Clarke Monthly February 2022

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SENSENY LAND Central Clarke

LIBERTY STREET Berryville

NORTH CHURCH STREET Berryville

OLD WINCHESTER ROAD Boyce

163 private acres. Level, with gentle roll. Beautiful land.

Two bedroom, two bath, 996 sq. ft. house needing updating.

Multi-family house with three apartments.

51 acre horse farm with 4000+ sq. ft. home and six stall barn.

FOR SALE for $1,300,000

SOLD in 2021 for $176,000

SOLD in 2021 for $355,501

SOLD in 2021 for $1,250,000

MILLWOOD SHOP Millwood

MINNIEWOOD LAND Berryville

SOUTH CHURCH STREET Berryville

MARLEY GRANGE Millwood

Prime 1035 sq, ft. retail/office building in downtown Millwood.

Private, insulated 20 acres with beautiful western views.

Three bedroom, one & half baths; peaceful and loved home &gardens.

Lovely horse farm on 76 acres with 10 stall barn.

SOLD in 2021 for $250,000.

SOLD in 2020 for $295,000

SOLD in 2019 for $450,000

SOLD in 2019 for $1,800,000

CHAPEL LANE Boyce

PARSHALL ROAD Berryville

DUCK POND Boyce

Four bedroom, three bath house with stellar mountain views.

WALNUT STREET Berryville

Four bedroom, three bath house.

Well-conceived design; on five acres.

Choice 39 acre horse property; Perfect house. Four stall barn.

SOLD in 2017 for $557,000.

Three bedroom, two bath house in quiet Academy neighborhood.

SOLD in 2017 for $630,000

SOLD in 2015 for $242,000

SOLD in 2017 for $950,000

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www.sheridanmacmahon.com

110 East Washington Street - P.O. Box 1380 - Middleburg, VA 20118

F EB 2022

Clarke STAFF

David Lillard, Editor/Publisher Jennifer Welliver, Associate Publisher factoryBstudio, Art Direction Ralph Welliver, Proofreader

FEBRUARY CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Kuehner Rebecca Maynard Doug Pifer JiJi Russell Claire Stuart Brenda Waugh

COVER IMAGE

Kaylee Anderson, with, Coach Jon Van-Sice Courtesy of Tricia Nalls

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Welliver, 540-398-1450

Advertising Information: 540-398-1450

Clarke

3

The Moton School Story of Courage and Hope In the Spring of 1951 the student body of Robert Russa Moton High School, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, walked out in protest of unequal educational facilities. The resulting school desegregation lawsuit was part of the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, which concluded that “in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place.”

These are the opening lines of the “Moton School Story: Children of Courage,” the remarkable story of courageous high-school students who wanted nothing more than equal treatment under the law.

Farmville, Virginia’s former Robert Russa Moton High School, now a National Historic Land-

mark and museum, is the birthplace of America’s student-led civil rights revolution. The 1951 Moton Student Strike produced three-fourths of the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the landmark Supreme Court decision desegregating U.S. schools. From 1959 to 1964, Prince Edward County closed its public schools to avoid integration.

Cameron Patterson, executive director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum, visits Berryville to share the story of the students of Prince Edward County who helped to expand the meaning of equality for all — see advertisement on page 17.

The program will highlight the lock-out generation of students, who were impacted when public schools closed in 1959 in Prince Edward County for five years. You can learn more about this chapter in Civil Rights history at https://motonschoolstory.org/home.

AD DEADLINE 1ST OF EACH MONTH Clarke prints signed letters-to-the-editor of uniquely local interest. Letters containing personal attacks or polarizing language will not be published.

Letters may be edited. Send letters to the editor of 300 or fewer words to: editor@clarkeva.com.

CLARKE MONTHLY

PO BOX 2160 SHEPHERDSTOWN WV 25443

540-440-1373

www.CLARKEVA.com

A DV E R T I S E in Clarke

CALL 540-398-1450

Clarke

FEB 20 22 Long Branch Historic House and Farm Presents:

The 2022 Speaker Series Sundays at 6pm

February 27: “Bemer Therapy” by Dr. Rebecca Verna Holistic veterinarian, discussing how a German engineered Class II Medical device increases blood flow at the micro capillary level.

March 13: “Blind Bombing” by Author Norman Fine How Microwave Radar Brought the Allies to D-Day and Victory in WWII” March 20: “Fox World” by Author Jack Russell 500 miles of Walks and Talks with an Old Fox March 27: Dr. Laura Dabinett “What Happened to the American Healthcare System: A Physician’s Perspective”

Ticket prices: $25 each

To reserve tickets, please visit: www.visitlongbranch.org or call: 540-837-1856

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So, put that finger to good use and lower your electric bill today.

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4

The Bradford Pear Story Story and illustration by Doug Pifer

It sounded like springtime in December. Three dozen robins were singing and scolding on Christmas morning. They had gathered to feed on the fruits of Bradford pear, an ornamental tree that was the darling of landscapers thirty years ago and is now black listed by many gardeners and nature lovers.

Bradford Pear, Pyrus Calleryana, has an interesting history that began early in the 1950s when pear orchards in the Pacific Northwest were decimated by fire blight, a disease that kills fruit trees. Agricultural researchers discovered that the Callery pear, a thorny wild tree native to China, had rootstocks highly resistant to the disease.

They grew imported Callery pear trees in nurseries where branches from choice pear varieties were grafted onto their roots. This eventually saved the commercial pear business from being wiped out by fire blight.

