Clarke monthly June 2021

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CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2021

Clarke

JUNE 2021

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A Tale of Two Degrees

By Carol Coffelt Shenandoah University held its annual commencement ceremonies on May 22, 2021.

Though COVID has forced many institutions to hold these ceremonies virtually, Shenandoah

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was able to hold an in-person graduation — outside under a large tent so more family and friends could attend.

As someone who has been on the stage and in the stands for plenty of graduations, I must say this one was fantastic. The speakers were quick with their remarks. Some were humorous, some were serious, but all were easily seen as the University had spaced jumbo-trons throughout the tent.

But this commencement ceremony was significant for one Clarke County family as they had an aunt and a niece walking together. This does not happen often, but as many people pursue higher education well into their adult years, it has become more common.

Lacey Lyn Coffelt received her Masters of Science in education / administration and her niece, Bethany Melvin, received her Bachelor of arts in media and communication.

This aunt/niece duo are both avid academics and look forward to a bright future.

Lacey teaches business and marketing courses at the high

school level in Loudoun County, where she wishes to use her degree to pursue advancement into administration. A career-switcher, she worked in the telecommunication industry for 17 years before becoming a teacher, four years ago. “I have an immense passion for helping kids figure out what they want to do with life after high school,” she said, and wants “to be able to teach them the life skills they need to be successful, no matter what path they choose.”

She prefers working with the high school level because she feels this is when they need guidance the most.

Bethany, currently a substitute teacher, is eager to continue her education and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in elementary education. Her desire is to teach English as a second language. Her reasoning is clear, “Because of the opportunities Shenandoah gave me, I was able to travel abroad for the first time, and I know how it feels to not be able to communicate. This [experience] is something I will bring

Lacey Lyn Coffelt and Bethany Melvin, class of 2021. into my future classroom. At Shenandoah, I also developed a passion for storytelling and documentary filmmaking, things I plan to always do no matter where life takes me!”

The two graduates are part of a long-time Clarke County family. Many of the family members still live either in, or close to Clarke County, and are always spending time together.

Though it has been a difficult year for everyone, these two amazing women have found a way to balance the challenges of the pandemic, family life and education to fulfill a dream.

Congratulations to both for their achievement.

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Clarke STAFF

David Lillard, Editor/Publisher Jennifer Welliver, Associate Publisher Aundrea Humphreys, Art Director Hali Taylor, Proofreader

JUNE CONTRIBUTORS Carol Coffelt Cathy Kuehner Rebecca Maynard Doug Pifer Brenda Waugh

COVER IMAGE Photo courtesy of Victor O’Neill Studios

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

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FROM THE EDITOR Notes and Thanks Congratulations, graduates

The Clarke County High School class of 2021 had experienced an entire senior year filled with uncertainty and tenuousness beyond that of any in memory. When it came time to gather for commencement — in person! — one CCHS graduation guest showed up right on time: rain.

Graduating senior Olivia Pitts put it this way in a post: “As a graduate in the Class of 2021, I hope it does rain! It’s finally one tradition that won’t have to miss out on this school year!” Sagely stated, Olivia.

In May, we reported on the finalists for the Rosemont Leadership Scholarship. We congratulate Ben Thompson for having been named the 2021 recipient, and express our gratitude to Biff Genda, owner of Historic Rosemont in Berryville, for donating $5,000 to the Clarke County Education Foundation for matching the gift.

Responding to “Reckoning”

In May, we reported on efforts at Blandy to find the graves and identify the enslaved people who were buried in a graveyard there. Berryville resident Emily McCay was moved to write to us: “I was very appreciative of the article entitled ‘Reckoning With Our History’ in the May edition. I am of the view that we will not heal as a country (or species) until/unless we acknowledge not only the things we admire and have accomplished but also the searing wretchedness that our collective history includes, from the slaughter of Indigenous peoples on the land we now inhabit to the capture and enslavement of

human beings from another continent. I found it both heartening and deeply poignant to read about Blandy Experimental Farm’s move in this direction. Thank you for reporting about it.”

Thank you, Emily, for your thoughtful note.

Perchance to dream

We’re grateful to Wendell Hawken of Pyletown Road for offering her poetry. Wendy has published three chapbooks and three collections, with a fourth collection to be published in June 2022. We look forward to sharing more of her poetry with you.

Seeds: Three Haiku

By Wendell Hawken Small brown birds flocking bringing white-winged morning light to feeders’ dark seeds ~ Gray doves turning earth planting sunflowers’ dark seeds littering the ground ~ Cedar branches droop holding seedless cylinders, small birds’ huddled wait

Be well, everyone. ~ David Lillard

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The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in the United States has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. Some feel relieved to both minimize their risks of becoming infected with Covid-19 as well as to decrease potential serious complications. Others fear that the vaccine does not have a historical base sufficient to guarantee its safety. Whether we like it or not, many public and private entities are requiring a Covid-19 vaccination. Do laws requiring vaccination violate state or federal constitutional rights? Do they conflict with federal or state statutes? In other words: Can they do that?

