Loudoun County Magazine: Fall 2019

LCMG’s Guide to Glamping in Loudoun County Spotlight Purceville:How to Plan the Perfect Fall Getaway Design Your Fall Tablescape:Tips and Tricks to Wow Dinner Guests Your Favorite Fall Events in Loudoun Sandra Belforte: An Interview with the Hollywood Actress Who Calls Loudoun Home Meet Lothar the Butcher & More!

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Letter from the Editor Fall 2019

Table of Contents Tastemakers Club: Tina Johnson

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For this debut issue of Loudoun County Magazine, I’d like to first thank you, my readers, for picking up this publication and making it a part of your life. Our mission at Loudoun County Magazine is to inspire our readers about the people, places, and things that are happening in Loudoun County. With our rich agricultural history and proximity to the nation’s capital, Loudoun County is a golden destination and place to live. Our hope is to be the source that readers in Loudoun County turn to. Learn about the outstanding things our neighbors in Loudoun are doing, as well as great spots to grab a bite to eat, places to see the gorgeous landscapes, get out, shop, spend time together, create, work and play.

LCMG Podcast: Listen Up

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Neighborhood Voice: Brambleton

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Featured Chef: Lothar’s Butchery & Gourmet Sausages 14 Outstanding Citizen Spotlight: Christi Goodwin 16 Home Department: Fall Tablescape

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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Dominion Tea 20 Women in Business: Shay Onorio

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Loudoun Creative: Sandra Belforte

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Additionally, if you like reading Loudoun County Magazine, we guarantee that you’ll love the audio aspect of our publication on iTunes or wherever you listen. The Loudoun County Magazine Podcast is at 24 episodes and is growing. Listen while you’re in the car, getting ready in the morning or working out. We love feedback, so be sure to let us know if you have listening suggestions at info@loudouncountymagazine.com

Hunt Country Profile: Jeff Murphy

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Non-Profit Spotlight: Paxton Trust

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And if you can’t get enough of Loudoun County Magazine in print and at our podcast, then be sure to check us out online at http://www.loudouncountymagazine. com or on Instagram with @loudouncountymag and on Facebook at @loudouncountymagazine

Editor-in-Chief Jessica Monte

Loudoun County Author’s Corner: Jennifer Chatman 30 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Step Sisters

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Fall Fashion: Glamping with the Girls

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Explore: Travel to Purcellville

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Health: Peace in the Pause

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Fall Events in Loudoun County

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Cover Image by Jessica Monte 1

Favorite fall cocktail: Loudoun’s own Catoctin Creek Distillery’s Watershed Gin and Pratt Standard’s True Tonic Syrup (made in Washington DC). It’s got a unique spicy finish that is perfect for Fall.

Fall destination: We are taking our kids to Disney World! Florida is always best in the Fall.

Favorite fall activity: My hubby and our friends love to hit the local ghost tours in October. The Old Leesburg tour never disappoints.

Book or podcast: Reece Witherspoon’s Whiskey in a Teacup.

Play/show you’ll be seeing this fall: O.A.R, can’t wait! We have seats on stage!

Jennifer V. Chatman Feature Writer

Team you are rooting for this fall: Washington Redskins! HTTR!

Favorite fall cocktail or beverage: Apple Hot Toddy.

Fall destination: Breaux Vineyard during fall foilage.

Favorite fall activity: Apple picking with the family.

Book or podcast: LCMG podcast!

Movie you’ll be seeing this fall: I am really looking forward to Downton Abbey!

Team you are rooting for this fall: Steelers.

Lia Hobel Editor

Favorite fall beverage: Fresh apple cider.

Fall destination: Crooked Run Orchards in Purcellville.

Favorite fall holiday: Halloween.

Book or podcast: Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History.

Movie I’ll see this fall: Star Wars: The Rise of SkyWalker.

Team I’m rooting for: The Washington Nationals.

Matt Monte

Chief Operating Officer Favorite fall cocktail: I don’t drink at all. I do love hot chocolate as soon as the weather turns chilly.

Fall destination: Never too far from the Piedmont. I’m at home here. I love Virginia and this region in particular. Where on earth is better to spend your time?

Team I’m Rooting for: The only sports I follow are polo. I like Battlefield Polo a lot.

Fall 2019 Issue #1

Jodi Cali

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli

Home Editor

Chris Weber

Photographer

Health Editor

Lauri Velotta-Rankin Contributor

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Published By Loudoun County Magazine For advertising inquiries, please contact: ads@loudouncountymagazine.com

ident for the Loudoun First Responders Foundation Board. She lives by the principle: “to be a strong leader – you must give back and get involved in your community”. She has been recognized for her work in the community through innumerable awards and accolades, such as the Town of Leesburg’s top honor, the prestigious George C. Marshall Award (2013), which “celebrates an individual who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the community above and beyond business contributions.” Ms. Tina Johnson continues be committed to Loudoun County, well above and beyond her business contributions and Loudoun County Magazine is pleased to feature her here as a Tastemaker.

Tastemaker Profile Tina Johnson

You are Loudoun County raised. Describe your experience growing up in Loudoun County and what changes you have been most excited about.

I love the growth, but I miss the small town feel that I grew up experiencing. When you could walk down the street in your town and know all of your neighbors. When I was in elementary school, I used to walk over a mile by myself to the country store to get a treat. If the sun was out, we were outside exploring and would be gone for the entire day until dinner time. I couldn’t imagine kids doing that today.

At the recent Women’s Health and Wellness Summit, that your company organized, Jenny D shared her powerful closing keynote: “Balance is BS... Face it to Embrace It!”. What does this mean to you?

I don’t believe work life balance exists. I believe that every day we choose where we are going to focus our time and priorities.

What was the driving force behind the creation of the Women’s Health and Wellness Summit?

The Summit is an extension of the Virginia Women’s Business Conference where we featured a Wellness Track. It was created from a personal need to focus more attention on my health. In speaking with other women, I found that many women like me, are so busy taking care of everyone else, juggling our families, work, friends, and volunteer commitments that we don’t take the time to nurture our bodies and minds. We are in a constant state of giving, that I truly believe that we deserve a day dedicated to focusing on our health and wellbeing.

You have been a mentor to many women in your various board leadership roles and through the creation of the Virginia Women’s Business Conference. Who have been your mentors?

Loudoun County is a hub of innovation, characterized by dynam-

ic, high powered, movers and shakers with philanthropic hearts.

At the center is a group of women who have banded together supporting one another toward mutual success. Tina Johnson is amongst this spirited group of women leaders who have helped to transform Loudoun County through servant leadership.

Ms. Johnson is President and CEO of JP Events & Consulting.

Having founded her company in 1992 she has grown it into a successful, woman owned, full-service, award winning event management company. JP Events is well known in the community for planning events such as the Virginia Women’s Business Conference: “The one day event for visionary women who want to discover the tools for success, make strategic business connections and leave feeling empowered to take action.” This is the largest conference in Commonwealth for female business executives and highlights Ms. Johnson’s passion for both event planning and empowering women to “make change to lead the life they were meant to lead”. She is an advocate for small businesses and a dependable business mentor.

I wouldn’t say that I have had a specific mentor but more of a community of women that have supported and guided me over the 27 years of being in business.

You are very active in our community. What causes are closest to your heart?

The First Responders Foundation is a non-profit that I am passionate about, one of my four sons is a firefighter. I volunteer my time by serving as VP on the board. We support Loudoun first responders that need financial support during their time of need due to an injury or family crisis. We are a 100% volunteer organization and receive all of our funding from our direct fundraising efforts.

Ms. Johnson grew up and Loudoun County and has been a resident for over 40 years. She has been married for 34 years to her high school sweetheart and is a mother of four sons ages 25 to 31.

She is a servant leader, having used her experience and success in corporate event management to give back to the community through philanthropic support and board leadership for a host of organizations. She is currently serving on the board of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, and served as the Chairwoman of the 1,800 Plus organization in 2017, and is the Vice Pres-

How can our readers get involved?

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https://www.loudounfrf.org/

As a professional woman, you are very busy. Do you have a selfcare regimen to support wellness? If so, please describe.

I wish I could say I get enough sleep but I suffer with insomnia. I try to end my work day by going for a long walk. I eat a predominately plant based diet. I feel it is important for our bodies to stay hydrated. Daily, I try to drink 50% of my body weight in water.

What are you reading right now?

Friday, December 6, 2019

Modern Women 52 Pioneers by Kira Cochrane

What your favorite local boutiques?

Westfields Marriott

I love Eyetopia, located in Leesburg. They have some of the most unique gifts and some of the coolest clutches, not to mention beautiful sunglasses.

Give us some tips on dressing for success.

Invest in classic basic pieces, some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe were purchased over 10 years ago.

Is it possible to have just one all purpose bag (versus a computer bag, a purse, a gym bag, a catch all bag, etc...)?

Bags, I’m sure it’s possible to have one all-purpose bag but bags are a weakness of mine. I have all size bags but the thing I am collecting now are cross body bags-there are very versatile and come in so many fun shapes, sizes and colors.

What are your favorite essential oils for diffusing or using topically as natural fragrance?

On Guard is good for boosting the immune system, I deal with chronic Lyme and a rare autoimmune disease that drains my body of energy and causes constant pain in my muscles and joints. I use lavender oil as part of my bedtime ritual, anything to help me with my insomnia. I use citrus oils in my diffuser near my desk for alertness.

What’s on your music playlist?

THE event for visionary women who want to discover the tools for success, make strategic business connections, and leave feeling empowered and inspired to take action.