Meanwhile, one agricultural nursery grew a Callery pear tree that was sterile, had a beautiful shape, profuse flowers, and no thorns. This cultivar was named “Bradford” after its discoverer. Bradford pear became the ideal landscaping tree in the 1980s. It had a lovely, symmetrical shape. It thrived in a variety of climates and soils. It even tolerated the polluted air and compacted soil next to city streets, shopping centers, business parks and parking lots.

Its shiny green leaves turned from yellow to orange to deep red and stayed on the tree until late fall. Its white blossoms made a spectacular show in early spring.

As they matured, Bradford pear trees became problematic.

They were short lived. Their narrowly forking branches and soft wood were prone to breakage. A windy spell would frequently tear a large Brad-

ford pear tree apart. The clouds of white blossoms, while stunning, smelled bad to some people.

While the original Bradford variety was sterile, most trees you see now have been cross pollinated and bear small, pinkish brown “pears.”

Most of these trees also have thorns. If you park your car under one of the fruiting trees after a night of heavy frost, you may return later to find your windshield smeared with their thawing, fallen fruit.

Robins, starlings, and other fruit-eating birds gorge on these little pears during late fall. The birds, in turn, disburse the seeds. Now Bradford, or rather Callery, pear trees grow everywhere.

Localities in several states have banned Bradford pear trees. People are urged to dig up and destroy Bradford pear trees on their property. Disposing of them isn’t easy. After a tree is cut, its roots must be destroyed before they send up new shoots everywhere. A tractor brush hogging a field can get thorn-slashed tires. Putting cut branches though a woodchipper creates mulch which may contain pear seeds that sprout in the spring.

A wild Chinese pear tree once saved the American pear industry and then became a favorite landscaping tree. Now reverted to its Callery roots, it has become what many would call a scourge.

Clarke

F EB 2022

Clarke County’s Kaylee Anderson Named Most Outstanding Wrestler at State Tournament

5 The Fox & Pheasant Antiques • Decor • Interiors • Fabrics

Story by Rebecca Maynard Photo by Tricia Nalls Clarke County High School senior Kaylee Anderson made the whole community proud on January 29 when she earned the Most Outstanding Wrestler award at the Virginia Girls’ Championship state wrestling tournament.

“I’ve never gotten one of those types of awards before, so it was pretty cool, and shocking,” Anderson said.

Anderson won the girls’ invitational in the 146 pound weight class. She won her first two matches on Saturday with first period pins. Leading by just one point while competing in neutral, Anderson scored a takedown with 18 seconds left and added two near fall points to win 6-1 over J.R. Tucker’s Victoria Harris.

Saturday’s tournament featured 11 weight classes and 13 divisions with girls from 58 high schools in Virginia. (The 100 and 127 classes had two divisions.) Anderson was the only girl from the five local high schools who competed.

The daughter of Tricia and Anthony Nalls, Anderson has been wrestling since 6th grade.

“My cousin [Lexi Nalls] was on Team Virginia, and I’d heard about her doing big things in wrestling,” Anderson said. “At the time I was playing softball, but I was horrible at it and needed a new sport! I thought maybe I could try what she was doing.”

Anderson went to a wrestling practice at the middle school and the rest is history.

She explained that currently, there is no sanctioned girls-only division in the Virginia High School League (VHSL). Girls wrestle male athletes during high school meets.

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-5 114 East Main Street • Boyce, Virginia “Girls’ wrestling is growing really fast and we’re trying to get it sanctioned,” she said. “There are not many girls’ tournaments in this area, and I’m on Team Virginia, so I know when the tournaments are, but it’s harder for other girls who don’t have those people to talk to and figure out where the girls’ tournaments are.”

“Coach [Jon] VanSice has helped me a whole lot, getting me into tournaments, and his son Kyle VanSice has helped me a whole lot too, sticking up for me, and helping me with my confidence,” she said.

Outside of wrestling, Anderson said a memorable teacher for her is Mary Roberts. “She helped me whole lot, especially when we went virtual, with remembering to stay on task and get everything done and turned in,” she said.

Anderson plans to attend Shenandoah University in Winchester, where she hopes to study exercise science and/ or nutrition, with the goal of

becoming a personal trainer.

She is close with Tim McGuire, Shenandoah’s wrestling coach, who helped train her for World Team Trials in Texas and flew out on his own dime to help coach her. She has been talking with him about trying to start a women’s wrestling team at Shenandoah.

“He said, ‘We’ll try to help you,’ so that’s my plan,” she said. “We’re going to have to start off as a club first, and build the program, but I’ll still be able to wrestle in women’s college tournaments and he’s going to recruit me to the men’s team.”

While she looks forward to a new chapter at Shenandoah, she currently has the goal to once again make it to boys’ state this year, after becoming the first girl from Clarke County to do so.

“I was really proud of myself when I made it to boys’ state as a freshman,” Anderson said. “It showed me that I was capable of doing anything.”

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6

Around Clarke County Promote your event in Clarke. Send notices by the 1st of the preceding month to jennifer@clarkeva.com. Keep event descriptions to 125 words, following the format of these pages. One or two CMYK photos, saved as tiff or jpg at 200 dpi, are always welcome.

February

23

ened Blues,” accompanied by pianist Quentin Walston. $10 in advance, $15 at door, children 12 and younger free. 7–8pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

Low Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic

Veterinary Community Outreach. 310 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. For cats and dogs, includes rabies, distemper, bordetella and microchips.