Can the government require that a person get a vaccine? Yes. While no state or federal authority has indicated that they plan to require the vaccine, individual states probably have the authority to require vaccination. During the smallpox epidemic, Massachusetts mandated vaccinations.

Henning Jacobson, concerned that he would develop a reaction to the shot, challenged the constitutionality of compulsory vacation as a violation of freedom of religion. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the $5 fine as a valid exercise of the state’s police power. The court recognized the potential for a medical exception. The Virginia Code currently grants the state health commissioner the authority to require any safe immunization in the case of an epidemic.

Can schools require that students be vaccinated against Covid as a condition of attending? Yes, public schools and universities can require that students be vaccinated. A few years after the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case involving Henning Jacobson, Rosyln Zucht refused the smallpox vaccine and San Antonio public schools refused her admission. The Supreme Court upheld Zucht’s exclusion. Today, every state re-

quires that students attending public and private schools receive certain vaccinations, providing for limited medical and religious exemptions.

In Virginia, students in public schools and universities are vaccinated against several infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps and chickenpox, as established by the state code or the State Board of Health. Students may be exempt if the vaccine conflicts with the student’s “religious tenets or practices” or can certify that a medical condition contraindicates immunization.

The Virginia attorney general affirmed the authority for Virginia’s public universities to mandate the Covid vaccine, stating the parents sending children to the state universities should feel confident that they will be safe. Many Virginia schools, including Bridgewater College, College of William & Mary (with FDA approval), Hampton University, Hollins University, Mary Baldwin

Clarke

JU NE 2021 University, Marymount University, Randolph-Macon College, Union Presbyterian Seminary, University of Virginia, and Virginia Wesleyan University are requiring a Covid-19 vaccine. Virginia Community College is not mandating the vaccination.

Can employers require vaccines? Yes, with some exceptions. Before Covid-19, many companies mandated vaccines, especially in health care. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that one Houston hospital now mandates Covid-19 vaccines for all employees, stating that it promotes the safety of the patients. Delta Airlines is requiring that all new employees be vaccinated, and the entire crew and cast of the musical “Hamilton” will be required to be vaccinated.

Since employment in the United States is generally “at will,” employers have great liberty in establishing working conditions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has confirmed that a Covid-19 vaccination requirement would not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Enforcement and exemptions to the requirement are not as clear. In some circumstances, employers may be required to provide reasonable accommodation for an employee who cannot be vaccinated due to a disability.

Can private businesses exclude an unvaccinated patron? Most likely, yes. Businesses can restrict customers in any fashion they like, so

long as it does not violate the law. Think: “no shirt no shoes no service.” The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides one of the few restrictions. It prohibits all public accommodations from discriminating based on race, sex, religion, national origin, or a protected class. “Public accommodations” is broadly defined and includes hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and recreational facilities. So long as the vaccination does not impact a protected group, the law probably can’t restrict the business owner from imposing requirements.

Can airlines or cruise lines restrict travel to people who are not vaccinated? Most likely, yes. Since cruise lines and airplanes travel to international locations, the travel company can restrict access to those who could not depart the ship or plane, due to a lack of vaccine verification. In domestic travel, while the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution may restrict the government from impeding travel, it does not restrict the ability of private businesses to impose conditions so long as they are not inconsistent with state or federal law.

Can countries require that we have a vaccine before entering that country? Absolutely. There are currently no restrictions on countries requiring vaccination, and each has wide discretion to establish requirements before issuing visas for visitors. Several countries in South America and in Africa have required vaccine

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What can you do?

If you are vaccinated, keep your records so that you can verify your vaccination history.

If you are not vaccinated, talk with your physician to see if you qualify for a medical exemption in some of these circumstances.

If you are a member of a religious organization that opposes vaccination, speak with your clergy member to obtain further information about religious exemptions.

If you have any question about the legality of a vaccine requirement, speak with a lawyer. Many issues relative to the requirement are still unresolved and may impact any of these mandates.

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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Clarke

JUNE 2021

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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.

June

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Music and Dinner in the Park by the Berryville Grille Rose Hill Park. E. Main St. Berryville. Shenandoah Spirits and the M.T. Pockets Bluegrass Band perform 6:30–8pm, with a music charcuterie box by the Berryville Grille for purchase.

Box includes assorted Italian meats, cheeses and crackers, hummus and pita, Caprese salad and double chocolate chip cookies. $12 per person, preorder by June 13 for pickup from 5:30–6:30 on the 18th at the Grille, 9 E. Main St., Berryville.

540-955-4317.

