Clarke monthly March 2023

Community Dispatch

A Free Little Art Gallery for Berryville

By Ann St. Clair Lesman

When you walk along Main Street in Berryville, in front of the Bank of Clarke, you will see a small structure that looks like a tiny house. It is a FLAG, a Free Little Art Gallery. Inside is a diorama that shows figures gazing at works of art, as people might do in a real art gallery.

The Berryville FLAG is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Clarke County and is one of the many ways that Berryville is celebrating the town’s 225th anniversary, a milestone year. This year, events, programs, and exhibits highlight the past,

present, and future of the community. The structure was built by Michael Danielson of Winchester. A sign on its post says, “These are difficult times. Make your world more beautiful by taking home a small piece of art. Feel free to take a piece — no larger that a typical postcard — or leave a piece; or both. Artworks are affixed to the walls of the gallery with heavy duty double-sided tape. Pull firmly to remove. Press firmly to attach another work. Do not take a figure or a piece of furniture.

The tiny art gallery might

remind you of the Little Free Libraries you see around Clarke. In fact, FLAGs were inspired by the little library concept, which bills itself as the world’s largest book-sharing movement.

One of the first FLAGs was created by artist Stacy Milrany in Seattle. She had a structure built that was like a Little Free Library and filled it with pieces of art. She tells patrons, “The Free Little Art Gallery opened December of 2020 in an effort to shed a little light, levity and beauty on a heavy [covid-impacted] year. Anyone is welcome to leave a piece, or

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take a piece or just have a look around. And no matter what year it is, I believe we can all benefit from more creativity and moments of joy in our lives. So I hope the Free Little Art Gallery can contribute to those things—even if only a small scale.”

The popularity of the FLAGs stems in part from their intimate setting. When Milrany was interviewed by The Washington Post, she pointed out , “It’s physically and psychologically accessible…”

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There is a Free Little Art Gallery in Washington, D.C., and there are FLAGs in other parts of Virginia; the closest ones are in Annandale and Reston, but the only one in this area is the one on Main Street in Berryville.

Go by and take a look. In these stressful times, you may be comforted by going home with an individual creation. Or you might have some small artwork that you think would please someone else. Or just go by and take a look. Enjoy the experience of gazing at art just as you would in a real art gallery.

Honor the National Hero in Your Family

By Cathy Kuehner

Advertising Information:

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. Include your town and state of residence.

Because of friendships with men and women who have served in the armed forces, Clarke native and current county Supervisor Matthew Bass has a personal interest in supporting all veterans. “Our veterans gave so much, and active military members continue to protect our freedom. I’m always looking for ways to honor them and acknowledge their sacrifices.”

Most recently, Bass connected with others in the area to spearhead a new Clarke County “Military Tribute Banners Program.”

He explained, “A few years ago, I was driving through a small town in Pennsylvania, and I saw a street lined with beautiful banners with images of its local veterans.” Not long

after, he ran into friend Adam Packham, an Army veteran who founded Heroes on the River, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recreational activities for veterans and active duty members.

“Adam was thinking about the banner program, too, so that’s how this started,” said Bass, noting there is now a small group of individuals dedicated to the project.

Clarke County’s “Military Tribute Banners Program” will honor veteran, active duty, reserve, and National Guard service members. Each 30by-60 inch, full-color banner will display a photo and basic military information about the honoree.

All banners will be displayed each year throughout down-

town Berryville from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.

“Everyone who lives in Clarke County would agree this is about as good a place as can be, but it didn’t come for free,” Bass said. “Clarke residents have a long tradition of stepping up to serve to our country. My hope is that anyone who is able will step up to honor a local hero.”

The banners, Bass said, “are how we can remember our friends and relatives who fought and served over the past century.”

Each military tribute banner costs $200. Deadline to order a banner this year is March 31. Order banners at https:// militarytributebanners.org/ virginia/berryville-va.

“Samson” Photo by Kimo

This 1945 photo is of Smith McFillen (discharged from the Army), Staff Sergeant Loyd “Rusty” Russell (stationed in Portsmouth), and Staff Sergeant Bill Lee (who anticipated returning to the China Burma India Theater) standing in front of Potter’s Barber Shop on Berryville’s Main Street.