Cash only. Registration not required but appointments guarantee supplies. 4–6pm.

Rabies $10, distemper $15, bordetella $18, microchip $20. veterinarycommunityoutreach@ gmail.com.

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26

Poetry and Music with Sean Murphy and Quentin Walston

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. The Barns of Rose Hill is thrilled to partner with 1455 Literary Arts for a special reading with Sean Murphy, who will read from his new collection “The Black-

Moton School Story: Children of Courage

Barns of Rose Hill. Join Cameron Patterson, Executive Director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum (Moton), as he shares a story about the students of Prince Edward County, who walked out of their school and into history in 1951. Program will highlight the lockout generation of students, who were impacted when public schools closed in 1959 in Prince Edward County for five years. Clarke County Historical Association members $15, nonmembers $20, virtual link $7.

2–4pm. www.clarkehistory.org.

27

Speaker Series: “ Bemer Therapy”

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Dr. Rebecca Verna, holistic veterinarian, discusses how a German engineered Class II medical device increases blood flow at the micro capillary level. Proof of vaccination and masks required.

6–7pm. $25. 540-837-1856. www.longbranch.org.

March

4

Art During a Pandemic Opening Night

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. The opening night of our art during a pandemic exhibit will feature not only art created by local artists in our gallery, but also music, poetry and stories from local artists. There will also be and interactive poetry

element as part of the evening’s entertainment led by poet John Berry. $5, children 12 and younger free. 6–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

5

Miss Tess Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. Berryville. Miss Tess has always been known for creating an eclectic array of vintage blues, country and jazz sounds. Her voice has been described as “alternately seductive and sexy, and a pure joy to listen to.” $20 in advance, $25 at door, children 12 and younger free. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

5

Astronomy for Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park.

11012 Edmonds Lane. Delaplane.

Half hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by discussion and enjoying the night’s beauty. Then join NASA

Jet Propulsion Lab Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in astronomy. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, binoculars or telescope. Free with $10 parking fee per car. 6:30– 9:30pm. 540-592-3556.

12

Vernal Pool Walk

Sky Meadows State Park. 11012 Edmonds Lane.

Delaplane. Welcome spring with the appearance of frogs and salamanders in our vernal pools with a guided walk of less than a mile. 10–11am.

540-592-3556.

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Kipyn Martin and Gina Forsyth: Dinner and a Show Series

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Emerging Indie Folk singer-songwriter

Voted “Best BBQ in the Shenandoah Valley" since 2010!

Locally owned and operated for over a decade, Jordan Springs Market is open 7 days a week.

We smoke Beef Brisket, Pork, Chicken, Ribs and more and make delicious homemade sides and sweet treats every day.

741 Jordan Springs Rd Stephenson, VA catering@jordanspringsmarket.com

Stop in for takeout, dine in with us or have us cater your next special event from 10 guests to 1000! www.jordanspringsmarket.com

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F EB 2022 whose roots sink deep into the banks of the Shenandoah River, she currently plays festivals, concert halls, coffeehouses, and house concerts from New England to Texas. $10, or $5 with receipt from Berryville restaurant on night of show or night before. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

13

Women of WWII

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Program will include a lecture by George Mason University’s Dr. Zayna N. Bizri, discussing how women were recruited by the military through advertising.

How did the role of women change as citizens? Why were they essential to win the war?

Includes exhibit featuring local women who served as nurses, WAACs, WAVES, and in the Motor Corps at CCHA. There will be a companion exhibit on display at CCHA. Clarke County Historical Association members $15, nonmembers $20, virtual link $7. 2–4pm. clarkehistory.org.

13

Speaker Series: “Blind Bombing: How Microwave Radar Brought the Allies to D-Day and Victory in WWII” Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Norman Fine, author of numerous books on fox hunting, awarded the 2020 silver medal in world history at the annual Independent Book Publishers Awards, gives talk.

Proof of vaccination and masks

required. 6–7pm. $25. 540-8371856. www.longbranch.org.

19

Inspirational Walk

Sky Meadows State Park. 11012 Edmonds Lane.

Delaplane. “Take into your heart the peace of wild things,” absorbing the transformative words of writers who love them as you walk along the Sensory Explorers’ Trail. Join the Shenandoah Chapter Master Naturalists as they read passages aloud. Free with $10 parking fee per car. 10–11am.

540-592-3556.

20

Speaker Series: “Fox World”

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Author Jack Russell speaks about his most recent book. Proof of vaccination and masks required.

6–7pm. $25. 540-837-1856. www.longbranch.org.

27

Speaker Series: “What Happened to the American Health Care System: A Physician Perspective” Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Dr. Laura Dabinett, a retired obstetriciangynecologist, gives talk. Proof of vaccination and masks required. 6–7pm. $25. 540-8371856. www.longbranch.org.

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Ongoing Yoga at the Sanctuary: Virtual Gentle Flow Every Wednesday. 7–7:45am.

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Yoga at the Sanctuary: In Person Yoga Basics Sanctuary Wellness Center.

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Every Monday and Wednesday. 10:30–11:30am. Specials and class passes available at amyhopegentry.com/yoga.

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Yoga at the Sanctuary: In Person Vinyasa Sanctuary Wellness Center.

