Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine May 2024

What are those “blue butterflies” all over town?

Stronger Together

Moms & daughters in business

A Little Art Goes a Long Way

Aiming High: a US Air Force Academy dream comes true

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Warrenton

DANIEL DUCA ON THE COVER Moms and daughters of Old Town businesses: Kelsey Neale and Lee Owsley of Latitudes, Danielle Schwarz and Nadia Schwarz of Earth, Glaze and Fire, JeanneMarie Tufts and Anne Schalestock of The Town Duck Photo by Luke

What’s up with the blue butterflies?

Charms around Old Town bring visibility to Mental Health Awareness Month

As you stroll through Old Town Warrenton during the month of May, keep your eye out for tiny blue butterflies!

Not actual butterflies that fly (although those will be sure to be coming out too), but little butterfly charms that will be sprinkled here and there around shops and businesses all over town.

Why?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County has adopted the blue butterfly from their close community partner, Morgan’s Message, as a symbol of the concept of possibility. The transformative process for anyone with mental health concerns isn’t easy. But new beginnings are real, and as

with butterflies taking flight after emerging from their cocoons, re-birth can happen and those suffering from mental illness can recover and reach new heights in their lives.

The MHAFC hopes to bring visibility and awareness to mental health through all these little butterflies. As you walk Main Street, collect and share the little charms that have been hidden. Each butterfly will have a tag with a QR code leading to resources for help and support on the MHAFC’s website for those needing therapy and connection with others.

Mental Health Association of Fauquier County fauquier-mha.org facebook.com/MentalHealthFauquier instagram.com/mhafc_1

Almost everyone has a loved one who suffers from a mental health concern or holds a story of their own. MHAFC wants you to know you are not alone.

Dial or text 988 for the Mental Health Helpline

Other ways to participate in Mental Health Month:

It’s a scavenger hunt!

Take a photo in front of Deja Vu’s blue butterfly themed window display.

Get a butterfly tattoo (temporary tattoos available) on Walk-in Wednesdays at The Painted Fox.

Purchase a butterfly cookie at Haute Cakes or a special butterfly print at Taylor Boyd Studio.

Draw a butterfly with chalk at the Warrenton Farmers Market.

Find butterfly earrings.

Pick up a butterfly coloring page.

Add to the community coloring wall.

Join the MHAFC at the LOVE sign every Wednesday at noon to practice self-care.

Add your thoughts to mental health posters at the library.

Enjoy story time at the Open Book on Fridays at 11 a.m. and find self-care books.

Donate to the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County on Give Local Piedmont Day on May 14th to help them connect with people in need of mental health resources in our community

Become #koalified to help someone in crisis through MHAFC’s Mental Health First Aid classes.

Listen in to one of MHAFC’s Lunch & Learns designed to educate and inspire action.

“Leave Those Kids Alone”:

Trusting in the power of curiosity-driven, self-directed learning

BY TUTT STAPP-MCKIERNAN

Early childhood education pioneer Maria Montessori famously believed that children are self-educating if provided with the right environment and the right tools and resources. In other words, fill a room with the right combination of irresistible, interesting objects, activities, and books, add in a trusted (and non-interfering) adult in a rocking chair to provide calm reassurance and to answer the occasional question, and children will set to and discover everything about the world that the room’s resources can offer. Little children, Maria Montessori said, want to know! Often the best thing we adults can do is get out of their way.

High school students, it turns out, can be not so very different from pre-schoolers in this wonderful way. In other words, fill a school with the right environment, the right tools and resources, and the opportunity to explore, and you will quickly see that high schoolers, too, want to know! Often the best thing we adults can do is get out of their way, too. And the perfect opportunity to see this phenomenon at work is for a school to make a robust independent study option available to its high school students.

At Wakefield School in The Plains, independent study options have long been available, but they have special relevance today. While the Early Childhood program at

Wakefield is not Montessori-based, the Montessori ideals of curiosity-driven, self-directed learning are increasingly central throughout Wakefield in light of the school’s recent reimagining and restating of its mission–“to foster the character, curiosity, and clear voices the world will always need.”

Wakefield’s Upper School Course Catalog states, “By ensuring that students both pursue their already-existing passions and also uncover and develop new and unanticipated interests and potential, the Wakefield course of study is designed to fulfill Wakefield’s vision of developing [students] who feel empowered to take ownership of their unique learning experiences.” This reflects the school’s belief that, pursued within the context of a well-rounded curriculum, independent study both honors and rewards curiosity, by deepening student discovery in areas of passion and by encouraging and supporting confident and independent intellectual exploration.

A glance at three student independent studies that were approved for the 2023-24 Wakefield school year reveals much about the potential embedded in curiosity-driven, student-centered education.

Spurred by her interest in the French language alongside her interest in international relations, junior Ava Price is studying economic development in Francophone Africa, with a specific interest in Senegal. She is looking at several aspects of this topic: the economic interests of those investing in Senegal, the way Senegal markets itself to global investors juxtaposed with the sometimes harsh realities of human rights and child labor problems involved in their economic “openness” to foreign investment, and the realities of who is benefitting from this growth (hint: not the Senegalese people). She is building an advocacy website with information on these issues.

Senior Riley Harper is a believer in the principles of “Understanding by Design,” and he is working on developing a Design-Thinking approach to STEM projects in Wakefield’s Lower School. His independent study plan describes his intention to “apply the Design Thinking process to create

“While I don’t plan on going into a career focused on my independent-study topic, I have thoroughly enjoyed this process and I hope to bring this work into my future interests.”

—Wakefield Junior Hayden Faulkner

a more [real-world] approach to current Lower School STEM projects and assignments,” and then to work with 3rd/4th-grade teachers on ways that these ideas can be applied to the existing curriculum. He has already deployed some of his design challenges with Lower School students and hopes to leave behind what he creates as a lasting gift that can be reused by Wakefield Lower School teachers. Riley says, “I've always thought that the Design Thinking process is a more empathy-driven approach to STEAM concepts, as it involves finding solutions to real-world problems. I thought this was really interesting because to complete the process well, there is more to it than looking at an assignment and working on it.”

Junior Hayden Faulkner is working on social-emotional learning in Lower School students, examining the use of a research-based approach to helping young students develop self-management. Her work is a mix of research, writing, reflection, materials design, and classroom practice.

Says Hayden, “I started the year looking at child development research and the major theories on cognitive and social-emotional development. More recently I’ve been working on a project focused on emotional regulation and vocabulary for our Lower School students. I’m planning on bringing a lesson into the Lower School that encourages students to use a larger vocabulary when it comes to identifying and describing their emotions.”

It seems Maria Montessori was right: students want to know!  As these wildly individual and exuberant undertakings imply, almost any school’s mission can be well served by remembering that, at times, all we adults have to do is simply stand aside.

EXPLORE YOUR CURIOSITY, OWN YOUR EDUCATION

EXPLORE YOUR CURIOSITY, OWN YOUR EDUCATION

local heroes

Honoring their fallen brethren

Warrenton officers plan to attend

National Police Week

BY MARY SCRO

Warrenton police officers Ashley Bowman and Rachel Shockey plan to be in D.C. this month, but they won’t be sightseeing. They are heading to National Police Week, an international event that Bowman and Shockey feel deeply connected to.

National Police Week was started in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy when he signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Over the years, events and ceremonies have been added to provide ways for survivors, friends, and the public to honor and commemorate fallen law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.

Most departments don’t have local events so that the focus remains on gathering nationally in Washington, D.C. and getting strength and encouragement from brothers and sisters in law enforcement from all over the world.

Personal connections

Two Warrenton Police Department officers who attend every year are Corporal Ashley Bowman and Public Information Officer Rachel Shockey.

Bowman, who has been with the department since October 2020, participates every year. Her father, Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman with the Virginia State Police, was killed in 1984 when Bowman was only two years old. She first attended Police Week when she was nine, and she’s been attending every year since then.

“When I was younger, being with others who shared my experience of losing a parent

in the line of duty helped me know I was not alone,” said Bowman.

Bowman also credits Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) for helping her, an organization that provides resources to survivors. They had events during the week specifically for children and teens.

When Bowman was 24, she started her journey to become a police officer, like her father. But doors didn’t open right away – it took seven years before she was accepted into a local police force in 2013 at age 31, the same age her father was when he was killed.

“Timing was perfect – I picked up right where he left off,” said Bowman.

Over the years Bowman has participated in the National Police Week 5K, honor guard events, and she always attends the

Corporal Bowman’s father Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman #1515, VA State Police, was killed in 1984.