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Bald Eagles In Clarke County

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March 10-25

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In an email last week Tom “Kimo” OConnor, a superb wildlife photographer, asked would I like to write about bald eagles in Clarke County. Attached was his stunning photo of an eagle peering down from a lichen covered branch. That stern eagle eye seemed to pierce through me! Immediately, I answered that I’d love to do a collaborative essay featuring his photos.

Kimo has been photographing wildlife for the past ten years using Canon cameras and lenses. His photos often grace the pages and covers of the Clarke Monthly. A pair of eagles, which he’s named “Samson and Delilah”, have an enormous nest high in a sycamore tree located near his property along the Shenandoah River. Kimo says, “I mostly shoot 100-400mm, sometimes 500 and 600mm. All my pictures are taken in Clarke County. It’s a wildlife paradise there.”

1. Titled “Mr. Lincoln,” this

photo captures the spirit of the male eagle “Samson.”

2. Samson flies out of one of the large sycamore trees that line the Shenandoah River, having just mated with perched “Delilah.”

3. Young eagles fledge in late June and spend much of their first year learning the skills necessary to catch their prey. This youngster wears dark juvenile plumage. Its eye looks cloudy because it is “blinking.” The third eyelid (nictitating membrane)

snapped shut the moment this photo was taken.

4. Eagles replace their feathers gradually throughout the year. Young birds take four or five years to acquire the pure white head and tail of maturity. During their third and fourth year they are a patchwork of colors, with many white feathers on the back, chest and wing linings.

5. An adult eagle’s eye is about the the same size as a human’s but shaped much differently. The flattened back

Photos by Kimo, text by Doug Pifer

Dr. Brittany Jones, DVM

Dr. Holly Nightingale, DVM, CVA Dr. Erin Rockwell, DVM

Dr. Rachael Nuzzo, DVM, Owner

of the eye allows it to magnify the images it sees, as if the eagle were using binoculars or a telescope.

6. Established mates tend to wander from the vicinity of their nest after their young fledge. Courtship and pair bonding start in late fall. Courting eagles perform acrobatic dives with interlocked talons, vocalize, and face each other with billing displays as shown here.

Celebrate Berryville’s History and Beauty at its Cultural Center

By Cathy Kuehner

As the Town of Berryville continues to celebrate its 225th anniversary year, its unique dairy barn-turned-cultural center will showcase the history and beauty of the community for all to see and enjoy. A parade in June needs both participants and spectators.

Historical images and objects are on display at the Barns of Rose Hill throughout March, and a history lecture series on Saturdays in March complements the exhibit. Both the “Berryville Celebrates” exhibit and lectures are free.

Learn “How Our Town Developed: Berryville History

Explored through Maps, Zoning & Berryville Area Plan” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4. The presentation include county history, too.

Love horses? Plan to attend “Horses in Clarke County & Our

Equestrian Legacy” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11.

“Remembering Those Who Served: Our Local Veterans & Heroes” is the theme of the history lecture at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18.

The lecture series concludes with “Our Schools: The History & Development of Clarke County Public Schools” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

“Berryville Celebrates” history lectures at the Barns are presented in partnership with the Clarke County Historical Association.

The CCHA and the Barns are also hosting a free Berryvillethemed Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. Brush up on town history to win prizes contributed by local businesses.

In April, the Barns of Rose Hill hosts a month-long “Berryville Celebrates” art show that features two- and three-

Community grocery, 1950’s.

dimensional work by Clarke County residents that reflects the artists’ interpretation of the county and town.

While visiting the Barns, take a look at the beautiful “Berryville Celebrates” commemorative quilt made by the Apple Valley Needle Threaders Quilt Guild, and purchase a raffle ticket to win it. Guild members donated their time and talent to create the quilt using Berryville’s official color palette of blues and greens.

Raffle tickets for the quilt are $5 each at the Barns, where the quilt is on display. The winning ticket will be drawn in the fall.

The Barns has “Berryville Celebrates” merchandise for sale, too, including T-shirts, wine glasses and pint glasses.