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Voting In Clarke County: A Guide To Election Districts

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CLARKEVA.COM The Clarke County Board of Supervisors is comprised of, from left, Matthew Bass (Berryville District), chair David Weiss (Buckmarsh District), Doug Lawrence (Russell District), vice chair Terri Catlett (Millwood District), and Bev McKay (White Post District). The Board is responsible for the county budget, ordinances, land-use decisions, and it sets priorities for county government. The Board also corresponds with state and federal officials to make the needs of Clarke residents known. Photo provided by Clarke County.

When the Circuit Court established the Clarke County Board of Supervisors in 1870, the county was divided into four townships for representation: Battletown, Chapel, Greenway, and Long Marsh.

Over the past 152 years, townships became districts, district names changed and, in 1991, a fifth district was added as the result of Census data and a growing population.

One thing has not changed: Where you live determines where you vote and in which election districts you vote.

A mayor and Town Council represent everyone who lives within Berryville and Boyce town limits. All Clarke County residents, including those who live in Berryville and Boyce, are represented by one of five Supervisors, who collectively make decisions for the county and voice local concerns to

elected officials in Richmond.

Members of the Virginia General Assembly (delegates and senators) and Congress represent the residents from their districts at the state level.

Virginia General Assembly and congressional districts were recently redrawn based on 2020 Census data. The Virginia Supreme Court approved this redistricting on Dec. 28, 2021.

Clarke County was in state Senate District 27, represented

by Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Upperville, and the 10th Congressional District, represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton. Parts of the county also are in two state House districts: the 10th, represented by Del. Wendy Gooditis, D-Boyce; and the 33rd, represented by Del. Dave LaRock, R-Hamilton.

With redistricting, Clarke County, surrounding counties,

and the City of Winchester are in state Senate District 1 (a new district) and House District 31. Clarke County is also part of the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District.

However, the elected officials who currently represent Clarke County — Vogel, Wexton, Gooditis, and LaRock — continue to represent the county until their terms expire; that is January 2023 for Congress and January 2024 for the state house and senate.

At the county level, the Board of Supervisors has determined that Clarke’s population has increased proportionally across the county, so its district boundaries will not change.

Census data shows that Clarke County’s population increased from 14,034 in 2010 to 14,807 in 2020.

According to County Administrator Chris Boies, each of the

Clarke

F EB 2022

county’s five voting districts should have an “ideal population” of 2,961 based on population growth and state laws.

Specifically, districts must be within plus or minus 5 percent of that number, or have a population between 2,813 and 3,109, he said.

Each Clarke district is within that range based on 2020 Census data.

• Berryville District has 2,997 residents (2,852 in 2010) • Buckmarsh District has 2,827 residents (2,854 in 2010) • Millwood District has 3,021 residents (2,729 in 2010) • Russell District has 3,082 residents (2,896 in 2010) • White Post District has 2,880 residents (2,703 in 2010) As this edition of Clarke Monthly went to press, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on Feb. 15 to make two changes to the Code of Clarke County. The first change simply updates the population for each district using 2020 Census information. The second is technically a correction, changing the “voter election district” to the accurate term “voter election precinct” for the central absentee voting.

Except for occasional special elections or primaries in the spring, all voters go to the polls in November to elect officials who begin serving their terms in January.

Director of Elections & General Registrar Barbara Bosserman said the Clarke County Office of Elections will send letters to all registered voters prior to the next election. The letters will outline changes to election districts and remind voters where they cast their ballots. Polling locations are not changing, Bosserman said.

The next election for Clarke County Supervisors is November 2023; their four-year terms begin in 2024.

“Supervisors are the governing body for the county,” explained Boies, who as county administrator oversees the

day-to-day operations of county government and reports to the Board.

The Board is responsible for the budget, ordinances, landuse decisions, and it sets priorities for county government.

Supervisors also correspond with state and federal officials to make the needs of Clarke residents known.

Individually, each Supervisor responds to constituent concerns and requests. If warranted, a supervisor will take concerns to the full Board.

Residents also can express concerns during each monthly Board meeting. Regular meetings on the third Tuesday of the month include Citizens Comment periods, when individuals may speak for three minutes on any subject.

David Weiss, who was first elected to the Board in 2003, has served as its chair since 2015. He represents the Buckmarsh District. Buckmarsh was carved out of the Berryville District after the 1990 Census and redistricting in early 1991.

At its January organizational meeting, the Board unanimously elected Millwood District Supervisor Terri Catlett to serve as vice chair. She was first elected in 2015.

White Post District Supervisor Bev McKay was first elected in 2011, and Supervisor Doug Lawrence was elected in 2019 to represent the Russell District.

In May 2020, Matthew Bass was appointed by the Board to fill the unexpired Berryville District Supervisor term of Mary Daniel after she was named a General District Court judge for the 26th Judicial District. Bass then won a special election in November 2020.

Clarke County was created on March 8, 1836, when the state Senate officially separated the new county from Frederick County. After the Constitution of 1870 established the Clarke County Board of Supervisors, the first to step up and serve were Philip H. Powers,

John Morgan, John M. Gibson, and John R. Nunn.

From the beginning, Clarke Supervisors have placed high value on the county’s natural resources and agrarian heritage. A March 1936 editorial in the Clarke Courier newspaper concluded, “The duty, therefore, has become ever more insistent upon the men and women of this generation in Clarke County to care well for this lovely land which is now observing its one hundredth birthday as a separate county. In fertilizing the soil they are preserving the interests of their children for the years to come so that its richness may be preserved forever like the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains that encircle this county with their ageless might.”

What was true then, remains true now.

Find more information about your Board of Supervisors, including a district map, meeting agendas, and contact information, at www.clarkecounty.gov.