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Historical Downtown Berryville Walking Tour Clarke County Historical Association. 32 E. Main St. Berryville. Join us for a Historical Downtown Berryville walking

tour to dive into what it was like then versus now. 2–4pm.

Members $10, nonmembers $15. www.clarkehistory.org.

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Meet the Beekeepers

Sky Meadows State Park. 11012 Edmonds Lane.

Delaplane. Meet with local apiarists of the Beekeepers of Northern Shenandoah and discover the art of beekeeping.

1–3pm. 540-592-3556.

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Social Bridge Night

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Wine, soft drinks and light snacks provided. Limited seating; RSVP. $15 per person. 5–7pm.

540-837-1856.

24

Full Moon Walk

Blandy Experimental Farm. 400 Blandy Farm Lane.

Boyce. Explore the Arbore-

Meet the Beekeepers at Sky Meadows State Park, June 20. tum under the full moon. Walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain in variable light conditions.

Wear comfortable walking

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shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight if you wish. This program will be entirely outdoors, and group size is limited to facilitate physi-

cal distancing. We encourage participants to wear masks while in a close group setting. Please distance when possible. FOSA members/

Clarke

JU NE 2021

UVa Alumni, $10, nonmembers $15. Member/UVa family $20, nonmember family $25.

8:45–9:45pm.

540-837-1758. www.blandy.virginia.edu.

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Music and Dinner in the Park with Camino Real Rose Hill Park. E. Main St. Berryville. Ver Azul performs acoustic guitar with elements of American folk, pop music, and` Brazilian and Latin jazz and bossa nova. Dinner will be available for purchase from Camino Real. 6:30–8pm.

540-955-4730.

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The Derailleurs Concert and Exhibit

Finale

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Local gypsy jazz ensemble The Derailleurs will close out the Bruce and Joan Couch Exhibit. 7pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

540-955-2004.

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Summer Wild Edible Plants Hike

Meet at Carriage Barn at Sky Meadows State Park. 11012 Edmonds Lane. Delaplane. Full day hike will cover native and non native species of useful plants.

Each participant will receive a full color copy of Mac Welch’s Summer Wild Edible Plants manual. $127, includes parking fee. Register ahead.

9am–4pm.

540-592-3556. advancedsurvivaltraining.com.

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CCHA Annual Meeting

Burwell-Morgan Mill. 15 Tannery Lane. Millwood. Join us at the Burwell-Morgan Mill as we recap 2020 and discuss our plans for 2021 and beyond. Open to CCHA members only. 1:30–3:30pm. Visit www. clarkehistory.org to become a member.

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Social Bridge Night

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Wine, soft drinks and light snacks provided. Limited seating; RSVP. $15 per person. 5–7pm.

540-837-1856.

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Summer Concert Series: Souled Out

Rose Hill Park. E. Main St. Berryville. Souled Out performs. Sponsored by Bank of Clarke County. Free. 6–9pm.

540-955-5143.

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Outdoor Movie Night: Bristle Lip/ Rapunzel/The Goose Girl Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Join Long Branch and the Clarke County Historical Association for family friendly outdoor movies every Wednesday through the end of July. Refreshments for purchase. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy a movie night under the stars.

Free; donations welcome.

Dusk. www.clarkehistory.org. www.visitlongbranch.org.

July

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The Farmer’s Forge

Sky Meadows State Park. 11012 Edmonds Lane.

Delaplane.

See members of the Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac show off their skills. 12–3pm. 540-592-3556. skymeadows@dcr.virginia.gov.

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Trivia Night

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Clarke County Historical Association and Clarke County Library team up once again to bring live team trivia. Categories include History, Movies, Literature, Science and more. Prizes donated by local area businesses. Barn doors open at 6:30p.m., trivia begins

at 7pm. Free. 540-955-2004. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

6

Social Bridge Night

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Wine, soft drinks and light snacks provided. Limited seating; RSVP. $15 per person. 5–7pm.

540-837-1856.

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Outdoor Movie Night: National Treasure

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Join Long Branch and the Clarke County Historical Association for family friendly outdoor movies every Wednesday in July. Refreshments for purchase. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy a movie night under the stars. Free; donations welcome.

Dusk. www.clarkehistory.org. www.visitlongbranch.org.

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Music and Dinner in the Park from Hog

it Up Rose Hill Park. E. Main St. Berryville. Blue Ridge Avalanche, an acoustic fusion including originals, Dawg music, Western swing, Gypsy jazz and more, performs. Hog it Up food truck will have dinner for purchase. 6:30–8pm. 540-207-7906.

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Colonial Kids Day at the Mill

Burwell-Morgan Mill. 15 Tannery Lane. Millwood. Join the Clarke County Historical Association for a day of scavenger hunts, craft making, blacksmithing, seamstressing and more. $5 per person; sponsored by Perry Engineering. 11am–4pm. Buy tickets at www.clarkehistory.org.