Thousands attended the Annual Candlelight Vigil last year. “Holding a candle and being with thousands of people who are all there to honor our fallen, there’s nothing like it,” said Bowman.

annual candlelight vigil, which will take place this year on Monday, May 13. Her most memorable year is when her father was added to the wall in 1991.

“I’m honored to serve as he did, and proud to follow in his footsteps,” said Bowman.

Shockey is in her tenth year in law enforcement, and second year with the WPD. She has attended National Police Week events since she started in the career. A family member’s partner was stabbed in the line of duty, so she participates in honor of him.

This year she will participate in the National Police Week 5K on May 11 in honor of Bowman’s father since Bowman can’t run this year.

“Canines who are killed in the line of duty are also recognized,” said Shockey. “They have their own memorial service.”

Both officers value connections they make every year from all over the world, and the opportunity to get together and support each other.

“I’ve met English Bobbies, Mounties from Canada, and police officers from around the country,” said Bowman. “People come from all over the world to participate.”

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Corporal Ashley Bowman (left) and Public Information Officer Rachel Shockey (right).

“No matter where you’re from, once you put on the badge, these men and women are your family,” said Shockey, “and you understand each other in a way others can’t.”

How you can get involved

National Police Week is open to the public – anyone can go to D.C. and participate.

“I think when people come it helps them gain perspective that we’re just people like them,” said Bowman. “I encourage everyone to come down if they can, especially for the Candlelight Vigil. It’s humbling.”

“I encourage fellow law enforcement officers to attend,” said Shockey. “It’s important for us to honor those who gave their lives protecting their community. And it’s sobering to realize it could be any one of us at any time.”

National Police Week schedule and information at policeweek.org

The public can also donate to the following organizations: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: nleomf.org

COPS: concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/aboutcops Officer Down Memorial Page: odmp.org Police Unity Tour: policeunitytour.com

Bowman tracing her father’s name on the Memorial wall.

A Little Art Goes a Long Way

Auburn Middle School’s Free Little Art Gallery

BY PAM KAMPHUIS

W?hile on vacation with her family, Auburn Middle School art teacher Karla Kolb visited the Arts Center of Hilton Head and noticed a cute little building that looked like a miniature house. It was full of tiny pieces of art.

She had stumbled upon a Free Little Art Gallery, or FLAG. Community members were encouraged to take a little piece of art if they liked it, and to bring back a small piece of art to leave in turn if they wished.

“I knew right then and there that we needed to have one here in Warrenton,” said Kolb. She returned to Auburn Middle and, with the enthusiastic support of Principal Matt Yonkey, put the plan in motion.

Her sixth, seventh, and eighth grade National Junior Art Honor Society students, always ready to help spread the joy of art, jumped on board. “I thought it was a great way to get the community involved in the art program here and to help get our creations into the world,” said eighth-grader Samantha Katcher.

Kolb purchased the little building from a craftsman who constructed the little structures via Amazon, and she and about seven of her NJAHS students collaborated as a group and discussed how to decorate it, deciding on a floral design with bugs. The students insisted that Kolb’s cat, Garfield, also be represented among the flowers.

Then came the fun part. “The best part was going after school to paint with my friends,” said sixth-grader Cadence Sim-

What is a FLAG?

A Seattle based artist is generally credited with creating the first Free Little Art Gallery in 2020, and the concept has spread. There is no official organization, just a loosely connected community of people who love art. The movement centers around the universality of art: encouraging the belief that anyone can create art and anyone can own art. FLAGs contain a huge variety of artistic creations in many different media and contributors range from children to talented amateurs to professional artists.

Most FLAGS are located near museums or art galleries in the US, but there are a fair number worldwide as well. Auburn Middle School’s is the first one in Fauquier County, and may be one of the first ones created and hosted by a school.

Auburn Middle School art teacher

Karla Kolb with Auburn Middle’s FLAG on the day of the ribbon cutting.

Items included in the FLAG are small pieces of art created by students over the past year.

mons. Eighth-grader Alexandra Boggess agreed: “I liked hanging out with kind people who enjoy art like me.”

Katcher said, “What I enjoyed most when creating the FLAG was the camaraderie. Many people were working on many parts of the gallery at once. The people were amazing, and we were able to create a beautiful piece of art together.”

When the structure was done, Kolb and her students stocked the little gallery with a variety of miniature pieces of art made by art students over the school year, including little paintings, pottery, pins, and mini ceramic animals.

The little gallery was installed in the garden beside the front entrance of Auburn Middle and officially opened at a March 27 ribbon cutting.

Now that the FLAG is officially open for business, the students and Kolb are eagerly waiting to see how the community reacts.

After all, the FLAG isn’t just for the school.

Kolb said, “It was made for community members to enjoy and use. I hope when people take or contribute art from it, it will make them smile and maybe feel a little less stressed that day.”

Rachel Ragan (top) and Charly McEwen (bottom), along with other members of the NJAHS, worked on decorating the little gallery during the school year.

Clockwise from top left:

It takes a village: Art teacher Karla Kolb and school principal Matt Yonkey pictured with the group of middle school students involved in the production of the FLAG and the pieces featured in it.

Kolb’s students insisted that her cat Garfield be represented on the FLAG.

The FLAG quickly garnered activity within a week of its opening.

“I hope it helps people appreciate art more,” said Buggess. Eighth-grader Christopher Ege likes the visibility it brings to art and the feeling of having contributed to a good cause.

Sixth-grader Charly McEwen said, “I think it will help showcase art and I think a lot of kids will probably like to leave their art in there.”

Kolb reported that the FLAG had activity within a week, with several pieces taken, and several donated. One person drove all the way from Reston to leave a cute fox painting and a small pottery piece. And the gallery has been officially added to the unofficial online FLAG map at freelittleartgalleries.art.

The kids’ pride in their mission and accomplishment is evident. “I think that FLAG has shown the school what we are capable of, our artistic ability, and that we want to spread our art and make people happy with it,” said Katcher. L

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SUNDAYS

AT TWO bringing together distinguished writers, artists & scholars for conversations about their work & life.

Join Sir Peter Crane, President of Oak Spring Garden Foundation, for a conversation with veteran journalist Lou Emerson.

Sir Peter Crane is internationally known for his work on the diversity of plant life. He is the past director of the prestigious Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Sunday, June 2 | 2-3 p.m. John Barton Payne Bldg. | 2 Courthouse Square | Warrenton, VA

Music Heals

Warrenton freestore hosts first Open Mic Night with Sounds of Hope

BY ROBIN EARL

Open Mic Night, held Saturday, March 2 at the Hope Heals freestore in Warrenton, wasn’t your typical evening’s entertainment. Several of the singers were tweens or teens and one was an actual rocket scientist. Musical experience ranged from a few months to decades; the entertainment included rock and roll, a Frank Sinatra standard, country tunes, and even an inspirational storyteller. And how often does an open mic night feature an accomplished 12-year-old harpist?

The event — a first for the freestore — brought in about 60 local residents and raised $1,500 through a 50-50 drawing and a silent auction for donated prizes. The funds will support the Hope Heals mission of providing free clothing items to those who need them.

Lindsey Henderson, mother of four and president of the organization, said she “was blown away” by the response from the community. A second open mic night is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 1, and Henderson hopes to hold the fundraisers quarterly.

Hope Heals, founded in 2020, is an almost entirely volunteer-run endeavor, where community members can “shop” for donated clothing, baby items and household linens free of charge. The freestore is open three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. “We serve about 130 guests every day we are open for shopping,” said Henderson. Usually, racks of clothing dominate the Hope Heals space, but in preparation for the first Open Mic Night, they were pushed up against the walls to make room for tables and chairs. Throughout the evening, attendees visited the Barbeque Rescue food truck

in the parking lot, which served up chicken or pork sandwiches and sides. Henderson said, “I didn’t realize that Dave and Jenna Cooper (owners of Barbeque Rescue in Opal) were going to feed everyone for free. It was amazing. They said they’d like to come back and do the same for our shoppers one afternoon.”

Dave Cooper said he has known Lindsey and her husband Brent for years. “We like to help out where we can. Last Sunday we were at the Fauquier SPCA serving hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.”

Cooper is also involved with The Bridge Community Church Emergency Services Canteen Unit, which supports first responders during emergencies in Fauquier, Clarke, Warren, Rappahannock and Culpeper counties. The Canteen provides cold drinks and food to firefighters and police officers.