Use the drop-down menu under “Government,” go to “Boards & Commissions,” and click on “Board of Supervisors.”

9

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Clarke

FEB 20 22

10

Former Planning Director Chuck Johnston Honored with 2021 Conservation Award”

By Cathy Kuehner

Clarke County Easement Authority’s Alison Teetor (left) and Winkie Mackay-Smith present the 2021 Wingate Mackay-Smith Clarke County Land Conservation Award – a birdhouse made by Fly Home Birdhouses and a perpetual plaque – to former planning director Charles “Chuck” Johnston during the easement authority’s February meeting. Johnston was honored for the work he did more than 20 years ago to establish the county’s Conservation Easement Purchase Program. Photo provided by Clarke County.

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Charles “Chuck” Johnston, who served as Clarke County Planning Director for 22 years, was honored February 11 with the Wingate Mackay-Smith Clarke County Land Conservation Award. The award recognized work he did in the early 2000s that continues to support property owners who want to preserve their land from future development.

In the early 2000s, Johnston began designing the county’s Conservation Easement Purchase Program (CEP Program) which was ultimately created by ordinance by the Board of Supervisors in 2002. The CEP program helps preserve land with significant agricultural, natural, scenic, and historic resources.

As the CEP program begins its 20th year in 2022, the Conservation Easement Authority wanted to recognize Johnston as the staff person who largely developed the program.

He researched conservation easements, established criteria for acceptance, and wrote the code sections for the creation of the Conservation Easement Authority (CEA).

Johnston left Clarke County in late 2011 to take a similar position

in Calvert County, Md. When he announced his departure, Johnston told The Winchester Star how impressed he was by the county and town officials who worked together to create the Berryville Area Plan to designate future growth areas. “[Clarke County and the Town of Berryville] had an urban development area before urban development areas were thought of in Richmond,” he said.

Today, Johnston is director of the Community Planning and Building Department for the City of Fredericksburg, Va. In 2012, Governor Bob McDonnell honored Clarke County’s CEA with an Environmental Excellence Award for its successful efforts to protect and preserve land. The CEA was honored also for filling an important niche by enabling landowners who might not meet the criteria of other programs to place smaller parcels of land in easement.

Easements are voluntary agreements negotiated between landowners and public agencies in which the landowners agree to place specific restrictions on the use and development of their property in exchange

various income and estate tax benefits. In the case of the CEA, there are also payments to the landowner.

Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority recorded its first easement in 2003.

When CEP Program properties are included with other conservation holdings, such as those held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, about 25 percent — 26,790 acres — of Clarke County is permanently protected, and hundreds of dwelling unit rights have been retired as of January 2022. At 178-square miles (113,920 acres), Clarke is the eighth smallest county in Virginia.

The county also maintains a sliding scale zoning policy that preserves large tracts of land by permitting fewer dwelling unit rights per acre for larger existing parcels.

Since 2015, the Wingate MackaySmith Clarke County Land Conservation Award has honored individuals, groups, and organizations for their significant contributions to the preservation and protection of open spaces in Clarke County. The award also draws attention to the need for land conservation and the role easements play in preserving natural and historic resources.

Mackay-Smith was the first recipient of the award as she was instrumental in helping the Board establish the Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority, and she helped negotiate the authority’s first easement purchase — historic Greenway Court — the colonialera home of Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Other Wingate Mackay-Smith Clarke County Land Conservation Award recipients are: Holy Cross Abbey (2015); G. Robert Lee, Margaret Maizel, Robert Mitchell, and A.R. “Pete” Dunning (2016); Melvin Kohn (2017); Joe and Denise Sipe (2018); J. Michael Hobert (2019); and the American Battlefield Trust and Shenandoah University (2020).

For information about conservation easements, contact Clarke County Easement Authority Specialist Alison Teetor at (540) 955-5177 or ateetor@clarkecounty.gov. Learn more at clarkelandconservation.org.

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Photo Stories Members of the Boyce Volunteer Fire Company gather around fellow member, mentor, and friend Samuel “Sammy” Buckley as he accepts a “Resolution of Recognition & Appreciation” from Clarke County Board of Supervisors chair David Weiss during the Board’s Jan. 18 meeting. Mr. Buckley joined the then-newly formed Boyce Volunteer Fire Company in February 1960, and was among those who physically built the fire station that opened in March 1961.

The resolution expresses gratitude for the many thousands of hours of service he has given the Clarke County community as a first responder. Mr. Buckley continues to maintain his Active Volunteer status.

Photo provided by Clarke County.

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Berryville Wastewater Treatment Plant employees have been recognized by the Virginia Rural Water Association (VRWA) for their exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm for their work. VRWA Director Mike Ritchie (left) and VRWA Vice President James Didawick (right) congratulate Berryville Wastewater Treatment Plant employees Ernest Bussert, director David Tyrell, holding the first-ever Virginia Rural Water Association “Motivational Leadership Award,” Warren McCormick, and Jay Braithwaite. Three employees — Daniel Dorsey, James Ellingsworth, and Connor Green — were unavailable for the photo. The nonprofit VRWA supports and serves the needs of small water and wastewater systems. Berryville’s wastewater treatment facility was upgraded in 2012 to meet state nutrient-reduction requirements to improve the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Construction began in March 2010, and the former plant was demolished once the new facility was running smoothly. The facility turns sewage into usable biosolids and returns clean water to the Shenandoah River. The water is tested three times each week and routinely tests cleaner than the river itself. The town also draws its drinking water from the river. Photo provided by Clarke County.