Berryville Mayor Jay Arnold is leading the organization of a “Berryville Celebrates” parade on Saturday, June 3. Clarke County, Berryville, and Boyce schoolchildren, clubs, neighborhood groups, bands, fire and rescue squads, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate

with floats, decorated vehicles, or walking units. Berryville themes are encouraged.

Anyone interested in participating in the parade – or volunteering to help organize it – should contact Arnold at (540) 313-7467 or info@bvmerchants.com.

The Barns of Rose Hill exhibit space is open free of charge noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and during events. Contact the Barns at (540) 9552004 or info@borh.org. Go

to barnsofrosehill.org for more information.

If you would like to participate in “Berryville Celebrates” programs, share old photos and memorabilia for display, or volunteer, contact Berryville1798@gmail.com or message “Berryville Celebrates” on Facebook.

The “Berryville Celebrates” exhibit of historical items and history lecture series in March at the Barns of Rose Hill are a wonderful opportunity to learn how the town has evolved.

Berryville Main Street, 1881, Baughmans.

A Taste of the Philippines Comes to Berryville

By Rebecca Maynard

Violah Lee is already known to many in Clarke County for her delicious Filipino food, which she has made out of her home and

accepted donations to be given back to the community.

Lee, who opened Lions Den day care when she moved to Berryville in 2004, is now also opening a food truck, A

Taste of the Philippines, with a grand opening planned soon in Berryville.

“The reason I want to have a Filipino food truck is because I want to share my own country’s food with love,” Lee explained. “We have Thai, Chinese, Italian and Mexican restaurants here in Berryville, so we’re just missing Filipino food!”

“Filipino food is totally different from other countries’,” Lee said, explaining that it is a blend of the cuisines of several cultures and relies on soy sauce.

“We make egg rolls called lumpia that are different from Chinese, lo mein that is different from Chinese or Thai, and many more dishes.”

Some of the food truck’s offerings will include chicken wings with sauce, chicken egg rolls with sauce, chicken pancit, chicken fried

rice, and chicken afritada.

“We make our own sauce for the lumpia, and pancit is clear rice noodles with veggies and meat,” Lee saide. “Afritada is chicken, potato and bell peppers, with cheese. It is all fresh, and cut by my own hands, not by machine.”

“Filipino food is not too spicy, but just right,” she said. “This community loves to try any kind of ethnic food, so that’s why I’m excited to introduce Filipino food.”

“I love cooking, and I have since I was three years old,” Lee said. “I grew up very poor, and I remember having maybe two eggs we’d have to divide between seven of us, cut in pieces so we could survive. I am just so blessed and fortunate here in America, and now I can help my family in the Philippines.”

Lee has shown her love for the community in ways besides cooking and donating. In 2021, she spent thirteen hours driving around dressed as the Easter Bunny, giving out baskets and candy and greeting children. She also dressed up as a variety of characters early in the pandemic and visited chil-

dren outside their homes in character to help them celebrate their birthdays.

“I love this community, and it has great people who help each other and who have helped me,” Lee said.

She said that many people have asked when she will be opening and explained that she is in the final stages of getting all of her certification and paperwork completed. She also expressed appreciation for the town officials who have assisted her through the process.

“They have helped me a lot,” Lee said.

Lee hopes to very soon announce the date for her grand opening, so be sure to visit her Facebook page, “A Taste of the Philippines LLC,” for news.

“I put my time and my love into this community,” Lee said.

Violah Lee.

Around Clarke County

March

4 “Berryville Celebrates 225” Lecture Series/ Exhibit Opening

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. CCHA and the Barns of Rose Hill partner up to present a month-long series of talks focused on different aspects of Berryville’s storied history. Topic is “how our town developed.” 1pm. Opening reception for anniversary exhibit to follow. www.clarkehistory.org.

4 Kevin Henderson and Neil Pearlman Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Collaborating to form a transatlantic, fiddle-piano duo, Kevin Henderson and Neil Pearlman are known for their high-energy and fresh approach to traditional Scottish music. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

5

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. “90% Half True: A Collection of Short Stories” by Keith Patterson. $25 for this event; $125 for entire series. Tickets can be purchased ahead. 6pm. www.visitlongbranch.org.