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Astronomy for Everyone

Sky Meadows State Park.

11012 Edmonds Lane. Delaplane.

Junior astronomer program

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Clarke

JUNE 2021 is followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation.

Bring telescope or binoculars if desired. 8:30–11:30pm. Parking fees apply. 540-592-3556. skymeadows@dcr.virginia.gov.

ily fun movies outdoors every Wednesday in July, with refreshments for purchase. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy a movie night under the stars. Free; donations welcome.

Dusk. www.clarkehistory.org.

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Social Bridge Night

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Wine, soft drinks and light snacks provided. Limited seating; RSVP. $15 per person. 5–7pm.

540-837-1856.

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Outdoor Movie Night: Secretariat

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Join Long Branch and the Clarke County Historical Association for fam-

Poker Run

Boyce Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall. 1 S. Greenway Ave. Rain date July 31.

Drive through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley to collect your cards. Meet back at the social hall for food, music, fun and to see if you have a winning hand. First prize $100, second prize $75, third prize $50. All vehicles welcome. Entry fee is $25 for drivers and $15 for passengers. Pre-registration encouraged. Email name, phone and number of people in party, boycefireco4@gmail.com. Run

begins 8am, first bike sets out at 9am. 703-470-4236.

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Long Branch Summer Porch Party

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. Elegant summer cocktail party with light fare and live music. Limited seating; RSVP. $75 per person.

540-837-1856.

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Summer Concert Series: Robbie Limon

Rose Hill Park. E. Main St. Berryville. Robbie Limon performs. Sponsored by Bank of Clarke County. Free. 6–9pm.

540-955-5143.

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10-Year Barns of Rose Hill Celebration

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalm-

8 ers Ct. Berryville. As a thank you to the public for their support, Barns of Rose Hill is hosting a 10 year anniversary celebration with music, food trucks, free ice cream, magic, balloon animals, face painting, arts and crafts and an instrument petting zoo. 5pm. Free admission. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

540-955-2004.

Ongoing Clarke County Farmers’ Market 317 W. Main St. (Berryville Primary – Clarke County School Board office).

Customer entrance and parking is off West Main Street. All patrons are asked to comply with state-mandated requirements related to COVID-19, including social distancing and face cover-

ings. Find a list of vendors at clarkecountyfarmersmarket. com/meet-our-vendors. 8am– 12pm every Saturday through the end of October. manager@ clarkecountyfarmersmarket.com.

Shepherdstown Friday Painters Exhibit Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Millwood. The Shepherdstown Friday Painters present a collection that is a mirror of their experiences, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to a simple flower in one’s garden. Open Monday– Friday, 10–4pm, and weekends, 12–4pm. Exhibit runs through June 30. 540-837-1856. www.visitlongbranch.org.

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Clarke

JU NE 2021

9

Clarke County Seniors Reflect and Look Ahead

By Rebecca Maynard

Alyssa Hardy.

Angel Crider.

Catherine Drosselmeyer.

Daniel Shifflet.

Ellis Caleb Nei.

This school year was different from any other year, and we wanted to highlight just a few of the many unique graduating seniors as we celebrate the entire class of 2021. Congratulations, seniors!

Trysten Dovel was involved in CCHS cheerleading and did varsity sideline and competition all four years. She was SCA president her freshman and sophomore year, and is planning on attending George Mason University to study forensic psychology.

“I’ll also continue to cheer on my worlds cheer team at Maryland Twisters Virginia!” she said. Dovel hopes to join a sorority and her biggest goal is to one day join the FBI. “I think what stood out to me the most [at CCHS] were the bonds I made with my friends.

Seeing people every day at school really makes them more family than friends. I also had some teachers that were huge role models and helped shape me into who I am today,” Dovel said.

Catherine Drosselmeyer was in track and field from 10th to 12th grade and plans to attend Shenandoah University to major in psychology and minor in education.

“I was in person this school year and my senior year was very weird,” Drosselmeyer said. “Adjusting to the online aspect was very hard but

going back in person made things a lot easier.”

“One memory that stood out was when everyone came back for all four days and I was able to see friends I hadn’t seen in over a year, which made things extra special.”

Alyssa Hardy was in the CCHS Screaming Eagles Marching Band for five years and in the Winter Guard program for seven years. She was also a part of competition play for four years and the musicals for five years.

“I am going to Christopher Newport University and majoring in psychology with a minor in criminology,” Hardy said.

“I was a hybrid student and I didn’t have a normal season for any of my extracurricu-

lar activities. One of my favorite memories is all of the times that my friends and I would goof off in the hallways.”

Tommy Holbrook was involved in cross country, track and field and boys volleyball (buff puff).

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Ethan Henard.

