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LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE HIGHLAND GIRLS: Hawks’ lacrosse, soccer win state titles. Pages 19, 21

May 23, 2018

Our 201st year

Vol. 201, No. 21

www.Fauquier.com

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State cancels hearing on controversial election flyers — for now By Leland Schwartz Times Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO

The Virginia State Board of Elections Monday canceled a hearing on complaints filed against the group that distributed campaign flyers and made robocalls in the days leading up to the May 1 Warrenton election because the town’s population may be too small to fall under the board’s jurisdiction. According to state code, campaign-finance reporting rules apply only in jurisdictions with populations of at least 25,000. Warrenton’s population is about 9,900. A May 21 hearing in Richmond was to have considered claims that Fauquier Voters For Truth was not

registered as a political action committee when it distributed flyers and made calls urging voters to cast their ballots for incumbent Town Councilman Sean Polster and newcomer Renard Carlos, both of whom won. The flyers also urged voters to defeat Vice Mayor Linda “Sunny” Reynolds, at large. Reynolds received 500 votes in the election, losing to Carlos, who received 998 votes, and Polster, who was the top vote-getter with 1,125. Arielle Schneider, a Virginia Department of Elections attorney, said the state board needs more time to examine the law and whether it applies to Warrenton. “Although the complaints are no longer scheduled to be heard at

[Monday’s] board meeting, please be assured that a careful review will ensue, and the hearing rescheduled to one of the upcoming State Board of Elections meetings if appropriate,” Schneider wrote in an email to Tony Tedeschi, a Reynolds supporter who filed one of the complaints. Chris Bonner, who formed Fauquier Voters for Truth, said his group complied with state law and would welcome a hearing on the matter. “Fauquier Voters for Truth LLC PAC will have the opportunity to demonstrate that it did not violate any campaign laws or regulations. Our filings and reports were timely and complete,” Bonner said in a text message.

See FLYERS, page 4

New tower for cell, broadband moves forward in Goldvein By James Ivancic Times Staff Writer

A request for a special permit to construct a monopole for cellular and broadband service received the backing of the Fauquier County Planning Commission on Thursday though its height could be shortened from the 195 feet requested. Calvert Crossland and Verizon Wireless want to erect a monopole on a site off Rivenoak Lane in Goldvein that’s a half-mile away from the county’s Monroe Park. Va. 615, or Rock Run Road, is the nearest major thoroughfare. The county requires a special exception permit for towers exceeding 80 feet in height.

See TOWER, page 7

A unique blend aims to ‘uncork the cure.’ Business, page 11 INSIDE Business.............................................11 Calendar.............................................34 Classified............................................43 Communities......................................38

Spring is here PHOTO BY DOUG STROUD Despite rainy weather, a crowd gathered for the 40th annual Spring Festival on Main Street in Old Town Warrenton. The Fauquier County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual, family-friendly event that features live music and entertainment, dancers, demonstrations, displays, crafts and food. More photos on page 18

When the ‘Warrenton Rifles’ served on the Mexican border. Looking Back, page 15 Lifestyle..............................................25 Looking Back......................................15 Faith...................................................42 Libraries.............................................35 Opinion.................................................5

Obituaries.............................................8 Puzzles...............................................36 Real Estate..........................................37 Sports.................................................19

A berry, berry good time in Delaplane. Lifestyle, page 25

NEWS

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | May 23, 2018

Sick Fauquier horse prompts quarantine By Betsy Burke Parker Contributing Writer

An unidentified horse in Fauquier County has tested positive for the neurological disease equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, forcing the farm on which the animal was kept to be quarantined under Virginia Department of Agriculture regulations for at least 21 days. As a result of the quarantine, no horses will be allowed to ship out of the farm or relocate to other facilities, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which confirmed the diagnosis May 16. Equine herpesvirus, two common respiratory strains, plus the highly uncommon EHM neurologic mutation, are ubiquitous viruses in horses. It has been estimated that up to 80 percent of horses are latently infected with at least one variant of the virus regardless of their vaccination status. Vaccination does not prevent the neurologic mutation of the common respiratory sickness. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the sickness is believed to have only affected one horse at what’s being called “a sport horse farm.” Animal health officials don’t release the name of the affected horse, farm or owners in order to keep

Highly contagious illness detected

PHOTO BY BETSY BURKE PARKER Horses on pasture on a farm in Fauquier County. These horses are not the ones affected by the EHM case. incorrect information from being broadcast. The horse first showed mild neurologic signs a week ago and was admitted directly into isolation at the world-renowned Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg on Wednesday, May 16. The center is not under quarantine and is operating normally, since the

affected horse has been kept according to strict isolation protocol. The farm is under quarantine — no horses in or out, and handlers must disinfect shoes, clothes and equipment when going from horse to horse. All horses on the farm are having temperatures taken twice a day, officials say, checking for fever above 101.5.

