuffing, green beans with candied pecans, roasted potatoes, dinner rolls and a yule log cake for dessert. L'auberge Provencale in White Post will offer their famous Buche de Noel cake and pies of apple, pumpkin and pecan bourbon. Shaffer's BBQ in Middletown has smoked turkeys, country ham, and sides like cajun rice and smokey gravy. Shawnee Springs Market in Cross Junction offers a large variety of pies, breads, and sides like sweet potatoes and deviled eggs. Locke Store in Millwood will have a variety of sides and baked goods. Bonnie Blue in Winchester is accepting orders for Frederick County apple pie, bourbon pecan, and pumpkin pies, linzer torte and Kentucky bourbon cake, as well as smoked turkeys. Advanced orders are required, call for details. Make someone else cook If you really don't want to cook or do the dishes, you can always go out to dinner. On Dec. 22, Bonnie Blue hosts the Ultimate Christmas Dinner from 5 - 8 p.m. The George Washington Hotel is hosting its annual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners with seatings from 4 - 9 p.m., plus Christmas Eve dinners at restaurants such as Violino Ristorante Italiano, La NiÇoise Café, and L'Auberge ProvenÇale. Reservations required. Take a class Want to sharpen your skills in the kitchen before hosting Christmas dinner? You're in luck — The Butcher Station is hosting a Dinner Party class on Dec. 14 at Audley Farm, where you'll learn how to master the impressive standing rib roast. They'll show you how to bone, tie, season and roast a standing rib, plus create a baked oyster appetizer and a chocolate ganache tart for dessert. Register at www.audleyfarm.com. On Dec. 7, Flavor Pourfection in Old Town Winchester hosts a Christmas Cooking Class, focusing on holiday appetizers with Barbara Hineline, executive chef of Fresco Kitchen. Call 540-662-7687 to register.

ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

HOLIDAY by JENNY BAKER

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017

holiday hacks You can greatly reduce your hours of gift-wrapping by taking advantage of a few opportunities: Complimentary gift wrap Many local retail merchants offer complimentary gift wrap for items purchased in their store. If you're unsure, just ask, and if they say yes — take advantage of it. One less gift to wrap!

Men's Night Out It can be tough to get just the right gift for your significant other. Lantz's Pharmacy in Stephens City makes it fool-proof with a Guys' Night Out shopping event. This is how it works: On Dec. 9 from 5 - 7 p.m., the store will host a Girls Night out when ladies can don their holiday pajamas enjoy hot cocoa and make a holiday wish list. Then on Dec. 14, from 7 - 9 p.m., men will come out for the first annual Guys Night Out, where they can shop for those on their lists, plus get a copy of their significant other's Wish List, and get everything wrapped.

Apple Blossom Mall There is a holiday gift wrap center located in the Belk wing, each year sponsored by a local nonprofit — this year is the AIDS Response Effort. The gift wrap center will be open Dec. 8 - 24, and for a donation, all of your gifts (even ones purchased outside of the mall) can be wrapped.

Santa shopping The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum hosts a Members Night Out on Dec. 8, which is a perfect opportunity to do your Santa shopping for the kids. Your children will enjoy fun-filled activities while you check off this very important item on your Christmas to-do list. This event is free, for members of the Discovery Museum only, and requires an RSVP. All children must be bathroom independent and have no separation issues. (To find out more about Discovery Museum membership, visit discoverymuseum.net or call 540-722-2020.)

Hire extra help Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day. Maybe you don't exactly need a regular assistant, but an extra hand to help you run errands prior to the holiday would be useful. Check out websites like www.care.com or www.taskrabbit.com and search for local errand runners, who can be hired on an hourly basis. A recent search on care.com yielded prospects who can be hired to help you pick up prescriptions, grocery shop, meal prep, and even child care and cleaning services. Got a messy guest room or closets you just don't have time to deal with? Hire a local organizing or cleaning business to take care of that project, freeing you up to deal with other holiday tasks.