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Getting Paid: Some Questions and Answers About Virginia’s Wage Laws

By Brenda Waugh

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How much is the new minimum wage? Should I be getting paid overtime? Can I get comp time? This article provides an overview of changes to the laws on how workers are paid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This summary is limited to Virginia laws, although federal laws may apply in some situations.

What is the minimum wage in Virginia?

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On January 1, 2022, the state minimum wage increased to $11 per hour for most employees in Virginia. This is part of a graduated schedule that will increase the minimum wage to reach $15 per hour by January 1, 2026. While the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, the higher state wage controls the minimum wage in Virginia.

Some employees are exempt from the minimum hourly wage. The exemptions are complicated, so an employer should consult with a lawyer or

the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDLI) before paying any employee less than minimum wage.

The exemptions tend to fall into a few categories: Working for tips. Tipped employees must be paid $11 per hour, totaling tips and wages.

These employees receive tips from someone other than their employer and work in a position where tips are customary.

Federal law also requires that tipped employees receive direct wages of $2.13 per hour.

Other exemptions. Workers not considered employees for purposes of minimum wage laws in Virginia include babysitters working less than 10 hours per week, au pairs, certain farmworkers, workers in certain summer camps, traveling salespersons, golf course caddies, volunteers, work-study students, federally exempt employees, and workers in training.

Both employers and employees should consult with the VDLI to confirm whether the

minimum wage requirements apply to a position.

How are wages paid?

This raises two issues: How frequently wages are paid and how they are paid. Hourly employees must be paid every two weeks or twice each month. An exception applies to employees whose wages are greater than 150 percent of the average weekly wage in Virginia, who can then be paid once per month. Salaried employees and students in work-study programs must be paid at least once per month.

Usually, in Virginia, wages are paid with money — legal tender, checks, or drafts.

State law provides detailed requirements on how banks can be used, and direct deposit implemented. Most wages must be paid in cash or check, but, in some circumstances, wages can be paid by in-kind payment such as meals and lodging. However, private

Clarke

F EB 2022 employers may not pay overtime compensation with compensatory leave in place of wages. Only Virginia agencies, localities, law enforcement, and fire protection may pay overtime with compensatory leave.

Who is eligible for overtime? How is it calculated?

On July 1, 2021, the Virginia Overtime Wage Act (VOWA) became effective, providing a substantial change from federal law. VOWA requires employers, including small businesses and state and local governments, to pay overtime at a rate of one and a half times the regular rate to hourly employees. Overtime payment is for all hours worked more than 40 hours in a work week. A work week is any measurement of seven consecutive twenty-four hour periods. Sick leave and vacation leave do not include hours worked in computing overtime.

VOWA permits limited exemptions for executives, officers, administrators, and certain professionals who are paid by salary. Being paid a salary is not alone an exception to VOWA. The regular rate of pay of a salaried employee entitled to overtime is defined as one-fortieth of their salary. For example, if a salaried employee

receives $1,000 per week, their regular rate of pay is $25 per hour. Therefore, required overtime must be paid at $37.50 per hours.

Other workers who may not be entitled to overtime include seasonal recreational workers, certain farm workers, and domestic workers. Limited exemptions are provided for car dealerships, labor organizations, and railroad carriers.

Overtime calculations differ for those working on a commission, hospital workers, pieceworkers and tipped employees.

What happens if the employee is not paid?

If an employee is not paid according to minimum wage and overtime laws, they may be eligible to receive back wages. Depending on the nature of the violation, the employee may also receive interest or liquidated damages calculated based on the lost income. In some circumstances, employees who hire a lawyer may recover attorney fees.

Filing a claim. Certain employees may file a wage claim with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Contact the Department at laborlaw@ doli.virginia.gov or phone at (804) 786-2706 to determine if

the claim is eligible and obtain the forms to file the complaint.

Private litigation. A private lawyer may help aggrieved employees collect evidence, file the complaint, and represent their interests in court. In some situations, the court may order that the employer pay attorney fees. These matters have deadlines for filing that depend on the claim and whether it is a state or federal issue.

Mediation. Many workplace disputes can be addressed through mediation, including wages. When you cannot resolve a concern on wages directly, a mediator can meet with all parties to help them reach a resolution and minimize the time and expenses of court litigation.

Other options. Other options may be available to resolve unpaid wages. VOWA permits a class action when an employer fails to comply with the overtime in a way that impacts a class of persons or employees.

State laws also provide for civil and criminal penalties in some circumstances. Contact the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry to determine the potential of these options.

Brenda Waugh is a lawyer/ mediator with Waugh Law & Mediation, serving clients in the Blue Ridge region of Virginia and Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

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Planning for Your Future How much does senior living cost and how do people pay for it?

Families pay for senior living in a variety of ways. If you have invested in Long Term Care insurance, reach out to your insurance provider and ask about qualifying for benefits. Many families use part of the sale of a home to pay for senior living.

Finally, if you served in the military during wartime or had a spouse who served, you may be eligible for Aid & Attendance benefits. This, combined with social security payments and savings often covers the cost of senior living.

Ultimately, how senior living is paid works out to be different for every family. But it is worth the time to plan ahead, and choose the community and plan that makes sense for you.

Call us for a free cost comparison tool and guidance on your options.