Mary Elizabeth Myers.

Tommy Holbrook.

Trysten Dovel.

William Meyer.

“I plan to work locally at the Buttery in Millwood and attend Lord Fairfax Community College for a general education,” Holbrook said. “I was hybrid for a short time in the year but later went back to all virtual. It was a very sad time that affected many activities that would have made junior and senior year a much better experience.

“My most fond memory was the competition in the pep rally at the end of spirit week; it really was something to be missed this year. It really makes you take pride in your grade, especially when our grade was really strong in the events.”

William Meyer has been involved in the CCHS marching band for five years and the in-

door drum line for four years.

He was a hybrid/in-person student for the school year.

“My plan after graduation is to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, to aspire to a degree in Culinary Arts,” Meyer said.

“Covid impacted my junior year by ending our indoor drum line season early, and it impacted my senior year in several ways,” he said. “The big one is not really getting the senior experience; we missed out on a lot, from Homecoming to just being around each other and enjoying our final year in school. Covid also hindered the marching band as well as many other sports from having a season. We had an Indoor Drum line season but it wasn’t the same. We didn’t get to go to competitions and perform, missing out on the big thing that pays off all the hard work that is done to get a show done.

“One memory that stands out from my time at CCHS was

the first football game of my freshman year: I was just added to the bass drum section and had never performed in front of anyone on it. I got through the show and had a blast the rest of the night. That’s when I knew that the drum line is where I belonged.”

Darryl Banks has volunteered at FISH of Clarke County and was a hybrid student this year. For his post graduation plans, he is enrolling at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Air Traffic Management.

“For my junior and senior years, I had a difficult time adjusting to the virtual learning system,” Banks said. “When we returned to school, I had a much better time in my classes in person. “It was nice to be able to come back to school for my final year.”

Ethan Henard was a hybrid student this school year, was a member of the Scholastic Bowl

team and the robotics team, and this year was inducted into the National Thespian Society.

“I plan to go to film school and learn almost all aspects of film, and then one day hopefully direct and star in films,” Henard said.

“The classes I have the fondest memories of are the ones I took with Mr. Facemire, Mr. Ravenscroft and Mr. Harper,” he said. “Almost every lunch was spent hanging out with dear friends of mine, and I always had an amazing time with my extracurricular teams.”

Daniel Shifflet was a virtual student this year and is working as an HVAC apprentice for Furlong Sheet Metal straight out of high school.

“I wanted to go back in person, but it would’ve changed my schedule,” Shifflet said.

“I stayed virtual the whole year. Senior year was an absolute breeze, plus I was able to have much more free time since I had delayed entry and early release.

“All of my good memories during high school are with me hanging out with my friends after school and on the weekend, although I did thoroughly enjoy the CCHS weight room.”

Angel Crider is one of the captains for Cheer and just won districts for 100 meter hurdles.

She was a hybrid student before going back full time this spring and will be a marketing management major at Virginia Tech this fall.

“The last part of our junior year wasn’t that bad,” Crider said. “We did miss prom, which was upsetting, but we were

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really pretty much done with the year away. Our senior year is what we really missed out on. Starting off with the hybrid orange and blue days we didn’t get to see all of our friends like we normally would. Then we didn’t get a senior homecoming dance or the festivities that come along with it. Luckily we had some type of sports, even if they were shortened because of Covid. I’m in track now and it feels like the most normal thing I’ve done all year. Thankfully we have a prom this year put together by a wonderful group of parents along with a normal graduation ceremony.

“The memories that stick with me the most are the Friday night football games,” Crider said. “Not only because the whole community was there to cheer proudly for our team, but because of the role models we were to the younger generation. I coached cheerleading for about four years for the Clarke County Youth Football League.

Seeing my girls at the games mimicking us on the field was such an amazing memory. It took me back to when I was their age, falling in love with the sport of cheerleading and hoping to become one some day.”

Ellis Caleb Nei is an All State track athlete, Bull Run district male track athlete of the year and Hardest-Dent Outstanding Male Senior Athlete, class of 2021. He played CCHS varsity basketball, ran varsity track and field and plans on running track at George Mason University, competing in high jump, hurdles, and potentially the decathlon.

For the majority of this school year, we were all virtual which honestly was really tough to stay focused and get done what needed to get done,” Nei said. “Going hybrid and then eventually fully in person was a breath of fresh air, and not only improved the learning experience but the overall ending to a pretty crazy senior year.

“There have been countless lessons I’ve had to learn as a result of this past year. One that I keep going back to is to never waste a moment, to never take time for granted. We can’t see what the future holds but if you trust in God’s plan and not your own, he promises that all things will work together for your good.”

Mary Elizabeth Myers was involved in CCHS softball for three years and plans to continue her job as a CNA at Winchester Medical Center and attend Lord Fairfax Community College to pursue a RN degree.