7 Trivia Night

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. The Clarke County Library and Clarke County Historical Association team up to offer team trivia, with a variety of categories and prizes donated from local businesses. Register ahead. 7pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org. www.clarkehistory.org.

8 “Berryville Celebrates

225” Paint and Sip Night

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Paint your own image of the gazebo in Rose Hill Park, the perfect subject matter for the celebration of the 225th anniversary

of the Town of Berryville. No experience is necessary and the Barns is a judgment-free zone. Materials are provided; aprons will be available but we recommend dressing accordingly. $40. 6–8pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

10Critton Hollow String Band

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Combining a fiddle, hammer dulcimer, banjo and guitar, the band tends a stable of songs from the first settlements of Appalachia to the best of contemporary

Long Branch Speaker Series

American folk music. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

11“Berryville Celebrates 225” Lecture Series

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. CCHA and the Barns of Rose Hill partner up to present a month-long series of talks focused on different aspects of Berryville’s storied history. Topic is “horses in Clarke County and our equestrian legacy.” Free. 1pm. www.clarkehistory.org.

11Coffee House Open Mic Night

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Calling all musicians, poets, comedians and more. Barns of Rose Hill and the CCHS Tri-M Music Honor Society present their inaugural Coffee House Open Mic Night. This is your chance to share your talent with the world. All-ages event; students and adults are welcome to participate. Free; register ahead to participate. Free coffee; nonalcoholic only beverages for purchase. 7–10pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

12Long Branch Speaker Series

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. “Clarke County, Virginia: History Through Architecture” by Maral Kalbian, Clarke County Architectural Historian. $25 for this event; $125 for entire series. Tickets can be purchased ahead. 6pm. www.visitlongbranch.org.

18“Berryville Celebrates 225” Lecture Series

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. CCHA and the Barns of Rose Hill partner up to present a month-long series of talks focused on different aspects of Berryville’s storied history. Topic is “remembering those who served: our local

veterans and heroes.” Free. 1pm. www.clarkehistory.org.

18One Street Over Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Hailing from Winchester, One Street Over combines the sounds of the flute, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, cello, banjo and bodhran (a traditional Celtic frame drum) to create haunting and foot-tapping melodies. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

18Locke’s Mill Spring Re-Opening and Grind-Fest

Locke’s Mill, 1600 Locke’s Mill Road, Berryville. Learn about the history and restoration of this 1770s building on the banks of the Shenandoah River and its role today as the only Certified Organic stoneground mill on the East Coast. Visitors can see all three levels

of the mill in action, sample baked goods, and meet shire draught horses and young calves from Ayrshire Farm. Admission is free, and a wide selection of freshly ground grains and flours will be available for purchase. 11am-4pm. www.lockesmillgrains.com

19Long Branch Speaker Series

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. “Tales From a Wandering Sports Writer” by Len Shapiro, editor of Country Zest and Style. $25 for this event; $125 for entire series. Tickets can be purchased ahead. 6pm. www.visitlongbranch.org.

19Herbal Support for Cancer and Treatments

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Learn ways to support our journey with cancer, enhance treatment outcomes and prevention.

$40. Register ahead. 2–4pm. geosjoyrh@gmail.com.

21African American Women in WWII Film

Barns of Rose Hill. “Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II” features the pioneers, a diverse group of African American “Rosie the Riveters,” whose courage, patriotism and faith drove them to abandon their oppressive lives as domestics and sharecroppers to conquer new frontiers that ultimately changed employment possibilities for all future generations of Black women. Free; must register ahead. 6–8pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

21Town

and Country Garden Club Meeting

Berryville Presbyterian

Church. 123 W. Main St. Welcoming new members. 1pm. 540-539-3600.

21New

Moon Drum Circle

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Join us for a year of intentional drumming for harnessing the new moon energy. Free; donations welcome. lovenotesmusictherapy.com.