A horse’s normal temperature ranges from 100 to 101. The affected horse had not traveled off the farm prior to exhibiting clinical signs of EHM. There is no effective drug to treat any of the three related diseases other than supportive therapy. If the horse has not become affected neurologically, prognosis is fair to good. In many horses, the only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can easily go undetected, particularly in horses on pasture that are not handled multiple times a day. In addition to fever, infection can cause cough, decreased appetite, depression and/or nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation — around eight months. EHV-1 can be transmitted directly, by direct nose-to-nose contact between affected and unaffected horses, and indirectly, by a handler touching a horse with the disease then touching another horse or carrying germ droplets on clothing or shared brushes or buckets. This is why, Virginia state vet Dr. Richard Wilkes explained, disease can easily spread if strict quarantine measures are not followed. Regular updates are online at vdacs.virginia.gov. Reach Betsy Burke Parker at betsyburkeparker@gmail.com.

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BODY AND SOUL The art and science of preserving the bodies of the dead was originally practiced by the ancient Egyptians, who were the first people to believe in the immortality of the soul. They undertook the elaborate process of mummification in the belief that the soul would never foresake the body as long as the body remained intact. Embalming preserved the body so the soul could return to it after the completion of the “circle of necessity,” a 3,000-year journey that the soul was required to make before it could return to the body and live with the gods forever. Modern embalmers continue the important process of body preservation so that the bodies of deceased individuals can be displayed and accorded respect. Embalming is primarily done to disinfect and preserve the remains. Disinfection is important for all who have to handle the remains and for the public safety of our communities. Without embalming, most remains would not be viewable within a short amount of time because there are constant changes going on chemically and physically. To learn more about our funeral and memorial services, please call MOSER FUNERAL HOME at (540) 347-3431. We invite you to tour our facility at 233 Broadview Ave., Warrenton. Ask us about our BRIGHT VIEW CEMETERY, just outside of Warrenton. “To fear death is to misunderstand life.” ~unknown

FARMING BRIEFS

A report on the Virginia Cooperative Extension and winter wheat expectations Page 12

LOCAL BUSINESS EVENTS Find the networking and chamber events in your area Page 12

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | May 23, 2018

BUSINESS WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

A unique blend aims to ‘uncork the cure’ By Anita L. Sherman Community Editor

Robert Frost’s “A Road Not Taken” comes to mind as you drive north in Fauquier County. Hume Road, for example, winds its way through the lush rural countryside. You can drive for miles and not encounter another car depending on the hour and day of the week. It was Hume Road that lured Bob Claymier, who grew up on a cattle ranch in the high desert country of Eastern Oregon, to explore that scenic road more than 20 years ago. Retired from the federal government, Bob was looking for a place to raise horses and honor his Oregon roots. He and his wife, Linda, first spotted their current location at 13726 Hume Road in the early ’90s but it would be some two years later, with the property still on the market, that they would be able to call it home. A lifetime of work had them living in desert countries like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt as well as many other overseas assignments. Deserts have always had a draw for them, that and their memories of Oregon’s desert country, so it was a natural fit to name it Desert Rose Ranch Arabians. “Opening a winery was not in the game plan,” laughs Linda Claymier, who is sitting comfortably in a large open room bedecked with western memorabilia and wine bottles. In addition to Bob’s upbringing on a ranch was his love of grapes and winemaking. Breeding, boarding and training horses turned out to be a successful operation but harvesting grapes was always in the back of Bob’s mind. A small plot for growing and making wine for the family quickly morphed from hobby to household word as, over the years, the ranch part has waned. Desert Rose Ranch and Winery is now best known for its wines… partnered with a western flair.

A warm welcome

Their decision to embark on a wine adventure was enthusiastically supported by fellow winemakers in the Piedmont area like John Delmar at Rappahannock Cellars, which is located very nearby. The Claymiers had been selling some of their grapes to Rappahannock Cellars. Linda recalls John telling them that with the closure of Oasis Winery some years ago, the area was ripe for another vineyard. “We’ve been very pleased,” says Linda, “all of the neighboring wineries have been very friendly and helpful.” Now, you can choose from a Covert Cab or Fiery Run Cab Franc, if you prefer reds, to Hitch Hollow Chardonnay or Ole Moo Moo, for white wine aficionados, to a Sparky Rose. Amble on up to their horseshoe shaped bar for a wine tasting and history lesson. You can opt to join “The Posse,” which entitles you to

Bob Claymier’s unique white blend “Uncork the Cure” honors their daughter Kim.