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I have an eclectic play list, I listen to opera to rap. Currently, I am enjoying exploring the great music from the 60’s.

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What shows or movies are you looking forward to watching this fall/winter?

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I’m hooked on the show This Is Us. My favorite series is Downton Abbey.

Do you have any travel plans this fall/ winter?

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My husband and I have made it a tradition to getaway Labor Day week to the Homestead Resort. It is a nice way to say goodbye to summer and rest up before my busy fall schedule.

What is your favorite local place to get away and relax (hotel, resort, neighborhood, golf course, gym, etc)?

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I love sneaking away to the Woodhouse Day Spa at the Village of Leesburg for a couple hours of “Me” time.

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THE PODCAST

Available on iTunes, Spotify or wherever your listen.

Interview with Ashley Campolattaro In this episode, Jessica Monte speaks with Ashley Campolattaro, the Executive Director of the Step Sisters, an organization whose mission is to fight breast cancer by assisting patients and their families throughout treatment. Campolattaro also discusses her business Families in Training which grew out of her work as a race director with the Step Sisters. Campolattaro reflects on why volunteerism and community involvement matter to her as well as why she is dedicated to the Step Sisters mission. Additionally, as a Loudoun County resident who lives in Brambleton, she also discusses the special community she lives within and supports.

Interview with Lindsey Evans Lindsey Evans of Lindsey Evans Studio sits down with Jessica Monte to discuss Evans’ career in Hollywood as a fashion stylist as well as her current work styling public figures and residents in Loudoun County and the greater Washington, D.C. area. Evans reflects on her personal style philosophy and shares stories from what she calls “wild” video shoots with Katy Perry and Kanye West as well as going on tour with Taylor Swift. Evans also provides tips for how Loudoun residents can make stylish choices in an understated way.

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Interview C. Nick Savage of TEDx In this episode, Jessica Monte interviews C. Nick Savage, Director and Producer of TEDx Ashburn. Savage is also the founder of the non-profit The League of Extraordinary Athletes, Inc. Throughout the episode, Savage discusses the process of bringing TEDx to Loudoun County and what the TED mission means for communities around the world, including Loudoun. Savage personally values championing the underdogs and helping voices from all walks of life to be heard.

In 2020, Savage and his team will be selecting speakers who cover the theme of “The Middle: Compromising Situations.” To learn more about TEDxAshburn, visit http://tedxashburn.org/home

Loudoun County Children Interview Bee Keeper Bill Bundy In this episode, Loudoun County residents between the ages of 9 and 13 interviewed Loudoun farmer and bee keeper Bill Bundy. Bundy is also an educator with the Loudoun Beekeepers Association, which has been serving Loudoun County for over 40 years with a focus to introduce, educate, and foster sustainable beekeeping practices for its members. The Loudoun Beekeepers Association also promotes the importance of honey bees (and other pollinators) through community outreach efforts.

Throughout the episode, Bundy answers questions to him posed by the children; the children ask everything from “Do you make honey or money?” to “What happens to bees during a storm and during the winter?” Bundy warmly and enthusiastically shares his love and knowledge about bee keeping with the children (and listeners of all ages) in a light hearted but compelling discussion. To learn more about the Loudoun Beekeepers Association, visit http://www.loudounbee.org/

Interview with Founders of Mom Things In this episode, Lia Hobel speaks with two Loudoun County moms and business owners, Julie Powers and Brooke King, who recently launched Mom Things, a monthly subscription box of wonderful products for moms.

The navy blue box with a rose gold font typically has five to seven surprises inside ranging from beauty, kitchen, home décor, seasonal items and more. The cofounders have tested all the products and share only those that they love. The subscription boxes have been sent to moms all over the country – and new interest continues to build as word spreads.

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The Right Move Why I Call Brambleton Home

’m your typical type-A decision-maker who, admittedly, sometimes falls into a state of analysis paralysis. I procure the information, analyze the data, permit time for reflection, scrub for additional facts that may have been overlooked, and reengage the sequence—ad nauseum.

holds tight as the new zip-line carries her away. When we seek solace, we’ll venture to one of the many ponds in Brambleton to feed the fish—we find the catfish are rather social. Our lunch selections are vast with many restaurant options available at the town center.

A mid-day bike ride finds us meandering one of Brambleton’s treelined trails. We’ll stop to quietly examine a nesting station situated along the path. Simone’s fascination with these sightings has led us to purchase a children’s guide book for birds. (She now educates us on the species we spy.) When it’s time to head indoors, we like to catch the latest flick at Regal Fox Cinemas, always taking a brief respite at the fountain where loose change is typically requested. And the day rarely ends without running into a neighbor or classmate, or engaging in a chat with one of the familiar business owners.

When the time arrived to determine where to live, I was fortunately flush with prior knowledge. Northern Virginia has been home since 1988, with DMV records reflecting my familiarity of the area. Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Gainesville, and Ashburn have each served as temporary residences.

Despite this nomadic behavior, I’ve been living in Brambleton for the past thirteen years with deeply-planted roots. It was an easy choice for my family, and it’s one I continue to cherish. Brambleton offers an unparalleled sense of community while maintaining an abundance of amenities and events. To illustrate this point, I’ll walk you through a fun-filled day that doesn’t require leaving the neighborhood.

While a small town feel is ever-present, Brambleton consistently modernizes with new establishments. In the past year, Brambleton has welcomed the culinary delight of AhSo, with its locally-sourced, modern American cuisine. For pet lovers, Good Dog Rocky supplies our four-legged friends with natural food selections and grooming services. The gourmet burger chain, Burgerim, joined the neighborhood as well, enticing with mixand-match menu items. And the much-anticipated Brambleton Library opened its doors, exhibiting a stunning, 40,000 square foot facility. Its Makerspace is enviable with a variety of 3D printers and a professional-grade recording studio.

Whether on foot or bike, the town center’s coffee establishments offer a great start to the day. My daughter, Simone, relishes the hunt for a good book, so we’ll journey to Brambleton Library and embark upon a search. With her selection in tow, Legacy Park’s 15-acres are explored. Simone dizzily giggles on the tire swing and 7

On Sunday mornings, the colorful tents of EatLoCo Farmer’s Market line Brambleton Plaza. Local farmers, artisans, and their wares are often accompanied by live music. After making our purchases, we’ll select a decadent treat from one of the vendors and indulge on a blanket in the park.

Arguably, the best season in Brambleton is Fall. As the weather cools, Brambleton hosts a neighborhood campout, community yard sale, and a multitude of kid and pet friendly races. One of my favorite events is Brambleton’s Fall Festival. I’ve not only attended over the years, but I spent one as a merchant, selling homemade knit hats. (I sold nearly seventy!) The town center’s shop owners open their doors for children in costume during the annual trick-or-treating event.

And I’m certain that Brambleton is on the nice list, as they have Pictures with Santa for the resident’s children each year. Scheduled timeslots offer an unmatched convenience for parents.

Home to approximately 6,000 families, Brambleton is a relatively large community, yet it manages to preserve the friendliness often found in small towns. Whether passing someone on-foot, jogging, or biking along one of the many paths, it’s commonplace to exchange greetings. This welcoming spirit is also evident in the many social media forums created by residents. People are eager to help one another out, providing recommended resources on anything from landscapers to babysitters.

I think the reason we continue to call Brambleton home can be answered in a personal anecdote. One evening, I learned that Loudoun County was holding a coat drive for refugees. I posted the link to a community Facebook page, mentioning that we’d be happy to collect donations if anyone was interested in participating. Less than 24-hours later, the back of our SUV was filled to the roof with donations.

Brambleton offers a modern, walkable neighborhood replete with the very best of events and amenities. And I love these conveniences. But the sense of community fostered in Brambleton is truly its greatest asset.

MAKERSPACE [mey-ker-speys]: a collaborative workshop that supplies equipment and technology, as 3D printers, soldering tools, industrial sewing machines, etc., for creative projects. (www.dictionary.com)

What do residents enjoy most about living in Brambleton?

“It has a lot of kids who I enjoy playing and spending time with.”

–Ari Nair, Age 7 “The festivals in Brambleton will be one of things I’ll remember for a long time, specifically the Fourth of July ones. The entire community gathers to talk, eat, and celebrate with each other. I always feel a connection with my community when we all sit down together and watch the fireworks.” –Hannah Ark, Rock Ridge High School Graduate (Class of 2019) “We were attracted to Brambleton for superficial reasons, but over the years have found such an amazing sense of community here.

We love the fun events, the beautiful trails and amenities, but most of all we love our neighbors.” –The Crotty Family “We loved sweetFrog and kids loved it too, so we couldn’t pass the opportunity to get involved. And also, to provide back to the community through fundraisers and local events.” –Olaya & Arash Yazdi, Residents and Owners of Brambleton’s sweetFrog

Article by Lauri Velotta-Rankin

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Boutique Butchery in Loudoun County: Lothar’s

Butchery & Gourmet Sausages Located alongside Main Street in Purcellville is Lothar’s Butchery & Gourmet Sausages, a hidden gem providing locally sourced gourmet meats and sausages. Husband and wife team Lothar Erbe and June Bush operate Lothar’s together. Erbe brings decades of butchery talents to the table while Bush makes sure that customers locally and across the U.S. are taken care of.

ers markets in Loudoun County, he didn’t use any spices. He quickly learned that his customers wanted a varied selection of sausages so he got to work. Erbe developed a number of recipes that have become best sellers. His most popular sausage flavor is the Alamo Fire Sausage which he makes with jalapeno peppers, chorizo, and pepper jack cheese. Regarding his Italian sausage, he’s been told that his recipe exceeds that of butchers in New Jersey and New York where many butchers with Italian heritage are located.