24The

Jacob Jolliff Band Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. The Jacob Jolliff Band is an ensemble of virtuosic, innovative pickers. A fine vocalist, Jolliff’s band fosters his interest in covering popular songs with acoustic and bluegrass accompaniment, while also composing and performing complex instrumental

music in the same setting. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

25“Berryville Celebrates 225” Lecture Series

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. CCHA and the Barns of Rose Hill partner up to present a month-long series of talks focused on different aspects of Berryville’s storied history. Topic is “our schools: the history and development of Clarke County public schools.” Free. 1pm. www.clarkehistory.org.

25FISH Mobile Community Table

Shiloh Baptist Church. 1983 Millwood Rd. Dairy products, personal care items and snack packs, and food to take home “from our community table to your family table.” Find out what benefits may be available to you from the Department of Social Services. Held monthly. Free. 9–11am. 540-955-1823. www.fishofclarkecounty.org.

25Musica

Viva Chamber Choir Concert

Trinity Episcopal Church. 208 W. German St. Shepherdstown, W.V. “March Musical Madness: From Bach to Jazz.” 7:30pm. $35. www.friendswv.org.

mona.hope@penfedrealty.com www.hopehometeam.com Facebook

26Musica

Viva Chamber Choir Concert

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. 26 W. Boscawen St. Winchester. “March Musical Madness: From Bach to Jazz.” $15; students with ID free. www.friendswv.org.

26Long Branch Speaker Series

Long Branch Historic House and Farm. 830 Long Branch Lane. Boyce. “Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative” by Octo-

ber Greenfield, Wildlife Habitat Restoration. $25 for this event; $125 for entire series. Tickets can be purchased ahead. 6pm. www.visitlongbranch.org.

31Mile Twelve Concert

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Boasting an international reputation as one of the most dynamic groups in contemporary acoustic music, Mile Twelve successfully showcases the vast potential of the genre in the hands of capable players. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7–9pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

April 1 Opening Reception: Berryville Celebrates

225 Juried Art Show

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. Exhibit showcases the work of artists from Clarke County and celebrates the Town of Berryville. On display through the month of April; RSVP for reception to provide accurate headcount for snacks. 3–6pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org.

1 FISH Mobile Community Table

Church of the Good Shepherd. 27 Good Shepherd Rd. Bluemont. Dairy products,

personal care items and snack packs, and food to take home “from our community table to your family table.” Find out what benefits may be available to you from the Department of Social Services. Held monthly. Free. 9–11am. 540-955-1823. www.fishofclarkecounty.org.

4 Trivia Night

Barns of Rose Hill. 95 Chalmers Ct. Berryville. The Clarke County Library and Clarke County Historical Association team up to offer team trivia, with a variety of categories and prizes donated from local businesses. Register ahead. 7pm. www.barnsofrosehill.org. www.clarkehistory.org.

15BVFC Spring Gun Bash

Boyce Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall. 1 S. Greenway Ave. Only 500 tickets will be sold; includes dinner, drinks and entertainment. 18 and older to purchase a ticket, 21 to attend. You do not have to be present to win. No weapons are given out at the event. 4–9pm. https://www.boycefire.org/upcoming-events. BoyceFireCo4@gmail.com.

Ongoing

Fried Fish Dinners for Lent

Grace Episcopal Church, Parish Hall. 110 N. Church St. Berryville. The church will be holding a fish dinner each Friday evening during Lent, dine in or carry out. Fried fish, French fries, coleslaw

and hush puppies. Parking lot in rear of the Parish Hall, entrance off Liberty St. 5:30–7pm. 540-955-1610 or 703-901-5760. amzgrace@verizon.net or pamseek4@gmail.com.

Women’s Circles

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N. Buckmarsh St. Berryville. A sacred space to honor and celebrate who we truly are as women. Learn how to change your thoughts to change your life, find greater inner joy and peace. $25. 2–4 pm March 4 and 18, 7–9pm March 8 and 22. elizabethbava@rocketmail.com.

Mindful Meditations and Musings

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N Buckmarsh St. Berryville. Twice weekly meditation classes for beginners with a focus on mindfulness. Typical class will consist of 30-45 minute lightly guided meditation followed by a brief discussion. Wear comfortable clothing and bring whatever you need to sit comfortably. Yoga mats and chairs available to borrow. $25 for individual class, $100 for five classes. 10:30–11:30am Fridays and 6–7pm Mondays. Email to register. tmgeorge126@gmail.com.