Organizer and host for the evening, Sounds of Hope founder Mary Shapiro of Marshall started the night with a song.

Hope Heals President Lindsey Henderson welcomes visitors to the shop’s first-ever Open Mic Night.

Sounds of Hope

Hope Heals’ Open Mic Night was hosted by Mary Shapiro of Marshall, a music teacher with years of experience organizing events for charity. She said, “Good music, good food, for a good cause. I did this for 10 years in D.C. It’s a chance for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and share.”

Through her Sounds of Hope business, Shapiro said, “We use music to make connections by helping people write their own songs, learn to make their own music (singing, playing guitar, ukulele, piano, or harmonica) especially if they want to learn with a friend or family member, and especially if they have special needs (if they are veterans or neuro-divergent, have arthritis or other physical challenges).” Shapiro will complete her training as a certified music practitioner this fall.

Sounds of Hope also provides live therapeutic music for people in hospitals, and memory care and hospice facilities.

Shapiro, Kristy Piette, a certified peer recovery specialist, and Bridgett Downey, of the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County, were talking about Shapiro’s Sounds of Hope open mic nights and the idea to use Hope Heals as a venue took shape. “I am super excited to work with Lindsey. Hope Heals is one of the coolest charities. Their influence goes way beyond those four walls.”

Shapiro hopes to expand and host other Open Mic Nights in the community for more local charities and nonprofits. The Performers

Shapiro welcomed the first performer by explaining that the 19-year-old keyboardist

would prefer people to snap their fingers rather than clap, because “he doesn’t do well with too much noise.” She suggested the audience “listen as loud as you can!” The young man, who had been playing since he was 2 but never had a lesson, played three songs, punctuated by loud snapping.

Terri Tokarszyk, a retired piano teacher, played the guitar.

Emily Cook sang “Hallelujah” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” acapella.

Steven Woolwine, who “picked up the guitar during COVID and wrote songs,” said it was his first time performing since he had a stroke. He played a Creedence Clearwater Revival tune and an original song called, “That’s How Country We Used to Be.”

Eight-year-old Emma K. Saurs — without a shred of visible nervousness — sang “Diamonds in the Sky.” Emma was just fine with applause, the louder the better.

Ben Schoenhoff, 18, and Liam Lambert, 19, comprised “The Hunting Jackalopes.” They said they chose their moniker because they were searching for “a pretentious alternative folk name.”

Steven Bronson on the guitar and Elly Hinzman, playing bass, announced they had met only a few weeks earlier in a Parks and Recreation class. They performed “Gimme the Beat Boys,” made famous by Dobie Gray; an original song titled “Partner in Crime,” and a tribute to the recently departed Toby Keith.

Teenager “T-Storm,” went against type, singing a Frank Sinatra song, “Something Stupid Like I Love You.”

Dr. Jim Thorne, resident rocket scientist,

published author and singer/songwriter, performed an original song “in the key of Johnny Cash.” He told the audience to check YouTube for his science-education show, “Space Quest with Dr. Jim.”

Dan Nellis of Midland, a dedicated outdoor educator, told a story about a woman he met on a hiking trail in Texas. An experienced hiker, she told him of the time she came upon a young man sitting on the trail as a snowstorm approached. “He was not dressed for the weather,” Nellis said..

Nellis told his audience how the woman spent time warming him up and convincing him to come down the mountain with her. She learned later that he had gone up the trail planning not to come back. “She saved his life.”

It turned out that the woman was Pam Bales, 70, “a legend in the outdoor education community in New Hampshire. She volunteered with the local rescue squad,” Nellis said. His takeaway for the evening: Be prepared. You never know when you’ll be called upon to save a life.

The final performance of the night was a trio that included guitarist Ryan Blackwell, drummer Tanner Henderson (Lindsey Henderson’s oldest son) and Brent Henderson (Lindsey Henderson’s husband and founder of The Good Reverend Kombucha Company). The small band played rock and roll from the 1990s, loud enough to ensure that everyone in attendance was awake enough to drive home. L

hopehealsfreestore.org soundsofhopelive.com

Emma K. Saurs, 8, sang “Diamonds in the Sky.”

Stronger Together

Could you work with your mother?

Most mothers of adult daughters will tell you that due to busy schedules on both sides, they maybe don’t see their daughters as much as they’d like. But the mothers and daughters you’ll find in this feature see quite a lot of each other — they work together. This Mother’s Day issue highlights some of these local women who thrive on the combination of work and family.

Mother daughter relationships can vary widely, and not all are suited to spending quite that much time in each other’s company. But these pairs are successfully running businesses together. How do they do it? These 14 women who live and work in Fauquier County responded to questions from Warrenton Lifestyle that give us a little insight into how — and why — these mother-daughter pairs are making a go of it.

Fauquier Mothers & Daughters Doing Business business:

One common thread running through all their responses is thriving on serving our close community togther, and one takeaway is this: laughter is not only a necessity but the best part of making it work.

“Don’t mess with moms!”

—BRENDA RICH

Kateland Rich Flinn, Realtor

Why did you decide to go into business together?

Brenda: Kateland and I have always been very close and she has grown up going on appointments with me. We thought we would be a great combination, so after she came home from Virginia Tech she decided to get her license and the rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about working with your mom/ daughter?

Brenda: Spending time together and helping Kateland learn the ropes of the industry. And she helps me with all the the newer technology that this field has incorporated.

Any funny/ interesting/ heartwarming stories?

Brenda: Kateland is very quiet and kind; I’m a little tougher. Once, when Kateland was in recovery from knee surgery, she had an agent who was being difficult in a transaction and called her multiple times. Finally I took the phone and took over, and the agent later asked Kateland to not let me call him again. I was the senior agent and the mother and I was not interested in anyone treating her wrongly. Don’t mess with moms!

“I often feel like I have to pinch myself to believe the reality that I get to spend so much time with someone I enjoy being around so much.”

—LEE OWSLEY

business:

Latitudes Fair Trade Store, Warrenton mom:

Lee Owsley, owner

daughter:

Kelsey Neale, assistant manager

Why did you decide to go into business together?

Kelsey: When the shop was in its beginning years, I only worked one day a week. My mom would have my two girls for the day and I would run the shop. It was an equal opportunity for us. She got to play with her grandbabies and I had a chance to engage with adults and play shop for the day. I slowly started working more and more and we both realized it was a good fit for both of us.

What do you enjoy most about working together?

Lee: We rarely butt heads and like to say our store space is ‘drama free’. I often feel like I have to pinch myself to believe the reality that I get to spend so much time with someone I enjoy being around so much. It’s a dream scenario for me.

Kelsey: There is grace with mistakes, and encouragement when needed.

What is the hardest thing?

Kelsey: Finding a balance between work and play in our relationship.

business: Compassion

Animal Hospital, Bealeton and Catlett Animal Hospital, Catlett

mom:

Dr. Lisa Gibson, veterinarian

daughters:

Dr. Julia Gibson, veterinarian Yvonne Gibson, business manager Mary Gibson, DC, CAC, chiropracter

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Why did you decide to go into business with your mom/daughter?

Lisa: We have always had a family veterinary hospital. There are clients who can truly say, “I remember when your mother used to carry you around on her back!” The girls worked in the clinic as they grew up and got experience in the support roles of the hospital.

Why did you decide to go into business with your mom/daughter?

Julia: We have worked together since I was young, and I always loved watching my mom do surgery and help people and their animals.

What do you enjoy most about working with your mom/ daughter?

Lisa: My favorite part of working with my daughters is having the extra time around them. My children span the ages of 28 to 34 and I see them almost daily. Together, we accomplish helping animals and their people who love them. It brings me joy.

Any funny/ interesting/ heartwarming stories?

Lisa: When Julia was about 5 years old she would come to the office after school and one day the staff had put her in a cap, mask, and exam gloves with a scrub top on as a gown. I was getting ready to start a surgery and she looked up at me and said, “I think I’m ready for the blood part.”

Julia: My favorite memories are when I was young I would go with my mom on housecalls or help her with puppy c-sections.

business: Earth Glaze and Fire, Warrenton mom: Danielle Schwarz, owner daughter: Nadia Schwarz, owner

Why did you decide to go into business with your mom/ daughter?

Nadia: Why wouldn’t I? She’s my Mom!

What is the hardest thing?

Nadia & Danielle: Differing opinions on the front window displays!

What do you enjoy most about working with your mom/ daughter?

Danielle: The laughter, like-mindedness on how to run the business.

Any funny/ interesting/ heartwarming stories?