Lothar’s Butchery & Gourmet Sausages, however, got its start with humble beginnings. To get started, Erbe participated in one of Loudoun County’s farmers markets. Years ago, self-described city slicker Lothar, a native of Hamburg, Germany would never have been able to imagine himself a “country bumpkin,” but now that he’s living in western Loudoun County, he couldn’t be happier. Adds Bush, “We are so close to a beautiful rural setting with lots of green space. When I was growing up (in South Korea), we had to drive far to see open spaces.”

One of Lothar’s favorite sausages is his Sweet Virginia Sausage which he developed with U.S. President George Washington in mind. Apparently, President Washington was the only founding father to own and operate a distillery. Erbe reasoned that a Virginia inspired sausage should give a nod to our nation’s first president who resided in Virginia. Also, Erbe reasons, “The bourbon gives this sausage sweetness that my customers love.”

Initially, Erbe and Bush moved to Winchester which proved to be a long commute for Bush who was working for American Airlines out of Dulles Airport. Erbe worked at a meat processor in Bealeton until he and Bush were able to open up their own shop in 2014. Moving to Purcellville made sense for Erbe and Bush. With closer proximity to work, Purcellville logistically and aesthetically appealed to them. Luckily for Loudoun County, Erbe and Bush’s move to Purcellville brought our region Erbe’s worldclass customizeable sausages.

Erbe again circles back to his beginnings in the United States.

When Erbe first started selling sausages to Americans at farm-

In just six short years, Lothar’s Butchery & Gourmet Sausage has had the opportunity to provide products to the Salamander Resort & Spa as well as to Ashburn Barnes & Noble, with a menu created by Chef Ben Ford, son of Harrison Ford. Yes, that Harrison Ford. This fall, Lothar will be traveling to New Orleans to lead butchering instruction with renowned Chef John Folse, a leading authority on Cajun and Creole culture and cuisine.

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As a husband and wife team behind one of Loudoun County’s best butcheries, Erbe and Bush are providing products that customers across the nation are seeking out. To purchase delicious locally sourced meat from Lothar’s Butchery and Gourmet Sausages, visit 860 E Main St Ste A, Purcellville, VA 20132.

Article and photos by Jessica Monte Styled by Jodi Cali

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Christi Goodwin, 45, a Loudoun County resident and business owner submitted the following essay for Loudoun County Magazine’s 1st Annual “Write-On” Contest. Her essay “Inmates” was the winner of the contest and is a compelling story about her work as a hair stylist and barber at the Loudoun County Detention Center. Goodwin shares her f irsthand experience working within the jail and with people of all walks of life. With a haircut, she honors their humanity--no matter what crimes they may have committed.

When the email came in requesting a need for a hair stylist/bar-

When my first day arrived, I made sure to dress conservatively and not wear too much makeup or perfume. I was very thankful I was wearing deodorant as they walked the first two inmates into the room. Smaller in stature, I reassured myself, “No worries, I can take these guys.”

ber at the Loudoun County Detention Center, I couldn’t help but read on. After twenty plus years of taking care of families in the Northern Virginia suburbs, I was intrigued.

I grew up with an uncle who battled mental illness and a drug addiction. He was in and out of jail most of my life. We wrote occasional letters, but I couldn’t visit him. He has since passed, and I thought this position would allow me to give back to those like him. Before I knew it, I had applied, passed my background check, and was sitting in orientation.

The LCDC has inmates from a low security, work release program to maximum security. Protocol is different depending on how violent the criminal is. I will always have an assigned armed deputy and be placed in front of security cameras. I was taught what to do in a hostage situation, fire drill, or a fight between inmates. We were instructed to keep our scissors out of reach and personal conversations to a minimum; being careful not to reveal where we lived or any personal information. Any sane person would have “hit-thedoor” running, but there I sat.

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Five to seven minutes per head; it was the seventh that caused the sweat to drip down my back. He was a massive specimen with tattoos from his fingertips to his earlobes. He had a handsome face but looked very intimidating. He joined the conversation about the clippers I was using with a lot of detail. I told him he knew entirely too much about clippers to not be in the business.

His response was that he was a barber. I responded with, “Really? Awesome!” As we started his hair and chatted, my shoulders relaxed, and I began to breathe again. The voice in my head said, “Yes, I have a huge, scary friend in prison now!”

The demographics are mostly Black/African American with Hispanics next, and a mixture of Whites and Asians as the least. The LCDC houses approximately three hundred and fifty inmates but those numbers fluctuate daily. On an average day two barbers/stylists will trim up sixty to eighty inmates in one day. The last couple stylists that I have worked

with have been Black/African American; myself being white.

Race differences are spoken in a very open fashion. I can hear them in the hallways, “It’s the white lady today.” After the first ones are done, they let the others know the “White girls okay”. We are knowledgeable in all types of hair but some of the inmates don’t know this. So, we get a kick out of watching the guard walk them in to size us up. Personally, I love it when I get a guy who thinks this white girl can’t bust out a temp fade, and line him up properly. It’s an odd feeling to seek approval from one who may have taken a human life.

But I am an artist and take pride in my work.

The variety of inmates keeps me on my toes. Every once and while we get a glimpse of who they are or what they’ve done.

I had one guy who walked in with his pants sagging and all the mannerisms of a gang member. He began to talk about how he missed the ocean. With a calm demeanor he shared with me fun facts about the ocean. Turns out that he has his master’s degree in oceanography! I am reminded of the phrase don’t judge a book by its cover.

Just a few weeks ago I began to trim up an inmate that looked so familiar. I thought it might have been because I cut his hair there before. But then when he told me his mom was a hair stylist, we realized I use to work with her. Fifteen years ago, he was just a sweet boy waiting for his mom to get off work. Just a boy playing with the salon chairs and innocently eating his tootsie pop. He confided in me that he was an addict. He was caught stealing in order to feed his addiction.

Clean now and swearing he learned his lesson. Not sure if I will see him again but for the eight minutes he was in my chair, he wasn’t just another inmate.

Not all the inmates there are as easy going. I needed three armed guards for one that was being kept in solitary confinement. Other’s I recognize from the news and know the horrible things they have done. I see the anger and hurt in their eyes. As soon as the hair stands up on my neck, I say a silent prayer; for them as much as me. I have complete trust in the deputies assigned there as guards. They are very equipped and alert to the camera’s every angle and I am impressed with the process of keeping every gate secure. At one point I had my equipment a little too close to an inmate and the deputy came over and pushed it back away from the inmate. Then he gave me the look. This one is dangerous don’t let your guard down. His eyes couldn’t focus, and he whispered things I couldn’t understand. It was one of my fastest haircuts.

For the most part the inmates are all respectful and polite.

It is a privilege to get a haircut, so it can be taken away for bad behavior. Some of them stare a little too long or say inappropriate things, but it’s the ones that just made one bad decision that keep me going back. The ones who don’t really need a haircut, but just want to enjoy a little conversation. Or the young ones who went to high schools in my neighborhood and they say I remind them of their mom. I still enjoy taking care of my NOVA families, but these inmates have stolen my heart. In just a simple haircut or beard trim I get the opportunity to share love, forgiveness, and offer them a little kindness.

Essay by Christi Goodwin Photo by Jessica Monte

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Jess Harper Realtor, Lic in Va

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Making it Happen in Loudoun and Beyond Exceptional Results Year After Year It’s my obligation to find a home for everyone.

How can I serve you?

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Fall Table Styling Guide

With LCMG Floral Designer & Stylist, Jodi Cali and Editor-at-Large Lia Hobel There is no shortage of ways to dress up your dining table for fall. You could, theoretically, purchase traditional pieces that say fall at home specialty stores. Or, you can utilize what you already have and fine tune for an autumn feel.

Here are some ways to transition your dĂŠcor for your next fall gathering without breaking the bank.

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Tiffany Tapp Real Estate & Design Tiffany is enthusiastic about real estate and design. She has entered the field of real estate with a wealth of experience in sales, home staging and decor.

Building substantial working relationships with clients that extends beyond the transaction is her personal priority.

As the wife of 12 year NFL Veteran Darryl Tapp, and mother of two children Tiffany is all too familiar with the buying selling, renting and relocation process.

She works hard to understand the needs and desires of her clientele within their unique situation. Let Tiffany use her experience to walk you through this sometimes overwhelming but exciting time.

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Play off your room’s color palette.

Apple-crisp red and rustic orange are two shades that typically

come to mind when picturing fall. However, this doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to those expected colors.

Look around the room and play off what exists. For this fall shoot, we incorporated the rich navy dining room walls into our fall tablescape. A softer blue table runner was added to the rustic tabletop, as well as napkins and glassware of a similar shade.

You can choose a monochromatic look or a contrasting theme.

Here, we chose to add a pop of color, bright yellow sunflowers were added to both the focal centerpiece and the plates to complement the blue hues and tie the look together.

Don’t be afraid to be untraditional! If you have pink accents still from summer, consider pairing them with white pumpkins, pinecones and more.

The takeaway? Think of complimentary colors. If you have pink accents still from summer, consider pairing them with white pumpkins, pinecones and more. It’s okay to be untraditional while creating a fall scheme.

Utilize what you already have.

