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Chesapeake Bay Wine Discover Your Favorite Crush

Rumrunners of the Chesapeake Much Maligned Bats Williamsburg Art Gallery

Local artistry with an international accent www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com

September/October 2017

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September/October 2017

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Readers

FROM OUR

Love this magazine … I look forward to getting it in Virginia when we visit. ~ Cynthia Goszka

“A solid journal with good writing and attractive pictures. I’ve advertised a fine art show (Arts in the Middle) there each year. “ ~ Hank Roden

Here at St. James’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, we were delighted to read the thorough and wellwritten article in your March/April 2017 issue concerning Captain Sally Thompkins, a long-time parishioner at our church in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Well-known for her tireless care for wounded soldiers during the Civil War, her life was less understood for all the good works that followed. Our rolls show her persistent service as a teacher, ministry leader and lay minister for a number of households and for her steadfast attendance at our services for over six decades. Our thanks go to Mr. Cerullo for his patient and detailed research and for helping us understand Ms. Thompkins’ origins and the details of her military service. Excellent work! ~ Russell Lawson Director of Communications St. James’s Episcopal Church

Your magazine is one that I look forward to with much anticipation!

Best magazine in Virginia!

Don’t know who selects the photos for front covers, but they are always awesome!

Bravo! ~ Cheryl M. Melton

My wife and I look forward to every issue of your magazine. This issue (March/ April) was especially interesting because of the article about Patrick Duffeler.

Mr. Duffeler’s association with the Team Marlboro-McLaren Formula 1 program was unknown to us. We were at Watkins Glen, NY for Emerson Fittipaldi’s first Formula 1 win in 1970. At that time it was, “Emerson who?”

In 1974 the world found out who.

Keep up the good work. ~ Jim & Milly Wassum Topping, VA

What a pleasure it has been for me to work with The House and Home Magazine this year to publicize two events. On April 29, The House and Home Magazine supported Historic Garden Week for the Middle Peninsula, and with their welldeserved large circulation, we were able to host well over 600 visitors. Many of the visitors were planning to explore local restaurants, shops and sites before or after the tour. The second event, on April 24, was the celebration of Christ Church Parish’s 350th anniversary. Middlesex County is so proud of its heritage and wonderful historic buildings. I sincerely thank you for providing our community with such an informative and beautiful publication.

Thank you, ~ Marilyn South

~ Nancylee Leighton

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September/October 2017

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Contents

The House & Home Magazine • September/October 2017

14 Rumrunners of

the Chesapeake

PUBLISHER James L. Blanks

46 Virginia’s Free Car Ferries

20 Chesapeake Bay Wine 50 Savoring Thyme Discover your 54 Dream Weaver favorite crush Justin Burke 24 A rts All Around Highlights of the Season 56 Turkey Shoot Regatta 29 Reedville Fishermen’s 58 A Rock for the Ages

EDITOR Janet Evans Hinman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Zora Aiken Karin Andrews Captain Bob Cerullo Janet Evans Hinman Robinette Ross Dianne Saison Blake Slusser Deb Weissler Barbara Weldon

Museum

30 A Tribute to First Responders

ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Kirstin Canough

40 Slow Cooker Success

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES James L. Blanks: 804-929-1797 Cindy McBride: 540-229-6038

Upper Essex Baptist Church

www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com

66 Stratford Hall’s

Annual Wine and Oyster Festival

86 Aging in a .Com Era 76 Morattico 84 Fine Properties 94 3D Mammography

at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital

60 Williamsburg Art Gallery

Local artistry with an international accent

JLB Publishing, Inc. JLB PUBLISHING, INC. P. O. Box 2564 • Tappahannock, VA 22560 Office: 804-929-1797 • Fax: 1-888-747-2267 thehouseandhomemag@gmail.com

The House & Home Magazine is a free, four-color publication that specializes in providing home ideas, real estate, and lifestyle articles.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from JLB Publishing, Inc. The information contained herein are opinions of sources and interviews.

JLB Publishing Inc. claims no reliability or accuracy to any information contained within. The House & Home Magazine is published for reference purposes only and is not materially responsible for errors.

The House & Home Magazine is published bimonthly and is distributed at over 500 locations throughout Essex, Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Gloucester, Richmond, and Mechanicsville as well as subscriptions, direct mail, and trade shows.

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Chesapeake

RUMRUNNERS

By Captain Bob Cerullo

of the

US Coast Guard Cutter, Apache, one of several cutters attempting to stop the flow of illegal liquor. Courtesy of the US Coast Guard.

Oystermen were known to hide mason jars of white lighting in bushel baskets of raw oysters. All sorts of boats, from sailing yachts to fishing boats of every description, were used on the bay to transport moonshine from stills hidden on farms, in the woods, and even in homes. Many watermen fished by day and transported whiskey by night.

I

t was party time, all the time, in the days of The Great Gatsby, flappers, the Charleston and the Volstead Act. The Roaring Twenties was a time when younger adults seemed to abandon all the rules their parents held so dear.

“

Oh, we don’t give a damn for our old Uncle Sam Way-o, whiskey and gin!

Lend us a hand when we stand in to land Just give us time to run the rum in.

“

“The Smugglers’ Chanty” 14

September/October 2017

Speakeasies, where bootleg liquor was served in coffee cups, were the rage and bathtub gin was the drink of choice, made all the more delicious by it being outlawed. The police were kept busy busting the illegal drinking establishments, the feds where kept busy destroying stills, the moonshiners were kept busy running from both, and vast amounts of money was made in the process, often by both sides.

Prohibition brings to mind high-powered cars with builtin tanks filled with illegal booze, racing through the night on back-country roads pursued by police or revenue agents. That scene was very much a part of the era. However, there is another part, and that took place around the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal waters off Virginia. Rumrunners roamed the waters up and down the East Coast. Although most of the illegal alcohol transported along the bay was whiskey and moonshine, the label “rumrunners” was the one that stuck.

Geographically, there probably could not have been a better design for smuggling than the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. It worked well for Confederates evading the Union gunboats, and it worked even better for moonshiners. In his book, Chesapeake Rumrunners of the Roaring Twenties, Eric Mills reports there were illegal moonshiners working close to the creeks and rivers which line the shores of the bay. Easy access to fishing boats, The House & Home Magazine

both power and sail, made the allure of easy money running booze all the more attractive. For a hard-working waterman, the potential cash return for a boat-hold full of booze far exceeded the return of a day’s catch.

Oystermen were known to hide mason jars of white lighting in bushel baskets of raw oysters. One waterman/rumrunner confided he never ran gin, because it was so cheap for people to make at home, it didn’t pay. Moonshine was the cargo of choice.

All sorts of boats, from sailing yachts to fishing boats of every description, were used on the bay to transport moonshine from stills hidden on farms, in the woods, and even in homes. Many watermen fished by day and transported whiskey by night.

The revenue agents, charged with tracking down those whiskey runs, were overwhelmed, as was the U.S. Coast Guard.

Some local police had the attitude the Volstead Act was a federal law that needed to be enforced by the feds and not of their concern to enforce. Besides, they too enjoyed moonshine and were not opposed to a sip or two by way of research.

As the word spread of the profits to be made in bootlegging, a new problem arose — deadly poison moonshine. Veteran moonshiners knew that using steel tanks would cause the moonshine to become poisonous. Because they drank much of it themselves, they took pride in turning out a quality product.

Those who got into it to make a quick buck ignored the science and made poor-quality moonshine that, in some cases, caused people to die. In many cases, it was determined that the quickbuck bootleggers had used denatured alcohol, which caused blindness and even death.

Consumers of bootleg whiskey demanded the best and were 15

Scotch whiskey, Cutty Sark, was brought from Scotland to just off the three-mile limit in the sailing vessel. Courtesy of Edrington Distillers Ltd.

accommodated by syndicates of what turned out, in some cases, to be prominent people. By far the most famous was the steam yacht Istar, also known as the “queen of the rumrunners.” Istar had a big gun mounted on her aft deck, which she was unlikely to fire knowing the U.S. Coast Guard had been ordered to sink her if she fired a single round. She was what amounted to being the “flagship of the rum fleet.” Ironically her cargo was not rum, but 33,000 cases of Scotch whiskey from Glasgow, Scotland. Her milliondollar cargo of the best quality Scotch

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whiskey was destined for the drinking appetites of tipplers in Virginia and buyers from across the Chesapeake Bay. Her captain, John Skinner, kept the Istar at sea in Rum Row. Rum Row was an area just beyond the then, three-mile limit of the territorial waters of the United States. It was a place where the U.S. Coast Guard could not legally enforce the laws of the United States, namely the Volstead Act. There the Istar, along with fast ships from Canada, England, France, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Cuba and ports in the United States would wait for buyers to race out from hidden spots in the bay and along the coast to buy quality whiskey.

Cutty Sark Whiskey presently markets a prohibition-edition whiskey, which pays homage to Captain William McCoy, who smuggled Cutty Sark Whiskey into the USA during prohibition. The company says his reputation for dealing with unadulterated liquor (at a time when many bootleggers mixed their spirits with other liquids in order to increase yield), gave rise to Cutty Sark being referred to as the “Real McCoy.” The buyers arrived at Rum Row in all sorts of vessels, usually fast and usually by

night. Once inside the territorial waters of the US, these rumrunners could be boarded and the cargoes seized. If they resisted, they could be fired on by U.S. Coast Guard cutters like the famous Apache. If they did not heave to, they could be blasted out of the water. Often the rumrunner could actually outrun the cutters. In several cases, the rumrunners ran their boats aground on beaches and escaped by jumping off their boats and running to the woods. Ironically, many of the confiscated boats of all description were put into service by the U.S. Coast Guard to catch rumrunners.

When U.S. Coast Guard surveillance of small vessels rendezvousing with ships like the Istar ramped up, the rumrunners came up with another plan. They found another way to get into the bay without going past the waiting Coast Guard vessels. Their fast boats, loaded with whiskey, threaded through Currituck Sound then made their way up the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal to the Elizabeth River and then into the Chesapeake Bay. Once clear of the coast guard patrols expecting them to enter through Cape Charles, they made stops on the way and

September/October 2017

Steam Yacht, Istar, one of the most famous of the rumrunners on Rum Row who stayed beyond the three-mile limit and sold to local rumrunners on arriving small craft.

Courtesy of the US Coast Guard often went right on up the Potomac River to thirsty buyers in Washington, D.C. The Washington Post reported that Washington, D.C. bootleggers where charging from $85 to $120 a case for whiskey from the Istar.

Millions of dollars were being made by the organizers of the smuggling operations optimized by Istar. The people who organized the operations of black ships like the Istar held prestigious positions, even as high as members of the British Parliament. Eventually, the mystery man behind Istar and the rum-running

The House & Home Magazine

syndicate was discovered. He was Sir Broderick Cecil Denham Arkwright Hartwell, Fourth Baronet – late a captain in the Leicestershire Regiment, a highly decorated veteran of the Boer War and World War I. The whiskey business was not without its risks. Aside from the ever-present threat from the U.S. Coast Guard, there were the perils of operating at sea, in the dark and often in fog. In one much heralded case, the 50-ton sloop Glen Beulah was waiting with her cargo of whiskey off the Virginia Cape in a fog-

laden darkness. Aboard, there were 1,800 cases of Lewis Hunter rye whiskey. In the fog, a mystery ship rammed her and sent her to the bottom. Luckily for the crew of the Glen Beulah, who had escaped in their pajamas in a rowboat with just one oar, they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Yamacraw.

The crew was arrested and remanded to the Norfolk City jail. The captain claimed that his ship was not a rumrunner and that she had stopped at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay for engine repairs. The Coast Guard claimed she was anchored ten miles southeast of the Cape Charles lighthouse when she was sunk.

The Captain of the Glen Beulah claimed his ship was rammed by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mascoutin, which he stated had two masts. In fact, the Mascoutin had only one mast.

In another incident described by Eric Mills, the British steamship Rowan Park was off Diamond Shoals near the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay when she was hailed by a schooner showing a distress signal. The Rowan Park went to the aid of the schooner, which her captain identified as the Leader. He claimed she had lost

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her rudder and was trying to maneuver by sail alone. The captain of the steamer invited the crew of the stricken vessel aboard. Once the Coast Guard was notified, the Rowan Park went on her way.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Manning, which was on patrol, found the vessel had disappeared from the area. When the Manning arrived on the scene where the stricken vessel had been reported to be, the vessel was not there. As the U.S. Coast Guard headed out, the rumrunning schooner headed in. Her name was not Leader, but rather Julito. There was in fact no problem with her rudder. Two coast guard cutters gave chase as the Julito headed through the Virginia Capes then up the Chesapeake Bay. She made it to the Poquoson River before the U.S. Coast Guard caught up. A coast guard boarding party found food cooking in the galley and a dog running around the deck, but not a soul onboard. The entire crew had abandoned ship.

Chesapeake Bay rumrunners were a hardy, cunning lot, who used all sorts of deceits to get the illegal whiskey past the revenue cutters and the U.S. Coast Guard.