Nadia: The best story to share is how we have been a part of so many customers lives, from the beautiful times of growth to the sad times of loss. We have celebrated so many birthdays, first dates, engagements, wedding showers, graduations, and retirements, and have been able to help contribute to those lasting memories.

business: Great Harvest, Warrenton

mom:

Irene Teodoro, general manager

daughter:

Emily Lewis, customer service representative, baker

Why did you decide to work together?

Irene: It was actually my late brother, Pablo’s choice to give Emily an opportunity to learn a new skill to

What do you enjoy most about working with your mom/daughter?

Irene: My favorite thing is making one another laugh.

What is the hardest thing?

“ I’d encourage anyone I know to work with family, there is nothing more rewarding.”

—MORGAN BURKE

Any funny/ interesting/ heartwarming stories?

Irene: Sometimes there is a difficulty for me with separating the manager and employee vs the mother-daughter dynamic. I’m learning to stay mindful of our special connection

Irene: During pandemic Pablo, Abigail (Pablo’s youngest daughter) Emily and I were around the kneading table bagging bread for the food banks, working 9-hour days. We talked about being grateful to be together during times when families were

business:

Traditional Construction, Midland mom: Anita Burke, president

daughter:

Morgan Burke, executive assistant

What do you enjoy most about working with your mom/daughter?

Anita: I enjoy most about working with Morgan is seeing her continue to grow as an adult. She brings a lot of new young ideas to the company. Morgan: I enjoy how relaxing the work environment is. We operate very efficiently so it’s not too often things get stressful.

What is the hardest thing?

Morgan: The most difficult thing is trying to not bring up work in the evening and weekends.

Any funny/ interesting/ heartwarming stories?

Morgan: Part of the reason I came to work for my parents is to take some of the load off them. Now my mom is available more often to watch her nine (soon to be ten) grand babies. Working under both my parents has been a great blessing in my life. I’d encourage anyone I know to work with family, there is nothing more rewarding.

•

•

•

“ Although I purchased The Town Duck in 2020, my mother precedes me in nearly 20 years of employment here.”

—JEANNE-MARIE TUFTS

business:

The Town Duck, Warrenton daughter:

Jeanne-Marie Tufts, owner

mom:

Anne Schalestock, Mother Duck Extraordinaire

Why did you decide to go into business with your mom/daughter?

Jeanne-Marie: Although I purchased The Town Duck in 2020, my mother precedes me in nearly 20 years of employment here. She conveyed with the shop! She is invaluable in so many ways when it came to the daily operations and maintaining the wonderful relationships of our clientele and company reps alike.

What is the hardest thing?

Jeanne-Marie: As owner (and technically the boss!) I worry that my mother works too much!

What do you enjoy most about working with your mom/daughter?

Anne: Getting to spend quality time with her and see her flourish as a female business owner.

Any funny/interesting/ heartwarming stories?

Anne: The most heartwarming thing is having my grandchildren help out and interact with the customers. My 8-year-old grandson Mills loves working the register, especially when he puts his tip jar out! L

A lasting gift of a native son

The John Barton Payne Building

BY JOHN T. TOLER

When the Warrenton Library Association met in 1907 to establish a library for the private use of their members, they could not have imagined that in less than 20 years they would occupy a fine new building on Courthouse Square.

A lot would happen in the meantime: the original Warrenton Library in the Old Farmers’ Hotel would be lost in the Great Fire of 1909, and after stints in a small office at 65 Main Street, in the California building, and from 1911 in two rooms in the Warren Green Hotel.

In 1921, a homegrown philanthropist — Judge John Barton Payne (1855-1935) — came forward to provide support and leadership to build a library building that would be the envy of communities across the South.

He pledged $25,000 to build a permanent home for the Warrenton Library with the sole condition that others support the project, and at least 300 did so. The building was completed on time, and dedicated on May 20, 1924.

About Judge John Barton Payne

Judge Payne had outstanding careers in business, law and federal service, but he never forgot his Fauquier County roots. He was the son of Dr. Amos Payne and Elizabeth Barton Smith Payne, and great-grandson of Francis Payne II, founder of the village of Orlean.

During the Civil War, the Payne family faced difficult times, and after the war,

Early photo of the 1924 John Barton Payne Building, with the statues in the front alcoves. What happened to the statues is a mystery.

The Warrenton Horse Show’s John Barton Payne Memorial Trophy, first awarded in 1936, was on display in the old Warrenton Library in 1960, attended by three ladies connected with both the library and the Horse Show. From left, Mrs. King Stone, Mrs. Francis Greene and Mrs. C. C. Jadwin. Gari Melcher’s portrait of Judge Payne is seen on the wall behind them.

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM On-Campus (Ages 7-9)

JUNE 17 - 21, 2024

JUNE 24 - 28, 2024

JULY 8 - 12, 2024

JULY 15 - 19, 2024

JULY 22 - 26, 2024

JULY 29 - AUG 2, 2024

CHALLENGE COURSE

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM On-Campus (Ages 10-16)

JUNE 17 - 21, 2024

JUNE 24 - 28, 2024

JULY 8 - 12, 2024

JULY 15 - 19, 2024

JULY 22 - 26, 2024

JULY 29 - AUG 2, 2024

MONDAY 8:00 AM – FRIDAY 4:00 PM Off-Campus (Ages 11-14) JULY 15th - 19th

MONDAY 8:00 AM – FRIDAY 4:00 PM Off-Campus (Ages 14-17)

JULY 8th - 12th

young John worked as a clerk in Ullman’s Department Store in Warrenton, and later at a general store and railroad station at Thoroughfare Gap.

Recognizing the limited opportunities here, he went to work for the Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts in Taylor County, W.Va., a life-changing opportunity. “The law library was open to him, and every evening was spent there in study,” according to the family history.

After passing the state bar, he started a practice in West Virginia and became involved in politics. He moved his practice to Chicago in 1882, and in 1895 he was appointed judge in the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois.

In August 1912, Judge Payne purchased St. Leonard’s Farm just outside of Warrenton. With the outbreak of World War I, Judge Payne was appointed to the U. S. Treasury Board of Appeals by Pres. Woodrow Wilson, and in 1920, appointed Secretary of the Interior. He left in October 1921 when he accepted the chairmanship of

the American Red Cross, a position he held until his death in 1935.

The new library

The site of the new library was formerly occupied by the Warrenton Municipal Building, and was purchased with a bequest of $5,000 from Elizabeth Sharpless Keith. Plans for the new library were drawn up

The size and functionality of the John Barton Bayne Building was increased in 2008 with the addition of an elevator on the northwest side.

served as the librarian from 1913-1962, was present at the dedication in 1924 and recalled the day in a story in The Fauquier Democrat.

“Judge Payne, Hon. Walton Moore, Dr. Edwin Anderson Alderman, then president of the University of Virginia, were present for the occasion, and all spoke. Dr. Alderman repeatedly mentioned his days as a Bethel (Military Academy) boy, and stressed the value of reading and good books.

“Judge Payne and Mr. Moore also spoke, and the officers of the library, many friends and contributors packed the main room for

The silver loving cup given to Judge Payne at the 1924 dedication in appreciation of his generosity was returned to the Warrenton Library, where it remains today.

the event.

“In partial recognition of Judge Payne’s generosity in making the handsome fireproof building possible, the late R. W. Hilleary presented Judge Payne with a handsome silver loving cup donated by Warrenton citizens. Following the exercises, a delicious luncheon was served in the basement of the Library building.”

Judge Payne learned that the members of the library wished to have his portrait to hang above the mantle in the Reading Room, and that fall, a painting was executed by the famous artist Gari Melchers of Falmouth, Va. A splendid likeness of Judge Payne, it was presented to the Library Association in November 1924.

Into the future

The library faced many challenges during the Great Depression and World War II, and during the 1960s, library operations and the library itself changed dramatically.

In May 1964, the Warrenton Library became free and open to the public. In order to meet the demand, Col. George T. Walker raised $50,000 for an extensive remodeling project that altered and improved the interior.

Col. Walker’s granddaughter, Blair Walker Lawrence, stayed with her grandparents in the summers during her college years, and worked at the library. “It was peaceful and quiet, and smelled like a library,” she recalled.”

There was a big librarian’s desk where books were checked out, bookshelves that went to the ceiling, and the ladder to reach them. Answering peoples’ questions about Warrenton history was a part of the job, and among her favorite visitors were people from the Warrenton Training Center.