Formal and rustic can go hand-in-hand. If you have fine china, don’t be afraid to mix it with a farm-style feel. For this particular shoot, the formal plates were neutral enough to fade elegantly into the backdrop against the rustic table. The blue napkins and sunflowers centered on top of the plate unified the look.

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Turn to Nature.

Autumn is a time when nature is truly at its best. So why not utilize fall gardens and foliage in your table decor? For this shoot, we used what was available in the backyard of the home. We snipped fresh greenery from a combination of bushes and trees and incorporated them into both the floral centerpiece and the tablescape.

We also took our time selecting what felt right for a primary vase.

A lower white urn that was used elsewhere in the home ended up being the best choice. It helped to create a lush, asymmetrical floral mound, which gave the table an inviting ambiance.

Set the mood.

Candles are a nice touch for any occasion and certainly should be used to complete the essence of fall. The small votive candles scattered about the table runner added warmth and “romanticized� the feel. We chose a simple uniformed look for this, however, mixing styles and heights is also an easy way to glam up an occasion at a minimal cost.

Use many or few at varying heights. Just be sure nothing else is competing with them.

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Make Memories.

Be sure to take photos of your table both before and during your gathering. It will not only be a wonderful memory to cherish and share with all but also a keepsake of your beautiful table to look back and be proud of.

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DOMINION TEA SOMETHING NEW TO CONSIDER

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supports a web-based retail business as well as the tasting room found in Purcellville. The teashop, which opened in December of 2015, is set up with an Asian aesthetic, in its simple décor, chosen deliberately as a nod to honor the region of origin of the tea. It is here that you can visit, drink, purchase, and receive a true education in tea. Nothing like the British high tea rooms, here you can order a flight of teas and begin an exploration in four thousand years of tradition and flavor.

Working with world-class ingredients, you will quickly discover that the Dominion Tea experience is very different from the grocery store brands that Americans are more accustomed to. Single variety teas are available, but their blends are created like a painter would a masterpiece, which the American palette and market demands. In addition to the café style area where a patron can sit and enjoy a hot or iced drink, the tasting room visitors also act as a focus group to test out the latest creations. Says Coley, “We use this place as our test kitchen. Our shop is where I’m going to float new ideas on blends first, get feedback from trusted customers and then if they work well, I’m going to introduce them to my wholesale clients.” Visitors can look forward to trying new blends at least once a quarter. But it is the education in the product that owner, Hillary Coley, is most passionate about. She delights in passing on her extensive knowledge of the tea industry and its rich history, and aiding visitors in the exploration of tea and in their personal discovery of their own distinctive palette. She’ll work with clients to help them learn how to drink a particular variety, knowing expertly how to gently nudge their taste buds in new directions.

Dominion Tea products can be found in many of our local fine-dining establishments. With their world-class product also comes the invaluable education in what they are serving, where it was grown and how it was harvested. A respect felt owed to

We all know Loudoun County for its abundance of established

wineries, the plethora of craft breweries, and the emerging growth of local single origin coffee roasters. Now there’s something new to consider. It’s time to add tea to your Loudoun beverage experiences.

Tucked in the quaint burg of Purcellville, you’ll find the sizable teashop, Dominion Tea, owned and operated by husband and wife team, David and Hillary Coley. With a lifelong dream of becoming business owners, these two international business professionals have accomplished the task. “For the two of us, it was kind of finding something new and different than what we did in our corporate careers,” Hillary Coley shares. Dominion Tea was established in 2013 with a goal of importing tea, creating custom blends, and educating the public.

First, let’s talk tea. Tea plants cannot be grown in the US, as our terrain and climate do not support commercial production volume. Tea is grown almost exclusively in Asia and is a multi-billion dollar industry. There is a very short window, just 36 hours after plucking, that the leaves can be used for tea, so time and relationships are of the utmost importance. With that in mind, it has become invaluable for the owners of Dominion Tea to build faceto-face relationships with the players in the tea industry in Asia.

Similar to single origin chocolate or coffee importing, domestic tea manufacturers work through Asian brokers who represent the small, sometimes starkly rurally based farmers. Great relationships within the foreign tea industry have aided in a dreamily successful business for Dominion Tea. Primarily a wholesaler, servicing local and non-local restaurants, coffee shops, British-style high tea rooms, gourmet food shops and hotels, Dominion Tea manufactures it’s own blends, and

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the farmers and the agricultural industry and in keeping with the farm-to-table movement so important, prevalent and popular in our county. Says Coley, “The thing that’s nice about being in Loudoun is twofold. First, we benefit greatly from having local agriculture, because my story becomes much easier to tell around farms; even if the farmer is half way around the globe. You can picture it because you’ve seen it here in Loudoun. The other piece of it is that we have a lot of locals who have traveled internationally, or they work for an arm of the government, and they understand international relations. It’s a much easier client base to educate and to say [to them], look as you go globe-trotting on behalf of your employer. Watch for this, keep your eyes open, try and play.” If you fall in love with a tea product overseas, there is an excellent chance that Dominion Tea can help you find it here in the U.S. They relish the opportunity and dialogue.

The town of Purcellville is sweeter for being home to Dominion Tea. When you pay this charming teashop a visit, you can look forward to an education about tea and stay for something new to consider. You may leave their shop with a new or rekindled love for tea. No doubt, you will find something you now can’t live without. Article by Jennifer Chatman

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Shay Onorio’s positive vibe is nothing short of contagious. Wife, mother, and business owner, her days are filled with projects while rounded out with an overall sense of fulfillment. A sentiment to which many can relate, Onorio’s was once taxed by a grueling daily commute.

After the birth of her daughter, Georgia, she decided to reevaluate that corner-office goal. With an entirely remote-based staff, she began amassing a talented pool of branding and design professionals to create her company Red Thinking. They got to work and have yet to slow down.

Red Thinking’s portfolio is visual eye-candy. They enchant clients with bold and highly-creative collateral. As stated on their website, “Red Thinking provides integrated brand strategy, design, and digital marketing for folks who aren’t afraid to be different.”

A distinct element of their corporate identity captivates almost as much as the work itself—the French equivalent of “je ne sais quoi.” The answer isn’t rooted in starched collars and pretension, but rather, the cultivation of modern workplace informality. Onorio’s explanation flows with intention and ease. “We have a culture that thrives like a family. Everybody is extremely supportive of each other. What we know about each other has depth to it. We’re a part of each other’s lives, we know each other’s kids or families or significant others.” And according to Onorio, it works because “Everybody wants to succeed.”

Entrepreneur Spotlight:

One of Red Thinking’s long-term, notable customers is Brambleton, an award-winning planned community in Loudoun County.

Onorio’s team has helped tailor Brambleton’s messaging and design. The quality of their work is exceptional, with recognition both domestically and internationally. The highly-competitive Communicator Awards (a prestigious honor created by the producer of the Oscars and Emmys), presented Red Thinking with awards in four categories: Real Estate Website, Business to Business Brochure, Integrated Campaign Branding, and Social Media Brand Content & Marketing.

Shay Onorio

of Red Thinking

With their success, Onorio’s team remains altruistically grounded. Red Thinking annually hosts BrandJam, a pro-bono event serving the nonprofit sector. The team voluntarily donates a 24 hour marathon of services to charities with tight budgets, typically unable to afford services from a branding and design firm.

Equipping them with striking collateral provides added visibility for the nonprofits. Local recipients have included Loudoun Hunger Relief and Women Giving Back, but BrandJam’s reach has stretched across the country.

Onorio is approachable, gregarious, and easily brought to laughter. She’s the kind of woman you could meet for lunch wearing a pair of yoga pants and donning a messy bun. A self-described “Netflix-junkie”—who enthusiastically declares a love for the often overlooked eggplant—Onorio dotes on family and friends, expressing appreciation for their continual love and support. “I’m surrounded by really, really good people, starting with my family.”

She credits her husband, Gary, noting that when it comes to managing work and home life, “We divide and conquer.”

Learn more about Shay Onorio and Red Thinking at www. redthinkingllc.com.

Shay’s thoughts on success . . .

Article by Lauri Rankin Velotta Photo courtesy of Shay Onorio

“Don’t overthink it,” and “Balance is key.

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Loudoun Actor Sandra Belforte on Making it in Hollywood S ome are born dreamers. They see what is possible; what could be. Others resist their dreams and make excuses for why the

dream could never come to fruition. And yet others, maybe most, fall somewhere in the middle. We may ease into our progress toward our end goal, or put dreams on the proverbial back-burner for years, even decades, but ultimately pursue. But dreams are funny things. Wherever you land on the spectrum of dreamers, the dream remains; maybe untouched, maybe unbearably relentless and boisterous, or maybe just dormant until the right moment.

For Sandra Belforte, “until” arrived roughly 3 years ago. Unbeknownst to her, her dream had initiated a life-long game of hide and seek. Bitten by the acting bug as a child after viewing, wideeyed, the spectacle that was Indian Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Belforte declared that day, “This is what I want to do. I want to be an actor.” Loudoun County locals might believe that Northern Virginia is not the destination for budding actors. One with acting aspirations must be dedicated to pursuing their craft but can still remain local. Entrenched in Loudoun as Belforte is, with her husband and three active children, she was determined to live her dream. In the process, she has been delighted to find a vibrant local acting community that is welcoming, encouraging and professionally calibrated.

the morning. Through her persistence over these past few years, meaningful relationships within the acting community began to form. Belforte landed a commercial for Hilton Hotels which introduced her to director, and Charlottsville, VA native, Eric Hurt.