They were seasoned watermen who knew the bay from years of harvesting oysters, crabs and fish of every description. The high-stakes game of cat and mouse between rumrunners and the law continued for as long as the Volstead Act remained in effect.

The passage of the 21st Amendment marked the end of prohibition in 1933 and the end of the lucrative rumrunners.

Notorious gangster Al Capone, who knew an awful lot about prohibition said, “Prohibition has made nothing but trouble.”

The irony of the rumrunners of the Chesapeake Bay is that many remained anonymous. When prohibition ended, their boats were put back in service as watermen. Watermen’s boat-holds that had held cases of illegal whiskey once again held oysters and mackerel. The stories were remembered and became legends.

The fact is they got away with it. They did not speak to strangers in those days.

They grew old. The party was truly over.

The romance was ended. The happy days were over. Memories warmed their hearts along with perhaps a taste of moonshine on those cold winter nights, when the frigid winds blew in from across the bay where rumrunners once stealthily roamed in dark night. H 18

September/October 2017

During Prohibition, Americans were divided between dry and wet lifestyles. Here are two of the era’s popular libations.

THE SIDECAR The Sidecar was named after a WWI army captain who liked to arrive at his local speakeasy in a motorcycle sidecar. Shake this mixture well with cracked ice and strain into a chilled, sugar-rimmed cocktail glass.

• 3 oz. cognac • 2 oz. Cointreau, Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur • 1 oz. lemon juice

THE GIN RICKEY Gin was among the favorite intoxicating liquors. The Gin Rickey was first made in the 1880s with bourbon at Shoomaker’s Bar in Washington, DC and was named after Democrat lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey. During Prohibition, bartenders replaced bourbon with gin. While F. Scott Fitzgerald was writing The Great Gatsby, he found inspiration in this crisp cocktail.

• 2 oz. dry gin • 1/2 fresh lime squeezed and dropped in the glass • 5 oz. soda water or sparkling mineral water

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The Chesapeake Bay wine region encompasses the historic Tidewater areas of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula and falls between the Potomac and York rivers, bounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the east.

The region boasts a winemaking history dating back 400 years.

With an estimated 275 wineries, a dedicated month, and even a state grape (Viognier), Virginia’s wine industry has emerged as one of the top five wine producers in the nation.

O

Chesapeake Bay Wine

Discover Your Favorite Crush

By Janet Evans Hinman

ctober is officially Virginia Wine Month. What better time for wine lovers to discover their favorite crush than when the harvest is ripe, festivals are in full swing and historic sites await, all set against the brilliant backdrop of fall foliage in its prime? With an estimated 275 wineries, a dedicated month, and even a state grape (Viognier), Virginia’s wine industry has emerged as one of the top five wine producers in the nation. Wineries and vineyards add roughly $750 million to the state’s economy.

In addition, in 2012, there were a total of 2,975 acres in Virginia dedicated to growing grapes. That same year, Wine Enthusiast magazine named Virginia one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the country.

The Chesapeake Bay wine region encompasses the historic Tidewater areas of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula and falls between the Potomac and York rivers, bounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the east. The region boasts a winemak-

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September/October 2017

The House & Home Magazine

ing history dating back 400 years. The Virginia Company colonists, who had sailed down the Thames in England, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Chesapeake Bay, settled in Jamestown in 1606, experimented with European and native varieties of grapes for wine. Despite repeated efforts to cultivate grapevines, they failed consistently and soon found themselves preoccupied with staying alive in a harsh new land. Later, George Washington tested grapes for a homegrown Virginia wine and collected cuttings from friends. In 1755, he planted 55 cuts of Madeira, but never produced a significant product. Further west, Thomas Jefferson, dubbed the “first father of American wine,” planted European grape varietals at Monticello. Though he tried for years, Jefferson never harvested enough fruit to produce a bottle of wine.

Of all the cash crops historically grown in the Chesapeake Bay region, grapes took the longest time to bear economic “fruit.” The first successful commercial vines in the region were planted only about 20 years ago. Today, thanks to improved techniques in viniculture and more specialized varietals, the area is peppered with fields of green and purple grapes. A dozen or more vineyards and wineries have popped up where fields of soybeans and corn once grew. The ver-

dant land among the peninsulas provides sandy loam soil and a temperate climate suited to such varietals as cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, chambourcin, merlot, petit verdot, syrah, chardonnay, pinot grigio, seyval blanc and vidal blanc.

Chasing the Vine: A History of Wine in Virginia When it comes to wine, Virginia has a long history of failure. So respect is owed to the centuries of hard-headed growers who steadfastly believed in grapes as a commercially viable crop for the state. After the colonists settled in Jamestown, the local government decreed in 1619 that every man had to plant vines and ship wine back to mother England. But the vines bore little fruit. Thus the chronicle of Virginia viticulture begins at Jamestown, the scene of many failures and blasted hopes. Captain John Smith, who made the four-month trip to the colony with the original 105 settlers, wrote that at Jamestown there were vines “in great abundance in many parts that climbe the toppes of the highest trees.” Smith went on to write that from local grapes, “We made neere 20 gallons of wine, which was neare as good as your French British.” But in the end, what little wine came of early Virginia efforts was bitter and traveled badly.

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Despite many incentives passed by the Virginia General Assembly, wine production statewide was mostly a series of disappointments and outright failures. However in 1762, Lancaster native Charles Carter successfully bottled wine using locally grown grapes from 1,800 vines on his property. He was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Society of Arts in London for being the first to accomplish significant wine production in America. By 1768, Virginia exported approximately 13 tons of wine to England.

Thomas Jefferson’s fondness for French culture and his natural curiosity led him to plant thousands of acres of vineyards at Monticello. His winemaking attempts failed, perhaps because of the advent of the American Revolution, or because lice infested the roots and leaves of the vines. Elected president in 1801, Jefferson spent $10,000, a small fortune, for wines during his administration, famously proclaiming in a letter that, ”Wine’s a necessary of life with me.” He stored his wine collection in a 16-foot-deep cellar adjacent to the White House. The pit was shaped like a flower pot and built of absorbent clay bricks. A wooden superstructure protected the wine against the weather, and bottles were racked on a platform floor above a bed of ice, replenished monthly and packed in sawdust.

In 1821, Dr. Daniel Norton of Richmond was widely credited with discovering the Norton grape in Virginia. He selected it from among what he believed were seedlings of a long forgotten grape variety called Bland, though there is some doubt as to whether it was the actual source of the seed which yielded Norton. By 1873, a Norton wine bottled in Virginia received an international award for the best red wine at the Vienna World’s Fair. Other international awards followed. Virginia was producing 461,000 gallons 22

September/October 2017

of wine by the late nineteenth century, making it the fifth-largest wine producer among the states.

Later in the century, the concept of prohibition gained wide support in Virginia and stifled the success of the wine industry at the time. By WWI, the state had gone dry. In 1919, the federal Eighteenth Amendment nationally banned the import, export, manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors.

After the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1933, Williamsburg became the first city in Virginia to end Prohibition.

It was not until the mid-1970s that the Commonwealth began to compete again in the national wine market, using French hybrids, vinifera varietals and new fertilizing techniques that helped counteract disease and mildew.

Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville was the first to plant the Viognier grape in Virginia in 1989. At this time, there were only about 200 acres of the vine planted in the world. The first vintage of Viognier was produced in 1992. From then on, the grape began to grow in popularity and was later named the State Grape of Virginia.

Today, Virginia’s wine industry is thriving, gaining national attention for both product quantity and quality. Local wineries have become tourist attractions, as well as destinations for weddings, festivals and community events. There were six Virginia wineries in 1976, about 70 by 2002, and an estimated 275 today — more than four centuries after the sailing of the first Jamestown fleet. H

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JEANNE MOUTOUSSAMY-ASHE American, b. 1951. Maya Angelou, 1993 Silver print with hand coloring Muscarelle Museum of Art Acquired with funds from the Board of Visitors Muscarelle Museum of Art Endowment © Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe 2015.027

Arts All Around: Highlights of the Season

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all is the perfect time to be immersed in art, whether it’s the glorious display of nature’s landscape painted in a seasonal palette, or the abundant selection of art events around the region. From the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, to the historic Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown triangle, autumn arts abound. Take a road trip or explore your own community close to home to discover the pleasures of artistic expressions all around.

Non-stop art events fill the sevenweek Williamsburg Fall Arts 2017 season, and An Occasion for the Arts weekend festival in October is the area’s premier art and music extravaganza. But a closer look reveals a host of cultural options sure to satisfy a variety of tastes.

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September Selections

October Happenings

• At the Muscarelle Museum of Art at The College of William & Mary, the exhibition Building on The Legacy: African American Art from the Permanent Collection continues from September through January 14, 2018.

• September 15-17, the region’s top artisans fill Merchant’s Square with demonstrations of clay, fiber, wood, glass and other media at the Williamsburg Celebrates Art Contemporary Artisans and Plein Air Festival.

• On September 24, the Yorktown Art Stroll places artists in nearly every business on Main and Water streets, plus on the green and in the Freight Shed, as art takes over the entire village for the day.

• For the musically inclined, The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra will play Symphony from the New World at the Kimball Theatre on September 25 and 26.

• In Williamsburg, October 6 to 8, the annual fine art and music festival An Occasion for the Arts hosts more than 150 visual artists and performers. This annual juried show brings the work of talented fine artists, local youth artists, and lively performing artists together for an event that offers something for everyone to enjoy. Live performances are featured on two stages, and the popular food court provides a culinary taste of fall. The festival gets underway with the Kickoff pARTy on Friday, October 6.

• Also part of An Occasion for the Arts, the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony at the Movies: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Trolls and More! on October 7 and 8 at the Kimball Theatre.

• In addition, the 2017 Williamsburg Book Festival, October 7, will be headlined by bestselling author Kathryn Aalto, September/October 2017

From the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, to the historic Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown triangle, autumn arts abound.

author of The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh, A Walk through the Forest that Inspired the Hundred Acre Wood. Other events include a book fair, workshops, presentations and panel discussions. Find more information at williamsburgbookfestival.com.

• Also on October 7-8, visit Jamestown Settlement for the American Indian Intertribal Powwow, featuring song and dance by members of Native American tribes, storytelling, and a film presentation. Pictures convey powerful stories; don’t miss Jamestown’s The Reel Pocahontas film and the native women photography exhibition.

• Rounding out a busy day, The Yorktown Wine Festival, October 7, fills Kiskiack Green with the region’s top vintners, food purveyors and blues, country and rock bands for an event that sells out every year.

• In week seven of Fall Arts, October 18-19, join Colonial Williamsburg for two Hamilton events — Right Hand Man? The Story of Alexander Hamilton, and The Duel of Hamilton and Burr. See more Alexander Hamilton at AfterWARd at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

For more information about Williamsburg Fall Arts 2017 and An Occasion for the Arts, visit www.VisitWilliamsburg.com and www.aofta.org.

The TheHouse House& &Home HomeMagazine Magazine

Williamsburg Art Gallery More Art Adventures The Rappahannock Art League (RAL), 19 N. Main Street in Kilmarnock, is an association of artists and art enthusiasts who have been providing a visual art presence on the Northern Neck for more than 68 years. On September 1, the league hosted a grand re-opening, embarking on a new era as the RAL Art Center (formerly the RAL Studio Gallery), with a fresh new look and vision for “inspiring art in the community and the community in the arts.”

The name change from Studio Gallery to RAL Art Center is subtle, but powerful. A gallery is perceived as a place to view and buy art, while an art center is a place to create and learn to appreciate art. The new and improved art center strives to be both.

The RAL Art Center welcomes the community to enjoy monthly exhibits and bi-monthly art talks; take fun and inter-

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esting workshops, classes, or bus tours; and be inspired by the co-op artists in residence. There are refreshed gallery spaces to display artists’ works for purchase and even a gift shop.

Upcoming events include an abstract show, September 12 to October 14, and a photography show, October 17 to November 11. For more information, visit www.ralgallery.com or call (804) 436-9309.

The Bay School Community Arts Center/Art Speaks Gallery, 279 Main Street in Mathews, has been an anchor for the arts community in its mostly rural home in the Middle Peninsula for 20 years.

The Bay School conducts more than 100 classes in fine arts and crafts in its three classrooms, one of which is a pottery studio. Classes are also scheduled offsite at local artists’ studios to make use of special equipment such as weaving looms or furnaces for glass blowing and welding.

More than 30 talented local artists teach classes for the center.

Art Speaks Gallery greeted 2017 with an updated look and a busy schedule of exhibits. September and October feature the Fine Arts Auction ExtravaGala on September 23; and An Artist’s Journey, an adult student show, from September 29 to October 28. The adult student show will open with a creative demonstration from an exhibiting artist. For more information, visit www.bayschool-arts.com or call (804)725-1278.

Gloucester Arts on Main, 6580-B Main Street, was founded in 2011 to provide a creative environment for the arts to flourish, enriching the quality of life for people of all ages by offering workshops, classes, unique exhibits and events, and a 4,000-square foot gallery for artists to exhibit their work.