Still struggling financially, in 1969 the Li brary Board determined that the best course of action was to deed the library to Fauquier County, which would operate, maintain and better serve the growing community.

Within a few years, a much larger library was needed, and in 1982 library operations and books were moved to a totally renovat ed facility on Winchester Street.

No longer functioning as a library, the John Barton Payne Building found new uses as a fully-equipped community meeting hall. In 2008, an addition providing an elevator/ ADA access was built on the northwest corner of the building. L The

• Summer Camp with Childcare

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• Small Class Sizes Open House on Thursday, May 9th Call to register for a time!

Fauquier’s

TOP 10

Top Sales

The ten highest-priced homes that sold between mid-March and mid-April in Fauquier County. Data and photos from Zillow.com.

12410 COVE LN., HUME

$18,750,000

Sold: April 11 8 bedrooms

2534 BURRLAND LN., THE PLAINS

$2,100,000

Sold: March 27

6962 FALLEN OAK TRL., THE PLAINS

$1,250,000

2870 TUCKERS LN., LINDEN

$1,100,000 Sold: April 4 3 bedrooms

The Big Picture

“February’s sales activity in the overall Greater Piedmont market fell for two consecutive months compared to last year. However, the number of pending contracts rose strongly with 24 more than last year, a 19% increase. We’ve also seen sales prices rise sharply year over year. Inventory continues to be low as the number of active listings fell slightly (3.5% decline) at the end of February.”

—Greater Piedmont REALTORS® 2024 President Steve Gardner

The February Details for Fauquier County

Compared to February 2023

Median Sales Price: $570,000, up 23%

Sales Activity: 70, up 23%

Days on Market: 41, up 5%

Greater Piedmont REALTORS® is a trade association representing 650 REALTORS® in Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Madison counties.

12546 SURRY LN., BEALETON

$960,000 Sold: April 5

4596 SUMERDUCK RD., SUMERDUCK

$950,000

March 20

square feet

7290 JOFFA CIR., WARRENTON

$930,000 Sold: March 15

4916 PEBBLE RUN RD., WARRENTON

$925,000

12745 BRISTERSBURG RD., MIDLAND

$865,000

amazingkids Angel Alvarado Aimed High and Soared

After hard work and dedication, Fauquier High grad realizes Academy dream

BY JENNIFER WALDERA

In his sophomore year of high school, Angel Alvarado’s family moved from Bristow to Marshall with the hopes of settling into a more serene backdrop and expanding the amount of land they lived on. Alvarado also harbored a dream of his own — earning admission to the United States Air Force Academy, a competitive process and highly respected achievement.

“I’ve always been interested in flying and being able to go to school to become a pilot, serve my country, and also being able to earn a cost-free education made the Air Force Academy the right decision for me,” Alvarado said.

Alvarado initially enrolled at Fauquier High School in October of his sophomore year and by his second semester, he became a dual-enrollment student when he began taking classes through Laurel Ridge Community College. The following year he began studies at the prestigious Mountain Vista Governor’s School as well. In May 2023, Alvarado had not only completed the rigorous requirements to achieve his high school degree with a 4.088 GPA, but he had also

earned an associate of science degree, too.

In addition to his academic work, Alvarado held multiple jobs from dog sitting and farm work to assisting at a family friend’s concrete company to working at Foster’s Grille. He also immersed himself in political volunteerism, including campaigning for Glenn Youngkin and participating in Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth group.

“While in Young America’s Foundation, I attended multiple conferences with topics ranging from understanding government

policy to economic policy and many more. On a local level, we worked on projects like planning and executing a 9/11 remembrance project where we planted 2,996 American flags on our high school campus for the lives that were lost.”

Despite his academic success, contributions to the community, and participation in extracurriculars like wrestling and Future Business Leaders of America, Alvarado was ultimately wait-listed for admission to the United States Air Force Academy. However, he continued to pursue his passion, beginning studies instead at Georgia Military College last August.

“The curriculum is very STEM-heavy in order to prepare students for the Air Force

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Angel with his father, David, and his mother, Rachael

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Storybook Camp, June 24-28, 9am - noon. Ages 4 & 5

Princesses & Pirates, July 8-12 9am - noon. Ages 5 - 7

Heros & Villians, Aug 5 - 9, 9am - noon. Ages 4-6

Shrek Jr, Theatre Intensive

July 15 - 26, 9am - 4pm

This summer we will be returning to our roots with a Summer Theatre Intensive camp. Join us for Shrek Jr.

June 17 - 27 (M-TH)

This summer Allegro is excited to partner with Fauquier High School to present a Summer Intensive Camp. Join us for Finding Nemo.

July 8 - 12, 1-4pm

Academy,” said Alvarado.

But in a short time, Alvarado’s dream was realized when he received word that he had been admitted to the Air Force Academy, with his enrollment beginning later this year.

“This is so special for me because of how long ago I set out to accomplish this goal and what it means going forward with my other goals. As a young person, it can be hard to understand long-term validation and this is the first time I’ve had my hard work of over five years towards one goal payoff. There is nothing like that feeling. Then knowing that it means I am that much closer to accomplishing my goal of becoming a pilot and exploring the world, is everything.”

Alvarado’s family is proud of his diligence and hard work, too, with his mother, Rachael Alvarado, noting how remarkable his achievement is.

“Attending the U.S. Air Force Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are grateful to God for opening this door for our son, Angel. He is a wonderful son and has made us so proud, and we have no doubt he will continue to excel. Trust God, work hard, don’t complain, and don’t give up,” she said.

Private Lessons MAD Skills Theatre Finding Nemo, Theatre Intensive with Fauquier High School

This fast paced afternoon camp focuses on the 3 aspects of Musical Theatre - Music, Acting, Dancing. Each day students will explore a different show, giving them a wide range of styles.

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While Alvarado has not yet settled on a major, among the many options, he’s narrowed his choices to a few. When he graduates in 4 years, he will have earned a bachelor’s degree and will enter the Air Force as an officer.

“I am still undecided, but I am between three different options that include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or double majoring in political science and foreign area studies with a double minor in two different languages.”

Regardless of the path that Alvarado

chooses, his classmate and current roommate Augustus Joseph is confident that he’ll be successful.

“Throughout my time having known Angel, he has grown significantly into a leader the Air Force will be privileged to have. He is dedicated to his core values, always endeavors to embody the USAFA honor code (I will not lie, cheat, or steal nor tolerate among us anyone who does), and is always learning and expanding his horizon.”

And while Angel’s ambition, immersion in academics and community contributions are all a part of his success, he points to his family as his inspiration.

“My biggest inspirations throughout this journey have to be my family, each and every one of them for one reason or another. My dad for always being a shining example of hard work and being there to push me further than I knew I could ever go. My mom for always helping me through all my struggles and showing me there's always a path ahead. My uncle for always inspiring me to pursue my dreams whatever they might be and showing me what's possible. These are just a few of the ways some of my family have inspired me.” L

L-R: Angel’s graduation from Fauquier HIgh School; Angel with his parents and sister, Genesis, and brother, David

are freedom help hope peace of mind { caregivers }.

We are freedom help hope peace of mind { caregivers }

We are freedom help hope peace of mind { caregivers }.

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the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by local owners, Mark and Stacey Harvey, will spend time your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan to fit your needs:

•Conversation & company

At FirstLight, the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to work in the garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by local owners, Mark and Stacey Harvey, will spend time getting to know your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan to fit your needs:

• Medication reminders

At FirstLight, the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to work in the garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by local owners, Mark and Stacey Harvey, will spend time getting to know your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan to fit your needs:

•Walking & mobility assistance

At FirstLight, the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to work in the garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by local owners, Mark and Stacey Harvey, will spend time getting to know your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan to fit your needs:

At FirstLight, the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to work in the garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by local owners, Mark and Stacey Harvey, will spend time getting to know your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan to fit your needs:

Transportation, shopping & errands

•Conversation & company

• Conversation & company

• Conversation & company

•Conversation & company

dressing & hygiene

•Laundry & light housekeeping

• Transportation, shopping & errands

• Transportation, shopping & errands

• Transportation, shopping & errands

• Transportation, shopping & errands

• Bathing, dressing & hygiene

• Bathing, dressing & hygiene

• Bathing, dressing & hygiene

• Bathing, dressing & hygiene

• Medication reminders

• Medication reminders

• Medication reminders

• Medication reminders

•Assistance with meals

•Laundry & light housekeeping

• Laundry & light housekeeping

• Laundry & light housekeeping

•Laundry & light housekeeping

•Assistance with meals

•Assistance with meals

• Assistance with meals

• Assistance with meals

•Mail & paperwork organization

•Walking & mobility assistance

•Walking & mobility assistance

• Walking & mobility assistance

• Walking & mobility assistance

•And much more!