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FEB 20 22

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Stoneflies: Winter-Loving Insects

By Claire Stuart

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While taking a walk on January 4, a sunny but cold day in the 30s, I noticed some winter stoneflies basking on the warmest side of a light pole. That was the earliest I’ve ever seen these little insects.

Since insects are “coldblooded,” their bodies are at the same temperature as their surroundings, so you would not expect them to be active in winter. Of course, most of them are not. They either die when weather gets cold, leaving eggs to hatch the next spring, or they spend winter in a snug retreat of some kind. There are a few exceptions, the commonest being winter stoneflies (Order Plecoptera, Families Capniidae and Taeniopterygidae). They survive the cold because their blood contains anti-freezelike compounds.

There are hundreds of species of stoneflies, varying in size from about 10mm to the giant stonefly that can reach two inches. Colors range from black to gray, brown, green and yellow, but larger and lighter-colored species appear later in the year. Winter stoneflies are black to absorb the winter sun, and they spend most of their time basking in sunny locations.

Most people aren’t even aware of stoneflies because stoneflies don’t bite, sting, or eat plants. Winter stoneflies are easily overlooked because they are small — and folks usually aren’t walking around and closely examining rocks, bridges, and walls on winter days. I find a nearby cemetery a peaceful place to walk, and I often see stoneflies on headstones.

Winter stonefly adults could be mistaken for winged ants or termite swarmers because they are of similar size, black with long, narrow bodies, and usually found in groups. However,

winged ants and termites are not out in such cold weather and don’t sit and bask. And unlike similarly shaped small insects, stoneflies have long, thin antennae and two long, thin “tails” called cerci.

Adult winter stoneflies are not strong fliers and are usually found within about a quarter mile to a half mile of clean, moving water. Their immature forms, called water nymphs or naiads, are aquatic. Most of their life of about a year is spent in the nymphal stage. They live at the bottom of rocky or pebbly streams and rivers where they eat vegetation and organic debris. Nymphs resemble wingless adults, with long legs, antennae and cerci, and their wings slowly develop from pads on their backs.

They breathe by means of gills that are found at the bases of their legs.

While most aquatic insects

develop quickly in warm weather, winter stoneflies are just the opposite. They burrow down into the stream bed when the water warms up in summer and stay there without eating or growing, resuming when cold weather returns.

In winter, they crawl out of the water (often through holes in the ice) onto vegetation and rocks to shed their skin and emerge as winged adults. Hundreds sometimes emerge at the same time and cover walls and bridges as they soak up the sun. Winter is an advantageous time to be an active insect because there are fewer predators around, even in the water.

Adulthood is very short — only a week or two — and that time is spent reproducing. Males and females have an unusual way of getting together. Most insects find mates by odor, sight, or sounds.

Stoneflies communicate by

Clarke

F EB 2022

vibrations, drumming on whatever they are sitting on, causing a vibration which prospective mates can feel and recognize. A male will pound his abdomen on the surface to attract females. Females do not hear the drumming; they feel the vibration. A female drums back, the male answers, and they continue the duet and move toward until they find each other.

After mating, the female flies to the river or stream and deposits her eggs into the water.

Although stoneflies in general would not seem to be of any consequence to people (except perhaps to anglers who use them as models for tying flies), they are vitally important to us. They are very sensitive to water conditions and their survival depends on the existence of clean, unpolluted

15

streams and rivers. Their populations are often counted in monitoring water conditions.

Small changes and disturbances in water quality show up quickly in stonefly populations. They could be considered the “canary in the coal mine” if they are suddenly absent in water where they were previously commonly found. Their presence is a sign of clean water.

Watch for winter stoneflies as you take your winter walks.

Look for them sitting quietly, soaking up the sun, on the sunny sides of buildings, stone walls, bridges, headstones, and similar places. In our immediate area, we are seldom far from rivers and streams, so it will be a good sign for humans if you find some.

Feel free to email me with your insect questions: buglady@wv.net.

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Getting Everyone to the Table Discussions About Senior Living Options Clarke Monthly asked the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living for advice on how to plan for a loved one’s transition from living alone “athome”to acommunity setting. We appreciate them providing the information below.

You may have noticed signs a loved one is struggling to maintain the demands of their home while you were visiting over the holidays. Many of us agonize over the uncertainties of approaching our loved ones about these concerns or with suggesting the idea of senior living.

Perhaps you’ve tried to broach the topic with family members in the past, only to have the dialogue break down in frustration. While it might be easier to avoid the topic, doing so can lead to bigger challenges. Like returning an overdue library book, today’s fine is better than tomorrow’s compounded fees.

Seems logical, yet we all can get caught walking the path of least resistance. If we know it’s best to act, why do we leave the “elephant in the room?”

Here are a few reasons: We think it’s too far in the future. The longer you delay, the harder these conversations become because options become more limited. Don’t wait for a triggering event. Crisis is the absolute worst time to have this discussion. Focus on building a plan, rather than jumping into action.

We think it’s depressing or upsetting. These conversations don’t have to be heavy or sad. Instead of steeling yourself for a moment that’s formal or stiff, let your curiosity be your guide. Resist allowing fear to drive your agenda or tone.

Our loved one is afraid to lose control. Make sure your loved one knows they are firmly in the driver’s seat during discussions impacting their future. Even if you have no concerns and your loved one doesn’t need to move any time soon, it’s valuable to have a plan. The most productive dialogue happens when everyone feels safe and secure. For

someone who values control, the worst thing you can do is avoid the opportunity to share your feelings and advocate for yourself while you have the time and space to reflect without stress.