Through September, the gallery features the exhibit Quilts of River Country, which showcases the quilts and quilters of the Middle Peninsula. With three active quilt guilds on the Middle Peninsula, this show offers a beautiful and varied selection of quilts, quilting techniques and quilting styles.

In October, Arts on Main presents Rose Nygaard One Woman Show. This exhibition features works in a variety of media and includes figurative still life and abstract paintings, as well as collage pieces. The event kicks off with a First Friday reception on October 6. For more 26

September/October 2017

information, visit www.gloucesterarts.org, or call (804)824-9464.

The Tappahannock Artists Guild/Tappahannock Art Gallery, 200 Prince Street, aims to build and educate the community through the arts and culture, to promote artists and their work, and to fulfill cultural opportunities by sharing common traditions and lifestyles. The gallery features a variety of works in an array of styles and media and the group hosts an active schedule of classes for adults and children.

September features a solo show of watercolor paintings

by Frank Rixey and a monthly wine and art gathering on the 28th. October brings another solo show of paintings by Diane Jackson, as well as the wine and art evening on the 26th. For more information, visit www.tappamainst.org, or call (804) 925-1011. H

Many thanks to contributors Terry Buntrock, Betsy Moss, and Mary Jo Beswick for their help with this article.

The TheHouse House& &Home HomeMagazine Magazine

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mission

REEDVILLE FISHERMEN’S MUSEUM on a

S

ince 1988, the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum has been dedicated to documenting and interpreting the rich maritime heritage of the lower Chesapeake Bay through the culture of the region’s watermen and Reedville’s fishing industry.

The museum is an important component of the Greater Reedville Association, and its mission is to support educational, cultural and recreational activities that highlight the unique nautical character of the area and improve the lives of residents and visitors. The museum explores the role watermen have played in the region for more than 100 years and the subsequent menhaden barons and industry that changed the course of Reedville forever.

The property is located on the banks of Cockrell’s Creek on land once owned by the town’s namesake, Captain Elijah Reed. The facility’s William Walker House was built in 1875 on land bought that year from Captain Reed. It was occupied by the Walker family until it was purchased by the Greater Reedville Association in 1986.

Primarily through the work of volunteers, the association restored the house and opened it as the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum in 1988. In the spring of 1995 the home was refurbished and refurnished and now represents a waterman’s home at the turn of the previous century.

A generous gift from Frank Covington enabled the museum to expand into the Covington Building in 1995. The facility houses permanent collections and changing exhibits. The Pendleton Building, which accommodates the Boat Building Shop and the Model Shop, was added during an expansion program in 2003.

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September/October 2017

The TheHouse House& &Home HomeMagazine Magazine

The Butler House features administrative offices, curatorial work space, the library and reading room.

On permanent exhibit are the skipjack Claude W. Somers and the buy boat Elva C. Both vessels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, part of the museum’s fleet are the John Smith barge, a replica of the original style of boat used to explore the Chesapeake Bay in 1608, the deadrise Foggy River, and The Spirit of Reedville, a purse boat donated by Omega Protein.

The Northern Neck Watermen’s Memorial, a cooperative effort between the Fishermen’s Museum and the Kilmarnock Museum, was unveiled in 2016. New to the museum this year are KidsKorners — interactive stations where children can discover the world of Cockrell’s Creek and the Chesapeake Bay. From “Try-On Trunks” and “Find-a-Fish” to nautical knottying, the young and young-at-heart can engage in activities designed to stimulate the senses. Innovative KidsKorners are a great way to keep the youngsters engaged

while adults spend time reading the more detailed panels in the Reed, Frayne, and Watermen’s galleries.

Museum hours vary by season. From June 1 to October 31, the facility is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. During the winter season, November and December, the museum opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The facility is closed to the public from January 1 until March 31, but opens for Easter week daily from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Regardless of the season, the museum has a busy schedule of activities — concerts, lectures, Cocktails on the Creek, boat building, model and diorama construction, boat and model train shows, an oyster roast, poker run, winter market, Christmas on Cockrell’s Creek, and a New Year’s Eve party. There’s an event tailored to every taste. For more information, visit the museum online at www.rfmuseum.org, or call (804)453-6529.

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Virginia State Police K-9 King William Volunteer Fire & Rescue

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t r i b u t e

t o

E first

very year, approximately 20,000 people from around the region come through the doors of the Emergency Department at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital. When it comes to taking care of those in emergency situations, we know we don’t do it alone. We do it with the help of the area’s men and women—many volunteering their time—in fire, rescue and law enforcement.

RESPONDERS

Thank you to Riverside Tappahannock Hospital for the sponsorship and support of this project.

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Photos courtesy of Sigmon Taylor Photography

September/October 2017

In an effort to show our gratitude for the important work they do, we wanted the community to see the area’s first responders in a whole new way through a collection of powerful photographs.

Created by Williamsburg photographer Michael Taylor, the images not only highlighted members of law enforcement, fire and rescue, but captured the unique character and beauty of each of the seven counties the hospital serves—the Tappahannock area of Essex, King & Queen and King William; and the Northern Neck counties of Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland and Lancaster.

These photographs are a lasting way for our hospital to show appreciation for their time and their partnership in serving our communities. Visitors to the hospital can now see the images on permanent display throughout the Emergency Department of the hospital.

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Essex County Sheriff’s Department

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Richmond County Sheriff

King And Queen Sheriff’s Department

Richmond County Volunteer Fire Department

Tappahannock Volunteer Fire Department

Essex County EMS

Smith Point Sea Rescue

Life Evac

Many times our view of policemen and firemen

Williamsburg Fire and EMS

is fleeting. We catch glimpses of them when they fly by us, sirens wailing and emergency lights flashing.

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September/October 2017

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Viewed as clumsy and repulsive, their hues considered dull and unattractive, mankind’s universal aversion to their nocturnal presence has given birth to a host of superstitions and legends held by few other mammals. As we hang our Halloween decorations, the bat has been relegated to the cast of the macabre creatures we fear most. Their populations have plunged by as much as 98 percent in recent years and few of us have even noticed.

Of the 45 species of bats living in the United States, 16 are found living in Virginia. Bats are social animals that often gather in small clusters or large colonies, giving birth in mid-spring to midsummer to one to four pups, and tenderly nursing them. Some roost in caves during the day while others settle in tree branches, often near a clearing. Bats can live as long as 25 or 30 or years.

One autumn, two Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) roosted nightly in the soffits of our front porch, huddling together for warmth as October temperatures cooled. Cognizant that they were there, we cautiously opened the front door each morning when leaving for work.

One morning I was running late and, without thinking, flung open the door.

Startled by the movement, one small bat flew out into the night while the second flew into the house, circling and swooping around the cathedral ceiling of our great room. For the next several minutes it was like a three-ring circus as the frantic bat, two excited Standard poodles, and my husband and I, tried to ensnare the tiny creature. Finally, by waving a towel and opening three sliding glass doors, our tiny visitor escaped. Sadly, neither bat returned to roost on our porch again.

The phrase “blind as a bat” refers to individuals unwilling to acknowledge the facts, see an obvious thing, or who are totally blind. Although some species have poor eyesight during the daylight hours, bats are not blind. As night hunters, bats use echolocation to navigate and hunt.

To echolocate, bats send out sound waves from their mouths or noses. When the sound waves strike objects, they produce echoes, which bounce off the objects and return to the bat’s ears. Bats can detect objects as thin as a human hair and once they determine the object’s location,

MUCH MALIGNED

Bats

By Deb Weissler

T

hey flit, float, and fly with gossamer wings outspread. They devour hundreds of insects that plague man and beasts alike every hour.

Some migrate seasonally while others find shelter in caves, abandoned buildings, trees, or old logs. The disappearance of birds at dusk is a signal for the second shift to take their place as predators of the skies.

But while connected with birds in the hierarchy of insect hunters, they have none of the grace of form, colorizations, or beauty of the former. Meet the bat, one of Virginia’s least understood mammals.

Bat in flight. Courtesy of PBS files

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IN CENTURIES PAST, BATS HAVE BEEN CONNECTED WITH SORCERY AND DEATH BY VARIOUS CULTURES. ITS LONG ASSOCIATED IMAGE WITH THE DARKER SIDE OF FOLKLORE AND SUPERSTITION, THE RISE OF THE VAMPIRE GENRE IN POPULAR GOTHIC FICTION, ITS HABITS OF NOCTURNAL FLIGHT, AND ROOSTING IN SUCH PLACES AS CAVES AND OLD BUILDINGS HAVE CREATED IRRATIONAL FEARS.

Roosting Eastern Red Bat

Big Brown Bat 35

Diagram of bat anatomy. identification, size, and shape, they home in on their prey or avoid obstructions.

Moths, mosquitoes, crickets, midges, mayflies, dragonflies, wasps, beetles, and grasshoppers comprise much of their diet.

A single Little brown bat can eat as many as 1,200 mosquitoes an hour, consuming over half its body weight almost every

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night. Many of its prey spread diseases, damage crops, and in some cases produce life-threatening reactions. A single bat is better than any insecticide. Sadly, few people appreciate the contributions this tiny animal contributes to our well-being.

My aunt at 97 still vividly recalls the night a bat flew into her childhood bedroom

and became ensnared in her hair. In her mind, no bat is a good bat.

In centuries past, bats have been connected with sorcery and death by various cultures. Its long-associated image with the darker side of folklore and superstition, the rise of the vampire genre in popular gothic fiction, its habits of nocturnal flight, and roosting in such places as caves and old buildings have created irrational fears.

It is true that bats can carry rabies, as do most mammals, but Virginia bats are less likely to bite than daylight carriers such as feral cats, foxes, and raccoons.

In fact very few bats carry rabies and the greater threat is inhaling the microscopic fungus found in bat guano.

Histoplasmosis, a rare lung disease, can occur by inhaling the microscopic spores often found in old buildings and barns.

Bats are the only mammals that can sustain flight and are classified as the order Chiroptera, which means hand wing. Externally, human arms and bat wings have little in common. A bat’s wing is comprised of two layers of skin and fine hair that cover the bones of its arm. But on the inside bats and humans have the exact same bones as humans: ulna, radius, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. While we use our arms to reach, hold, and perform intricate manipulations, bat forearms have evolved into wings that enable flight.

Of the 16 species that live In Virginia, three (Gray, Indiana, and Virginia Bigeared) are federally endangered. One, the Rafinesque or Eastern Big-ear, is state endangered. The decline of these four species is due primarily to habitat loss, pesticide use, wind turbines, human disturbance during hibernation, and disease. In 2006 a mysterious disease devastated bat populations in the Northeast, showing up in Virginia in 2009. The result has been a mortality rate as high as 99 percent among cavedwelling bats.

The disease, called white-nose syndrome, is caused by a powdery white fungus that often coats the muzzles and ears of its victims. The disease infests every cave that scientists have surveyed, but with over 4,000 caves in Virginia and only 25 to 30 monitored regularly, it’s impossible to estimate the death toll in numbers except to say millions of bats September/October 2017

have succumbed.

Since some of our coastal bats migrate to caves in the western part of the state to hibernate in winter where they become exposed, the number of coastal bats has also declined. When we first moved to Gloucester we loved sitting out on the deck at dusk, watching the bats swoop and soar over our house clearing. We haven’t seen one in years.

So where did the disease come from?

“There are two prevailing theories,” says Rick Reynolds, Wildlife Biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. “DNA analysis shows it likely had its origin in China. It’s possible an Asian bat was accidentally boxed up and shipped into the country, or may have been introduced by cavers who had traveled overseas and may have brought the fungal spores back on their boots or packs,” he said.

“We did not have a good handle on overall bat populations before the disease struck, so it’s difficult to state total numbers lost. Suffice it to say we have seen 94 to 99 percent mortality rates across the species. Right now it’s strictly a numbers game. As bat populations have declined, so has the fungus. As the fungus kills its host, its presence declines as well.

Counts made in December 2016 show bat numbers are still declining.”

The disease now afflicts bats from northeastern Canada to Alabama and west to Missouri, and just last year it appeared in the state of Washington. The disease strikes as the bats are hibernating in caves, when their body temperatures and immune systems are depressed.

Afflicted bats often fly from their caves in midwinter, only to starve or freeze to death.

The disease not only affects the nose (hence its name) but other soft tissue.

It can eat holes through the wings and disrupt the bat’s ability to maintain proper hydration. Scientists are comparing the die-off to other past devastations like the American bison, passenger pigeon, and the American chestnut tree.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Karst Program monitors the number of bats inhabiting certain caves and, in some cases, has installed batfriendly gates to allow bats to egress but keep people out. “This mainly protects endangered species from threats of The House & Home Magazine

Close-up of bat infected with White-nose Syndrome.

Photo courtesy of USFW

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2015 White-nose Syndrome USGS outbreak map.

visitation,” says Will Orndorff, DCR’s Karst Protection Coordinator. “The caving community has joined the conservation effort by assisting in identifying and reporting caves with known bat populations. Half of Virginia’s bats live in caves and their numbers have been devastated.”