This meeting lead to her being cast in his latest project, due out this Fall, The Machinery of Dreams. This fantasy feature film about an 8 year old girl who travels into a fairy tale to locate a charm to help her mother, hosts an ensemble cast of actors who have come up through the local acting scene together. Casted as the mother of the lead character, Belforte was previously cast as the grown-up version of the same girl in the Hilton commercial.

Behind the scenes on the set of The Machinery of Dreams.

Prior to The Machinery of Dreams, Belforte acquired a formidable resume with work ranging from a small role on Showtime’s hit thriller, Homeland, to a six episode reoccurring character of “Holly” in the Amazon Prime series, Daily Bread (2017), to a feature part in First Lady starring Corbin Bernsen and Nancy Stafford.

As a child, Belforte picked up commercial work and even a local cable comedy series, but the suffocating grip of responsibility and pragmatism, snuffed her acting career in college. Belforte opted to pursue an alternate dream. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in communications, which was followed by marriage and motherhood. For some, family life is enough.

Three years ago, however, Belforte’s aspirations were spurred by a discussion with her serially adventurous brother. It was during that conversation that Belforte realized that she had let passion, specifically her passion, go dormant.

Now that the veil was lifted on this realization, she deemed this to be unacceptable. She was not going to live a life without the inclusion of her dreams. Beforte’s brother had woken the sleeping giant of an actress, so she got to work. At first it was signing up as extras on various movie productions filming in Virginia. Then, after landing a commercial agent, came grueling day trips to New York City for auditions, sometimes with only hours of warning for her need to hop on a bus to The Big Apple in the wee hours of

As most actors will tell you, they do not enjoy watching themselves on film. Belforte is no exception to this rule, although she admits that she is always thrilled to see her name in the credits.

She has enjoyed each and every one of her roles but for different reasons. She has loved all of her roles for what they are and how they aided in her growth as an actor. What ignites her real joy?

Says Belforte, “It’s being a part of something that is bigger than me that I love. Beyond the cast, I love the involvement with the director, the crew and tech team. All of these people, who become like family and work together to make something bigger than themselves. That’s what feeds me.”

The pie-in-the-sky dream is to ultimately have her acting career so fruitful that she would be able to leave her more traditional 9 to 5 job behind, but until then, Belforte will continue to run down her dream one deliberate step at a time. She comments,“We are 23

the only ones who can truly crush our dreams. We are ultimately responsible for getting up and getting out and doing the work that it takes to make our goals come into reach.”

For a full list of Sandra Belforte’s film career, visit https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8683305/ Article by Jennifer Chatman Photo courtesy of Sandra Belforte

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“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” ― Anton Chekhov

To submit your writing to Loudoun County Magazine, email us at info@loudouncountymagazine.com 25

AN IRISH HORSEMAN AT LONG BRANCH You can’t miss the main stables when driving into Long Branch.

Aside from the landscape, the majestic stables capture your attention when approaching the house and farm. In the distance, high atop a hill, almost monolithic in appearance, the historic main house sits sporting contrasting brick and massive white columns. In the late afternoon, the sun glints off the barn’s white cupolas and gabled dormers and settles across the rolling green hills and fields. Horses lounge in the fields, and depending on when you happen to be looking, a lone figure occasionally may emerge from the barn leading a horse or pushing a wheelbarrow.

For more than a decade this barn was operated by the well-known equestrian eventing trainer Stephen Bradley. However, just this past year, new blood arrived in the form of an Irish Horseman that seamlessly slipped into the role and into the vista, perfectly complimenting Long Branch’s renowned old world horsemanship appeal.

Jeff Murphy was just 2 years old, living in Ireland in the seaside town of Wexford, when his great-uncle bought a Welsh mountain pony named “Slipper.” Slipper would be Murphy’s first ride. He didn’t do any stunts or win any races: in Murphy’s own words, “My mother just led me around for a long time.” But the impression stuck, leading him to the racetracks of Ireland, across the ocean to Virginia’s Hunt Country. Now, at Long Branch, Murphy is working with horses at one of the most beautiful horse farms in Virginia, 1 400-acre equine paradise.

While struggling as a young jockey in Ireland, Murphy decided to pack and branch out. He knew of a fellow Wexford man,

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well-known trainer Jimmy Day, who had traveled to Virginia.

And so he called Day’s brother and landed a short-term job. He left his saddle behind to avoid the pains of customs, but upon arrival in Virginia he quickly proved his value even without one.

Another true horseman, Amy Chadduck, Murphy’s head assistant, barn manager and protégé for more than 3 years, has become a first class rider and trainer. Chadduck exercises a level of horsemanship not often seen.

For his first race, Murphy borrowed an old exercise saddle from Day, one that seemed older than Day himself. He tacked up a horse for Mrs. Thomas Ashbridge dubbed “Bobsingstheblues” and headed off. As he galloped towards the third to last fence in the race, his stirrup leather on the old saddle broke forcing Murphy to head over the next 3 jumps without the balance, stability, and anchoring a stirrup provides. Murphy persevered and went on to win his first ever U.S. race on a borrowed broken saddle.

At Long Branch, Murphy’s operation has moved to a whole new level in old world horsemanship. The scenery alone puts horses at ease. Rolling hills surrounded by mountains, nothing even remotely looking “modern”, except for perhaps the automatic drinking fountains that the horses help themselves to in the center of spacious paddocks. Nothing like a little luxury to make a horse feel special.

Seventeen years and countless races later, he still enjoys what was Virginia’s Hunt Country. But, Murphy is not just a jockey. In fact, he’s not just a trainer. Above all else Murphy is a horseman.

Traditionally, a horseman is considered to be a rider, trainer, or breeder however the term indicates that a true horseman is a “skilled” one. “A horseman is someone who puts the horse first. Someone who doesn’t rush a horse, someone who gives them enough time to mature into the horse they are destined to be. [A true horseman]understand horses, how they think, how they move . . . and [he or she] understands why they do the things they do.

Above all else, a horseman is always learning. A horseman strives to understand horses no matter what age they are.”

Murphy’s skill and reputation in Virginia’s Hunt Country brings him a number of horses to work with. People bring horses with behavior problems or those that need specialized training. As a Jump Jockey himself, Murphy excels with racehorses, particularly jumpers. But his clientele is broad. “I’m getting horses from people from all disciplines which I think is a lovely thing.

I have a lot of thoroughbreds but I work with a lot of horses who will go on to be show jumpers and three day event horses. I’ve started polo ponies, regular ponies, connemara crosses. You name it. If it has four legs and a tail I’ll give it a go.”

What’s his favorite? Murphy says he likes them all but he does admit a green horse is easier to train then a horse with a conditioned issue or problem. “It’s harder to fix one than start one,” he admits, but even with problem horses, Murphy’s method is honest and straight forward. “I go back to basics and start again, kind of press the restart button and go from there,’ he intones.

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Murphy’s passion also carries over into his parenting. He takes great pride in raising his boys and helping to guide them to become healthy, strong young men with a can-do attitude. Murphy himself grew up on a farm with a pitchfork in his hand, so he makes sure his sons get exposure to the hard work that helped mold him into the man he is today. “I really don’t want them sitting in the house with an iPad on their lap when they could be out in the fresh air riding their bikes. My boys have a good time climbing the fence, playing with the dogs you name it.” And they’re doing it all at Long Branch.

“The camera is an

instrument that teaches people how to see without

At sunset, the horses are turned out to the paddocks to lounge and enjoy the amazing nights under the stars and rolling hills.

Murphy and Chadduck walk the last two horses out of the barn, wrap up the day’s final chores, and go over the next day’s schedule. The sun sets as I walk to the car. I turn back and see horses heading down the hill no doubt to munch on some of the thicker grass lower down. It’s a perfect moment at Long Branch.

a camera.”

Article and Photography by Chris Weber

~Dorothea Lange Are you an artist or photographer?

Email info@loudouncountymagazine.com for photo opportunities.

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Desires of the Heart: Carrying on Mrs. Paxton’s Legacy One Needy Child at a Time Tucked

Throughout the decades, the estate served convalescent children, operated as an orphanage, and later as a childcare. The Arc of Loudoun— a preschool for special needs children, moved to the Paxton Campus in 2009. Since then, it has grown into a full-service organization with multiple programs to help children with special needs and support their families.

away on the foothills of Leesburg’s north side is an 1872 estate rich with history and purpose still today. To most, Paxton Manor is synonymous with “Shocktober” – the chilling haunted house that makes thousands of attendees shriek each year since its existence.

An old mansion certainly fits the bill for a haunted attraction. The money it generates supports a beautiful cause, however. It’s one way to continue the wishes of Mrs. Rachel Paxton who helped children while living and wanted that to continue long after her death in 1921. She outlived her husband, Charles, and daughter, Margaret, and arranged a charitable trust to serve needy children in Loudoun County.

The story of how the Arc of Loudoun became the tenant on the Paxton Campus is certainly an example of timing and alignment.

Smith was instrumental in getting the Arc of Loudoun to move to the property, which otherwise had no activity for several years prior. She served as director of the Arc for a period of time before her current role with the Trust.

The Trust has an advisory board with the St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg, as Mrs. Paxton was a member of the congregation. The board was looking for someone to maintain the 17-acre Paxton property as the mission intended. Smith just so happened to be in church that day and the connection was made.

“I have her handwritten will and one of the things that just sticks with me is her codicil to make sure everyone understood what she wanted to do here,” said Jennifer Lassiter Smith, the executive director of The Paxton Trust and founder of “Shocktober.”