Desert Rose Ranch and Winery Owners: Bob and Linda Claymier 13726 Hume Road, Hume Phone: 540-635-3200 Email: info@desertrosewinery.com Website: www.desertrosewinery.com

Linda Claymier discounts. Membership requires the purchase of two bottles a quarter. While sipping you can peruse the foreign currency under the glass from coins to paper. You’ll also find more pinned to a worldwide map detailing the countries the Claymiers have visited and/or worked or lived in. “Now, people bring in their own collections of foreign monies to add to ours,” smiles Linda. “It’s a great conversation starter and fun for the customers.” Linda’s effervescent personality is contagious. She emanates a positive and happy outlook on life and, while not expecting to run a winery in their “retirement,” she and Bob are loving it.

A life-changing event

But life threw them a curve ball in 2015 when on Good Friday of that year their daughter Kim was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. She was in surgery all day that Easter with the cancer spreading into her lungs and reproductive organs. “She’s the best fighter,” said Linda of her daughter, who is well known in Culpeper working as the librarian at Culpeper County High School. Kim Mitchell has been a speaker at the Pamper Me Pink programs and is a good friend of Sharon Clark, owner of Pepperberries, who, for years, helped orchestrate that event.

Western décor like this ornate saddle offer patrons a hint into the Claymiers’ wine odyssey. Cancer-free but continuing on a chemo regimen, Kim, now 50, gladly shares the challenges and emotional roller coaster that life with cancer presents. But Dad had a Christmas gift in 2016 that brought inspiration and good taste. “None of us knew he was doing this,” said Linda, “it was a complete surprise.” As the family gathered on that Christmas morning, Bob’s gift to Kim was unwrapped. At first her reaction was, “Why would you give me a bottle of wine… you own a winery?” Then she looked at the label. Bob had created a unique white blend of wine all for her. The label reads “Uncork the Cure.” Kim was very touched. Linda laughs as she looks to the bottle with an illustration of a corkscrew under the name. Basically, it’s Bob’s way saying, “screw cancer.” Since then, the Claymiers donate a portion of all the sales of “Uncork the Cure” to cancer research or a specific cancer-related event or project. On Sunday, June 3, to commemorate National Cancer Survivors Day, Desert Rose Ranch and Winery will have a special fundraising event

from noon-6 p.m. With their two daughters and grandchildren all in this area, it is doubtful the Claymiers will return to live in Oregon but that’s all right with them. “We’ve found a home here…you never know what life is going to throw at you,” smiles Linda. “We love where we are.” The desert rose plant is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, haunts of their previous homes. It thrives in well-drained soil as do the grapes at Desert Rose Ranch and Winery. With hints of faraway lands, strong legs and an aroma of Western ambiance and compassion, the Claymiers wines will linger on your palette and call for a return.

Greater Piedmont Realtors (Thanks to our Annual Golf Sponsors’)

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Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | May 23, 2018

Spring Festival in Old Town Warrenton PHOTOS BY BY DOUG STROUD AND CINDY GOFF

RAIN PUSHES FALCONS TO THURSDAY Tuesday’s rain pushed two Northwestern District semifinals to Thursday. Kettle Run visits Fauquier in baseball. In softball, Fauquier hosts Sherando.

HIKER TO REACH FAUQUIER COUNTY FRIDAY Amissville resident Doug Harpole hits the Front Royal area this weekend as he continues on his 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail hike.

SPORTS WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

Fauquier Times | May 23, 2018

Three lacrosse teams lock up state berths Kettle Run boys, girls, FHS boys stay hot in postseason By Peter Brewington Times Staff Writer

PHOTO BY DAVE HENRICKSON

Highland’s rousing 5-1 win over Nansemond Suffolk gave the program its fourth girls soccer state title. The Hawks (14-12) beat Covenant 1-0 in the state semifinals and Hampton Roads 2-0 in the quarters.