Centerpieces DIY or buy The Preservation of Historic Winchester's Bough & Dough shop is open Dec. 2 - 3 at the Winchester Little Theatre. They'll have fresh greenry like magnolia that you can purchase to make something at home yourself, or you can purchase premade wreaths and arrangements. On Dec. 8, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley will host a centerpiece workshop, utilizing fresh fruit, pinecones, and an array of fresh evergreens from the Glen Burnie Gardens. Led by MSV Horticulturist Chantal Ludder, participants will also learn the best methods of keeping their centerpieces fresh and green. Put a bow on it The fine art of creating a beautiful decorative bow does not come easily to many. Kimberly's in Old Town Winchester will make custom bows for you in any size — as toppers for trees, large gifts, or in your interior or exterior decor.

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

holiday hacks Whether you're hosting friends for a holiday party or family on Christmas Eve, making a large-batch festive cocktail will keep spirits bright. Jereme Steele, bar manager of Village Square Restaurant, shares a party-sized cocktail for the holidays. by JENNY BAKER photography by JEFF TAYLOR

The Tom and Jerry, a traditional Christmastime cocktail, is not named for the famous cat and mouse cartoon duo. This libation was actually crafted in the 1820s by British journalist Pierce Egan. Often compared to eggnog, this drink instead is served warm and built in the serving glass, and uses spiced rum and brandy instead of bourbon. We recommend serving as a welcome drink when guests arrive. Recipe yields 20 servings.

Tom and Jerry batter recipe: Six eggs (separate the yolks from the whites) 1 tsp ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg 3/4 tsp allspice Pinch of ground cloves (optional) 4 cups sugar Whip egg whites to a stiff froth Beat yolks separately until smooth then add to the whites with the spices and whip Slowly add sugar while mixing to thicken (adding more if necessary) In a warmed mug combine one ounce each of brandy and spiced rum Add a healthy dollop of batter and fill with boiling water Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top and serve.

ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017

holiday hacks Photos are a must during the holiday season. Lauri Bridgeforth, owner of Bridgeforth Photographics, shares tips on how to take better family photos this year.

Outdoor tips "If you’re taking pictures outside and it’s sunny, try to get everyone in the picture in a shady area so that skin tones will be smoother and less harsh," Bridgeforth recommended. "Try using a flash outside too because it fills in shadows on faces." Using a cell phone camera? Bridgeforth said this tip doesn’t work as well with phone cameras. Group dynamics Bridgeforth recommends putting taller people in the back of a group photo, so that everyone can be seen. Before taking the pictures, look carefully at the group. "Can you see everybody? Can you see whole faces? Anyone that’s half-hidden, move them out a bit so that you can see all faces," she said. Also pay attention to the background of the area. "Is there a telephone pole, a tree or light pole 'growing' out of someone’s head? Shift the group a bit to avoid that." Take multiple pictures Always take more than one picture—especially of folks you don’t see every day. If someone blinks in one picture, hopefully their eyes are open in other pictures. Object d’art “Is there some sort of family heirloom as a table centerpiece? Get pictures of it,” she said. “All

of these images tell your story, whether public or private.” "No photos!" Every family has "That Person" who doesn’t want to be in any photos. "Encourage them but don’t pressure them—they may have reasons they don’t want to be photographed that you don’t know about," she said. Instead, you may be able to take a few photos of them when they’re unaware, but perhaps don’t post them. "Sometimes good memories are exactly that—something to treasure, but also to keep private to respect their wishes," said Bridgeforth. Respect the host Are you a guest in someone else’s home? Bridgeforth recommends checking with your hosts before posting pictures of their home on social media. "Some folks are uber-private about their homes and don’t want pictures showing valuables on someone else’s Facebook page for strangers to see," she said. Be natural It’s not just about the posed family group photos — look for photo opportunities throughout the day. "Is grandma cuddling a little one off to the side? Are the kids being goofy again? Are there screaming toddlers? Get pictures of those out-take moments too," said Bridgeforth. "It’s the ordinary moments that make up extraordinary lives."