•Mail & paperwork organization

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•And much more!

• And much more!

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• And much more!

D-Day at 80

Anniversary events nearby will honor those who survived and died during the epic assault

BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

It was the most ambitious, complex, amphibious landing in history when, on June 6, 1944, 175,000 men and 50,000 vehicles, from motorcycles to armored bulldozers, crossed 60 to 100 miles of the English Channel and landed in Nazi-occupied France. Almost 11,000 airplanes and 5,333 ships and crafts of all types supported the invading troops.

Code-named Operation Overlord, the multi-nation, Allied Expeditionary Forces invasion on Normandy’s beaches was the culmination of meticulous, detailed planning, led by American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander. Many historians credit this massive military operation with liberating France and turning the tide against the Nazis.

To defeat the Axis Powers, led by German chancellor Adolph Hitler, the United States had enlarged the U.S. Army from 170,000 men in 1940 to 7.2 million in 1944. American manufacturing had doubled from 1939 to 1944, turning out airplanes, boats, ships, tanks, rifles and other weapons.

World War II officially ended in victory for the Allied forces 11 months after D-Day.

In a 1964 CBS interview with Walter Cronkite on Omaha Beach, General Eisenhower said, “. . . it’s a wonderful thing to remember what those fellows 20 years ago were fighting for and sacrificing for, what they did to preserve our way of life. Not to conquer any territory, not for any ambitions of our own. But to make sure that Hitler could not destroy freedom in the world.

“I think it’s just overwhelming. To think of the lives that were given for that principle, paying a terrible price on this beach alone, on that one day, 2,000 casualties. But they did it so that the world could be free. It just shows what free men will do rather than be slaves.”

June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of what came to be called “D-Day.” Events and exhibits will honor those who sailed, flew, landed, survived and died during the assault. Here are some within driving distance of our area:

Sergeant Abner Leroy Adams from Delaplane

Delaplane resident Abner Leroy Adams enlisted in the Army on April 13, 1943. After his basic training, the Army assigned him to the 4042nd Quartermaster Truck Company in the 251st Ordnance Battalion. When they arrived in Swansea, Wales, in November 1943, the 4042nd Company and 251st Ordinance became part of the newlydesignated 5th Engineer Special Brigade and trained for amphibious landings. On May 21, 1944, Abner wrote to his mother that he would be in charge of 80 trucks during the D-Day invasion. He wrote, “I am doing my utmost to shorten this war . . . you and father take care of yourselves and don’t worry about me.”

On June 5, 1944, the brigade left England and anchored off Normandy’s coast. Abner was in the first wave of the truck company, scheduled to hit the beach at 07:20 a.m., about 50 minutes after the first assault troops. Of the 35 trucks that were supposed to land, only 13 made it to the beach. Most of the trucks sank. German weaponry disabled most of the rest.

Sergeant Adams was killed by enemy fire as he was leading his men to the beach during offloading. The exhibit will honor him and others killed in the D-Day invasion.

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Virginia War Memorial RICHMOND

National Museum of the U.S. Army LORTON

Many Virginians had a role in D-Day. Fauquier County’s Vint Hill Farms Station was a facility in 1942 where codebreakers helped the nation develop new warfare and intelligence tactics, leading up to D-Day.

The U.S. Army’s Signal Intelligence Service used a 700acre farm as the country’s first official “listening post,” known as Monitoring Station Number 1. They chose the site for its close proximity to Arlington’s Army Intelligence Headquarters and the station became one of the busiest intelligence gathering sites of the war. Service members there eavesdropped on the enemy and provided General Eisenhower and his officers detailed descriptions of Nazi fortifications along the French Coast, knowledge critical to D-Day’s success.

From June 6 to summer 2025, the War Memorial will share the stories of some Virginians who participated in the invasion, like Sergeant Abner Leroy Adams from Delaplane (see sidebar). Visitors can see interviews and read oral histories collected over two decades ago. The Memorial’s executive director Clay Mountcastle said, “D-Day was one of the most significant dates in our history. With each passing year, fewer and fewer people understand the significance. There’s no better way to understand it than through the veterans that experienced it.”

Exhibits will cover the troops’ training, the landing, paratrooper and glider operations, hedgerow fights, the Battle of Saint-Lo and the Normandy Breakout. The museum will also display 65 World War II artifacts, including uniforms, helmets, photos, letters, and other items from veterans, an M1 Garand Rifle, Thompson submachine gun and a German MP40 submachine gun.

The National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir is hosting a D-Day exhibit and educational programs until mid-November

The D-Day invasion and future battles involved 13,000 paratroopers and 4,000 glider infantry men. At “D-Day: Freedom from Above,” museum-goers can “parachute” behind enemy lines using interactive “HistoPad” technology, virtual simulations, and learn the stories of U.S. Army paratroopers, were loaded with gear, from bazookas to grenades, leaped out of airplanes behind enemy lines on D-Day just after midnight to support the ground forces that would arrive at dawn. Throughout the war, the paratroopers captured roads, created river crossings, blew up bridges, destroyed communications and cut off supplies and reinforcements.

The exhibit also features stories of individual soldiers’ landings and their actions on the ground after landing, including friendly overtures by French villagers who provided food and medical aid.

Visitors can see four medals of honor awarded to soldiers for actions performed on D-Day, medals never before previously displayed together.

In the permanent Global War Gallery are World War II artifacts, including a parachutist’s steel helmet, an M4 Sherman Cobra King tank, a landing craft called a “Higgins Boat,” a soldier’s pocket Bible and a retelling of the atomic bomb’s development.

During the exhibit’s seven months, U.S. Army Aerial Delivery Unit soldiers will demonstrate parachute-packing. There’ll be documentary screenings, author presentations and history talks covering topics like the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), tactical intelligence for D-Day and the African American Experience in the war.

The Paul & Phyllis Galanti Education Center, one of the named spaced located at the Virginia War Memorial. Photo courtesy of the Virginia War Memorial

Sainte Mere Eglise during Operation Overlord / D-Day as seen through HistoPad. Photo credit: Histovery, courtesy of The National Museum of the United States Army

D-Day Memorial and Bedford Boys Tribute Center

BEDFORD, VIRGINIA

On June 6, the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, will host a ceremony recognizing veterans with speakers, music, flyovers, a wreath laying, exhibits, an authentic Higgins boat and book signings.

The memorial, modeled after the shoulder patch of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, relates the D-Day story. The Gray Plaza symbolizes the channel crossing and landing. Busts of General Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Eisenhower’s principal subordinates honor those leaders.

Virginians had some of the heaviest losses on Normandy’s beaches with 171 killed. Bedford suffered the country’s highest known per capita D-Day loss of any community. The town and county of Bedford had 44 soldiers, sailors and airmen at Normandy and 20 of those died, men called the “Bedford Boys.” On June 6, the Bedford Boys Tribute Center will hold its fourth annual wreath laying in front of the courthouse and the courthouse bell will ring once for each man killed in action. At 6:44 p.m., all of the county’s church bells will ring for one minute.

Virginians who lived through D-Day kept found items and mementos from the invasion that will be featured in the exhibition. Pictured here is a French cowbell taken off a cow in hedgerows by a Virginia soldier. Beside it is a German helmet captured by US troops after they came ashore. Photo by Suzanne Feigley, courtesy of the Virginia War Memorial.

Eisenhower Historic Site GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

Two hours or 98 miles north, the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, will host a World War II weekend titled “1944: The Great Crusade,” September 20 to 22, 2024. The National Park Service’s website explains, “From General Eisenhower’s ‘Great Crusade’ in Western Europe, to the jungles of Saipan, and to the farm fields and factories of the United States, 1944 saw millions of Americans pull together in pursuit of a common goal, alongside their Allies in arms.” Visitors can enjoy three days of programs and living history, including speakers, ranger-guided tours and family activities. L

Virginia War Memorial, vawarmemorial.org

National Museum of the U.S. Army, thenmusa.org

National D-Day Memorial, dday.org Bedford Boys Tribute Center, bbtcva.org Eisenhower National Historic Site, nps.gov/eise

local business

DIY Duo

Warrenton couple channel their passion into AR Workshop

BY MARY SCRO

YMaster’s degrees. By 2019 they had two children and had moved to Warrenton. They started looking for somewhere else to invest their entrepreneurial skills and love for DIY. Looking for – and finding – a new project

In August 2020, Bob started A Dose of Bricks ecommerce LEGO store. The next January, Ashley started Sweet Delights cookie business, selling the cookies at farmers markets and events. Even then, their entrepreneurial passion was still on the lookout for more opportunities.

ou might say it started with cookies. Making them, selling them, and ultimately teaching others how to decorate them at the old AR Workshop in Bristow. Because when Bob and Ashley Hamell of Warrenton, both avid DIYers, discovered last year that the Bristow workshop was closing, the two former teachers and DIY enthusiasts moved fast. Buying the business, moving it to a location closer to home, and getting it set up and ready to go in time for the 2023 summer camp season –in the space of three weeks.