“From 8th grade to sophomore year I grew a bond and a sense of teamwork with my teammates that surrounded me,” Myers said. “For my whole high school career I have been involved in HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America.

This club has not only taught me more about the career of healthcare but also the leadership and time management that comes with it. I had the pleasure of being HOSA secretary my junior year and HOSA president my senior year.

“To continue and further my education in healthcare, I became a CNA and applied for

the Nurse Aide Co-op program that was put together through the school. I was one of the four that were selected and given the opportunity to work at the hospital to get hours of hands- on experience, which then led to my now full time position as a CNA caring for cardiac patients.

“My plan for after graduation is to continue my interest in nursing by continuing my job as a CNA at Winchester Medical Center and also in the fall attending LFCC in hopes of joining the RN program. Once I achieve my RN, I want to continue my schooling and work on my BSN and eventually in the end become an RN for pediatrics in a children’s hospital or even right here in my hometown.

“One of my most favorite memories ever was junior year around homecoming, many juniors came together to decorate the hallway in competition with the other grades. During the pep rally they announced the winners and with all the hard work, creativity and teamwork, we won the best looking hallway and beat the seniors! High School has been a blast and I will not forget a single bit of it!”

11 Family Friendly Movie Nights at Long Branch In conjunction with Clarke County Historic Association

June 30th: Bristle Lip/Rapunzel/The Goose Girl July 7th: National Treasure July 14th: Secretariat July 21st: Night at the Museum July 28th: Hidden Figures Seating on the front lawn first come basis Admission by donation Snacks/Sandwiches/Refreshments available for purchase BYO chairs & blankets No Glassware allowed

For more info please call 540-837-1856

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12

This is Our Enders Volunteer Fire Company

By Cathy Kuehner Editor’s Note: This is the final in a three-part series highlighting Clarke County’s volunteer fire companies.

All need volunteers — firefighters and EMTs to run calls and individuals to help with events and fundraising — and all need the support of the entire community.

Let’s talk about the siren. Every Saturday at noon, the John H. Enders Fire Company & Rescue Squad in Berryville sounds its alarm as part of a system-wide check of all equipment used to notify its first responders — pagers, cellphone apps, and the siren itself. “Not everyone is always carrying their pagers and phones,” explained Chief J.C. Blaylock. “The siren is an additional way to say there is a need for volunteers.” And, the siren can be set off manually if

the electronic devices fail for any reason.

Lifelong Berryville resident and longtime Enders volunteer Jay Arnold said the siren also lets drivers in the area know rescue equipment will be pulling out of the South Buckmarsh Street station heading to an emergency.

Sitting as it does along U.S. 340 near Business 7 in town, Enders is the busiest of Clarke County’s three volunteer fire companies — and the oldest.

Berryville Town Council purchased a horse-drawn hookand-ladder “truck” in 1883, to provide some fire-firefighting service in town, keeping its horses in a Main Street livery.

John H. Enders, a funeral director and master furniture maker, moved to Berryville in 1892, and in early 1900 he helped Town

Council organize the Berryville Fire Department. “Captain John” Enders is credited with leading efforts to acquire the finest firefighting equipment and build a volunteer company.

The department’s first piece of motorized fire apparatus — a 1926 Seagrave pumper truck — was purchased with Enders’ help in 1926. The truck was kept at his Main Street funeral home.

When Captain John Enders died in June 1933, the Berryville Fire Department was renamed John H. Enders Fire Company, and in 1935 a proper firehouse was built at 23 E. Main Street.

Until the Boyce Volunteer Fire Company was established in 1959 to serve southern Clarke, Enders volunteers did their best to help with fires and accidents throughout the county. Boyce and Enders

John H. Enders Fire Company & Rescue Squad Chief J.C. Blaylock and President Michael Oak stand with the original bell that rallied Berryville Fire Department volunteers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. covered Clarke until 1977 when Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company was formed on the mountain.

So, as Berryville and Clarke County grew after World War II, emergency response was up to Enders, and it needed a larger station and more equipment. A

four-bay firehouse was built at 9 S. Buckmarsh St. — the company’s current home — in 1958. An addition in 1963 provided space for offices, a bunkroom, meeting room, and kitchen. Five additional bays, more offices, a social hall, and larger kitchen were constructed in 1986.

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1949 Enders Volunteer Fire Company.

Today, Enders has two pumper trucks, one tanker truck, one ladder truck, one advanced life support vehicle, two ambulances and a reserve ambulance, one brush truck, and a boat — all of which are used a lot.

In 2020, John H. Enders Fire Company & Rescue Squad responded to more than 450 calls requiring firefighting apparatus and more than 1,300 calls requiring emergency medical services (EMS).