Fortunately for coastal Virginia, several local species do not hibernate in caves and so are maintaining their numbers. Chris Hobson, DRC Natural Areas Zoologist, has spent nights snaring local bats, identifying them by species, age, and sex. “Our region is home to the Red, Big brown, Evening, Tri Color, Northern long-ear, Silver hair, and Hoary bats,” says Chris. “Some of these hibernate in caves during winter and so are at greater risk of disease. Others, like the Red and Big brown bats, are still plentiful. We have also begun installing bat detectors to record bat calls in order to determine what species are present.”

In Virginia it is illegal to transport, release, or relocate a protected bat species anywhere other than the property on which it was caught. It is illegal to poison any animal other than mice or rats on your property. It is a federal offense to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, collect, or engage with any endangered or threatened species, including bats. Since few of us are knowledgeable enough to identify bats by species, should you discover the animals in your home or ancillary buildings, please contact state game officials.

Luckily for the bat, just as it has sinister associations in many parts of the world, there are other places that regard it as a good omen. In Poland and China the bat symbolizes happiness and longevity. They are highly respected by Australian aborigines, and Mesoamerican tribes associated the bat with its sacred belief in reincarnation. Considering its beneficial contributions to mankind, keep this in mind as you hang your Halloween decorations.

Cave dwelling bats are social animals that cluster together while roosting and hibernating. Photo courtesy of USFW.

To learn more about bats, to aid their conservation, and read updates about Whitenose Syndrome, log on to www.batcon.org and www.virginiaplaces.org/natural/bat. Special personal thanks to the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation. H 38

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39

Success

SLOW COOKER

By Barbara Weldon

the slow cooker has evolved in functionality and aesthetics, and has easily become a must-have in your kitchen.

Consumer Reports notes that over 83 percent of American families own a slow cooker.

N

othing greets you after a long day like the smell of dinner wafting through the air as you walk through your front door.

As summer gives way to autumn and cooler days become the norm, dinners tend to go from crisp summer salads to comforting soups and roasts. Slow cooking a meal is one of the easiest ways to welcome your family home. However, busy schedules can make a homemade dinner seem impossible. That is why slow cooker meals may be the perfect answer for the modern family.

As summer gives way to autumn and cooler days become the norm, dinners tend to go from crisp summer salads to comforting soups and roasts. Slow cooking a meal is one of the easiest ways to welcome your family home.

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September/October 2017

The history of the slow cooker goes back to the mid1930s. Irving Naxon applied for the patent for a portable food-heating device that consisted of an insert, held up by an outer case that would evenly heat the food inside. The patent was granted by 1940, and he called it the Naxon Beanery. Naxon’s invention was inspired by the stories that his mother would share with him as he grew. She told him of a bean-based stew that she would make in her village bakery at her home in Lithuania.

The stew is known as cholent, a traditional Jewish dish that is to be cooked slowly, all day. The hearty soup traces its roots to the Sabbath, the day of rest is observed and those of the faith were not to do any work. The stew was to be placed on the heat source before the sun went down on Friday night when Sabbath begins, and would cook all the way through the end of Saturday services. The ovens were turned off for the Sabbath, but the heat that remained over the 24 hours was enough to allow the cholent to be fully cooked.

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Naxon sold his design to Rival Manufacturing in the early 1970s, and the device became more popularly known as the Crock Pot. It was marketed to the busy mom who did not have time to create a home-cooked meal for her family.

Today there are several versions of slow cookers available, and they are as popular as ever. Over the decades, the slow cooker has evolved in functionality and aesthetics, and has easily become a must-have in your kitchen.

Consumer Reports notes that over 83 percent of American families own a slow cooker.

While the actual slow cooking device is rather modern, the idea of slow cooking has been around for ages. The term “slow cooking” refers to any food preparation which relies on low-heat used over a long period of time to fully cook a dish. Barbeques, luau pits, smokers, and even using your oven on low heat could all qualify as slow cooking methods.

In early American history, it was common practice to use a Dutch oven that would be buried in a pile of hot ashes.

The benefit of slow cooking is that the low and slow heat breaks down the connective tissue in tough cuts of meat and fibrous vegetables and creates an incredibly tender dish.

It also allows for flavors to infuse over time, creating deeper flavors than most other methods. It is also used to break down potatoes, beans and pastas to better combine in soups and stews.

Today we have the convenience of the countertop-style slow cooker that can safely prepare a meal for us as we go about our day. Many cookbooks have been dedicated to the art of slow cooker recipes. Using a slow cooker allows for an infinite number of possibilities. You are only limited by your imagination.

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The benefits of slow cooking go beyond the amazing blends of textures and flavors. It is an economical method of cooking, as it generally uses less energy to cook the same amount of food as traditional methods.

You can also create healthier options for meals, as most slow cooker recipes do not require oil and can be created with a large amount of fresh vegetables and lean meats. Because the lid on a slow cooker is not generally removed during the cooking process, the delicious juices remain in the dish and the nutritional benefits are not lost through draining or evaporation.

While slow cooker recipes are quite easy, there are a few rules of thumb that should be followed for truly successful meals. These tips can help make the difference between a good slow-cooked meal and a fantastic slowcooked meal.

Root vegetables are slower to cook than meat, so they should be placed on the bottom of the slow cooker bowl or liner. Ingredients that tend to cook quickly, such as seafood, frozen vegetables, and dairy-based ingredients, should be put in last or on top and should be added during the last hour of the process.

Meat will often do better in slow cooker recipes if you quickly brown the edges in a very hot frying pan before placing it into the device. Pan searing also gives the meat a beautiful appearance when presenting your meal.

If you have the time, try to start your slow cooker on high for a period of time, but turn it lower for the bulk of the cooking time.

Choose the correct slow cooker for the selected recipe. Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes that range from 1 to 8.5 quarts (while most recipes work well in 5-6-quart slow cookers). If your device is too small it could overflow, but if your device is too big it could lead to the dish being under filled.

A truly successful recipe will save you time and money. Prepare your ingredients the night before and toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning before you walk out the door to begin your day. To give you a start on your slow-cooking adventures, here are some pretty incredible recipes for you to try. H 42

September/October 2017

STUFFED PEPPERS Ingredients: • 4 medium multicolored bell peppers • 1 pound ground beef, lean • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1 large jar spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce (about 32 ounces)

Directions: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, cooked rice, and seasonings until well blended. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and fibers. Stuff the peppers with equal portions of the ground beef and rice mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in your slow cooker, place the tops back onto the peppers, and cover with the spaghetti sauce.

Cover and cook on low for six to seven hours or on high for three to four hours, or until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked and the peppers are tender. To check for doneness, insert an instant-read food thermometer into the center of the filling. It should read at least 160 degrees.

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PERFECT SLOW COOKER POT ROAST

SHREDDED BARBEQUE CHICKEN

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 4 -5 pound beef roast (cut of your choice) • 1 envelope (1 1/4 ounce) onion soup mix • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder • 1 teaspoon salt, to taste • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste • 10-15 baby round golden potatoes • 1 bunch chopped green onions • 1 1/2 cups hot water • 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1 cup of your favorite barbeque sauce • 1/4 cup Zesty Italian dressing • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • salt to taste

Directions:

Directions: In a small bowl, combine onion soup mix with the garlic powder. Rinse the roast with water and pat dry. Rub all surfaces of the meat with the dry spice mixture. Stab the spice mixture into the beef using a penetrating meat tenderizer tool or the tines of a fork, puncturing many times over all surfaces of the meat. This step is important.

Use any remaining dry spice mixture to rub over the meat again.

Slice the green onions into thin slivers. Put 1/3 of the onion slivers into the bottom of a slow cooker and place the seasoned beef on top of the onions, in the center of the slow cooker. Wash the potatoes and put into slow

cooker and add the remainder of the onion. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Dissolve a beef bouillon cube in 1 1/2 to 2 cups hot water and pour over the vegetables, surrounding the meat. You want about 2 or 3 inches of water in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will make a great tasting au jus.

Cook on medium-high heat in slow cooker for two hours, then reduce heat to low-medium for an additional three hours. **Key: If the meat is not falling apart easily with a fork, it is not ready yet. The servings are literally pulled apart with a fork and go straight to the plate.

Season chicken breast lightly (a small pinch per breast) with salt and pepper, and place them in your slow cooker. In a mixing bowl combine barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir until well combined.

Pour the mixture over chicken, cover and cook on HIGH for three to four hours. Once time is up, shred chicken breasts with two forks. Then, re-cover and allow to cook in sauce for about 15 more minutes to allow the chicken to fully soak in the barbecue marinade.

Serve on buns, over rice, in wraps, on a salad or eat a plateful as is!

CHICKEN TAGINE WITH LEMON AND OLIVES Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 12 skinless, boneless chicken thighs • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 1 ounce) • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper • 2 teaspoons olive oil • 2 cups chopped onion (about 2 medium) • 1 teaspoon minced, peeled fresh ginger • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth • 1/4 cup pitted green olives, halved (about 12) • 1 lemon, sliced thinly • 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions: Combine lemon juice and chicken in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in your refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from bag and discard the marinade.

Pat your chicken dry with paper towels and then dredge each piece in flour, then sprinkle with salt, black 44

pepper, turmeric, and red pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium-high heat.

Add half of the chicken and brown for three minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and repeat this procedure with the remaining pieces of chicken. Place the pieces of chicken into a 5-6-quart slow cooker.

Add the onion, ginger, and garlic to your skillet and sauté for five minutes or until tender. Pour the mixture over your chicken in the slow cooker. Add the broth, olives, lemon slices, and a cinnamon stick.

Cover the cooker and cook for two to three hours on high, or four to six hours on low, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of one of the uppermost pieces of chicken registers 170°F. Remove and discard cinnamon stick. Stir in fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

September/October 2017

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take your car for a ride

VIRGINIA’S FREE CAR FERRIES

S

outheast Virginia is full of surprises. In its maze of waterways and miles of byways are countless pockets of history, good reasons to take your car — and yourselves — for a ride on all three of the area’s car ferries.

The Northern Neck holds two of these reminders of an earlier time. Each carries land traffic across water to extend a county route. Even their names — Merry Point and Sunnybank — suggest good surprises, and they do not disappoint. Both are cable ferries. The Merry Point ferry in Lancaster County crosses the western branch of the Corrotoman River and serves as the water connection for scenic byway 604. The Sunnybank ferry carries Route 644 traffic across the Little Wicomico River in Northumberland County.

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The Jamestown-Scotland ferry “Pocahontas.”

Merry Point ferry approaches the dock.

By Zora Aiken

The ferries carry repeat local traffic — some of which may count as commuter traffic — and all curious visitors. Motorcycles, bicycles, even vehicleless passengers use the ferry, perhaps just because it’s such a pleasant break in the day. Regular riders of the Merry Point ferry mention a resident retriever, who apparently enjoys the “forth and back” rides as the ferry takes the dog across the water and then brings her back home. Lancaster County hosts an annual bicycle event in the fall, and a ferry ride is included.

At least one couple chose the ferry as their wedding venue.

Merry Point has had ferry service at least since 1847, with Sunnybank’s start dating around 1911. Both were private enterprises until the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) took over their operation in 1932. Service on both is free, yet another happy surprise for the rural traveler.

September/October 2017

Flashing lights on advisory sign indicate ferry is in service.

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The vessels themselves have changed a few times through the years. It’s not hard to picture the first vehicles transported being the horse-and-wagon variety rather than the automotive.

Until 1985, the ferries were basic barges initially pushed by a deadrise workboat tied alongside and later propelled by an onboard diesel, including one engine with a reversing drive mechanism. The first steel ferries were built in Deltaville in 1985, and the most recent upgrades, also from Deltaville, were put into service in 2010. These newest ferries are able to carry four cars (small to mid-size) instead of the former limit of two vehicles per trip. Both have a passenger limit of six. Another surprise for visitors may come with the ferries’ ridership numbers. For 2014, Merry Point notes 12,688 vehicle transports and 19,691 passengers. For Sunnybank, the figures are 3,765 vehicles and 6,032 passengers. July is the busiest month.

Hours of operation are posted at each ferry dock and online at VDOT’s website, but bad weather, unusual tides, and even ice on the water can disrupt normal operation — not because the vessels would be unsafe, but because tidal variations and wavy conditions make it difficult for the ferry ramps to match the level of the land. With too much incline on the ramp, vehicles with a low undercarriage might be damaged when boarding or leaving the ferry. Naturally, at times of extreme weather events like tropical storms or nor’easters, the ferries are taken out of service.

Until recently, the only way ferry operators could notify potential riders of an interruption in service was to leave the ferry and drive to a number of roadway signs in order to change an “open” notice to “closed.” This process would take half an hour or more. Now, however, VDOT has posted advisory signs at various locations on the routes leading to the ferry docks to provide real-time notice of the status of the ferry service. Operators can remotely activate the new signs within minutes. With the installation of these signs — six for Merry Point, five for Sunnybank — no drivers will be caught by an unpleasant surprise that might require back-tracking their intended route. When the ferries are in service, the lights on the signs will flash.