Love of DIY

Bob and Ashley Hamell were high school sweethearts in Pennsylvania who both enjoyed working with their hands and creating. Ashley took a cabinet-making class in high school, and Bob’s father taught him many DIY skills. But in college they pursued teaching degrees, and in 2013 moved to Fairfax to start teaching careers.

After a year, they bought a fixer-upper townhome in Alexandria and remodeled almost the entire house themselves over a three-year period. They also went back to school and both of them graduated with

It was Sweet Delights that led them to AR Workshops, a franchise of boutique DIY craft studios offering instructor-led workshops creating custom home décor items from raw materials. When Ashley wanted to expand into teaching cookie decorating, she reached out to local craft businesses that would have enough space for her to lead her classes. AR Workshop Bristow fit the bill. She taught there for about 6 months until spring 2023 when the owner of the franchise informed her that she would be closing the business.

Could this be their next entrepreneurial project?

“The AR Workshop seemed like such a good fit for us with our love for DIY, we knew we had to follow up on this opportunity,” Ashley said. After a meeting with the owner and a handshake, the business was theirs.

The owners of the AR Workshop Gainesville, Ashley and Bob Hamell. The shop is located on Rt 29 across from Vint Hill Rd, next to Eden’s Natural Marketplace.

A tight schedule

The next decision was whether or not to move the business or renew the lease in Bristow. Living in Warrenton, they decided to look for something closer to home. They found a building for lease next to Eden Market on Route 29 just past the Fauquier County line into Prince William. Locals will remember it as the original location of Buckland Farm Market.

They moved quickly because they knew the location would not be available for long and obtained the lease in early June 2023. They wanted to get started as soon as possible because they knew families were looking forward to planning summer activities for their kids, plus they had inherited an excellent staff they wanted to keep employed.

Ashley advertised summer art camps starting July 10, so they got to work right away on the interior buildout and exterior signage. Thankfully, tables and most fixtures, plus some supplies, came from the franchise they had taken over. Since they had three short weeks until opening, Ashley’s father came to help, enabling them to open on time.

AR Workshop Today

AR Workshop Gainesville is in full swing hosting classes and workshops as well as events like birthday parties, business get-togethers, local fundraisers, and bridal showers. Summer is on its way, and crafting activities for kids and teens will be on the calendar.

The many available projects rotate periodically through the franchise, but customers might find opportunities to create things like wood signs, throw pillows, centerpiece boxes, canvas tote bags, trays, chunky-knit blankets, or

gnomes. Things get festive around holidays as the themes change with the seasons.

Visiting AR Workshop Gainesville

Check their online calendar for available workshops and projects for all ages. Visit on your own, with friends, or as a family. While they try to accommodate walk-ins, registering ahead will guarantee your seat and available materials.

Alexis Sather, a first time DIYer, displays her finished Easter picture.

Anyone can DIY!

With the experienced teachers guiding with step-by-step instructions and assisting when needed, anyone can create projects regardless of age or skill level.

“One of the biggest challenges we face,” said Bob, “is explaining what we do to those who have never been here. You don’t need to have skills or be artistic, and not everyone needs to do the same project.”

Bob added, “Kids do very well with age-appropriate projects. They seem to like the step-by-step instructions that we tailor to whatever pace a person can work.”

Building Community

Believing strongly in the value of community, Bob and Ashley are actively involved in franchise owner groups to learn and to share what they’ve learned. At the shop, they love to host fundraising events for local nonprofits and schools, and look for other ways to connect with local businesses.

With three children of their own, Bob and Ashely believe in connecting with young people. Every Wednesday afternoon they offer an opportunity for kids to come in, with or without parents, and create a pre-selected project. Summer youth and family-friendly camps offering a variety of project types begin in June and run through August.

Beyond DIY

The Hamells are always looking for new ways to expand within the boundaries of the AR Workshop franchise. In addition to adding new projects quarterly as the franchise makes them available, they look for new boutique items from local artisans. They also sell pre-made projects, including custom home décor, seasonal items, and company logo items.

When asked how they manage to stay sane with their businesses and raising 3 small children, they both said, “Scheduling. We’ve learned to make a schedule and keep to it.” They work on their LEGO and baking in the evenings as relaxing activities, and make sure family stays first. L

Gnomes and blankets are made with chunky knit yarn, offered in multiple colors.

I f Water Runs Through It, We Do It!

MEMOIRS OF A PLUMBER

By Fauquier Author Joey Snider

BY PAM KAMPHUIS

Many in Fauquier and surrounding counties know Joe Snider. Many of you may have used the services of his former longtime, trusted plumbing company, J.R. Snider Ltd. Water Care and Plumbing. Many of you may call him Joey, perhaps having grown up with him and knowing him as a valuable community member.

After 40 years in business, Joey is now retired and has had time to reflect on his beginnings and his path to success. He realized that he had much to share and more to contribute especially to those at the start of their careers. He gathered his stories and experiences, many of which humorously fall into the “you can’t make this stuff up” category, into his first book, If Water Runs Through It, We Do It: A Compendium of Short Stories, Lessons Learned, and the Adventure of Owning a Small Business.

his mother and father encouraged him to attend college instead of continuing in the plumbing business, hoping for a brighter future and more opportunities for their son.

advancement or financial opportunity. Not only that, the initial education and qualifications for entry do not require massive student loans.

That was exactly what Joey Snider eventually discovered.

After obtaining an associate degree at community college, he navigated several crossroads in his life culminating in business ownership when he partnered with his brother to purchase his dad’s plumbing company in 1983, eventually growing it into a multi-van, seven-figure business.

It was the right path for him.

Joey started in the trade when he was young, helping his dad in the family’s local plumbing company, E.R. Snider, and learning through experience. But his parents had different dreams for him.

Parents always want their children to have a better life than they did. As with many parents of that generation,

The

DNA of “Snider’s Riders”

There is a saying at J.R. Snider Ltd. The quote is as follows: “What would Joey do?” Yep. It’s short and sweet.

In many ways, the world has changed since then and now more recognition is given to blue collar trade jobs as a viable, and possibly better, career plan for those willing to work hard. Most trades provide services that the world will need forever and so, even though the entry pay is low, offer a career with no glass ceiling for

But when my team lived by it, it accomplished two things. It kept them out of trouble and it usually caused them to do things the hard way.

It’s my team who put the meaning in the quote of “What would Joey do?” It’s not about whoever Joey is, it’s about doing the right thing every time.

Looking back over the years, he wrote, “I have had the rare opportunity to have a job that created both pleasure and a good living.”

Then, while turkey hunting in his retirement, the idea of writing a book came to him. He wrote, “You owe it to those coming up behind you. Share the knowledge you gained from those who went before you. That is why I’m

Let’s describe what some of Snider’s Riders look like. I’ll start with our Core Values. They are as follows: Trust Respect Understanding Credibility Kindness Humor

EXCERPT:

Intestinal Fortitude

What does it take to truly be a professional plumbing service provider? There are many opinions on this topic but here’s my theory. It all comes down to intestinal fortitude. Those two words contain the magic bullet of success.

These two words, used together, are very powerful in my opinion. Fortitude means courage. But used after the word intestinal, you now have a human characteristic or trait that comes from the gut. Now we mix courage with determination, and that, my friends, is one of the most important pieces of being a professional service plumber, and just a good human being for that matter.

The ingredients of “Intestinal Fortitude” are as follows:

Passion, dedication, intelligence, willingness, discipline, fearlessness, respectfulness. If you notice, there is no mention of pipe wrenches, fancy lettered trucks, or high-tech tools. That’s because they are all useless without intestinal fortitude.

I believe this trait is not something you are just born with—it’s a learned behavior. So those that have been blessed by this type of circle of influence have an obligation to pass it on to someone else and keep our future generations healthy and strong.