The words, “if it needs more money please let me know – because it would be my heart’s desire to do this for the children of our county,” are what resonate for Smith. “I read that ever before the Arc of Loudoun moved to campus and I thought what a wonderful spirit.”

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“First time I ever met them I had that feeling we are going to do this – and they believed. And from that point on we were partners.”

Children in need include low-income children, in addition to those with medical, educational, and more recently, mental health concerns. Paxton Trust has partnered with the Ryan Bartel Foundation – a nonprofit provides youth with educational programs and activities to provide acceptance, support, hope and strength to overcome thoughts of suicide.

“I like to say that our mission is that so every child thrives in Loudoun,” said Smith. “There are a lot of reasons why children may not thrive and that’s how the mental health wellness piece came into it.”

Finding new opportunities to reach and support the needs of children in the Loudoun community will always be at the center of Paxton Trust’s mission.

Although Smith doesn’t necessarily believe in paranormal activity, she does have a personal ghost story to solidify that Mrs. Paxton approves of the work being done on campus.

When prepping for the Arc of Loudoun to move to the property, she went through the mansion with the Loudoun County Preservation Society. On that trip, Smith found framed portraits of Margaret and Rachel Paxton on the third floor in storage. “And I thought we really should do something with these,” she recalled.

The property needed proper restoration and accessibility before the Arc of Loudoun could transition to the campus. Smith recalls that as being the biggest challenge but could envision what exists today thanks to the help of fellow trustees and partnerships. “It was definitely a labor of love,” she said.

They were left leaning against the wall. The next time Smith returned to the house Mrs. Paxton’s portrait was on the mantle. She said no one else had access to the place. When she came back the third time, the portrait of Mrs. Paxton was hanging on the wall by the front door.

This wasn’t Smith’s first major undertaking. Her skillset is in advocacy, program development and fundraising. Her daughter, Katelyn, has autism, which led to her being on the board of the Arc of Loudoun where she ran a parent support group for those with autistic children. During this time, Smith came up with the idea to create the Aurora School – a private day school that currently serves ages five to 22-year-olds with special needs. Smith was simultaneously attending law school at George Mason University while getting the school up and running in Purceville in its rented space.

“I think she was checking out what we were doing,” said Smith.

“I don’t know how those portraits moved. I don’t believe in the supernatural stuff.”

When the Arc of Loudoun did make its move to campus, Smith did place Mrs. Paxton’s portrait on the office wall, with her daughter, Margaret’s portrait right beside, so she could watch over everything.

“I think she really is happy with everything happening there,” said Smith.

“It really grew faster than I ever thought,” she said. “I didn’t realize how many kids there were like my daughter.” In 2003 the school grew from three children to more than five times that rather quickly. For Smith, the timing of the Paxton Campus needing a new tenant was like an answered prayer.

Article by Lia Hobel Photos Courtesy of Jennifer Lassiter Smith

The Aurora School is certainly one of Smith’s proudest accomplishments. Most of the people she worked with went on to start programs elsewhere. “What we did there together created a ripple effect across the autism community,” she said.

Smith not only went on to become director of the Arc of Loudoun, but the founder of other Arc programs that operate within the 10 buildings on the Paxton Campus. These include the Open Door Learning Center and ALLY (A Life Like Yours) Advocacy Center, which provide education, opportunities and support for people with disabilities.

As Executive Director of the Paxton Trust, Smith endlessly looks to find the next piece to the puzzle in fulfilling the Trust’s mission. This means finding where need exists and connecting to the right people with various expertise. In addition to supporting the Arc, the Trust partners with other nonprofits to support disadvantaged children in Loudoun County.

“All the things that I did at the Arc gave me all this knowledge I needed to help all these other organizations and create the programs to fill these gaps with the Trust,” she said.

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Loudoun’s Newest Breakout Author: Jennifer V. Chatman

Loudoun County resident, author and mother Jennifer Chatman

has endeavored as a creative all her life. However, in the last 3 years, Chatman’s writing career has taken off.

enting style tended towards being overprotective.

In November of 2018, Chatman published her first children’s book, Are You A Baby Reindeer?, a classic children’s book for the holiday season. With its Christmas theme, Are you A Baby Reindeer? is sure to become a beloved part of your holiday book collection. The tale features a puppy on a quest to find his family. Along his way, he meets woodland creatures who mistake him for a baby reindeer.

Dog lovers, parents and children alike are sure to enjoy this heart touching story that is accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

Earlier this year, Chatman published her second children’s book titled My Little Teacup, which was inspired by her real life. Chatman and her husband were blessed with a child born with a serious congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). This diagnosis is given when the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, or does not develop at all. For a chance at survival, a surgical protocol involving three open heart surgeries is necessary. Having lived through the trauma of seeing their baby undergo life threatening, yet life saving surgery three times, the Chatmans wanted to do whatever they could to protect their son from danger. Consequently, they noticed that their par-

My Little Teacup is a story about a little teacup who is missing half of his heart. The family protects him so much, that the little cup does not get to grow in experiences. The story is a metaphor for the real life parenting approach that comes from a place of wanting to protect but in doing so sheltering a child from experiencing life on his or her own.

My Little Teacup is an empowering read for children and parents of all backgrounds and will resonate with all families who have experienced traumas of all types. And yet, even though Chatman approaches a difficult topic, My Little Teacup’s heartwarming prose ensures that readers of all ages are educated and delighted by the story being told.

Both books can be purchased through Amazon.com, or at any of Chatman’s book signing events. Chatman is currently working on her next book which is due out in 2020.

Follow Jennifer V. Chatman on Instagram @jennifer.v.chatman and Facebook @Jennifer V Chatman Article by Jennifer Chatman Photo by Sandrine Brubaker

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Costa Family

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Beyond Pink

Focusing on Action to Support Local Patients October. Time to ‘Think Pink’ and ‘Fight Breast Cancer’. But what does that mean? With 1 in 8 women affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, aren’t we all aware of the disease? Don’t we all know someone that has been touched by it in some way? And how exactly are we meant to fight?

to understand exactly how the services were making a difference for patients.

The demand for Step Sisters’ services was there, and the program well received. Little by little, the organization grew – adding more services and offering them at additional hospitals throughout Northern Virginia. But The Step Sisters kept growth slow and controlled on purpose. As Co-Executive Director Ashley Campolattaro explains, “Patient care was always the focus of our mission. We knew if we grew too quickly, there was a good chance that care could suffer. Quality of care is the center point of everything we think and do.”

When they started in 2014, The Step Sisters found themselves initially lumped into the same vague categories, fighting the perception of yet another charity raising funds for a cure. But in reality, the group is quite different with a strong focus and clear path to making a difference. Co-Executive Directors Ashley Campolattaro and Angela Fuentes have taken their own experiences and honed them into a strong approach as well as a novel way to fight breast cancer: patient support.

Today the organization funds 9 services at 7 area medical centers.

Some of the newer services were identified initially by nurses and brought to The Step Sisters who then researched their options and found the best way to fill those needs.

Both women saw friends and neighbors struggle through their diagnoses and resulting treatment and together formulated a different way to fight breast cancer. They knew women challenged to find a ride to the hospital (with exhausting and lengthy appointments, it is almost impossible for a patient to drive herself home from treatment). And they saw patients trying to find childcare so they didn’t have to drag the kids along. Worse still, women were postponing or even canceling their appointments simply because they lacked this practical and very necessary support. The Step Sisters knew that keeping women in treatment was key to improving their outcomes – this now became their focus in fighting breast cancer.

To meet a growing demand for financial assistance, they have added a Crisis Fund, designed to eliminate the agonizing choice faced by patients in financial crisis; pay for treatment or pay for daily necessities. The Crisis Fund has proven to be crucial to many area women. To date, the organization has provided over $25,000 in crisis funds.

In addition, the group began distributing Chemo Care bags, providing over 500 bags in 2018 alone. Every step of the way, The Step Sisters have evolved in response to patient need, filling gaps exactly where they were needed, finding more and more ways to keep a patient in treatment and increase her chances of survival.

“Yes, raising money for a cure is vital,” explains Co-Executive Director and breast cancer survivor Angela Fuentes, “But so many of the larger charities are doing that already. We want to help area women who are struggling right now.”

Focus is vital for any non-profit, and especially for those just starting out. After five years of supporting area breast cancer patients through careful and deliberate growth, The Step Sisters have demonstrated that focus time and again.

Fuentes and Campolattaro chose three simple support services: transportation, fresh food delivery and house cleaning and started funding these services at Inova Loudoun Hospital in 2014.

They kept in close contact with nurse oncologists at the hospital

Article by Aimee Taylor 34

Chic Glamping with the Girls What to wear, Where to go, & What to bring

This fall in Loudoun County, pack your bags, grab the girls and prepare yourself for a chic getaway at your favorite resort or bed & breakfast for a fun and relaxing glamping escape. Glamping, short for glamorous camping, is the latest trend that all your friends have been talking about and it’s the perfect experiences for a relaxing mini vacay this fall.

a cabin, a glamping “tent” with full size beds and bathroom facilities, or at a historic manor nestled upon the rolling hills of western Loudoun. If you are not yet ready for a full night away from the comforts of a 5 star hotel, then you can easily book a glamping dinner at the Lansdowne Resort & Spa. Once you’ve selected your destination, get ready to pack your bags. While traditional camping may have meant campers wear durable, sturdy, and maybe not always flattering clothing, the world of fashion opens up to the star struck glamper. With animal prints and checked prints hitting the runways, one can easily transition from a busy day at the office to a night under the stars with friends or loved ones. For glampers who are going to spend a few days out in nature beside a campfire or white water rafting, denim and boots with your favorite fall blouses or tees will keep you comfortable and stylish all at once.