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Understanding everyone’s concerns and interests around this sensitive topic can lead to a more meaningful conversation. Sometimes we must start gently or be prepared to circle back to the topic consistently over time. When everyone has come to the table, here are tips on maintaining a meaningful dialogue.

Don’t go in with an agenda.

It helps to gather facts and in- formation first, however the primary goal is to initiate a dialogue, answer questions, or problem solve. If you have concerns, state what you’re observing without assigning judgement. Ask lots of openended questions. Park your emotions at the door. Stick to the facts, and be ready to listen.

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Be prepared to have these conversations any time. Listen for relevant anecdotes about family friends, neighbors, or others in casual conversation. If you get deflected, ask: “If not now, when?” These conversations tend to get easier the more you revisit them.

Many people need to process for a while before they feel confident making what they perceive to be a big or high stakes decision.

Use whatever tools you need. There are many helpful tools online like conversation-prompting flashcards, note-taking worksheets, and topic checklists to help guide the conversation.

Involve a professional. If

emotions run high, a neutral third party can often diffuse tricky situations and distill a conversation down to actionable steps. This could include someone from the senior-living community you are considering or a councilor who specializes in transitions.

Stay present. Concentrate on listening to understand versus listening to respond. Listen for themes in your loved one’s stories and repeat key points backtoconfirmeveryone’son the same page. Record the conversation so you can focus on listening, not taking notes.

Focus on areas of agreement, not dissent. Many of us tend to back our position so rigorously we can’t see the for-

est for the trees. Meaning we risk losing creativity that could lead to compromise. Find areas of common ground and lever- age those as your starting point for building further consensus.

These conversations are never predictable and can seem daunting, however they may be easier than you think. Reaching understanding can give everyone a sense of deep relief but getting started is often the hardest part.

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Imagine Something Better

Dreams of a New Reality

by JiJi Russell The month of January this year felt to me like a slightly altered replay of last year, when we trudged through the winter of a pandemic with little good news. Year-end 2021 data showed that more people died in 2021 from covid than had in 2020, a depressing distinction for a year that many of us thought would see the virus fade into an endemic nuisance.

Life’s normal events that we all crave were, and still are, being canceled or stripped down.

Hospital systems across the U.S. were, and in some cases still are, overburdened by caring for Covid patients. Health care workers and teachers, among other professionals, were/are leaving their posts early or entirely due to burnout. It seemed like things shouldn’t be so bad, and indeed with vaccinations possible, they should be better, but the cold month of January had plenty of bleak aspects.

My January despair led me to think more holistically about

the health and well-being of us as a country full of people, not “red” people, or “blue” people, but a society of people who want to and need to survive and thrive. We all have kids or parents or friends or activities that we care about and miss; people who need to have something to motivate us forward, not to be irreparably wounded by the collective traumas that we have experienced over the last two years. If there were such thing as a national wellness index, I would venture that we’ve hit a new low on it as a society. We are exhausted, mournful, angry, frustrated, and so much more, which is why we need to imagine something better.

In my personal history, I have leaned into wisdom from several spiritual traditions, including meditation, Quaker meetings, indigenous teachings, and a Catholic upbringing, along with an ever-changing patchwork of art and music that I continue to peer into as

a way to elucidate the unexplainable. And now more than ever before, I feel the need to use imagination and creativity to shape a new reality that is more hopeful and harmonious than the one we have been residing in. This isn’t to say, “forget the past,” but rather to not underestimate the power of dreaming and hoping, and perhaps praying or meditating for something better.

In my January slump, I received a late but just-in-time Christmas gift from my sister-in-law, a gift that sparked hopefulness. A vibrant art tile reveals the image of a tree spreading its limbs into the beyond, with glints of the fire within illuminating the earth; the heart of the tree; and the space around its branches. A quote by the philosophical British writer James Allen (1864-1912) accompanied the artwork. Allen writes, “The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps

Still thinking about that trip to Israel?

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On January 9th, Israel announced to the world that it would reopen tourism from all countries, including travelers from the United States.

This ruling will enable travelers to enter providing they meet certain pre-departure and post-arriving requirements.

If your trip was canceled but you’re still interested in traveling to Israel, now is a good time to go.

in the acorn, the bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.”

It’s time to dream and contribute to a collective rise, a reality better than what

we have just lived through.

Anyone willing?

JiJi Russell is a certified personal trainer, registered yoga teacher, and dreamer. You can reach her at jijirussell.com.

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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.

102+ acres $4,600,000 Boyce – This exquisite Country Estate is surrounded by some of the finest estates in Clarke Co. and enjoys stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views. Designed for elegant living and grand entertaining.

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37+ acres $3,495,000 Bluemont – Just north of Middleburg, stunning colonial 12 rooms, 6240 sqft of living space with 10 foot ceilings, 4 BRs/ 4½ BAs, wood burning fireplaces, gourmet kitchen. A 6 stall stable and board fenced paddocks. Blue Ridge Mountain views.

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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.

100 acres $3,000,000 This estate is waiting for someone with the eye for interior finishes to bring it to life. Minutes from the charming village of Sperryville and enjoys convenient proximity to Culpeper Regional Airport and Warrenton-Fauquier Airport.

50 acres $2,489,000 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.

44 acres $1,995,000 Ideally located on a quiet country road just east of historic Middleburg, this gracious two story Cape Cod home is completely renovated and available immediately. Center hall floorplan, light filled rooms, huge gourmet kitchen, six car attached garage.

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