‘We defied all expectations’ Highland wins VISAA D-II girls soccer crown by blowing out Nansemond Suffolk, 5-1 By Jeff Malmgren Times Staff Writer

When Jess Cochrane scanned the field prior to the VISAA Division II state final Sunday, she saw a landscape full of displaced teammates. As goalkeeper, she was the only Highland girl still playing the same position as during the Hawks’ 2017 state tournament appearance. That’s because Highland (14-1-2) began this season with six new starters and four returning starters who played different positions. Yet that turned out to be the unlikely recipe for winning a state championship as the top-seeded Hawks dominated No. 2 Nansemond Suffolk, 5-1, during the title game at Ukrop Park in Richmond. “It means a lot,” said coach Reynolds Oare, whose Hawks previously won the D-II title in 2016, 2007 and 2006. “All of them are special, but this one ranks up there because of how we ended our year last year and what [talent] left us. “I’m really, really proud of these girls,” he said. “And I give those [2017] girls credit for leaving these girls in a good place.” Last season, Highland lost during the state semifinals to Hampton Roads, 0-0, in a shootout despite entering as the No. 1 seed with arguably one of the most talented teams in program history. That squad finished 13-3-3. The Hawks then began this spring by winning only three of their first six games after losing five senior starters to 2017 graduation – including all-state players in Annie Pendleton,

Stefanie Hoerner and Ashton Eicher – as well as one starter to transfer. “Losing a lot of starting seniors and coming back and kind of doing what no one thought we could do, definitely feels really good,” junior Caroline Lawson said Sunday. Senior Molly Petronzio had similar thoughts after she scored a goal less than three minutes into the second half to give Highland a 4-0 lead. “I think we defied all expectations coming into this season,” she said. “It really means a lot to be able to get the job done.” Highland excelled despite losing senior starter Buckley Norman to a season-ending injury with another young starter leaving the team due to scheduling conflicts. With so many lost players, Oare had to shuffle his starting lineup. Few changes worked out better than moving Petronzio from center back to forward while switching from a 4-3-3 formation to a 3-5-2 during a spring break tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. “She was dangerous, and I said, ‘Hmm, maybe we found something here.’ She’s been playing up top ever since,” said Oare. With one goal Sunday, Petronzio finished with a team-high 18 goals, giving her 19 in her career. Carolyn Treuting also scored in the state final despite playing in the midfield this season after finishing last spring as one of the Hawks’ leading scorers while playing up top. “I can’t say enough about her,” Oare said. “We asked her to come back in the middle and do some

grunt work this year, and she [had] such an impact for us.” Nansemond Suffolk (15-6-1) hadn’t previously lost to a D-II team this season. “We did not play very well,” Saints coach Mike Dick said. “We had a great warm-up. They were loose and happy, but then the whistle blew.” Eighth grader Alexis Conlin gave Highland a 1-0 lead off a ball centered by Mallory McReynolds less than 13 minutes in. “This is probably her sixth game with us,” Treuting said. “So coming out and scoring the first goal, that’s such a proud moment for her.” About 18 minutes later, Treuting scored the winning goal by striking a ball that skimmed the right post over the head of a few defenders who tried to guard the goal after Saints keeper Mallory Mizelle failed to secure the ball near the top edge of the 18-yard box. “Our goalkeeper made more mistakes today than in the entire season,” Dick said. “We all seemed to be off a little.” Less than two minutes after Treuting’s goal, Lawson scored on a free kick from about 35 yards out. She also scored Highland’s final goal from about 15 yards out with an assist by McReynolds after Petronzio scored with an assist by Treuting. Highland actually only out-shot the Saints 17-15, so Cochrane’s 11 saves played a large role. The Saints ended a streak of seven consecutive shutouts for Highland, but the Hawks still finished the season having allowed only five goals over 17 games. “That is a pretty shocking stat,” Oare said. “We have a tremendous keeper.”

The Kettle Run boys and girls lacrosse teams, along with the Fauquier boys lacrosse team, have secured state quarterfinal berths. They are expected to meet teams from Loudoun County’s Dulles District on June 1. This Thursday, the three local standout squads compete in the Region B championship games at Liberty High. Kettle Run faces Brentsville in the girls title match at 6 p.m. Kettle Run and Fauquier meet for the boys crown at 8. On Monday, the Kettle Run girls rolled into the Region B final by blasting Eastern View 20-4 in a game shortened by the mercy rule. Also Monday, the Cougar boys earned their ticket to the final by escaping Brentsville, 11-9, while Fauquier rolled over Culpeper 20-6. In the other girls semifinal, Fauquier fell to Brentsville, 1813, ending their season at 5-8. The Falcon girls pulled an upset on May 17 in the quarterfinals when they beat James Monroe 11-10 in Fredericksburg. Senior captain goalie A.J. Adan had 23 saves, helping the Falcons recover from a 7-4 halftime deficit. Carleigh Cordova and Sarala Grayson-Funk had hat tricks and Payton O’Hara scored two goals and recorded two assists. Zoe Savage added two goals and one assist, while Yvie Frazier scored one goal and Grayson-Funk had two assists.