Toughing it out in a tent that is about to fall over while freezing inside of your sleeping bag and getting bug bites on your face may work has been replaced by something more appealing. Glamping provides the experiential connection with nature that with the comforts of home while sleeping underneath the stars.

In Loudoun County, glamping retreats are popping up across the region. From state of the art resorts, like Lansdowne Resort & Spa in Leesburg, to bed & breakfast inns such as Tranquility Farm in Purcellville, there are a number of accessible options.

When selecting a venue, you need to consider what your musthaves for a night out or a night away will be. Decide whether your ideal night under the stars might be within the wooden walls of

Glamping supply needs vary with the venue, however there are a couple must haves to pack. Even if you are only spending a few hours outside beside the fire, bug spray and an extra layer of clothing should be in your bag.

With the options to choose from, you’ll be certain to have a great night “out.” Happy glamping!

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Collective Health Center Dr. Sarah Giardenelli

Naturopathic Doctor & Acupuncturist www.collectivehealthcenter.com Excellence in Natural Medicine Accepting New Patients

“By integrating both Naturopathic and Chinese medicine I strive for excellence in providing the best care possible to each patient. Acting as a partner on the path to optimal health while honoring the basic principles of natural medicine. I take time to listen to the whole story, answer questions and educate. I strive to uncover the underlying causes of imbalance and offer a safe and effective individualized wellness plan.�

-Dr. Sarah Services: Naturopathic Medicine - Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture - Functional medicine - Homeopathy - Botanical Medicine - Clinical nutrition Practice Focuses: Food and environmental sensitivities, Digestive health issues (IBS/ SIBO), Autoimmune disease, Acute/ chronic pain, Migraines, Confusion about what to eat to feel good, fatigue, stress, wellness, and healthy aging.

215 Depot Court #221, Leesburg, VA 20175 36

571.314.0705

After sifting through the best of the best, Emerald N Oak stylist, Marlys Nylund selected these glamping fashion sampling to depict the most essential looks to refresh your current wardrobe. For a classic look with a twist, pair white plaid with an unexpected animal magnetic leopard print blocked heel. Animal magnetism is a relevant trend that can also be paired with a white heel to make it contemporary. Both looks can take you from business to pleasure. Opting for a more relaxed, yet put together look when going from day to night, select a great ‘70s medium-wash denim with clog heels. Add a boho statement crossbody that will make any girl swoon. Or select a button fly denim to pair with a glam cheetah top as a neutral. Add a little sparkle and shine with a metallic clutch . And let us not forget the power of navy coupled with the strength of golds. Mixing both of these trends with a snakeskin or crocodile heel glam up your look instantly.

All clothing, accessories, and handbags were provided by Misguided Angels and The Lucky Knot in Leesburg.

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Glamping Essentials 1. Lighting. Bring lanterns, flash lights, battery operated candles, or holiday lights.

2. Cozy down blankets. If you do opt to glamp in an amazing outdoor tent, you’l want layers to stay warm.

3. Fall gloves. Whether you go the route of fingerless gloves to mittens that double as a beverage holder, you’ll want to keep your hands warm on a fall evening underneath the stars.

4. Beverages. Whether you like to sip wine, cocktails, cocoa or tea, glamping is a great way to sip, savor, and relax.

Marlys Nylund

5. Music. Whether it’s a speaker for a playlist on your smart phone or one of your fellow glampers playing guitar, music at a campfire is all part of the atmosphere.

Creator & Chief Stylist 703.981.4139 marlys@emeraldnoak.com

emeraldnoak

6. S’mores. It’s a sweet treat that pairs well with campfire beverages.

7. Glamping chairs. In the great outdoors, you’ll want to keep your favorite glamping outfit out of the dirt by sitting back in a stylish, light, folding chair.

14 S King St, Leesburg, VA

8. Games. You’re never too old for a game of truth or dare. If you’re glamping with friends, bring a deck of cards, a game of scrabble or your other favorite board games.

9. Toiletry tote. Store refreshing essentials for a shower or bath. If you’re going to be a more rugged glamper, bring a shower caddy.

10. Folding table, real dishes, and a table runner.

You’ll need these items to place food and games on.

Your table runner can add that special something to your outdoor resort.

s h o p m i s g u i d e d a n g e l s . c o m instagram.com/misguidedangels

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In the Loudoun

Travel to P 39

Heart of Valley:

Purcellville 40

When to Visit Purcellville, Virginia is located in Western Loudoun County off of State Route 7, at the end of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail. With its rural landscape and views, Purcellville is a gorgeous destination any time of year. That said, in the fall, visitors can enjoy a mild day to appreciate the gorgeous foliage while touring one of the United State’s National Historic Districts. Be sure to bring a light jacket for cooler days or while relaxing at one of the many wineries nearby downtown Purcellville in the evening.

How to Travel When traveling by air, tourists should fly into Dulles National airport although Reagan National Airport is also nearby. Both air ports serve domestic and international airlines. Consider renting a car or purchase a pass with the many tour buses in the region so you can explore nearby wineries, estates, and Virginia’s Hunt Country.

Where to Stay There are a number of business hotels nearby Purcellville in Loudoun County; however, to fully enjoy the bucolic setting of western Loudoun, you’ll want to stay at one of the beautiful farms that offer a wide selection of cottages, bed & breakfasts, and glamping accommodations. Tranquility Farm hosts both a manor and cottage for guests to retreat to after a busy day exploring. Silverbrook Farm hosts guests in a gorgeous, historic farm house, an English boxwood garden, and 37 picturesque acres among which to relax. At the Spingdale Village Inn, guests can enjoy their stay at the four-story federal-style manor with 25 rooms, 8 fireplaces, and a sun room with gorgeous views of the property’s brook, bridges, gardens, and trails.

drawn to whiskey, walk a few steps away to the Catoctin Creek Distilling Company and taste Virginia’s most awarded whiskey.

After lunch, there are a number of shops to visit: Piper Dan’s Keltic Shop, Twigs, Nostalgia Vintage Clothing, Lothar’s Butchery & Gourmet Sausages, Katie’s Country Outfitters, Hunt Country Jewelers, It’s Bazaar on 21st Street, Bicycles and Coffee, Re-Love It A Consignment Store, Southern States Loudoun County Cooperative, and Shamrock Music Shoppe.

What to Do Bring your appetite and begin your day at the historic Purcellville Train Station. The station provides ample parking and is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the town’s historic district and Victorian homes. In 2002, the train station was restored by the Purcellville Preservation and updated to contain historical displays of the W&OD Railroad. It also houses the Purcellville visitor center, open on Saturdays and Sundays, between April and October, from noon to 4 p.m.

Grab dessert at Gruto’s Soft Serve or head back over to Sweet Rose Bakeshop.

Relax with a massage or spa treatment at West Trail Wellness where you can also experience yo-massage, a yoga class lead by a massage therapist who leads participants through yoga poses and circulates the class providing gentle massage. Fitness enthusiasts can bike, run or walk on the beautiful 45 mile skinniest park in Virginia, the WO&D Trail. For bike rentals, book with Bicycles & Coffee: http://bicyclesandcoffee.com/rentals

Across the street from the Train Station, stop into the Sweet Rose Bakery at the historic Dillon Mill building for a breakfast of fresh pastries straight from the oven. The Dillon Mill, in operation between 1875 and 1991, housed a seed and fertilizer business which was key to Purcellville’s agricultural economy. After breakfast, prepare to explore the town’s historic district.

Last, drive through the gorgeous countryside surrounding Purcellville. Visit the wineries, breweries and distilleries and relax. For a list of wineries in Purcellville, visit https://www.visitloudoun. org/drink/wine-country/wineries-tasting-rooms/

Purcellville’s Historic District is made up of 490 contributing buildings and 8 contributing structures and represents a variety of 19th and 20th century architectural styles. Be sure to stop by the Purcellville School, the Purcell House and Store, Bethany United Methodist Church, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Purcellville National Bank, Town Hall, and the Asa Moore Janney House.

After a walking tour of the town, grab a bite to eat at Magnolia’s at the Mill which is located at 198 North 21st Street, Purcellville, Monk’s BBQ, the Purcellville Diner and others. Be sure to save room for a tasting at either Dominion Tea, where owner Hillary Coley will walk you through a variety of teas which she travels the world to bring to local shops in the U.S. If your palette is more

Nearby Historic Purcellville Visit the many historic estates in the surrounding rolling hills of Loudoun County.

Morven Park. Tour the Davis Mansion at Morven Park and learn about the history of the Swann and Davis families as well as the property’s adventurous architectural history, boxwood gardens, and carriage museum.

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The Oatlands Historic House and Garden is another old Southern estate in Loudoun County. It offers tours of the mansion Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The Enslaved Community Tour is offered at 1 p.m. Rich with local history, national players, and Washington socialites and stories, the Oatlands is a must stop for history and architectural travelers.

Virginia’s Wine Country is another popular attraction for visitors to Purcellville. Chariots for Hire provide daily tours in luxury vehicles, limousines and buses. Cork & Keg Tours also provide comfortable wine tours for visitors to Loudoun County’s wineries. For craft brewery enthusiasts, ride and tour Loudoun County’s breweries with Beer Bros.