While Enders has grown and modernized over its 121 years, one thing remains constant. “There are never enough volunteers,” said Chief Blaylock. “More volunteers who can run calls means better coverage and faster response time.”

Enders President Michael Oak added, “We have lots of roles for different people. We need volunteers to run calls, but we also need volunteers to help with fundraising and building maintenance.”

Oak joined Enders as a volunteer after moving to Clarke County in 2016.

“I joined to contribute to my new community as well as find some balance with my office day job.” Oak chose to initially train as an EMT and recently as a paramedic. In addition to the free EMT training he received, Oak also learned that volunteering provides invaluable perspective. “The emergencies we respond to are real — not at all like work emergencies.”

Oak became president in 2021, and in that capacity he oversees business meetings, assists with finances, record keeping, and the necessary paperwork required of the non-profit fire company.

Blaylock joined Leesburg’s “cadet” firefighting program when he was 11, and when he turned 16 he became a Loudoun County firefighter. “I grew up at the station, listening to stories, and learning from the older members.”

Like Oak, Blaylock also had a day job when he moved to Clarke County in 2013.

Why did he decide to volunteer at Enders?

Clarke “I heard the siren,” he said, smiling. “The siren reminded me of what I loved as a kid. I do this because it’s fun. I can have a terrible day at work, come to the station, and my day gets better. We are all here for our community.”

Arnold, who is also Berryville’s mayor, grew up at the John H. Enders Fire Company & Rescue Squad. His father, Harry Arnold, was captain in the 1970s. “I wanted to join so badly I was voted in two weeks before my 16th birthday, because I would turn 16 by the next board meeting.” He served as Enders chief from 1994 to 2004.

“Years ago, the station would call the high school so all the boys who volunteered could meet the truck outside on its way to a fire,” Arnold recalled. “Back then everyone worked close to home.”

Arnold still lives and works near Enders.

“I volunteer to help people, and the firehouse family is my family. I think everyone here feels the firehouse is family.”

“We need support in two ways,” Oak said. “We need the continued generosity of the community, and we need volunteers to help our neighbors.”

Indeed, some fundraising events at Enders have been community traditions for generations. Many residents look forward to Enders’ pancake breakfasts, yard parties, cash parties, and auctions.

All fire companies were hit hard financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enders canceled traditional events, and figured out how to offer drive-thru dinners. In July, it will host an online auction and another drive-thru dinner.

Firefighting and EMT training is provided free to those who want to volunteer, and Clarke offers a 50 percent personal property tax discount for one vehicle belonging to any county resident who actively volunteers with any of its three fire companies.

The Town of Berryville offers a 100 percent personal property reduction for active volunteers.

For more information about volunteering, donating, or fundraising events, follow “John H. Enders Fire Company” on Facebook, visit its website (endersfire.com), or contact Enders at (540) 955-1110, chief@endersfire.com, or president@endersfire.com.

As for the siren… Many residents hear the Enders’ siren and know it means neighbors are rushing to respond to someone who needs help. To them, it’s the sound of community. In deference to the residents who only hear a siren, Enders two years ago stopped using the siren between 9pm and 7am. So, rest easy and know Enders volunteers will be there any time you need them.

13

Congratulations to the 2021 Clarke County Education Foundation Scholarship Winners!

2021 Scholarships total $48,300!

Scholarship Name: Alice Loope Scholarship Andy Kiser Performing Arts Scholarship Chris Ball Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Danielle N. Moyer/ Kimberly J. Stutzman Scholarship Dr. Joseph M. Casey Scholarship Eugene V. and Laura L. White Scholarship Gary & Joanne Hornbaker Scholarship Jimmy Racer Scholar-Athlete Scholarship John D. Hardesty Agriculture Scholarship John McCuan Elementary Education Scholarship John F. Milleson Jr. Scholarship John R. Milleson Scholarship Mary Hardesty Nursing Scholarship Mitchell “Good Neighbor” Scholarship Moore Family Scholarship Nancy L. Friant Performing Arts Scholarship Nancy Specht Cross Country Scholarship Renee F. Weir Business Scholarship Rosemont Leadership Scholarship

Winner Names: Alaina Pastore Thomas Marsden Kinsley Myers Allison Sipe Mackenzie Cather Catherine Drosselmeyer Trystan Jackson William Meyer Sam Brumback Luke Brumback Ellie Brumback Sam Brumback Bryce Robertson Maria Sonoski Hannah Ventura Maria Sonoski Allison Sipe Chris Martz Evelyn Wilkie William Meyer Charles Casey Hannah Ventura Angel Crider Ben Thompson

Virginia B. Lloyd Scholarship

Brenna Wert

Wilbur and Helen Feltner Athletic Scholarship

Abby Peace Luke Lyman

Thank you to our generous donors!