Each ferry is operated by one person, which creates one more potential disruption in service — that being lunch.

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Early Sunnybank ferry. Date unknown. Courtesy Virginia Department of Transportation.

Albert Jester built the “Captain John Smith” and made the first automobile ferry crossing of the James River in February of 1925. Courtesy Virginia Department of Transportation.

Early Sunnybank ferry. Date unknown. Courtesy Virginia Department of Transportation.

Sometime during midday, the ferry will be closed for half an hour. This may not be a consistent half-hour, as it depends partly on the day’s demand for service. Still, it is something to consider if a driver has not yet adopted the right attitude about a ride in the country.

Each ferry may save its riders a half-hour of driving time, but that may not be the primary reason for taking the ferry.

The better reason is simply being out on the water, enjoying the view, the openness, the atmosphere, even for the short time it takes to cross the water. A ferry ride is a must-see for all visiting friends and relatives, and it often means more than one trip.

During the winter months when ridership is lowest, one or both ferries may be out of service for inspection, maintenance, or perhaps an upgrade like a new ramp to make it easier to adjust the ramp height at times of low or high tide. Summer hours and off-season hours vary slightly, but neither ferry has Sunday service, and Merry Point is also closed on Mondays.

Hours are posted online at VDOT’s website.

Big sister to the Northern Neck ferries is the JamestownScotland ferry, the only state-run 24/7, 365-day ferry in Virginia. It’s free too. The ferry crosses the James River to carry Virginia Route 31 traffic between James City County on the north side and Surry County on the south.

The ferry’s busier location guarantees many more riders than the smaller ferries usually accommodate. The Jamestown-Scotland ferry must prepare for actual rush hours for commuter traffic moving between Surry and Williamsburg. The tourism focus of the area brings another

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September/October 2017

steady stream of traffic either coming to or leaving the Jamestown section of the Historic Triangle.

The crossing is about fifteen minutes out of the driving day, often a good break from road travel. Walkabouts on deck offer a chance to stretch your legs, breathe some fresh “sea” air, and let your mind wander. Somehow, a water view never fails to bring calm into what may otherwise be a rushed day.

From the ferry deck, photo ops are everywhere. Bollards lining the docks are landing sites for gatherings of gulls.

On a recent trip, one group of pilings had been claimed for the exclusive use of an osprey pair seemingly determined to raise their chicks in spite of all the attention and noise. On the river, the passing traffic includes fishing boats, barge traffic, and another of the ferry’s boats crossing the river from the opposite side.

As ferries go, Jamestown-Scotland is the newest kid on the water, having recorded its initial crossing of the James River in February of 1925. The first ferry was actually built by Albert Jester, the man who first saw the need for such a service. At 60-feet long, Captain John Smith could transport 16 Model-T Fords plus 100 passengers on the top deck. An apparent success, the ferry was purchased in 1945 by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Today’s fleet consists of four ferries: Virginia, built in 1936 to carry 28 cars; Surry, 1979, 50 cars; Williamsburg, 1983, 50 cars, and Pocahontas, 1995, 70 cars. A new boat is under construction and is expected to be in operation by 2018.

With its 90 employees, the Jamestown-Scotland ferry runs some 32,000 crossings to transport about 936,000 vehicles each year. Those who opt to ride the ferry should not be surprised if one of those employees comes to inspect your vehicle. Security officers conduct random screenings of passenger vehicles, a procedure aimed at ensuring safety for all aboard. The ferry’s website answers many common questions, a good way to learn what to expect. H

Built in 1995 with a 70-car capacity, “Pocahontas” is the newest ship in the JamestownScotland fleet. Courtesy Virginia Department of Transportation.

Sunnybank ferry comes into dock to pick up vehicles.

www.vdot. virginia.gov/Jamestown-Scotland

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Savoring Thyme

By Robinette Ross

Photos courtesy of Magali Images. The side garden of the Haynie-Hamlin home features boxwood, perennials, and a wide variety of herbs.

“Herbs are our only living connection to past history.”

– Don Haynie 50

T

he Eastern idiom, “The apple usually doesn’t fall far from the tree,” implies a continuity of family characteristics and sometimes a return to one’s home. Remarkably, the expression mirrors the lives of Tom Hamlin and Don Haynie, whose similar childhood experiences converged into a lifetime journey that embraced the lessons and values influenced by past generations.

Reflecting upon his childhood in the rural Northern Neck of Virginia, Don Haynie says he already knew at the young age of six that he loved horticulture. Observing the talents of his father, who restored old homes, and assisting his grandparents with their vegetable garden framed by flower-filled borders, Haynie’s family left an indelible imprint.

All of these early experiences culminated in Haynie’s first job with a nearby florist.

September/October 2017

A hundred miles south, Tom Hamlin was born and raised in the rural farming community of Surry, Virginia, home to rolling farmlands, water vistas, and a culture of preserving past traditions.

Being immersed in history, farming, and the desirability of preserving the past left a lasting impression upon Hamlin, who also proclaims he swore he would never return to the region again.

The Haynie and Hamlin partnership began nearly 50 years ago, when they opened a florist shop in Warsaw that operated for 24 years. During those years, a desire to vary flavors in their cooking created a small herb garden, eventually eclipsing their yard. Haynie and Hamlin decided a country life, where they could cultivate the land and offer herb-related products, was their next mission. After visiting an eighteenthcentury, 220-acre property in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, they found the ideal property. “Something about the spirit of the land here,” confirmed Haynie.

Throughout all civilizations and across many different cultures, fresh and dried herbs have been used for their medicinal values, decorations, and for enhancing the flavors of food or beverages. “There are all kinds of things you can do with herbs,” said Tom Hamlin. After purchasing the farm in 1989, the property was renamed Buffalo Springs Herb Farm, to commemorate an extinct, small wood bison that roamed the Shenandoah Valley. Restoration projects began on the 1790 stone and brick farmhouse and barn, and all outbuildings; and included preparing for the cultivation of dozens of varying herb plants, theme gardens, and a nature trail. Two years later, the herb farm was opened to the public and soon became a destination for cooks and gardeners interested in workshops or programs on herbal lore, creating wreaths with everlastings (air-dried herbs and flowers), and cooking with herbs. Buffalo Springs Herb Farm was closed in 2007 Recognizing the difficulty of too hurriedly transplanting deep roots from a beloved, cultivated farmland and community, Haynie and Hamlin chose to live part-time between the Shenandoah Valley and Williamsburg — a region where, as seedlings, their roots were first planted. In 2010, they purchased 12 The House & Home Magazine

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An Invitation:

Exterior front view of the Haynie-Hamlin Home.

The 58th Annual Christmas Homes Tour will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Green Spring Garden Club, Inc., will present six tour homes. In Colonial Williamsburg are three historic homes, the Benjamin Waller House, the Edinburgh Castle Tavern and the Nelson-Galt House. The additional three homes are private residences located in nearby Walnut Hills, a neighborhood in the City of Williamsburg.

Ticket holders may ride designated shuttle buses between Colonial Williamsburg and the homes in Walnut Hills. Complimentary parking has been arranged at Walsingham Academy off Jamestown Road.

A selection of Quimper is one of several collections in the home.

The front door leads to an entrance foyer featuring a stately grandfather clock.

As honorary members of the Green Spring Garden Club, their Christmas arrangements have been present during countless Annual Christmas Homes Tours. For the first time, visitors to their home may view holiday decorations exclusively designed and created by Tom Hamlin and Don Haynie. Featured will be a holiday tree laden with a collection of exquisite vintage-glass ornaments accumulated over the years.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles, Greek statesman of Athens, 429 BC. Savoring thyme is a noble legacy for others to emulate. H

Homeowners Tom Hamlin and Don Haynie.

Cole Lane, a property with its own history, beautifully nestled behind high hedges in Rich Neck Heights. The seven-bay Colonial Revival was built in 1957 for the family of Vernon Geddy, Jr. Like his father, Vernon Meredith Geddy, Sr., their lives were closely aligned through a lifetime law partnership and legacy of significant community involvement in the place they loved, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Upon entry, Colonial-inspired decorations greet the guest at the front door. In the hallway, a tall-case clock from Wishawtown, Scotland, circa 1825, depicts Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns, at the plow. Showcased in the four corners are farming work scenes for each season — fall, winter, spring, and summer. Throughout the house, additional rooms are furnished with eighteenth-and nineteenth-century American and English antiques and reproductions. Antique Afghan and Asian rugs are visible throughout the home.

Complementing every room are Hamlin’s collections, chosen because he liked them, not for value. One such collection, usually on display at Christmas, is a flock of “Putz” sheep.

Other collections include Chinese export china, English porcelains and pewter, redware pottery, folk art, and French Quimper. Completing the backyard is a large herb garden interspersed with vintage ironworks and pottery. The adjacent two-story, detached garage is dedicated as a year-round workshop for supporting the planting, harvesting, and drying of herbs, Today, Haynie and Hamlin actively work with other volunteers re-creating and maintaining historically accurate herb gardens within Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district.

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September/October 2017

The House & Home Magazine

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Dream Weaver

there is no limit.”

If you have a vision, Justin will make it come to life. He will guide you through the complete custom design process. Here’s what to expect: You’ll schedule an appointment to meet with Justin in our newly renovated private custom design studio. You’ll have a conversation about your ideas and start talking design. If you have your own gemstones or jewelry to remount, this is the time to take measurements and get creative.

Once you have discussed your dream piece, Justin gets to work putting the idea on paper by hand sketching. Once you have given your blessing, he proceeds to the CAD/CAM digital rendering software that will show you many different perspectives of the design. At this point, you’ll see exactly what your piece will look like and learn the precise investment As soon as the design has been met all of your desires it will be sent to production. You’ll be wearing it in as little as 3-4 weeks. Burke says, “The truly beautiful thing about the process is that in-person appointments aren’t necessary to make magic happen. Everything can be done through email or mobile which allows me to serve clients all over the country. The sky is not the limit, there is no limit.”

“You’re the dreamer.

I’m the designer.

Together, we’ll make your idea a reality.”

“Burkes Jewelers did an exceptional job of designing my piece from start to finish; from locating and appraising the exotic stone, to refining the design, to metalsmithing a stunning piece that I’ll treasure for a lifetime.”

- Jenny Howren,

Richmond, VA

I

t’s a classic summer morning on Orchard Point. The air is salty, the watermen are harvesting, and Justin Burke is busy sketching ideas for his client’s custom jewelry design.

Justin and his family moved home to the Northern Neck five years ago to join the family business, Burkes Fine Jewelers. His grandparents, Dorothy and Fred Sr., started the company in 1969. It has been family owned and operated ever since.

Being a talented musician, artist, and graphic designer: Justin quickly realized, his creativity spills over into jewelry and custom design.

“It all begins with a spark. If the end piece is fire, the first meeting is the flame.” Burke expands saying, “The specifics of the design are key, but it’s the story behind the piece that makes it.”

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“The sky is not the limit,

Burke sums your experience up like this: “You’re the dreamer. I’m the designer. Together, we’ll make your idea a reality.”

We are beyond confident the Burkes Experience is like nothing you’ll ever experience at another jewelry store. The entire Burke family invites you to stop in and see for yourself.

September/October 2017

The House & Home Magazine

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Kilmarnock, VA | 804.435.130 burkesjewelers.com 55

Turkey Shoot Regatta 2017 Hospice

Rappahannock River Yacht Club September 29-October 1, 2017

Photos courtesy of Yours Truly Photography.

Competitors approaching the first mark.

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all sailing regatta season is soon upon us and that means the 2017 Annual Turkey Shoot Regatta.

Whether we are graced with the wind or gratified with RPMs, there are very few of us who are not touched by the end of days in a loved one’s life, thus the Turkey Shoot Regatta’s contribution to a noble fundraising cause, Hospice Support Services of the Northern Neck [HSSNN].

This exciting regatta began at Yankee Point Marina, off the Rappahannock River over 20 years ago. It is now hosted within easy reach of the elegant Tides Inn at the Rappahannock Yacht/Marina in Irvington and sponsored

by Rappahannock River Yacht Club, Yankee Point Racing & Cruising Club, and Ullman Sails.

The 2017 Turkey Shoot Regatta, a three-day event (racing only on Saturday and Sunday), will be held Friday, September 29th starting with a 5:00 p.m. Happy Hour (followed by a sailor’s orientation for infrequent racers) through Sunday, October 1. Early registration is now open at www.turkeyshoot.org. Breakfast is available Saturday and Sunday. There will be a Regatta 56

Richard William’s Ricochet, Winner of the Wooden Boat Division 2017.

Dinner Saturday night and Sunday afternoon awards.

Registration by September 1 will get your boat name on the official T-shirt. Several prestigious awards are available, including a stay at the Tides Inn! This year, 2017, changes were introduced that are significant concerning the entry criteria, which now include boats with a 20-year design.