Ximena’s Yoga Flow

Sanctuary Wellness Center. 208 N Buckmarsh St. Berryville. I$25 for drop-ins, $80 for four classes a month, $100 for eight classes a month. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30–10:30am. Email to register. stroubakisx@gmail.com.

Long Branch Historic House and Farm

Presents e 2022 Speaker Series

• Sundays at 6pm •

March 5: Keith Patterson, Artist & Author

“90% Half True – A Collection of Short Stories”

March 12 :

Maral Kalbian, Architectural Historian Clarke County

“Clarke County, VA: History rough Architecture”

March 19

Len Shapiro, Editor Country Zest & Style Magazine

“Tales From a Wandering Sport Writer”

March 26:

October Greenfield

Wildlife Habitat Restoration Coordinator P.E.C.

“Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative”

Ticket prices: $25 each

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

830 Long Branch Lane Boyce, VA 22620 540-837-1856

www.visitlongbranch.org

Clarke County Education Foundation Announces the Bonnie Ann Justice Memorial Scholarship

By Ann St. Clair Lesman

The Clarke County Education Foundation announced a new scholarship in memory of Bonnie Ann Justice (Blackmer). The Bonnie Ann Justice Memorial Scholarship was formed by Archie Justice and the Blackmer Family. The scholarship will provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior who is a female student at Clarke County High School. The student will be continuing their education at a Virginia public college or university and be an avid reader.

Bonnie grew up in Menlo Park, California, and attended the University of California at Santa Cruz. She lived in Berryville for over 20 years, and was a fierce advocate of early childhood reading. Bonnie managed The Berryville Old Book Shop from 2003 until her health declined in 2015. Bonnie made it her mission to ensure everyone who came through the doors walked out with a

wonderful book and a renewed enthusiasm for reading.

Bonnie especially loved making sure the shop was stocked with a wide array of children’s books, and that the children’s room was a fun, welcoming space where kids learned to fall in love with stories. She believed reading should be the focus of early childhood development, and that reading is the key to mastering all other subjects. She was a bright and wickedly clever person, with the innate ability to put smiles on the faces of everyone around her. Bonnie was an amazing asset to Clarke County, and she will be sorely missed.

The Clarke County Education Foundation, established in 1991, is an independent public charity dedicated to promoting, expanding, and augmenting the educational opportunities for students and staff in the Clarke County Public

Schools, by generating private support and involvement to enhance these publicly-maintained services. The CCEF has provided more than $3.2 million in student scholarships, teacher grants, system demonstration grants, and donordefined projects through a combination of fundraising and endowment income since its inception. For information, visit www.ccefinc.org

For information regarding the Bonnie Ann Justice Memorial Scholarship, contact Beth Williams, Clarke County Education Foundation executive director, at 540-955-6103 or ccefinc.berryville@gmail. com. For those interested in donating to this fund, checks may written to Clarke County Education Foundation with Bonnie’s name in the memo line or may be accepted on the CCEF’s website.

Community Dispatch

Poetry Tick Tock

by Diana Kincannon

There was a time tick tock when summer was a separate world of sundrenched heat and burning sand, cooler by the water where the waves crawled in and out, the tide rising or falling, always one or the other. Sand grit in eyes and ears from riding waves the way my father taught me, head above the water’s white turmoil, the challenge to make it all the way to shore. Or gentle swells lifting me and setting me back down, swells that made the sea seem a friend.

The Dutch ladies’ weekly coffee clique, once young wives come from the old country back when the land was feral to build new lives from flower fields. Coffee carefully poured, yellow cake served on fine china plates, the small silver teaspoons brought out. The lively treble of women’s voices, the delicate click of porcelain, a cup put to saucer.

The thrill of a secret crush, riding in his fire-red Stingray, three of us where there was only room for two, his shoulder tight against mine, a touch so fraught that I could hardly breathe.

Then tick tock came the world upon us like a slow-rising tide, hiding the moment when it turns and ebbs and ever so slowly takes everything away.