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

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HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Walking in a Winter Wonderland More than 200,000 colorful lights will illuminate Clearbrook Park, off Martinsburg Pike, every night beginning Friday and running through Jan. 1. Walking in a Winter Wonderland is sponsored by Frederick County Parks and Recreation Department. Admission charge. Gingerbread Contest The Middletown Garden Club invites the public to see gingerbread houses and all sorts of fantastic creations on display at Wayside Inn. Judging takes place the evening of Nov. 30, but the houses and other structures will remain on display at the Wayside Inn through Dec. 16. Vote for your favorite and help select The People’s Choice Award. Open Houses at Rosemont Historic Rosemont Manor, 16 Rosemont Manor Lane in Berryville, will hold a series of five open houses that will support a different non-profit organization each night. First up is Nov. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. to benefit Abba Care (www.abbacare.com). Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children 5 and younger. Holiday Tours at Belle Grove Belle Grove Plantation near Middletown will open its doors from Dec. 1 to 30 for daily tours in addition to special music and other programs (Belle Grove is closed Dec. 24 and 25). Relax after your tour with Belle Grove’s own spiced tea and cookies by the Winter Kitchen hearth and find the perfect gift in the Museum Shop. Free for Belle Grove members and children 5 and under. Admissiion charge for all others. Call 540-869-2028 for more information.

the roundup Get in the holiday spirit this season with local events from holiday home tours to holiday concerts.

mances by the Clarke County Community Band and dancers from Social Graces. A parade will be held at noon Dec. 2. The Clarke County Community Band will present a Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville Candlelight Tour of Abram’s Delight Join the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society for a seasonal candlelight tour of Abram’s Delight, 1780s Log Cabin, and Hollingsworth Mill from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2. Abram’s Delight, the oldest house in Winchester (built 1754) at 1340 S. Pleasant Valley Road, is decorated with holiday arrangements by local garden clubs. There will be a re-created colonial tavern in the 1780s log cabin. More information at 540-662-6550. PHW Holiday Homes Tour Preservation of Historic Winchester’s 41st Holiday House Tour takes place Dec. 2 and 3. Visit sites that span the full timeline of Winchester’s history including the home of a Revolutionary War doctor, the home of a famous wagon-maker who served in the War of 1812, two grand homes from the late 1890s, and a 1954 Colonial Revival-style home with a Fort Loudoun connection. Visit www.phwi.org/hht.php for full details and tickets prices. Yuletide at the Barns The Clarke County High School Chamber Choir and Concert Choir will combine forces to perform holiday and seasonal favorites at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville at 1 p.m. Dec. 3.

MID-DECEMBER

Middletown Christmas Parade The town parade will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 with horses, floats, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Holly Jolly Celebration Old Town Winchester will hold caroling and holiday activities including free holiday wagon rides from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 9. There will be specials at shops and restaurants all day. Children can create a holiday craft while waiting to meet Santa Claus at the Godfrey Miller House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Berryville parade, tree lighting + concerts Meet at the gazebo at Rose Hill Park to light the town Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 with perfor-

The Mansion’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Joe’s Steakhouse at The Piccadilly Mansion hosts a ghost story-themed three course dinner, featuring

EARLY DECEMBER

researchers from Spirit Watch. $55 per person, 8 p.m. - midnight. “The Nutcracker” Vostrikov Academy of Ballet will present “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at Handley High School. Reserve tickets at www.virginiayouthballet.org Holiday Concerts at the MSV Celebrate the holidays with music at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. This year’s line-up of afternoon concerts features the Yesterday Swing Orchestra on Dec. 9, tenor Jackson Caesar singing holiday music from his new CD on Dec. 16, holiday tunes Dixieland style from the Dixie Rhythm band on Dec. 17, and traditional Christmas music from the Clarke County Community Band’s Brass Quintet on Dec. 23. Admission charge. Holiday Homes Tour of Berryville Holiday homes tour will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10. Check in at the headquarters in the Firehouse Gallery at 23 E. Main St. Yuletide feast Be welcomed with a cup of Wassail and have a holiday dinner in King’s table style, complete with traditional bûche de noël as the King & Queen preside over a group of performers for your entertainment at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville.

CHRISTMAS EVE Luminaria in Whittier Acres For more than three decades, the streets throughout the Whittier Acres neighborhood have been illuminated on Christmas Eve with thousands of candles in small, white paper bags, equally spaced in front of almost every home. Last year, there were more than 5,500 luminarias. Drive through the neighborhood and enjoy.

DECEMBER 2017 | ACCESS MONTHLY

ACCESS MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2017