“That means your boat can be newer, but its design must be from 1997,” event co-chair, Bott, explained.

In the Book of Kings, David lamented from his death bed: “I go the way of all the earth…” How fortunate for those who can choose Hospice to provide the option of end of life care. How fortunate for so many to benefit from the caring sailing community in this lovely finger of rivers and creeks off the Chesapeake Bay. H September/October 2017

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A Rock for the Ages Upper Essex Baptist Church

The Little Country Church that Could

What’s next and how you can join in —

By Karin Andrews

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estled along the winding pathways of Tidewater Virginia are remote country churches that still light up their corners of the world— where friends, strangers, those in need and those with the means to give generously come together in a symphony of praise and goodwill. All have their own unique story to tell, and if walls could talk, it would be the story of us all, in one way or another.

This is a story about one of these remote little churches in the middle of nowhere, Upper Essex Baptist Church. It has a big story to tell and an invitation for all!

What makes this rural outpost unique and worthy of writing about is not its building, which is typical of many country churches set in farming communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia. It is not the fact that it is the oldest Baptist church in Essex County and the Northern Neck of Virginia. It is not the fact that before the American Revolution — before we were even an independent nation — this church was already established and that it has stood the test of time, change, war, and a changing demographic.

What makes this a story worth writing about and reading is the collective response of this very rural country church in meeting the needs of the community

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freezers, logistical support and other vital resources that have enabled more to be fed.

What started with a handful of individuals has become an entire church and community effort composed of men and women, young and old, who are leading by example. For more than a decade, Upper Essex has also held a Wild Game Banquet and fundraiser in March, which draws sportsmen and sportswomen, community members and families from near and far. Wild game donations from church members, hunt clubs and world class hunting preserves, like Blandfield Plantation, are received and prepared. Hundreds have lined up to attend these events in support of the church’s mission to feed the hungry in our midst, while hearing a great speaker and enjoying a great meal. The proceeds from this event are used to offset the cost of transportation, processing and distribution of delicious and healthy food for those in need.

Through the years, Upper Essex has received and distributed over 100,000 pounds of venison to those in need.

In addition to this, the Hunters Ministry at Upper Essex has also distributed processed and packaged goose, striped bass and several kinds of gleaned vegetables including: spinach, sweet corn, cantaloupes and sweet potatoes. What started out as a church ministry to hunters in the community has grown into a dynamic ministry of inclusion that enables hunters to share their bounty with those in need by donating it.

As autumn is upon us and the holiday season is right around

Upper Essex Baptist Church, circa 1900 the corner, Upper Essex is continually making preparations to meet the needs of hungry families in our region. Many who would otherwise go without will be able to prepare and serve a high-quality Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, where there otherwise might not be one.

If you would like to be part of making a difference in the lives of people from all walks of life, please contact the church directly as they welcome the participation of all.

Although Upper Essex Baptist Church is small in size, it is big in heart. It has been a rock to its community throughout the ages, blessing those in unexpected ways, far beyond its walls. In a nutshell, it has become the little church that could!

For more information about Upper Essex, its Hunters Ministry or its upcoming Homecoming Celebration, please contact Reverend Roy Foster in the church office at 804-4435720. Upper Essex Church is located at 3006 Essex Church Road, Caret, Virginia 22438. H

around it. In a consistent, quiet and humble way, this church is still heeding the call to feed the hungry by actively facilitating a partnership with the sporting community, church members and area businesses. It is the story of a church that through diligence and continuance has accomplished what might have seemed impossible to many.

A brief church history — In 1772, a group of 40 independent-minded individuals seeking the freedom to worship their creator, as they felt led, broke away from the Anglican Church and began meeting together in a log cabin, known as the Diamond Meeting House —one mile above Rexburg, off of presentday Mt. Landing Road. Fifty-three years later, in 1825, the present-day sanctuary was completed using bricks made and fired on site. Later additions to the original structure were completed in 1939, 1957 and 1991.

The central stained-glass window in the sanctuary at Upper Essex depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd from John, Chapter 10. It is noteworthy that the message of this stained-glass work of art and the intent of the parable upon which it is based, is lived out inside and outside these church walls by providing “for the least of these.”

What began as a ministry to hunters has resulted in many changed lives and hunters involved in ministry.

In 1997, Upper Essex partnered with Hunters for the Hungry, a 501-c-3 non-profit organization to help procure

September/October 2017

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[Williamsburg Art Gallery] Williamsburg Art Gallery at night.

Local Artistry with an International Accent

By Janet Evans Hinman

“

A good art gallery has the dual obligation of bringing to the public the art they want to see, but also to sometimes surprise them and pique their interest with the unusual, the unknown or the unexpected,

~ Gulay Berryman

”

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C

lyde Berryman and Gulay Berryman have traveled the world over — Turkey, France, Great Britain, Italy, Iceland, Senegal, Mauritius, Belgium, and Switzerland, to name a few. They could have chosen anywhere to plant their artistic roots. They chose Williamsburg, Virginia.

Their joint venture, the Williamsburg Art Gallery, opened its doors in October 2015 overlooking Merchants Square in Williamsburg, featuring 4,300 square feet of elegant space, divided among several carefully curated galleries highlighting hundreds of fine art pieces from more than 40 artists, both local and international. The gallery has already won national acclaim.

The board of the American Art Awards, which votes each year to declare the country’s premiere showrooms, voted the Williamsburg establishment among the 25 best art galleries in September/October 2017

the country and the best in Virginia for 2017. The board chooses one gallery or museum per state each year, highlighting different states every year. Board members review gallery websites and weigh factors like industry reputation, location and the caliber of the artists represented.

After two globetrotting careers, Clyde with the U.S. Foreign Service and Gulay as an internationally recognized painter, the pair searched for an ideal location to begin a new chapter of their lives together. They fell in love with Williamsburg for its significant history and natural beauty.

“Beyond the many opportunities which the historic triangle offers the artist in visually bringing to life America’s early history, the contemporary landscape is equally breathtaking,” said Gulay, gallery director. “It is a land of four full seasons, of incredible foliage and blooming flowers, a variety of birds and wildlife, marshlands, small harbors, panoramic views over rivers and bays, rolling hills and a natural light which owes much to its mid-East Coast latitudes,” she said.

The Berrymans settled in Williamsburg in 2007 and quickly immersed themselves in the area’s lively arts community. They were familiar with the former art gallery tenant at Merchants Square. Gulay had sold some of her paintings there. After the owner retired and the business closed, the Berrymans hoped the space would remain a place for art. Gulay approached the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation with a business plan for the new Williamsburg Art Gallery, and she has approached her project with vision and passion ever since.

A stroll through the rooms of the Berrymans’ gallery reveals a surprisingly harmonious variety of paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, egg tempera, gold leaf and mixed media; as well as drawings in carbon pencil, charcoal and sculpture carved in wood and crafted of bronze or metal. In keeping with a strong local focus in the gallery (Gulay’s light-infused, classically realistic oil paintings of local scenes decorate the entrance), works by resident artists are featured throughout the space, and they routinely help at the The House & Home Magazine

Winter Blues Jazz Fest gathering at the Williamsburg Art Gallery.

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David Buckley Good conducts a painting demonstration at the Williamsburg Art Gallery.

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front desk and with daily operations. Watercolor paintings by Williamsburg artists Gary Robertson, Elizabeth Greaf, Richard DePaul and Apryl Altman mingle with works by nationally recognized artists like Leonard Mizerek, known for his vibrant seascape oil paintings, Andre Lucero, David Buckley Good, Larry Moore, and Dawn Whitelaw, who paints vivid landscapes and serves as vice chair of the Portrait Society of America. Williamsburg sculptor Bob Mandala’s wire tree sculptures share floor space with metal works by welder-turned-artist, Hap Bowditch, and driftwood carvings by Bill Castro. Pattie Kennedy uses alcohol ink as a medium to produce vibrant florals while Karen Williams and Janis Wood do so in acrylics.

However, an international flavor seasons the mix with artists from all over the world rendering subjects both close to home and scenes more exotic - Washington, D.C., the United States, England, Italy, France, Turkey and Iceland, among others.

In the fall of 2016, the gallery hosted ‘Making Waves,’ a marine art exhibition which featured many paintings and sculptures by members of the prestigious American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). Gulay sees the Williamsburg Art Gallery as “a showcase for the beauty of this region as depicted by artists, but also, that it will serve as a crossroads for art. When you keep an open mind to ideas, art which comes from elsewhere is enriching and should provoke curiosity and the desire to learn.”

The Berrymans’ demonstrate their commitment to the arts in all forms by offering the gallery as a venue for receptions supporting Opera in Williamsburg, the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, and even fine-dining events. In regularly hosting

September/October 2017

programs, performances and cultural presentations, the gallery’s goal is to cultivate creativity in whatever form it may take. They encourage resident artists and young artists, like the students of Hampton Roads Academy, as they collaborate and evolve. “Our obligation is to encourage talent because that’s what we leave to the next generation,” Gulay said. And in all ways, “We want to show new art to the community,” Clyde adds.

Clyde Berryman’s background and pursuits are as diverse and colorful as the artwork that populates the gallery.

He was born in New York City to an American father and a French mother.

His father worked for various oil companies, so Clyde grew up abroad in an oil camp in Sumatra, Indonesia and then in Tripoli, Libya, where he attended an oil company-operated elementary school.

He developed a keen interest in motor racing history and a passion for collecting die-cast model racing cars, as well as building model kits and creating racing dioramas. He attended Formula One Grand Prix races throughout Europe, Canada and the U.S. He has penned feature articles in F 1 Racing magazine, which also carried his car and driver rankings, and indulged in freelance photography during F 1 test sessions.

His “dream come true” was attending the launch of the 2000 Ferrari F 1 car at Maranello, Italy, and dining at Il Cavallino Restaurant, where “the Old Man himself,” Enzo Ferrari, took his meals for many years. Clyde’s other life-long passion has been for naval and military history. He built model warship kits and read extensively on the subject while becoming absorbed in the hobby of naval and military war gaming.

He attended the University of Alabama and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history. It was there that he developed another keen interest in American college football, “almost unavoidable when one is a student at the University of Alabama,” he said.

He developed a mathematical formula method for rating team performances, which he updates after the bowl games at the end of each season — the NCAA has included his national championship selections alongside those of the AP poll, UPI, and others, in the polls section of the NCAA College Football Records Book at the end of each year.

The House & Home Magazine

Clyde and Gulay Berryman

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A stroll through the carefully curated galleries.

After Alabama, he attended the University of Paris I (Pantheon-Sorbonne) where he earned a license d’histoire degree.

After a brief stint with a freight-forwarding company in Saudi Arabia, Clyde joined the U.S. Foreign Service, working as a diplomat focusing mostly on political and military issues, with overseas postings to embassies or consulates in Turkey, France, Great Britain, Iceland, Senegal, Mauritius and Italy. He met Gulay, a native of Turkey, “one starry night” at a rooftop party for French speakers hosted by a French-speaking colleague from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. They have been married for 35 years. The Ber-

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rymans’ home features an art studio and a basement which houses a collection of almost 1,000 racing car models, motorracing and naval art prints, ship models, as well as naval and motor-racing dioramas. Their daughter Ajda was born in London, attended James Madison University and is now married to husband Adam and works for a leading information technology firm in San Francisco.

Clyde’s interest in vintage racing events and exploring defunct racing circuits has taken him to San Remo, Reims, Rouen le Essarts, Clermont Ferrand, Bordeaux, Dijon-Prenois, Montjuic, Modena, Montlhery, Watkins Glen and other even

more obscure locations. “Throughout this grand adventure, Gulay was a fellowtraveler on many race trips. She experienced it all with good grace and few complaints, from the glamour of Monaco and party-town Montreal to the torrents of rain at Spa Francorchamps and the ‘tifosi’ stampede at Monza,” he said.

Herself no stranger to international acclaim, Gulay is an oil painter with more than 60 exhibitions to her name throughout nine countries. She received her art training at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts de Versailles, France; the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, Milan, Italy; and the Ecole du Louvre in Paris.

September/October 2017

Her paintings have been featured at the American Cultural Center in Reykjavik, Iceland; the Salon des Independents, Paris; the Museum of African Art in Dakar, Senegal; as the official U.S. participant to the 1992 International Exhibition for Human Rights held at the Slave House on Goree Island, Senegal; the 1992 Dakar Biennale des Arts; and the Max Boulle Gallery, Mauritius. Gulay has done a significant amount of commissioned art work over the years for a very wide variety of clients including a portrait commission for a member of the Royal Family of Oman.

She twice won the American Embassy Paris Art Show (2001-02). In 2005, she was invited to participate in the prestigious Biennial in Florence, Italy which gathers between 800-900 artists selected from around the world.