You can be the smartest person in the entire company, but you will always come in second to the person that has intestinal fortitude. This trait is often found in people that are punctual, consistent, resilient, empowered, and aware of their surroundings. I’ve always tried to emulate people with this trait. My father had it, I’ve worked hard to surround myself with people who have it.

writing this book. I hope that I attract the audience of those at a crossroads in their life and also those that may have influence over young people who are deciding how to make a living doing something they enjoy… I hope that my short stories, my opinions and my advice is interesting and inspirational to both young men and women that are curious about the trades. If this book helps one person find a hidden passion, then I will be very happy and proud and consider my time well spent.” L

wine&dine

Pasta Makes Perfect and Hurry with the Curry!

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA, HOME ECONOMIST

In an “Aha” moment the other day, I came to the realization that not everyone cooks. While I’m no fan of hours spent in the kitchen chopping, dicing, and beating eggs with sugar until they ribbon, I’m willing to do a bit more than microwave a frozen dinner or thaw the Sara Lee. Pasta though, is one meal that comes together without much effort. I love every shape, sauce, and style. I could eat pasta every day although lately – OK, for quite a while now – I’m loving curry, too. Let’s get into the kitchen.

First the Pasta...

No pasta machine required!

Pappardelle with Vodka Sauce

With all the romance of a sultry night in Tuscany, this fresh pasta is kissed by a tomato-y love affair of vodka and cream. Without much effort or expense, you’ll cook to impress. Let’s keep this recipe our little secret. OK?

These three simple pasta dough recipes are a delicious entree into the world of artisan pasta. Pappardelle are long, wide noodles – just one of the many pasta shapes. Cut by hand, Pappardelle doesn’t require a pasta machine. But, if you happen to have one, any of these doughs can be machine rolled and cut to any length or thickness your heart desires.

The Doughs: Pappardelle 3 Ways

EACH RECIPE SERVES 2 TO 4

NEEDED: EXTRA ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR FOR ROLLING, COOKIE SHEET, BAKING PARCHMENT, LARGE POT FOR COOKING

INGREDIENTS CLASSIC ITALIAN

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon olive oil

4 large or extra-large eggs

INGREDIENTS CLASSIC ITALIAN (VEGAN)

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tablespoons olive oil ¾ cup water

INGREDIENTS WHOLE WHEAT

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

4 large or extra-large eggs

2 to 4 teaspoons water (as needed)

DIRECTIONS (SAME FOR ALL 3 RECIPES)

1. Mix recipe ingredients forming a shaggy dough. (For the whole wheat, start with 2 teaspoons of water, adding more as needed.)

2. Using your hands, knead dough until it comes together as a smooth ball – 5 to 7 minutes. Or, knead in a heavy duty Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook for 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Cut the ball into 4 equal pieces. Cover to prevent drying.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pieces one by one to approximately 12” x 12”. (It’s OK if dough is irregularly shaped.) Dust top with flour.

5. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut dough into 1 inch wide strips. Place cut strips on a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment to dry for 1 hour before cooking.

6. Make the sauce while the pasta is drying.

Vodka Sauce

ENOUGH FOR THE PAPPARDELLE RECIPE

USES A 10 TO 12 INCH SKILLET (NOT CAST IRON)

INGREDIENTS

4 oz. Pancetta (Italian fat back) or thick bacon (chopped)

2 Tablespoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon coarse grind pepper

6 cloves garlic (chopped – about 1½ Tablespoons or to taste)

1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup vodka

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet, cook pancetta/ bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan. Drain on paper towels. Set aside for garnish.

2. Add olive oil, pepper and garlic to fat in pan. Cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in tomatoes and vodka. Simmer for 10 minutes (uncovered) stirring occasionally.

4. Add cream and ½ cup cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes more.

5. Remove from heat. Set aside until pasta is cooked.

6. After pasta has dried, bring a large pot of unsalted water to a boil. Add pasta. Stir to separate the strips. Pasta is done when it floats to the top of the pan –about 3 minutes.

7. Drain. Fold into sauce. Heat for serving. Garnish with parmesan cheese to taste.

Hurry Curry

Need curry in a hurry? Try this.

SERVES 4 TO 6

USES A 12 INCH SKILLET OR LARGE DUTCH OVEN

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

¼ teaspoon coarse grind pepper

1 onion (chopped – about 1 cup)

2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups broth (any type)

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons yellow curry powder (or to taste)

3 cups diced yellow or red potatoes (about 3-4 potatoes)

2 cups carrots (peeled and sliced on the diagonal ¼ inch thick - 2 to 3 carrots)

1 cup frozen peas

Optional - ¼ cup whole cashews (any type)

Optional - 1-pound raw, medium size shrimp or 1 ½ pounds raw chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add pepper and onion. Cook on medium (uncovered and stirring occasionally) until the onion is soft – about 2 minutes.

2. Whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in broth, sugar, curry powder, potatoes, carrots and shrimp or chicken if desired.

4. Cover. Simmer until vegetables are tender (and shrimp or chicken is cooked) – about 12 minutes.

5. Remove cover. Continue cooking (uncovered) until sauce is reduced to a thickness you like.

6. Fold in peas (and cashews if using). Continue cooking to heat peas - about 3 minutes.

COOK’S TIPS

Russet potatoes disintegrate. For a nicer presentation, use red or yellow potatoes which hold their shape.

Coconut Lentil Dahl

Dahl is a classic, curry-spiced, Indian stew with as many variations as there are cooks who make it. Add extra broth and dahl morphs into a gorgeous soup.

SERVES 4 TO 6

USES A LARGE POT WITH COVER INGREDIENTS

1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice

8 cups broth (any type)

1 (14 to 15 oz.) can coconut milk

8 oz. dry lentils, rinsed and drained (1¼ cups)

1 medium onion (chopped – about 1 cup)

4 cloves garlic (chopped – about 1 Tablespoon)

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon garam marsala (a curry spice blend)

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon coarse grind pepper

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix everything in a large pot.

2. Simmer (partially covered and stirring occasionally) until lentils are very soft and mixture is reduced to a thickness you like – about 3 hours.

3. Thin with additional broth if soup is desired. L

50 Years Experience in Dry Cleaning/Laundry Service

Wedding Gowns

Formals, Delicates

Household Items, Linens & Sheets

Comforters, Blankets

Wash & Fold Service

Kingston Negroni

1 oz. Smith & Cross Jamaican rum

1 oz. Campari

1 oz. Carpano Antica sweet vermouth

Add ingredients into a mixing glass, stir with ice until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over one large cube. Express orange and garnish with an orange twist.

Here’s to the future!

May Cocktails: New in the Tradition of Old

BY DANIEL DUCA

May, for me, has always been at the crossroads of old and new. In the spirit of spring I’ve been inspired to try something new but in the tradition of old. I introduce to you the Kingston Negroni, a play on my favorite classic cocktail, the Negroni, that replaces the gin with a Jamaican rum.

To pair, sticking with rum, as I have largely if not entirely neglected the spirit in my writings thus far, I have decided on the classic Daiquiri. It’s as simple as they come but provides a strong base for experimentation with your own twists and flavors and eccentricities. Have at it and revel in your creation.

This May, whatever it is, take what inspires you and build upon it. Allow it to carry you firmly into that wonderful future…soon to be your present. Cheers.

Daiquiri

2 oz. Rum

.75 oz. Demerara Syrup

.75 oz. Lime Juice

Add ingredients into a shake tin with ice, shake, then fine strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or a lime twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative, substituting or adding different juices and syrups to create something new!

Starting May 10

VOTE NOW!

Our local businesses are the heart and soul of our communities.

Each and every one contributes to our quality of life by offering convenient, quality services to residents. Now is the time to support them by voting!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES IN THESE CATEGORIES:

Artists, Photographers, & Galleries

Auto, Boat & Farm Equipment & Services

Child Services (show your school spirit!)

Entertainment | Financial & Legal Services

Fitness & Recreation | Food & Beverages (very competitive!)

Home Services | Hair, Nail & Spa Services

Health Care | Charitable Organization

Pet Services (always a popular one!) And more!

Don’t see your favorite listed? There’s a spot to write it in for consideration.

PLEASE CHECK CAREFULLY:

Write-ins that are duplicates may split the votes and will put the nominee at a disadvantage.

Some categories, such as medical providers, list the entrants as part of a practice, not individually.

Voting Ends JUNE 10