JUNE 2021

Clarke

14

Feeding the Flock

By Cathy Kuehner

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As 2021 began, the creative, talented women who gather to knit, spin, and sew at Brazen Sheep Fiber Arts in Berryville talked about food insecurity in Clarke County. Local organizations such as FISH of Clarke County, Christ Church food pantry in Millwood, and Social Services have for years provided food and other essentials to those in need.

According to recent data, about 10 percent of Clarke residents live in poverty. Many more fall into a category the United Way calls ALICE: asset limited, income constrained, employed. These people earn more than federal poverty level standards, but are one car or household repair away from financial disaster.

A 15-month global pandemic made a bad situation worse for many.

Bette Marchese is one of the Brazen Sheep regulars, and she manages the food pantry at Christ Church. The conversation about food insecurity during the pandemic led to an “aha!” moment that led to “Feeding the Flock.”

“Feeding the Flock” asked quilters and fabric artists to

From left, Laurie Monsma, Diane Myers , Norma Johnson, Micki Smith, and Sandy Stamets discuss the design of the “Feeding the Flock” quilt prior to Stamets taking it home to finish. Photo courtesy Clarke County.

create 10-inch squares that each featured at least one sheep in any style. Almost 50 artists responded.

The result is a large quilt (36 squares) and smaller wall hangings that are being raffled to raise money for the Christ Church Millwood food pantry. Quilts are on display at Brazen Sheep.

Tickets are $5 each or $10 for three and are available at Brazen Sheep (10 W. Main St., Berryville) and at the food pantry (809 Bishop Meade Rd, Millwood). The drawing is Saturday, Aug. 14.

“While I didn’t have any

expectations when we began. The fact that we received more than enough squares for a quilt exceeds expectations,” Marchese said.

“I was surprised to learn of the increased need in Clarke County,” said Micki Smith, owner of Brazen Sheep. “We have neighbors struggling to feed their families.”

Follow “Christ Church Cares Food Pantry” and “Brazen Sheep” on Facebook. Contact the Millwood food pantry at cccares@cunningham chapel.org. Learn more at cunninghamchapel.org/ christ-church-cares-food-pantry.

JU NE 2021

Clarke

Celebrating A Glorious Tulip Tree

15 Cosmic Harvest Gallery Featuring the Original Work of

Story and image by Doug Pifer For about a century a magnificent tulip tree has stood in our front yard. It has withstood the weather, shaded the house, and maintained its characteristic shape. Its columnar trunk is straight, its open crown forks into a domelike top.

The side branches arch gracefully downwards from the main trunk and then sweep upwards at the tips. In May, lovely blossoms appear that resemble green and orange tulips. These mature into candle-like cones of seeds that disperse during the winter, helicoptering to the ground and twinkling in the sun.

Uniquely-shaped leaves turn a beautiful shade of Indian-yellow in the fall. The bark of the tulip tree is smooth on young trunks and branches. As it ages, it cracks and breaks into interconnecting fissures in a net-like pattern.

Our tulip tree hosts a variety of wildlife. Each fall, a yellow-bellied sapsucker arrives and immediately starts to drill parallel rows of sap wells in the trunk of the tree, which the bird revisits throughout the winter. Two species of swallowtail butterflies lay their eggs on the branches. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves. Last summer one of these caterpillars crawled up on our front porch.

Behind its head were markings that resembled big eyes. When disturbed it puffed the front part of its body up to look like the head of a snake. When this defensive bluff didn’t work, two fleshy, bright orange “horns” popped out of the skin behind its head, emitting a strong chemical scent that must taste terrible to a would-be predator.

One late spring night a lovely moth called “tulip tree beauty” landed on the screen door, attracted by the light. Its name is derived from its larvae’s preference for tulip tree leaves.

Its two-toned gray wings were finely penciled with concentric, curving lines much like a topographic map.

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Doug Pifer is painting a two-story mural of his tulip tree on the wall of the front stairway.

Tulip tree flowers are beautiful but hard to see even though they are tulip-sized and similar to magnolias, to which they are related. Their greenish color and the large leaves hide them where they appear near the ends of branches.

Each petal has a distinctive mark or band near its base, not black like some tulips but bright orange. The color is pure orange, not yellowish or reddish—almost matching the pigment cadmium orange.

Pigment is important to me right now. I’m commemorating our tulip tree in a two-story mural on the wall of our front stairway. Images of birds we see in this very tree will be painted semi-hidden among leaves, flowers, and branches. A partial list includes catbird, blue jay, red-eyed and warbling vireo, scarlet tanager, orchard and Baltimore oriole, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy and redbellied woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch, brown thrasher, ruby-throated hummingbird, eastern kingbird, eastern bluebird, mockingbird, cardinal, and yellow-billed cuckoo. For a touch of drama and variety, I’ll depict several of these birds heckling one of our local black rat snakes.

This isn’t just any tulip tree. It’s home.

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