She was a finalist in the SEETAL 2006 Art Competition organized by KunstForum-International Meisterschwanden, Switzerland. In January 2008, Gulay was selected as the inaugural artist for the opening of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance lobby art gallery. In October 2008, one of her works was chosen to illustrate the cover of the 25th anniversary concert program for the Williamsburg Symphonia. In both 2008 and 2009, one of her paintings served as the artwork for the official poster of An Occasion for the Arts, Colonial Williamsburg’s annual Fall arts festival. Her artwork was selected by The Williamsburg Community Foundation to grace the cover of the 2009 edition of Exclusively. magazine. Her art was featured in the 2011 and 2013 editions of International Contemporary Artists. She served as a judge for both Art on the Square and An Occasion for the Arts in 2013, as a juror in 2014 for Art at the River in Yorktown and will be the juror for the Williamsburg Contemporary Arts Center’s inaugural 2017 Juried Regional Show.

Although her medium is primarily oil, Gulay has worked in a variety of media, including graphite and charcoal, acrylics and watercolors. “I settled over the long term on oil as my primary medium because of its limitless possibilities,” she said. Gulay admits she would have loved to pursue sculpture as well, but she found painting more suited to mobility. Her style ranges from classical realism to impressionism to even expressionism. “The painting that I have in mind, or the subject matter, often determines which style is best.” Her works in all their various styles are sprinkled throughout the Williamsburg gallery. Ongoing gallery exhibits include artwork depicting motorsports and the Civil War (perhaps with a nod to Clyde’s passions), as well as works by northern Italian artists and by special arrangement, paintings by Russian masters from the Surikov Institute who represent the modern Moscow School of Russian Realism.

“A good art gallery has the dual obligation of bringing to The House & Home Magazine

(Standing L-R) Ajda LaPrad, Adam LaPrad and Clyde Berryman with Gulay Berryman (seated) celebrating Christmas at the Williamsburg Inn.

the public the art they want to see, but also to sometimes surprise them and pique their interest with the unusual, the unknown or the unexpected,” Gulay said. The Berrymans invite visitors to come to The Williamsburg Art Gallery to experience the familiar and the unpredictable. H The Williamsburg Art Gallery is located at 440A W. Duke of Gloucester Street and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.wmbgartgallery.com, call (757) 565-9680, or email info@wmbgartgallery.com.

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Stratford Hall

With a setting in front of the c. 1738 Great House, the festival has continued to grow and get better every year

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ou don’t want to miss this year’s Stratford Hall’s Annual Wine & Oyster Festival on September 16 and 17. This popular event features wines from award-winning Virginia wineries and succulent oysters from Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oyster growers. But that is just the beginning for this festival that was voted by readers of Savor Virginia Magazine “Best Wine Festival Gold” in 2016.

With a setting in front of the c. 1738 Great House, the festival has continued to grow and get better every year. Fourteen wineries and eight oyster growers will comprise the main event

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this year. And for those who cannot live on just wine and oysters alone, crafts brews from Adventure Brewing, Montross Brewery, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, and Potter’s Craft Cider will be available. In addition, a variety of food vendors will be providing barbeque, crab cakes, and other festival food.

Besides the wineries and oyster growers, a wide range of arts and crafts vendors will be located on the Oval in front of the Great House each day. Live music will be provided by a line-up of local bands and solo musicians.

Festival goers will have free admission to the Great House to see ongoing restoration efforts. Popular activities such as Treakle’s train barrel rides and the miniature farm animal’s exhibit will once again be part of the festival.

On Saturday, the Pony Riders Mustang Club of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, The Victory 7 Mustang Club of Richmond and The Herd Mustang Club of the Northern Neck, and the Midnight Riders will be displaying their vintage Mustangs. On Sunday, the Memory Lane Car Club, featuring a wide variety of makes and models, will once again be the featured car show.

Tidewater Oyster Gardeners will be coordinating educational activities and demonstrations to include shucking demonstrations, cooking classes, environmental organizations,

September/October 2017

and the latest film produced by Emmy award winning documentarian David Miller.

Wine taster tickets include a free souvenir glass.

Oysters are sold ala cart. Ticket prices through September 7 are as follows: Wine-Taster Tickets $20, Non-Wine Taster Tickets $10, Child Tickets (Age 7-13) $5, Children under 6 are free. After September 7, Wine Taster tickets will increase to $25 and are available online and at the gate.

Gates open at 10:00 a.m. and close 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2017. Parking is free and transportation will be provided from the parking lots by Bay Transit and Trolley. The event will be held rain or shine, tickets can be used either day of the festival and tickets are non-refundable.

Sponsors for the 2017 festival include: Signature Sponsor, Peoples Community Bank, House & Home Magazine, BORU Vodka, PALLINI Limoncello, Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon, and All American HarleyDavidson. The annual event is held in cooperation with TOGA, the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association.

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SENIOR LIVING

What does this mean for our aging population? In many ways, today’s senior population has an advantage over those who came before. They can quickly navigate websites to find answers to common questions and discover options for day to day care that their predecessors were unable to.

While we think that seniors are amongst the last to adapt to using technology and the internet, we are also seeing the largest increases in utilization for almost all areas from this demographic.

When we think of all the benefits of using technology and the internet, it is easy to see how seniors can benefit from aging in a dot-com era. Imagine 20 years ago, grandmothers looked forward to weekly calls from their children updating them on the happenings of their lives. Today, they can log on to Facebook from their smartphones and see live streaming of their granddaughter’s ballet recital, then pick up their phones to video chat with said granddaughter and let her know how proud they are. Technology really can be a beautiful thing!

the truth is that the internet and technology have opened a world of connectivity and information that was much more difficult to access before.

Staying Connected

om .C e r a

AGING in a

By Blake Slusser

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Gone are the days when those with mobility issues were forced to wear bracelets and necklaces sending a message that, “I have fallen and I can’t get up.” Now, they can keep their cell phones tucked away in their pockets to alert a neighbor, loved one, or emergency workers that they need assistance.

According to Pew Research Center, seniors are using technology more than ever before. This demographic is typically one of the last to incorporate new technology, but now about 80 percent of those aged 65 and older own a cell phone. This is fantastic news and can really improve the health and safety of seniors.

For caregivers, it’s important to identify a cell phone that can be easily used. For some, a smart phone is perfect and will give the bonus of apps and internet browsing. However, if dexterity and vision have become more difficult, it may be best to use a simpler model that allows for traditional telephone usage with large buttons and displays.

Currently, Facebook reports that it has 39 million users over the age of 65, making up 11 percent of all Facebook users.

This demographic isn’t just signing on for short periods of time, 20 percent are spending at least an hour on Facebook each day. Facebook isn’t the only platform seeing a rise in usage from the senior population. Twitter is also seeing a rise.

Thirteen percent of adult tweeters are aged 50 plus.

So, what are seniors doing on these social platforms and what can be gained from this trend? The most common reason

Email

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oday’s children are called digital natives.

They have never experienced a period where technology and the internet did not exist. In fact, an adorable seven-year-old recently informed me that, “People didn’t know as much before Siri and Google.” If he had asked Siri or searched Google, he may have learned of lovely things called books and libraries. I didn’t admit this to him, but the truth is that the internet and technology have opened a world of connectivity and information that was much more difficult to access before.

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Another technology that helps our aging population stay better connected is email. Email started out as a mode of work communication, but now it has become a tool to stay in touch with people and organizations throughout the world. It gives families an option to quickly and easily share updates. It can also provide people with updates on world news, medical test results, and community activities. A monthly church newsletter can help strengthen communities, even for those who may not be able to make it to church regularly.

Social Media The seniors’ boom into technology hasn’t stopped with smart phones and email accounts. New research shows that those 74 and older are the fastest growing population using social media. The most common social network options include searching on Google, browsing Facebook, and streaming videos on YouTube.

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become reacquainted simply by searching their name.

Staying Healthy

that seniors are using social platforms is to connect with friends and families.

Since younger generations tend to be more transient and often live far away from their extended families, networks such as Facebook allow grandparents to watch their grandchildren’s big events. They’re no longer just watching their grandchildren age through school pictures, they are actively engaged in every step of their lives. Grandparents

are “liking” their grandchild’s first teeth popping through, first steps, first soccer teams, and so much more.

These social connections don’t end with watching immediate family grow.

Seniors can also connect with distant relatives and perhaps friends with whom they lost touch decades earlier.

Perhaps you have thought of your college roommate for years, but were unable to connect. Facebook allows people to

While connectivity is great, there are health benefits associated with using social platforms as well. A study by the American Psychological Association found that seniors who spend time on social media accounts have elevated moods and are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices. Many sites on the internet promote “life hacks” — shortcuts that make daily tasks like home and personal care easier and quicker.

Self-education on the internet can help seniors make other healthy lifestyle choices to manage diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Healthy recipes and daily exercise routines are also just a click away and can be targeted to specific health conditions. To be safe, health and lifestyle modifications should always be initiated with the advice and supervision of a medical professional, but the internet is a great way to start the conversation.

Research The amount of information at your fingertips is astounding (and at times overwhelming). Internet research isn’t limited to staying healthy. Seniors find that the answers to many questions are only a few clicks away. Are you trying to figure out a chemical-free option for keeping bugs from destroying your garden? Google it! Commonly searched topics include the weather, news, restaurants, and travel. While these terms are not specific to seniors, all generations can benefit from the search results.

Entertainment Online gaming isn’t restricted to youngsters playing Candy Crush.

Studies have shown that word games have the potential to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. The great news is that seniors are no longer limited to the crossword puzzles in the newspapers.

There are many word games available on the internet for free with varying levels of complexity. Options vary from crosswords to sudoku or even card games or chess.

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The convenience added to shopping and research, the connectivity of cell phones, email, and social media, and the safety provided can really improve the quality of life for those with obstacles getting out of the house or with family spread far and wide.

Nostalgia experienced by listening to music can be a big benefit to seniors. YouTube offers an extensive collection of songs and music videos. Listening to music can reduce anxiety and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. It has also been shown to reduce pain, improve memory, and improve sleep. Plus, who doesn’t love a good song from back in the day? (Regardless of when “your day” was.)

The internet is a great place to turn when looking for something to read as well. Seniors with mobility restrictions have the option of downloading ebooks or even audiobooks.

For those who prefer paper books, online bookstores offer large print formats of most books and the books can be ordered online. The internet can even be a great starting point for people who enjoy checking out books from their local library or purchasing them from a bookstore. There are reading lists and blogs that can help you select a story to match any mood.

Shopping Shopping is even easier when the internet is involved. Those on fixed incomes can now compare prices online before making big purchases, often finding significant savings.

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Grocery stores also give customers the opportunity to load coupons to their loyalty cards. Extra-savvy shoppers can even download smart phone apps, like Ibotta, to receive cash back for tracking their grocery purchases.

For those with mobility issues, the internet can save much time and hassle. There are many grocery and meal delivery options available now. Seniors can have almost anything delivered right to their doorsteps. They may choose to have bulky items, like paper towels and toilet paper, delivered to limit shopping to just the smaller, easier to carry items. Some may choose to do the bulk of their grocery shopping online and supplement with fresh items from the grocery store.

There are even options available to have prepped, refrigerated meal ingredients with recipes delivered right to your home.

While there may be some disadvantages to aging in a dot-com era, there are irrefutable benefits to our senior populations. The convenience added to shopping and research, the connectivity of cell phones, email, and social media, and the safety provided can really improve the quality of life for those with obstacles getting out of the house or with family spread far and wide. The greatest generation may no longer be limited to those born before 1924, the adaptability of today’s seniors is great as well. H

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morattico

t was a warm, beautiful, August day on the Rappahannock River. Hidden by reeds, blue herons kept watch for fish while deer rested in shady, dense forests just off the riverbank. The glassy waters, home to populous fish and crab life, were suddenly disrupted by the wake of a vessel slowly making its way upriver. Gliding past a small bay, the boat came ashore on an outcropping of land, the passengers unaware that they were being closely watched by a group of Native American Indians, many of whom had never seen such a vessel, or people, in their waters.

The town that prided itself on a community that was “untouched by change, where men still knew how to knit their own nets and build their own boats,” was slowly evolving yet again, but it was a metamorphosis that prompted residents of Morattico to preserve their colorful history.

By Dianne Saison

The year was 1608, and Capt. John Smith — who was on his second Chesapeake voyage — disembarked from his shallop to rest and eat. His first steps off the boat that day were on the shores of what is now known as Morattico, a hidden hamlet in Lancaster County with a long, rich and diverse history waiting to be rediscovered.

Located on the Rappahannock River between Lancaster Creek and Mulberry Bay, and just a few miles from the Belle Isle State Park, Morattico is a small but vibrant village. Once a hub of business and activity, the town may be quiet now, but its long history is an amazing part of the rich fabric of the Northern Neck.

Morattico’s history goes back nearly 8,000 years, when the first known tribes in the area inhabited the region. The town’s distinctive name hails from the Moraughtacund Indians, a local tribe of the Algonquin confederation once led by Chief Powhatan. Morattico’s modern incarnation, however, began on that fateful day, when Smith and his fellow explorers’ brief sojourn took an unexpected turn.