What to Bring Wear comfortable shoes to fully experience the history, architecture and character of the Historic District. A map of Purcellville is available here: https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3410/FunBro-web Fall in Virginia’s wine country is still warm weather, so be prepared and wear sunscreen, bring sunglasses and pack a water bottle. For photography enthusiasts, be sure to bring a DSLR camera, a tripod and a wide angle lens for landscape and street photography. Another camera option is a lightweight Fuji X100f, a fixed lens rangefinder camera. Also, be sure to bring an appetite for all the great restaurants, wineries, and bakeries.

Where to Eat Be sure to pack a picnic for winery and estate tours. There are grocery stores near town however there are not many restaurants in Virginia’s Wine Country. We recommend you dine within Purcellville’s National Historic District.

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Finding “Peace in the Pause”

An Interview with Gretchen Schutte Life can be one big juggling act. There are work deadlines, meals

And I’m like I know an awful lot about what it’s like to have deadlines, have a boss, manage all of this and stay calm.”

to plan, and family schedules to maintain. Responsibilities can easily leave one feeling stretched too thin and stressed.

More recently, she debuted the TV show “Peace in the Pause” on Herndon Community Television (HCTV.org). She also hosts a podcast by the same title that teaches mindfulness, breathing, and ways to calm, balance, and energize the body.

Feeling as though there’s no second to pause is a problem for many – and something Gretchen Schutte, a local mobile meditation and yoga instructor, has experienced. Over 10 years ago she felt the strains of her corporate career as it took a toll on her mental and physical health.

Meditation is focusing the mind on one thing. It doesn’t have to be something elaborate or monumental, according to Schutte.

Studies have shown meditation can reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure. It can help you focus on the current moment and enhance concentration in other areas of your life.

The moment of realization came when her Starbuck’s coffee spilled on the way into the office. “I was sobbing. I was completely falling apart over a coffee theoretically,” said Schutte.

“One of the things I’ll share with folks is that meditation helps us be better at responding versus reacting,” said Schutte “If you think about it— you rather respond. But, if you are in a scattered place, the tendency may be a knee jerk reaction.”

It was then she knew how unhinged her life had become.

How could something so minuscule in the grand scheme of things unravel her? Something else was going on here, she recalled thinking— and she needed change. It was then she gave yoga a try and the experience was transformative. “At the end of this yoga class I realized that it was the first time that the volume of the voices in my head have been turned down,” she said. “Everything had gotten real quiet for an hour. I was like, how do I do that again?”

So, how does one start meditation and gain control of their wellbeing? Schutte recommends consistent practice and to start small. That may mean just a minute a day and building over time. Type A personalities in particular may have difficulty taking a moment to pause.

Yes, it may feel foreign initially, but once they embrace the concept, it could lead to a better version of them, Schutte points out.

Schutte set out to explore yoga to its fullest and indulge in the serenity it provided. She discovered “yin yoga” which is a slower pace, quieter practice with grounded poses. “For me that quieter practice of yin is what opened the door for me to able to sit still and explore the practice of meditation.”

“You’ll see how you don’t lay on your horn immediately when someone cuts you off. Instead, you will think about it and then decide. You can be a better partner, employee, and you can feel better overall interacting with people.”

Fast forward to today, Schutte has dived fully into teaching the practices that have saved her life through her business, Tulaprana Yoga. She teaches privately and in the corporate setting and also hosts a series of meditation sessions periodically at the Loudoun County Public Library branches.

“Sometimes they’re like, what does she know about my life?

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Schutte emphasizes consistency is more important than how much time is spent building a meditation practice. You can do it the comfort of your own home or attend a guided group meditation. “It’s about finding the thing that’s going to suit you best and can work into your lifestyle,” she said. In Schutte’s intro to meditation workshops, she likes to review

three styles to give students a test run of what may work for them. It could be a mindful breath practice, which is full attention on the inhaling and exhaling of breaths. If your attention wonders, you bring it back to your breathing. The other technique is repeating a mantra. This is using one or a series of words to bring you back to your intention or a place of focus. Some phrases she suggests are “peace begins with me” and “my happiness is a choice I make.” There’s also focus point meditation, which is looking at something for an extended period of time. The object could be a candle flame or even cloud gazing.

when you’re hungr y, you will also know when you’re off emotionally and need to pause and re-energize. You may want to have a timer on your phone that asks if you breathed today. If anything, it ’s going to get you to pause and perhaps, take a few breaths before jumping right into everything else going on around you.

Another idea that Schutte personally uses is setting the wallpaper on your phone as a reminder to make time for you.

Schutte chose the phrase, “I choose me and create space for me.”

“I pick up my phone a lot and I see that. At the minimum, it ’s a reminder and in the back of my head I know that ’s what I want to look for in my day,” she said.

There are many tools available to assist novice meditators. In addition to her own Peace in the Pause podcast, Schutte suggests relatively free apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, and Calm. You can choose to use these apps through your phone and set it to do not disturb when in meditation.

To find your peace in the pause, visit Tulapranayoga.com for links to Schutte’s podcast.

Schutte suggests starting your day with mindful breaths so that the day doesn’t go by. Just as your body will tell you

Article by Lia Hobel

Easy Day Yoga

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Fall Events Across Loudoun County There is nothing quite like fall in Loudoun County with the crisp cool air and autumn foliage. Celebrate the season with fresh cider, local wines and beer, pumpkin picking and flavored everything, harvest festivals and much more. home tours, artisan demonstrations and sale of traditional art, live entertainment, children activities, and more. More than 20,000 fairgoers attend annually. For additional Fair information, visit www.waterfordfairva.org.

Lovettsville Oktoberfest 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue Lovettsville, Virginia 20180 Did you know Loudoun is home to one of the top Oktoberfest celebrations in the world?

Come see what Lovettsville Oktoberfest is all about September 27th thru 28th. Enjoy German foods and classic traditions, beer gardens, and live entertainment. To learn more, visit www.lovettsvilleoktoberfest.com.

Temple Hall Fall Festival & Corn Maze 15855 Limestone School Road Leesburg, VA 20176 Families have six weeks to enjoy Temple Hall Fall Festival and all its great attractions. Visitors will want to check out the 20-acre corn maize, bounce on the giant jumping pillows, watch pig races, and try out the pumpkin blasters and corn cannons. There is also a cow train, and a new digital scavenger hunt and giant hill slide.

Pumpkins and other autumnal treats are available at the general store. The annual festival runs September 28th thru November 5th. To learn more visit www.novaparks.com and click on Temple Hall Farm under parks.

Leesburg Animal Park Pumpkin Village 19270 James Monroe Highway Leesburg, Virginia 20175 The fall festival Pumpkin Village will run September 21st through November 5th daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm. Children will enjoy wagon rides, giant slides, pedal carts, moon bounces, a corn bin, kiddie zip line, spider web crawl, inflatable tree house slide, a kiddie hay maze and more. Pony rides and camel rides are available for an additional fee. Included in admission is a free small pumpkin from the farm market and a fresh apple and juice snack. Weekends feature live entertainment and free professional face painting. Halloween costume contests and trick or treating will take place on October 26th and 27th. Visit www.leesburganimalpark.com for more information and pricing.

Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Great Country Farms 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd Bluemont, Virginia 20135 For another unforgettable experience, families will want to visit Great Country Farms for the Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival September 30th thru October 31st. Take a wagon ride to pick pumpkins, enjoy pig races and a pumpkin munchin’ dino show.

Be sure to hit up the 1.5-acre corn maze, which is a tribute to the 50th anniversaries of Moon Landing, Woodstock, Virginia is for Lovers and the Bluemont Fair. There are also cider pressing demonstrations and marshmallow roasting over the weekends.

Don’t forget about the 5-acre play area and delicious cider donuts!

Bluemont Fair 33846 Snickersville Turnpike Bluemont, Virginia 20135 Enjoy a country fair in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and throughout the historic village of Bluemont. The Bluemont Fair will celebrate 50 years during this family-friendly event September 21st and 22nd from 10am to 5pm. The fair features traditional crafts, local art and authors, farming demonstrations, music, colonial reenactors, a Children’s Fair, petting zoo with animals like llamas and alpacas, local wine and Historic Downtown beer tastings, homemade food, baking contests and more. Visit www.bluemontfair.org for more information.

16 S. King Street Leesburg

703-973-6400

Waterford Fair 40222 Fairfax Street Waterford, Virginia 20197 Come partake in the 75th Annual Waterford Fair October 4th thru 6th 10am-5pm daily.

Since its beginning, visitors to the Fair have enjoyed historic 45

Village at Leesburg Fall Events October 12 – Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival October 19 – Monster Mash One Loudoun October 19th & 20th – Virginia Wine Festival Brambleton Town Center Fall Events September 28 — Two by Four, Race Against Childhood and Canine Cancer October 5—Brambleton’s Annual Fall Festival October 28—Brambleton’s Zombie Run November 2 —Lace Up for Learning 5K and Mascot Mini-Mile

SEPTEMBER 15 12 - 4 PM Dulles Golf Center Sterling, VA

Apple Picking Locations Crooked Run Orchard, Purcellville, Virginia Great Country Farms, Bluemont, Virginia Haunted Attractions Shocktober, 601 Catoctin Circle, NE, Leesburg, Virginia

$5/person for unlimited putt putt, driving range, batting cages & volleyball + live music, kid activities, entertainment for all ages & more!

Food & libations for purchase.

Proceeds to benefit

TICKETS: https://OpportunityCenter.us/FamilyFunFest

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