According to a U.S. Park Service narrative, Smith was sharing a meal with the Moraughtacund tribe when he learned that they had an “unfriendly relationship” with the Rappahannock Indians — as the Moraughtacund leader had “captured three of the Rappahannock leaders’ wives.”

Smith ventured upriver, later returning to broker a peace deal by which he persuaded the Moraughtacund Chief to surrender the women back to the Rappahannock. “Smith then gave each of the leaders a woman, and one to ‘Mosco,’ his Wicomico Indian guide,” the narrative reveals. On August 29, 1608, a feast was held by the Moraughtacund to celebrate the deal and seal their friendship with Smith and his crew. It was the first note of many historically important moments that transpired in Morattico.

“We have Native American, British plantation, watermen and steamboat history here,” explained Mary Byrd Martin, town resident and board member of the Morattico Waterfront Museum. “There have been many [chapters] of Morattico, and we embrace the stories of them all.”

Byrd Martin, along with lifelong resident George Shelton, a retired Morattico waterman and an amazingly dedicated museum volunteer, recently shared their experiences and love of the town during a tour of the museum. “I have never been to a place that has a greater sense of community and its own history than this town right here,” Shelton said, going on to

The Morattico Waterfront Museum in Lancaster County. Photo by Dianne Saison.

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Capt. Bill Whealton filling his pipe with George Washington Great American Pipe Tobacco.

Photo courtesy The Morattico Waterfront Museum.

Looking towards the town of Morattico, Whelton Wharf was one of the longest of its kind on the Rappahannock River and included a track and trolley to assist in hauling goods. Photo courtesy The Morattico Waterfront Museum 77

say that after Capt. Smith’s experience, another historic figure became closely tied to the town.

In the late 1600s, the area was deeded to Joseph Ball, who built a home known as Morattico Plantation. The large tract of land, approximately 500 acres, was later given to his son Joseph Ball II — the father of Mary Ball Washington and grandfather to the first President of the United States, George Washington. Ball II was among the earliest English planters in the region, yet despite spending the bulk of his time in England, he had a vast and intimate knowledge of his property. In his letters to land managers, which can be read at the museum, Ball II proved not only to know the buildings on his property, down to the correct size of nails to use, but also the names of each horse and which should be fed in differing pastures according to dietary needs.

For nearly 150 years, the plantation and surrounding property remained with the Ball family and their descendants, the Downman and Mitchell families. In the late 1860s, the original plantation house was torn down due to disrepair. It was replaced with a smaller dwelling, but by 1889 the family had fallen on hard times, and the property and accompanying buildings were sold to John S. W. and “Jack” Whealton.

The Whealtons brought to Morattico a wave of change.

The Rappahannock River, which had previously been used for mainly transportation, become a source of income. The Whealtons constructed a huge pier, one of the longest on the river, which brought steamships and the fishing industry to the town. The brothers, who were entrepreneurs from the

Eastern Shore, also erected the town’s first post office, where Jack served as Postmaster. Watermen soon flocked to Morattico in droves, and the Whealtons began selling parcels of property: a doctor’s office, a hotel, a bottling company, eateries and later one of the largest seafood processing plants on the East Coast, RCV Seafood.

By the late 1920s, the advent of road and bridge networks led to the demise of the steamboat industry, yet the Morattican landscape was still bustling, due in part to some newly introduced community members.

In 1933, a massive storm decimated many outlying fishing villages along the Rappahannock and in the Chesapeake.

Many displaced watermen came to Morattico, comfortable with the town’s isolated nature and familiar geography. Prior to the storm, Sam Parks and Capt. John Walters, both of Tangier, started the Rappahannock River’s first soft-shell crab shedding operation in Morattico. After the storm, friends and family came to stay and work in the hamlet. Their descendants — the Parks, Walters and Pruitt families of Tangier — still call Morattico home today.

“It was funny because they all, the Tangiermen and Morattico folks, all of them worked together all day long on the river and they were good friends,” Shelton said. “But after they stopped working, they’d all come here to the General Store for their dinner or to socialize and none of them would sit together or talk to each other at all once they came in.

There could be ten open seats on one side and none on the other, but that didn’t matter. They’d rather stand than sit in the other side.”

Weston and Fannie Conley, owners of the Morattico General Store from 1937-1956.

Photo courtesy The Morattico Waterfront Museum.

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Canned oysters from the RCV plant are amongst the many tins of locally farmed shellfish displayed at the museum.

Photo by Dianne Saison.

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A small lighthouse, pictured above alongside nautical displays, and RCV Seafood, pictured right, are among the many miniature models handcrafted by George Shelton.

Photo by Dianne Saison.

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A pristine view of the Morattico coast with recently constructed townhouses in the distance at the former RCV plant location. Photo by Dianne Saison.

At that time, the waters were strewn with vessels. An estimated 100 watermen from Tangier and other regions seasonally lived on their boats. Often, the oystermen could be seen bringing their horses and carts right into the river shallows to meet skiffs, where they would offload their haul for the day.

Although most residents worked on the water, one special visitor became beloved by many locals for her unique gifts to the town’s children. Grace Springs, who delivered the mail by horse and buggy, took the time to hand carve wooden animals and toys and give them out as presents. Nearly a dozen or so of

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Springs’ carvings have survived through time and now are displayed at the museum.

Although working on the Rappahannock was often backbreaking, Morattico remained a thriving fishing and crabbing community for decades, with a slow decline beginning in the 1960s that never picked back up. In the early 2000s, RCV Seafood closed its doors due to declining crab populations. Today there are only seven lifelong Morattico residents left, with only two of them, Junior Barrack and Rogers Parks, still active watermen.

The town that prided itself on a

community that was “untouched by change, where men still knew how to knit their own nets and build their own boats,” was slowly evolving yet again, but it was a metamorphosis that prompted residents of Morattico to preserve their colorful history.

In 2002, the Morattico General Store closed after a century of serving local citizens. The family of Weston “Bitzie” F. Conley, Jr., whose parents, Weston and Fannie, had run the store from 1935 to 1953, suggested that the building could be gifted and repurposed into a museum and cultural center, but that it would have to be a collective project.

In a great community effort, Moratticans banded together to make the museum a stunning town centerpiece. Shelton spent countless hours discovering new artifacts to display while also building a network of astonishing models that range from a full-scale, miniature replica of the RCV Seafood operation, to boats and lighthouses from the area. The humble and compelling retired captain even carved the checkers used for a game table, hand spun the roping used on a ship display, and shucked, ate and cleaned the oysters used as props.

The culmination of items, pictures, displays and artifacts gathered together are a delight to the eyes and a treat for anyone looking to learn about the rich history of the small town. The two-story facility has an enticing and welcoming atmosphere, allowing visitors to get up-close and personal with Morattico. The entrance is still reminiscent of when the building served as a general store, with period goods displayed on shelves, pictures of former owners and employees, as well as pieces from the old post office.

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The museum features rooms dedicated to the Native Americans of the area, and the watermen who worked the Rappahannock. It also highlights the work of hunting, crabbing, oystering and farming. There is even a room where visitors can read transcripts of the Joseph Ball II letters.

Morattico residents are still greatly involved with the museum, which also serves as a community center for fundraising and other local events. It has become the nexus of a town that rightly refuses to part with its charismatic history. “Everyone looks out for each other here, and I think that is why this museum has become such a success,” Byrd Martin said. “Anybody who ever lives here, loves Morattico for the rest of their lives.”

The House & Home Magazine would like to extend its warm gratitude to Shelton, Byrd Martin and the museum board for sharing the history and beauty of their beloved home. The Morattico Waterfront Museum is open May through October, Saturday from 12-4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m., for more information visit www.morattico.org. H

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Mary Byrd Martin and George Shelton sit in the General Store at the Morattico Waterfront Museum. Photo by Dianne Saison.

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Area Map

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With autumn now upon us, our hearts and minds once again celebrate the sights, scents and traditions that make this part of the Commonwealth so unforgettable, iconic and unique.

As our land­scape changes from summer’s fading hues to the spectacular glory of Autumn, there is always a renewed excitement in the air as we are reminded once again of warm thoughts of home, hearth and treasured family traditions.

The history of our region is without equal in the United States…our waterways, small towns, colleges, dreamy resorts, fine dining, wineries, historic sites, agriculture and oyster (aquaculture) industry are all renowned. These things come together creating an enchanting symphony— full of tradition, welcoming people and a pace of life others only dream about. It’s all here—from horse filled pastures, endless fields of grain, waterfront villages, sailboat dotted horizons, farmer’s markets and a rich diverse history. This is the birthplace of Presidents, the Framers and Founders. This is where America began. Virginia is for lovers of history, for lovers of all that the region is and was and for all that it is yet to be. We have it all in Virginia!

As an award winning Multi-Million Dollar Top Producer in the Williamsburg office of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Karin Andrews brings world-class, artful and dynamic representation to the table. She cares about the individuals and families that she represents, always respectful of their trust and privacy. If you are looking for professional and enthusiastic real estate ser­vices, with regard to the sale or purchase of your home or estate property, please contact Karin for more information about how she may be able to assist you in reaching your buying or selling goals.

Fall in Virginia is always a wonderful time to bring your unique Lux­ury Property on the market or to search for that exceptional home of your dreams.

Karin Andrews REAL ES TATE

EXPERIENCE DILIGENCE RESULTS

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Visit Karin’s blog site at www.karinan­ drewsrealestate.com for more information, recommendations from her clients, sold properties and much more. Her family is from here, she grew up here and is part of here. It’s a slower pace, sure, but that’s the way we like it, and it is what you are looking for.

Make our history, your history.

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H E A L T H

H E A L T H for 3D mammography technology because they recognize its value. Many health insurances - although not all - have started covering 3D mammography screening. For patients without the coverage, there is a fee associated with the 3D screening.

“As women (and even men), we want to have the very best care close to home,” McDowell adds. “Adding 3D mammography has been an important investment in the health of the community.”

Another Important Tool in the Fight against Breast Cancer

AN INSIDER’S VIEW How 3D Mammography has Doctors and Staff Seeing Things Differently at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital

According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, nearly 253,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2017. Detecting cancers early is key to improving survival rates, and improving quality of life, as masses found earlier will likely result in less aggressive treatment.

Dr. Kimberly Wen Schlesinger, a fulltime medical oncologist, recently joined the team at Riverside Tappahannock

Hospital to help build a robust cancer program. Her goal is to bring the very best cancer care to patients that is both local and personal.

Schlesinger is passionate about building relationships – between patients, staff and other providers. It is what drew her to the community earlier this year and it is why she sees the addition of 3D technology as another important milestone.

“I want to be part of a team that provides the most advanced care, but I also want that care to remain very intimate,” adds Schlesinger. “Adding 3D mammography right here in our own back yard is the perfect complement to that philosophy.”

Riverside Tappahannock Hospital’s cancer care services include a new infusion center, access to a nurse navigator, a wide range of cancer screening and diagnosis capabilities, imaging tools, such as MRIs, to assist physicians in treatment planning, surgery services, patient education, cancer rehabilitation through physical therapy, survivorship training and lymphedema treatment. H

Who needs a mammogram?

Here is the latest guidance from Riverside on mammograms by age for women at average risk for breast cancer: 40-50: Women should be offered screening mammography starting at this age, with when to start being a shared decision between doctor and patient.

40-75: Speak with your health care provider about getting a yearly mammogram.

76-plus: Shared decision should be made whether to continue screenings beyond this age, based on the patient’s health status and longevity. **Note: Women at high risk for breast cancer should talk with their doctor about screening recommendations.

Research has proven the effectiveness of 3D mammography, demonstrating increases in early detection of breast cancer by as much as 54 percent.

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ammograms, which are x-ray images of the breast, have long been crucial in diagnosing breast cancer. With the advent of new technology, 3D mammography has been shown to detect more breast cancer, reduce the amount of “false positives” and cut down on the need for women to get additional images following a standard 2D mammogram. Riverside Tappahannock Hospital has recently added 3D mammography to its women’s imaging services and hospital staff, physicians, and patients are equally excited about this new screening option and the clarity it can provide.

Why 3D? While the procedure is almost identical to the traditional 2D mammogram, using compression and taking images of the breast, 3D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis as it is technically known, involves an x-ray arm that sweeps in an arc over the breast taking multiple images at different angles. A

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computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review breast tissue one layer at a time.

What that means for patients is a much clearer picture of their breast health for radiologists looking for abnormalities and tumors. It also cuts down on the need for multiple tests, saving women a lot of angst about potentially positive diagnoses.

A new standard of care.

Kathy McDowell, a mammography technologist at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, describes the new technology as “amazing.” Used for both screening and diagnostic breast exams, 3D mammography is especially beneficial for women with dense or fibrous breast tissue.

Research has proven the effectiveness of 3D mammography, demonstrating increases in early detection of breast cancer by as much as 54 percent. In addition, having a 3D image has resulted in a 41 percent increase in invasive breast cancer detection, and compared to other scans it has been shown to catch cancers up to 15 months earlier.

McDowell says that patients in Tappahannock were asking

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